Introduction
For most of us, our companion animals are beloved members of our families. They give us so much love and, in return, they look to us to make the tough decisions for them when they are suffering due to advanced age or prolonged illness. The decision for euthanasia is never an easy one. We are faced with this agonizing decision when medicine can no longer alleviate the pain and suffering of our pet. It is a last act of friendship that requires both courage and love. There is a time when we know in our hearts that euthanasia is the only humane choice.
When that time comes, and you and your family have reached the decision to provide for a peaceful ending to your companion's life, you must then decide on a location. You want your friend to be without fear or anxiety. You want to preserve his or her dignity and comfort. Where can this take place?
A car ride when your pet is uncomfortable and in pain can be very stressful for everyone. If you have not traveled a lot with your pet, he or she may associate the ride with unpleasant experiences. Unfortunately, most pets go through stages of nervousness and fear in veterinary clinic settings even though your veterinarian has provided excellent care over your pet's lifetime. It is quite natural for your pet to have associated anxiety in a place where he or she has received multiple injections, surgeries, and examinations. Without a doubt, your friend is much more comfortable and relaxed at home.
Dr. Debra E. Benner
Dr. Debra E. Benner (V.M.D., M.Div., CPC) has been a licensed veterinarian in the Central Pennsylvania area for more than twenty-five years. She is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine and was the co-owner of a busy multiple-veterinarian small animal clinic for many years. In addition to her veterinary career, she is a seminary graduate (Bethel University), a licensed minister, and a certified hospital chaplain. She is a published author in the field of bioethics and continues to actively pursue her writing career.
Her passion for both companion animals and their families are evidenced by her career choices. As an experienced hospital trauma chaplain, Dr. Benner is well trained in the difficult grief issues surrounding the loss of a family member. No longer practicing as a clinical veterinarian, Dr. Benner has chosen to confine her professional services to peaceful and humane pet euthanasia services. After many years of clinical practice, she considers the services of PeacefulPetPassage to be a compassionate option for both the companion animal and his or her family. Because of her strong desire to make this difficult time as relaxed and peaceful as possible, Dr. Benner began to offer these services in May of 2010...read more.
Dr. Elizabeth Carney
Dr. Elizabeth (Garver) Carney grew up in the Seven Valleys and Spring Grove areas of York County, spending her childhood days on a dairy farm feeding calves and milking cows. After graduating from Spring Grove High School, she attended Penn State University and received a B.S. in Dairy and Animal Science. She then moved to Iowa to attend veterinary school at Iowa State University...read more.
If you recently lost a pet, or if you anticipate such a loss in the near future, you may find it beneficial to talk with others who are experiencing the same grief and gain strength through pet loss support group meetings. Our Pet Loss Support Group is facilitated by Patricia Melodini, ED.M. To attend call (717) 691-3294 for dates and times.