The benefits of having a pet are endless. Many people, myself included, feel a very special bond with thier pets. They keep us a little playful and give us endless joy on a daily basis. We care for and nuture them and they give us a chance to bring out the best in ourselves. They are always waiting for us to come home and show exuberance at our return. They love and center us in a very hectic world.
Pets, dogs in particular, are known for helping people get thru hard times in our lives with constant emotional support and unconditional friendship. Studies have been conducted on the healing power of interspecies relationships. People who have dogs and suffer a heart attack tend to survive at a 25% higher rate than those who don't have pets. Many doctors of cancer pateints actually "prescribe" a pet. It has been welll established that people who own pets suffer from less depression and lonliness. They tend to have a better quality of life and live longer. Most people know that pets lower our blood presure and help us cope with this demanding world we share.
People enjoy and benefit from the daily routines and caring that is involved in pet ownership. People that would not get exercise otherwise usually are adament about there "best friend" getting enough exercise and being healthy.
Pets connect us with nature, and help us feel attaced to he world around us. There is also the benefit of protection we get from dogs, this can be a great help to single women and especially single mothers. It is definitely a blessing to be able to experience the awesome joy in this violent world of the companionship and unending love of a pet. No matter what is going on they are always happy to see us and freely give us love.
I know personally, when my first husband and I split up, I was ready for not having him in my life. What I was totally unprepared for was the time I would have to spend away from my four year old for them to be together. It was unbearable. Then I found Midnight. My precious girl, now my 11 year old lab/dobe mix. She has been my best friend, confidant, and many tears have been cried on her shoulders. I don't know how I could have got this far without her. My current husband of six years now still sometimes questions whether I love him or her more.
This brings me to "Pawspice." Dogs devote thier lives to us. When they get old or sick some people have a very hard time making the decision to euthanize. Pawspice is a program like hospice for patients near the end of life. This program is gaining major ground with vets around the country and with pet owners. It gives us the opportunity to care for our pets at home under a veterinanrians care, and live out thier days in a comfortable, loving environment.
The vet and the pets owner set up a plan to care for pets at the end of life. There is a list to go by catch phrased "HHHHHMM." This is a quality of life scale.

Hurt- Score -10
Pain control is the most important factor. At the top of the pain scale for humans as well as animals is the ability to breath. Your vet would train you to monitor the animals breathing, and comfort level. If your pet has labored breathing, relief needs to be addressed immediately. Many families use oxygen therapy at home. Pain is controlled by injections, oral and transdermal medications as needed.

Hunger- Score 0-10
Adequate nutrition is very important in sick animals. It can progress to malnutrition very quickly. Many pets respond to hand feeding by a loved one. Though many times it takes a little coaxing. Some families have a feeding tube placed. Many times a liquid diet can work, such as canned food and broth in a blender. Adding cheese soup or alfredo sauce to their food is another good method. You usually have to vary the food types and go with what works for you and your pet. You can try the canned food, boiled or baked chicken, turkey, sausages (not spicy) pastrami, any cheeses,and smoke flavoring. You will do what it takes to make sure your pet receives adequate nutrition.

Hydration- Score 0-10
A pet needs 10ml. per pound per day. The pinch method can always be used. If you gently pinch your animals skin and it does not move back to normal when released the pet is dehydrated which is very dangerous. Subcutaneous fluids work a charm. This can be taught by the vet, and can make all the difference in the world. I can help have them delivered to your home.

Happiness- Score0-10
Is your pet able to experience stimulation and happiness? Does the pet respond to the family and whats going on around it? Do they still enjoy greetings and petting from the loved ones? It helps to move the pets bed to where ever family activities are. Do not confine them alone ! There is no quality in that! You should incorporate a daily fun time for the family and the pet. When a pet has tuned out to life. It is time for euthanasia.

Hygeine- Score 0-10
This is very important. Can your pet be kept clean? Make sure the animal is situated not to lye in eliminations. Dogs and cats enjoy being sponge bathed. You can use a damp sponge with very diluted lemon juice and peroxide. Gently stroking the pets legs, paws and face. Of coarse the tail of the animal should be kept clean also. I also have a great dander remover spray and pet wipes on my website.

Mobility- Score 0-10
This varies greatly with the type of pet you own. No one knows better than you what your pets normal desires are. This scale can be acceptable anywhere from 0 to 10 depending on the animal itself. Many times medication can help with mobility. Can your pet be taken outdoors to eliminate waste? Can your cat get in or be helped into the litter box? Many small animals are quite comfortable with being carried by the loved ones. If your have a large dog this can be more trying on the caregivers. You must have a schedule for moving the pet and rotating their body every two hours. The bed needs to be where the family is NOT ISOLATED! Egg crate mattresses should be used to avoid ulcers. If your pet is still responsive and alert and loving attention this is an option, but is very demanding. I have an excellent egg crate mattress on my website that has a five star rating by our customers. All purchasers say they would recommend this product to other.

More good days than Bad- Score 0-10
Quality of life is compromised when there are more bad days than good. Days filled with diarrhea, vomiting, seizures, nausea and frustration in the pet are bad days. Do not let this become day after day. When the exchange between your pet and you in communication and health is no longer there it is time for the end.

This is a very hard decision. Quality of life scales help people cope with the decision of euthanasia. The scale should be evaluated by your vet as needed by your situation. It can be every two weeks, few days or few hours depending on your pet. Many vets make a house call for euthanasia.
End of life care is taught by many vets schools now. Dr Tami Shearer of Pet Hospice Practice in Columbus Ohio has set up a protocol for pawspice.

1. Evaluation of the pet owner's needs, beliefs and goals.
2. Educate about disease process, aging and PAIN MANAGEMENT.
3. Develope a personalized plan for the pet and the owner.
4. Apply hospice care techniques.
5. Emotional support during and after the process.

Overall I find this to be a wonderful alternative for families and there beloved pets. Many pass on their own in the comfort of their home and loved ones. Many come to the point where euthanasia is the only option. It is up to the individual and the vet.
With all of the benefits we recieve from our loyal friends throughout their lives we owe them dignity in death.

Please visit my Website http://pets2love.net I have a variety of products for aging and ailing pets. Also many for those who are still young and robust. Please e-mail me And let me know your views on pawspice and any questions you have I will do my best to answer. MsMary@pets2love.net