{"id":1888,"date":"2025-10-08T10:05:56","date_gmt":"2025-10-08T08:05:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.funeralvet.com\/?p=1888"},"modified":"2025-10-21T13:02:04","modified_gmt":"2025-10-21T11:02:04","slug":"despedirse-de-tu-perro","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.funeralvet.com\/en\/despedirse-de-tu-perro\/","title":{"rendered":"How to know when it's time to say goodbye to your dog"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">It's the question none of us want to ask ourselves. The one that keeps you awake at night, breaks your heart and makes you feel like you're betraying the one who has given you years of unconditional love.<br \/>\n<strong>Is it time to say goodbye to your dog?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">We are Yilenia and Azucena, veterinarians and pharmacists with 22 years of experience, and founders of <a class=\"underline\" href=\"https:\/\/www.funeralvet.com\/en\/\">FuneralVet<\/a>. We have accompanied hundreds of families at this time and have personally experienced the loss of our own colleagues.<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">This article will not give you a magic answer. Because it doesn't exist. But we will give you the professional and emotional tools so that you can take the right decisions. <strong>the most difficult decision with the greatest possible peace<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5\">The question that no one wants to ask but we all need to answer<\/h2>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">We have been in the veterinary sector for more than two decades. We have seen families waiting for \"one more day\", and we have seen others who went ahead out of fear. Both situations hurt in different ways.<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">The truth is that <strong>there is no such thing as a perfect moment<\/strong>. But there are clear signals that your dog is giving you, and your responsibility as his family is to listen to them.<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Your dog has taken care of you emotionally for years. He has waited for you every evening, comforted you when you cried, slept at your feet protecting you. Now it is your turn to take care of him, <strong>even if it means letting go<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5\">The 7 signs you shouldn't ignore<\/h2>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">As veterinarians, we assess your dog's quality of life through several key indicators. It's not just \"does he eat or doesn't he eat\". It goes much deeper.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"text-lg font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-1.5\">1. Unmanageable pain<\/h3>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>Signs of chronic pain:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"[&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc space-y-1.5 pl-7\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Complains when getting up or lying down<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Constantly limps or fails to support a leg<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Prevents you from touching certain areas of the body.<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Breathing is rapid even at rest<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Constantly changes its posture in search of relief<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Chronic pain not controlled with medication is one of the clearest signs. <strong>If painkillers are no longer working, your dog is suffering more than he deserves.<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"text-lg font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-1.5\">2. You have lost interest in what used to make you happy.<\/h3>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Your dog always ran towards the door when you took the lead. Now he doesn't even raise his head.<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">He used to jump for joy when you came home. Now he barely looks at you.<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>When a dog loses interest in his favourite moments, he is telling you something very important:<\/strong> that the effort to enjoy is greater than the joy he feels.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"text-lg font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-1.5\">3. Cannot perform his or her needs with dignity<\/h3>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Occasional incontinence is one thing. But when your dog:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"[&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc space-y-1.5 pl-7\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">He poops himself and doesn't even seem to notice<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Cannot get up to relieve himself<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">He lies in his own urine and faeces.<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Shows shame and sadness at their situation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">This is not just a hygienic problem. <strong>It is a loss of dignity that no one who has loved you so much deserves to live with.<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"text-lg font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-1.5\">4. Has stopped eating or drinking<\/h3>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">We are not talking about a day of little appetite. We are talking about:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"[&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc space-y-1.5 pl-7\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Refuse even favourite food for several days<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Show no interest even for prizes or trinkets<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Drinking too little water or not drinking at all<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Losing weight in a highly visible way<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>Prolonged poor appetite is the body telling you it is shutting down.<\/strong>. Force feeding only prolongs their suffering.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"text-lg font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-1.5\">5. More bad days than good<\/h3>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">This is the golden rule we use with families:<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">If your dog has <strong>more bad days than good days in a week<\/strong>The time has come to seriously consider saying goodbye.<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>Ask yourself honestly:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"[&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc space-y-1.5 pl-7\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">How many days this week have you really enjoyed?<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">How many days has it suffered or has it just existed?<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Am I prolonging his life for him or for me?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">This last question hurts. But it is the most important.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"text-lg font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-1.5\">6. His look has changed<\/h3>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">After 22 years of accompanying animals, we have learned to read their looks.<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">When a dog is ready to go, his look changes. There is no more spark. There is no more curiosity. There is only deep weariness.<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>It is as if he is saying to you: \"I am very tired. I have already fulfilled my mission with you. Let me rest.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"text-lg font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-1.5\">7. Your vet has told you \"that's all there is to it\".<\/h3>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">If your trusted vet, who has known your dog for years, tells you that there are no more therapeutic options to improve his quality of life, <strong>listen to him<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Veterinarians love animals as much as you do. If they suggest you consider euthanasia, it is because they know it is the last act of love you can give them.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5\">The HHHHHMM scale: a professional tool for you<\/h2>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Dr Alice Villalobos, a world-renowned veterinary oncologist, created a scale to assess quality of life in animals. It is called <a href=\"https:\/\/360petmedical.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Quality-of-Life-Scale.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>scale HHHHHMM<\/strong><\/a> (for its acronym in English).<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Rate from 0 to 10 each of these aspects of your dog's life:<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"text-lg font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-1.5\">H - HURT (Pain)<\/h3>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Is your dog in pain, is it controlled with medication, is it breathing normally?<\/p>\n<ul class=\"[&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc space-y-1.5 pl-7\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>0-3:<\/strong> Severe uncontrolled pain<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>4-7:<\/strong> Moderate pain with treatment<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>8-10:<\/strong> Pain free or well controlled<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"text-lg font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-1.5\">H - HUNGER (Hunger\/Appetite)<\/h3>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Does he eat on his own, does he need stimulation, does he refuse food altogether?<\/p>\n<ul class=\"[&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc space-y-1.5 pl-7\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>0-3:<\/strong> Does not eat even with stimulation<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>4-7:<\/strong> Eat with assistance or encouragement<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>8-10:<\/strong> Eat normally<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"text-lg font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-1.5\">H - HYDRATION (Hydration)<\/h3>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Does he drink water on his own, is he dehydrated, does he need fluid therapy?<\/p>\n<ul class=\"[&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc space-y-1.5 pl-7\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>0-3:<\/strong> No drinking, severe dehydration<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>4-7:<\/strong> Drinks little, needs help<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>8-10:<\/strong> Drink normally<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"text-lg font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-1.5\">H - HYGIENE (Hygiene)<\/h3>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Can he keep himself clean, does he control his bladder and bowels, does he soil himself constantly?<\/p>\n<ul class=\"[&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc space-y-1.5 pl-7\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>0-3:<\/strong> Total incontinence, can't wipe himself.<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>4-7:<\/strong> Occasional incontinence<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>8-10:<\/strong> Controls sphincters<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"text-lg font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-1.5\">H - HAPPINESS (Happiness)<\/h3>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Does it respond to stimuli, does it show joy, does it interact with the family?<\/p>\n<ul class=\"[&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc space-y-1.5 pl-7\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>0-3:<\/strong> Apathetic, emotionally unresponsive<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>4-7:<\/strong> Responds slightly to some stimuli<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>8-10:<\/strong> Enjoy, play, interact<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"text-lg font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-1.5\">M - MOBILITY<\/h3>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Is he\/she able to move without assistance, does he\/she need support, is he\/she completely prostrate?<\/p>\n<ul class=\"[&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc space-y-1.5 pl-7\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>0-3:<\/strong> Unable to move or in great pain<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>4-7:<\/strong> Moves with difficulty or assistance<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>8-10:<\/strong> Moving normally<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"text-lg font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-1.5\">M - MORE GOOD DAYS THAN BAD<\/h3>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">How many good days does your dog have in a week?<\/p>\n<ul class=\"[&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc space-y-1.5 pl-7\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>0-3:<\/strong> Almost every day is a bad day<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>4-7:<\/strong> Balanced good and bad days<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>8-10:<\/strong> Most days are good<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"text-lg font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-1.5\">Interpretation of results:<\/h3>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>Total sum of more than 35 points:<\/strong> Your dog still has an acceptable quality of life.<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>Sum between 20-35 points:<\/strong> It's time to talk seriously to your vet about your options.<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>Sum of less than 20 points:<\/strong> Your dog is probably suffering more than he enjoys. It's time to consider a dignified farewell.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5\">\"But he still recognises me\" - why this is not enough<\/h2>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">This is the phrase we hear most often: \"But he still recognises me when I come home\".<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">We understand you perfectly. It is heartbreaking to think that your dog still loves you and you are going to make the decision to let him go.<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">But <strong>recognising you does not mean that I am not suffering<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Your dog has loved you unconditionally for years. He would do anything for you, even endure unbearable pain just to see you come home for another day.<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>Is that the gift you want to give him in exchange for his love?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">The question is not, \"Do you still recognise me? The question is: <strong>\"Do you have quality of life and do you enjoy more than you suffer?<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5\">The burden of guilt: \"What if I'm getting ahead of myself?\"<\/h2>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">This is the second most common phrase: \"What if I'm getting ahead of myself? What if I could have lived another week?\"<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Listen to us carefully, because this is important and this is what we are dealing with in our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.funeralvet.com\/en\/apoyo-emocional\/\">Bereavement Unit<\/a>:<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>It is better to leave a day earlier than a day later.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">If you say goodbye to your dog when he still has a little dignity, when he is not yet suffering unbearably, you are giving him the gift of a peaceful death.<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">If you wait too long, your dog may:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"[&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc space-y-1.5 pl-7\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Suffering extreme pain<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Completely lose their dignity<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Having a respiratory crisis<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Convulse in front of you<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Dying alone and scared in the middle of the night<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>Which memory would you rather have: that of a peaceful farewell where you tell him how much you love him, or that of an agonising end that could have been avoided?<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5\">Euthanasia is not \"killing\" your dog - it is releasing him from suffering.<\/h2>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">The word \"euthanasia\" comes from the Greek: \"eu\" (good) and \"thanatos\" (death). It literally means <strong>\"good death\".<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">It is not killing. It is liberating.<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">It is the last act of love you can give to someone who has loved you without asking for anything in return for years.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"text-lg font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-1.5\">What the process is really like<\/h3>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">We explain it to you in full transparency, because we believe that knowing the process will help you make your decision:<\/p>\n<ol class=\"[&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-decimal space-y-1.5 pl-7\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>Prior sedation:<\/strong> Your dog first receives deep sedation. He falls asleep in your arms in 2-3 minutes. It's like when he falls asleep on the couch. That's the last thing he feels: your warmth, your smell, your voice.<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>Final process:<\/strong> When he is completely asleep (feels absolutely nothing), the vet gently administers the medication for his heart. Your dog feels no pain. He feels no fear. Only peace.<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>Farewell:<\/strong> You can stay with him as long as you need to. Hug him, talk to him, thank him for all the years of love.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>Your dog leaves without suffering, surrounded by love, feeling your warmth until the last moment.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5\">Testimonies of families who made this difficult decision<\/h2>\n<h3 class=\"text-lg font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-1.5\">Laura and her Golden Retriever \"Thor\".<\/h3>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><em>\"Thor was 14 years old and had been fighting cancer for months. The last few days he couldn't get up anymore, he didn't eat, and his eyes told me he was very tired. We decided to say goodbye at home, with FuneralVet. Yilenia and Azucena came, Thor fell asleep in my arms without pain, and finally stopped suffering. It broke my heart, but I know it was the right thing to do. I gave him the peace he deserved after 14 years of unconditional love.\"<\/em><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"text-lg font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-1.5\">Manuel and \"Luna\".<\/h3>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><em>\"Luna was my shadow. She was my everything. When the vet told me that her kidney failure had no solution and that every day was suffering, I didn't want to hear it. But Luna was no longer Luna. She no longer played, she no longer ate, she just existed. The day we said goodbye at FuneralVet, with all the respect and affection in the world, I felt that I had finally done something good for her. I gave her the dignity she deserved\".<\/em><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"text-lg font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-1.5\">Carmen and her family<\/h3>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><em>\"Making the decision to euthanise Toby was the hardest thing we have ever done as a family. But when Yilenia explained the quality of life scale to us, it became clear that Toby had more bad days than good. He left surrounded by all his family, in peace, and we were able to say goodbye as he deserved. FuneralVet accompanied us before, during and after. We never felt alone.<\/em><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5\">Questions that families ask us at this point:<\/h2>\n<h3 class=\"text-lg font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-1.5\">\"Will my dog know I'm going to put him to sleep?\"<\/h3>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">No. Your dog does not understand the concept of death as we do. He only knows that you are there, that you love him, and that he feels increasingly calm and tired.<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">The last thing he feels is your love, not fear.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"text-lg font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-1.5\">\"Do you suffer during euthanasia?\"<\/h3>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>No.<\/strong> The sedation is deep and fast. Your dog literally falls asleep in your arms like a nap. Afterwards, when he is completely asleep, the process continues without him feeling anything at all.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"text-lg font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-1.5\">\"Can I be present?\"<\/h3>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>Yes, and you should.<\/strong> At FuneralVet we always recommend that families are present. Your dog has been with you in your worst moments. You deserve to be with him in his.<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Your presence gives him peace. Your voice gives him comfort. Your embrace gives him love to the end.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"text-lg font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-1.5\">\"What do I do with his body afterwards?<\/h3>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">This is where <a class=\"underline\" href=\"https:\/\/www.funeralvet.com\/en\/incineracion\/\">our individual cremation service<\/a> come in. You don't have to worry about any logistics. We take care of it with the utmost respect and professionalism.<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">You can choose:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"[&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc space-y-1.5 pl-7\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>Individual cremation in person:<\/strong> Be present throughout the process<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>Individual cremation:<\/strong> You receive his ashes in a personalised urn.<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>Additional services:<\/strong> Thanatoaesthetics, farewell room, psychological support<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><a class=\"underline\" href=\"https:\/\/www.funeralvet.com\/en\/servicios\/\">Find out about all our services here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"text-lg font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-1.5\">\"When will it be OK to get another dog again?\"<\/h3>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">When your heart is ready. There is no set time. Some people need months, some years, some weeks.<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">What we do tell you is this: <strong>Adopting another dog is not a betrayal of your departed companion.<\/strong>. It is honouring his memory. It is to continue to love as he taught you.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5\">The decision that no one wants to make but is the most loving one<\/h2>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">After 22 years of accompanying animals and families, we have learned something fundamental:<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>Euthanasia in time is not surrender. It is a gift.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">It is giving your dog the possibility of leaving without extreme suffering. It is to give him dignity. It is to give him peace.<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">It is to say to him: \"I have loved you so much that I am willing to break my heart for you, so that you will not have to suffer another day\".<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>That is not cowardice. It is the purest love there is.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5\">How to prepare for the moment (if anyone can prepare)<\/h2>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">There is no way to be completely prepared. But there are things you can do to make that time as peaceful as possible for your dog:<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"text-lg font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-1.5\">Before the moment:<\/h3>\n<ol class=\"[&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-decimal space-y-1.5 pl-7\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>Talk to your family:<\/strong> Make sure everyone is in agreement and everyone can be present if they wish.<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>Choose the place:<\/strong> At home where your dog feels safe, or in our fully serviced facilities? Both options are valid.<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>Write a letter:<\/strong> It sounds silly, but writing a goodbye letter to your dog helps process emotions. You don't have to read it to him, but it helps.<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>Prepare your favourite day:<\/strong> His favourite food (even if he doesn't eat it), his favourite blanket, his favourite toy. Everything that made him happy.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3 class=\"text-lg font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-1.5\">During the moment:<\/h3>\n<ol class=\"[&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-decimal space-y-1.5 pl-7\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>Stroke it constantly<\/strong><\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>Speak to him in a calm voice<\/strong> (even if you are broken inside, try to keep your voice calm).<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>Tell him everything you need to tell him:<\/strong> How much you love him, what he has meant to you, thank you for all the years together.<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>Stay until the end<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3 class=\"text-lg font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-1.5\">After the moment:<\/h3>\n<ol class=\"[&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-decimal space-y-1.5 pl-7\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>Take your time with him:<\/strong> There is no rush. Say goodbye as long as you need to.<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>Let us help you:<\/strong> We take care of everything with the utmost respect.<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>Don't judge yourself by how you feel:<\/strong> Crying is normal. Being broken is normal. To feel relief is also normal.<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>Seek support:<\/strong> Our <a class=\"underline\" href=\"https:\/\/www.funeralvet.com\/en\/duelo\/\">Bereavement Unit<\/a> is here for you.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1890 size-large alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.funeralvet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/BpiQSxZcCW5B3OrfZrVAK-1024x701.png\" alt=\"Cu\u00e1ndo ha llegado el momento de despedirse de tu perro - FuneralVet\" width=\"800\" height=\"548\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.funeralvet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/BpiQSxZcCW5B3OrfZrVAK-1024x701.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.funeralvet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/BpiQSxZcCW5B3OrfZrVAK-300x205.png 300w, https:\/\/www.funeralvet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/BpiQSxZcCW5B3OrfZrVAK-768x525.png 768w, https:\/\/www.funeralvet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/BpiQSxZcCW5B3OrfZrVAK-18x12.png 18w, https:\/\/www.funeralvet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/BpiQSxZcCW5B3OrfZrVAK.png 1216w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/h2>\n<h2 class=\"text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5\">When that time comes, you will not be alone<\/h2>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">At FuneralVet we are not a cold, corporate service. We are Yilenia and Azucena, two women who have been exactly where you are now.<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">We have mourned the loss of our own colleagues. We have felt that absurd guilt of \"am I doing the right thing? We have had sleepless nights wondering if there was more we could have done.<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>That's why we created FuneralVet.<\/strong> So that no family feels alone at the most difficult time.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"text-lg font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-1.5\">What we offer:<\/h3>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">\u2705 <strong>Accompaniment before the decision:<\/strong> We can talk to you, assess your dog, help you see the signs clearly.<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">\u2705 <strong>Dignified euthanasia service:<\/strong> In our 365m\u00b2 facilities in Estepona or in the comfort of your own home.<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">\u2705 <strong>Private farewell room:<\/strong> With ambient music, soft lighting, as long as you need.<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">\u2705 <strong>Professional Thanatoaesthetics:<\/strong> We arrange your partner with love to make your last memory a beautiful one.<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">\u2705 <strong>Individual cremation guaranteed:<\/strong> You only receive your dog's ashes, with an official certificate.<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">\u2705 <strong>Psychological support:<\/strong> With professionals specialised in animal grief. Because your grief is real and needs to be validated.<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">\u2705 <strong>24\/7 availability:<\/strong> Pain does not understand timetables. Neither do we.<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><a class=\"underline\" href=\"https:\/\/www.funeralvet.com\/en\/servicios\/\">Find out how we can help you \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5\">The truth that nobody tells you but we do<\/h2>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>It will never be the perfect moment.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">There will always be a part of you that thinks \"what if he holds on a little longer? There will always be guilt. It will always hurt.<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">But when you see your dog free of pain, resting in peace, you will know you did the right thing.<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>The most difficult decision is sometimes the most loving.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Your dog gave you years of unconditional love. Of joy on grey days. Of comfort when no one else understood. Of unconditional loyalty.<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Now it is your turn to give him the last gift: a dignified death, without suffering, surrounded by the love you always gave him.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"text-xl font-bold text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5\">When you're ready to talk, we'll be here<\/h2>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">You don't have to make this decision alone. You do not have to carry this responsibility alone.<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">We are professionals with 22 years of experience, but we are also human beings who have been through what you have been through.<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>We can help you.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>\ud83d\udcde Call us when you need it:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"[&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc space-y-1.5 pl-7\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>Telephone:<\/strong> +34 611 113 649 | +34 951 547 240<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>WhatsApp:<\/strong> <a class=\"underline\" href=\"https:\/\/wa.me\/34611113649\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Talk to us now<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>Email:<\/strong> <a class=\"underline\" href=\"mailto:info@funeralvet.com\">info@funeralvet.com<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>\ud83c\udfe5 Visit us:<\/strong> Calle Graham Bell N\u00ba6, Estepona (M\u00e1laga)<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>\ud83d\udd50 Available 24\/7<\/strong> Because pain doesn't wait, and neither do we.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>It's the question none of us want to ask ourselves. The one that keeps you awake at night, breaks your heart and makes you feel like you are betraying the person who has given you years of unconditional love. Has the time come to say goodbye to your dog? We are Yilenia and Azucena, veterinary surgeons and pharmacists with 22 years of [...]<\/p>","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":1889,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_angie_page":false,"page_builder":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1888","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.funeralvet.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1888","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.funeralvet.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.funeralvet.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.funeralvet.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.funeralvet.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1888"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.funeralvet.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1888\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1891,"href":"https:\/\/www.funeralvet.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1888\/revisions\/1891"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.funeralvet.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1889"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.funeralvet.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1888"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.funeralvet.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1888"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.funeralvet.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1888"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}