options

[asterroc]

Although I don't think it'll be likely now, I snagged me a copy of the "euthanasia request" form at the animal hospital yesterday. (I realized today that on Monday I would've given her a 80-90% chance of not pulling through. I never asked the vet, I didn't want to know.) The form includes two options that I might like, and a few I didn't. There are a number of typos... The options I found palatable were as follows.

• Donate - I wish to donate my pets remains to Tufts University School of Veterinary School for education of Veterinary students to promote the health and welfare of other animals. There will be no charge for euthanasia and final disposition.


• Cremation/With Return of Ashes - I wish to have my pet individually cremated at an offsite facility. The ashes will be returned to the hospital in approximately two weeks. There will be a charge for this service.

Other options were no return of ashes, necropsy (I'd know the cause of death here, so no need), cosmetic necropsy, and taking the body home. I think in the end I will prefer cremation w/ return of ashes. Although I would kinda like for her life/death to help vets learn about birds since they know so little, I think I am too attached to her and would want to bring her remains home. Thank goodness that will not be now.

Comments

[freakylynx.livejournal.com]

When a pet dies, I often bury the remains in a spot that they were familiar with and often enjoyed - in most cases that meant my back yard.

[zandperl.livejournal.com]

Well, there's two problems with that in Peeper's case - she's an indoor pet, and I don't own any property. Otherwise, yeah, I'd agree with you. This's part of why I was thinking of ashes, then I could keep them with me, or else when I find a place I think she'd like or when I someday get property I can scatter them then.

[rubicat.livejournal.com]

You could ask the vet about a happy medium - when Portia died, our vet removed the tumours and the organs affected by her disease, and then sewed her back up for us to take her home. I imagine that organs can be donated for study, with the rest of the body cremated and returned to you.

Just a thought. It's something that benefits everyone...