YOUR PETS CAN BE HEALTHIER AND HAPPIER IN 2023 WITH SOME OR ALL OF THESE PAWSOME PET NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS! (PART 1)
The presents are opened, the Christmas leftovers are done…….and now it’s that time of year again when we think about what we shouda-coulda-woulda done differently last year and vow to do better this year. I wish you and your pets a Pawsome 2023! May you be treated as you treat your pets!
A new year brings new goals, renewed hope and 365 days of opportunity for you and your pet to bond, develop healthier habits and discover new ways to live a full life. Your pet can live a better tomorrow with your help.
An important first step is to avoid becoming overwhelmed thinking you need to make big changes overnight. Baby steps in the right direction are the way to go. The important thing is to make a plan and move steadily forward.
HERE ARE SOME IDEAS FOR PET-POSITIVE NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION (3-part series)
Pet New Year’s Resolutions – Image by The Paw Company
SPAY & NEUTER YOUR PETS.
This is probably our most important one. There are so many benefits to this plus you will help stop this massive overpopulation crisis we face in animal welfare. If your pet is already sterilized, thank you! Now please consider sponsoring one other sterilization for someone in need this year.
MAINTAIN A HEALTHY WEIGHT FOR YOUR PET AND FEED THEM A NUTRITIOUS DIET.
As with us humans, it’s all too easy for a pet’s weight to gradually creep up over time. Measuring your pet’s food accurately is the first step to take to prevent overfeeding.
The goal in offering your pet fresh food, which they can truly thrive on, is to mimic the ancestral diet of dogs and cats as closely as possible without breaking the bank. Feed your pet as much unprocessed, fresh food as you can afford.
Ask your veterinarian for food recommendations appropriate for your pet’s species, age, breed and lifestyle. Feed the recommended amount, and limit treats to small goodies in limited portions, breaking up treats if you need to. Add in some healthy items, such as bits of carrots, apples and blueberries.
If you give them bones, follow these guidelines! See some advice from Dr Karen Becker (Veterinarian and co-author of The Forever Dog) on fresh food ideas.
LEARN SOMETHING NEW ABOUT ANIMAL CARE, BEHAVIOUR OR PET HEALTH EVERY WEEK.
Learn about the optimal care for your pet, and safety, meeting all their species/breed-specific needs. Observe your pet’s body language and learn what they are trying to tell you.
Check out The Paw Company’s index post on various animal topics and follow our ANIMALS 101 series every Wednesday in The Bulletin.
PROVIDE A LIFETIME OF TRAINING AND SOCIAL INTERACTION.
Dogs, cats and or other social animals can benefit from interaction with animals of the same species. Having a pet that is well-trained, obedient, happy, relaxed and responsive means that not only will your pet be easier to manage and safer in potentially dangerous situations, but you will also get more pleasure from your companionship as a result. Well-socialized have much less chance of winding up at an animal shelter.
Address at least one of those behavioural concerns or “bad” habits of your pet. Get some professional help if you need to. Remember there is a difference between a trainer and a behaviourist.
Learn a new trick.
IMPROVE YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF PET FIRST AID AND CREATE A PET EMERGENCY PLAN.
Accidents happen and the odds are that when your pets eat something they shouldn’t or get hurt, you will be home alone and it will be after veterinary hours. That’s why it’s so important for a pet parent to know how to handle an emergency and what the plan is in case of fire, flood, car accident, or possible evacuations. Save your veterinarian and other local vet’s emergency number on your phone. Read more on having an emergency plan.
Pet New Year’s Resolutions – Image by Dr. Karen Becker
STRENGTHEN YOUR BOND WITH QUALITY TIME.
You have a relationship bank account with your pet. Some negative actions like frustration and intimidation equal withdrawals while positive actions like play and attention are investments or deposits. Keep a positive bank balance.
Spend more time with your pets than you did last year! This can be some one-on-one time with your dog or cat, even if just at home watching some TV and cuddling or playing or having an adventure in the outside world. Sometimes resolve to just sit with your pet and watch the world go by and always be in the moment, not on your phone when you spend quality time together.
MEET ALL THEIR NEEDS.
A suitable environment.
Appropriate diet and fresh, clean, cool water daily.
Companionship.
A chance to exhibit normal behaviour.
Good health and medical attention when needed.
Enrichment is also crucial for your pet’s well-being. This includes food, sensory, cognitive, physical habitat and social enrichment.
It is good for both you and your pet. Get creative as exercise does not need to be boring. Play games or go for one of the 8 different walks.
Your pets didn’t have a choice when they came to stay with you and since you chose to have them, it is your responsibility to meet their every need! Read last week’s article on helping animal welfare organizations too. Next week we will continue with part 2 of this 3-part series on the New Year’s pet resolutions.
TWO SUSPECTS NABBED FOR POSSESSION OF SUSPECTED STOLEN BAKKIE
Nelspruit: 03 January 2023 – Police in Mpumalanga continue to battle against perpetrators who capitalise on robbing stealing cars from defenceless victims. This is an issue which has been troubling citizens and police vowed not to fold their arms but have been working hard to address it. As a result, two suspects aged 34 and 43 were arrested at Vaalbank in the Nkangala District on Monday, 02 January 2023 around 17h00.
They were charged for being in possession of suspected stolen motor vehicle. The car, a white Toyota double cab bakkie was reportedly stolen during a house robbery at Marapyane village in Mmametlhake on 29 December 2022 around 21h30.
According to the report, an investigation team has been assembled to deal with similar crimes including business robberies, armed robberies and hijackings. The team has worked tirelessly to ensure that the perpetrators of these crimes are brought to book. The arrest of the two is evident of such progress made thus far. The team received some valuable information from the Intelligence structure of the police in the province regarding the stolen bakkie as well whereabouts of the suspects.
Details were then followed by the team consisting of members from Crime Intelligence at Kwamhlanga, Tracker SA and Kwamhlanga Vispol members. That was when the bakkie was reportedly found in possession of the two men who were immediately and without any hesitation apprehended. The arrested suspects could face other charges for similar crimes committed in other areas such as Siyabuswa and the surroundings as investigation continues.
The duo is expected to appear at the Kwamhlanga Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 04 January 2023 on charges of possession of suspected stolen property.
Meanwhile the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has gladly welcomed the exceptional work done by the team, including the arrest and recovery of the vehicle. The General has further indicated that the team indeed produced desired results.
Police urge anyone with any information on Crime to call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111. Alternatively, members of the public can send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
Watter tipe bagasie vat jy saam met jou in 2023 in? Kom ontdek meer…
Maak ‘n finansiële bydrae op 2 maniere: 1.Gee Aanlyn (Kruik Gemeente, ABSA, Tjek, Rek nr: 1510140016) 2.Gee deur Zapper – vind ons QR code in die diens aankondigings.
Kontak ons gerus op Kruik Gemeente se Facebook Messenger en Whatsapp lyn (072 133 6130) of besoek ons webtuiste by: https://www.kruik.co.za
Geniet die diens saam ons! God in my Frieda van den Heever 2021 InVia Gemeente CCLI #573661
HOW TO GET INVOLVED IN ANIMAL WELFARE AND HELP US SAVE LIVES.
Helping animal welfare can lighten the heavy load for the rescuers. Animal welfare is not just an 8h00 to 17h00 job! It is a job, that most do not get paid for and where your heart is shattered every day! Physically and emotionally, it drains you! If you ask a rescuer for help, that rescuer probably had at least 10 other people ask for help too on any given day. They do this along with running to pick up, drop off, going to the Vet, saving lives, feeding, care, bottle feeding, cleaning, medicating, and answering messages, while sometimes even having a full-time job and a family. It is particularly worse during the Christmas holidays!
YOU CAN HELP BY GETTING INVOLVED
Get involved with a local shelter or organization and be an animal hero. As a bonus, you’ll be surrounded by dogs, cats and other animals, and who doesn’t like that? Another bonus of building a relationship with shelters includes a direct link to the right people when you have a problem or emergency and can’t get hold of a vet.
First, find a reputable shelter and then contact them.
Call the shelter or drop by and ask to speak to the volunteer coordinator.
Introduce yourself – give your name, and age, and say that you live in the area.
Ask if they could use a volunteer or if there are other ways to help the shelter.
Find out how the shelter works by asking more questions – it will help you figure out better ways to help.
Sometimes they need volunteers to help feed, wash or walk and play with the animals. If you can’t or don’t want to work with the animals directly? Here is a list of just some other things you can do for the shelter:
Clean cages, the backyard, or even the shelter’s office.
Make phone calls or do other general office work.
Make holiday decorations for the shelter’s office and waiting room or for themed holidays.
Good with websites or social media? Help manage pages or groups and share posts.
Help educate others. Take pictures for the shelter(if instructed to do so) of new animals and learn how to put them up for adoption and network them.
Become a foster home for animals the shelter doesn’t have room for.
Assist with lost and found animals so they don’t become the shelters “problem”.
Offer any professional skills you might have like accounting, IT, plumbing, etc.
Make the time to read the resources we share even if it does not apply to you at the time.
Help us educate others, so tell at least one person what you have learned.
Spay & neuter your pets and don’t support any breeders,”free to good home” ads, pet shops, or animal dealers.
Always adopt, but from reputable organizations only!
Keep your animals safe in your yard so that your animals are not the ones that create an extra burden on the system. Microchip them and make sure the chip is registered on multiple databases otherwise, it’s useless. Have an ID collar on too as that is a faster way to find the owners.
Get involved with reputable local organizations and learn how they operate, what their mandate is and what they need.
On social media – like their posts, and share their post, especially adoption posts. Commenting helps the algorithms, tag a friend, post a picture or a story update and leave a review!
If you can’t give money, you can help with fundraising events and support their events in other ways.
Look after the staff and rescuers or other volunteers who deal with the tough and heart-breaking parts of animal welfare every day. Buy a coffee or lunch, leave a note of encouragement, etc.
Support only reputable organizations that have proper adoption policies, who are transparent financially, etc.
Don’t’ get an animal if you cannot provide for all their needs.
Don’t give animals away, rather contact a local organization to facilitate a responsible adoption.
Don’t just move without including your pets in the long-term decisions.
Don’t blame shelters for what is happening, blame breeders, animal dealers and irresponsible owners.
Don’t support cruel practices or industries including zoos, aquariums, circuses with animals, petting farms, animal rides and more. This is stolen freedoms and exploitation of animals for human entertainment.
Join if they offer membership and help us hold them accountable by attending AGMs etc.
Helping animal welfare – Image from Pexels.com
PLEASE KEEP IN MIND
Animals always need help everywhere and we are grateful for everyone who helps! Sadly, too often we hear the phrase “someone do something”, including a picture of an animal that is dumped, hurt, or lost. Every animal welfare organization is already overwhelmed, which I can guarantee. Many people take in an animal that is hurt or dumped or lost and that is the right thing to do, but the problem comes in with the next step.
They call one of the organizations and just want to hand the animal over, feeling that they did their part. They get angry when the organization says can’t help at the moment and these individuals may even share this on social media. Usually, they do not offer to even donate food or funds or take the animal to someone, because they think the ”rescue” was enough. You are someone, you can do something.
Maybe the organization doesn’t have the resources to help at the moment. The local SPCA for example is one of a few organizations with paid staff, but they are responsible for almost 20 towns. If you phone them and the Inspector is in Delmas handling a cruelty case, then they can’t just jump in the car and drive back immediately because you demanded they help now. The organization probably already has at least 10 more animals than they can handle. Organizations are constantly overwhelmed with “do something” cases. You can lighten the load by helping one animal! If you don’t know what to do, there are many resources available and many rescuers will guide you too. You are someone, you can do something!
There is a way for every person to help! It really takes a village and animal welfare organizations are constantly overwhelmed, especially during this time of year. Your time, skills, or funds can make a difference in the lives of animals.
Next week we will look at some pawsome new years’ resolutions.
TRIGGER HAPPY SUSPECT ARRESTED FOR MURDER, ARMED ROBBERY AND POINTING WITH FIREARM
Voice clip by Brigadier Selvy Mohlala
Nelspruit: 28 December 2022 – A trigger happy suspect (45) was arrested on charges of murder, armed robbery, possession of unlicenced firearm with ammunition as well as pointing with firearm. The man was arrested on 26 December 2022 at Mkhuhlu near Bushbuckridge on allegations that he fatally shot Mr Aby Nginindza (40) in the early hours of Monday, 26 December 2022 around 03h30am at a certain Tavern which has a Car Wash in Mkhuhlu.
According to the report, members of the police at Calcutta received information regarding a shooting incident at the said premises. Upon arrival at the scene, they found the victim lying on the ground with gunshot wound on the head though he was still alive. An ambulance was also summoned however one of the family members decided to transport the victim to a nearby hospital in an effort to save his life. On arrival, the injured man was unfortunately certified dead.
A murder case was then opened and upon investigation, police traced as well as arrested the suspect at Mkhuhlu on the same day of the incident. During his arrest, he was found in possession of a firearm with ammunition as well as cash suspected to have been stolen. The firearm is alleged to have been used during the fatal shooting. Police also discovered that the man allegedly committed an armed robbery, where cash was taken from a male victim.
Photo – Illustration purposes only
It is said that this happened moments after the shooting. The investigators also unearthed that the man was somehow involved in an alleged pointing with a firearm where the victim is also a male. The confiscated firearm will undergo ballistic testing to determine whether it was not used in other crimes committed elsewhere. More charges could be added against the suspect as the investigation continues.
The suspect is expected to appear at the Mkhuhlu Magistrate’s Court today, 28 December 2022 facing a charge of murder, possession of unlicenced firearm with ammunition, pointing with firearm, and armed robbery.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has strongly condemned the fatal shooting of the victim whilst appreciating the excellent work done by the members in arresting the suspects as well as recovering the firearm with ammunition. The General further raised a concern regarding incidences of such nature which take place at liquor outlets.
Police urge anyone with any information on Crime to call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111. Alternatively, members of the public can send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
Kersfees is persoonlik. Wat beteken kersfees vir jou en hoe kan jy opnuut die kersfees boodskap jou eie maak?
Maak ‘n finansiële bydrae op 2 maniere: 1.Gee Aanlyn (Kruik Gemeente, ABSA, Tjek, Rek nr: 1510140016) 2.Gee deur Zapper – vind ons QR code in die diens aankondigings.
Kontak ons gerus op Kruik Gemeente se Facebook Messenger en Whatsapp lyn (072 133 6130) of besoek ons webtuiste by: https://www.kruik.co.za
Geniet die diens saam ons! Silent Night Joseph Mohr, Franz Gruber Public Domain CCLI #573661
Eskom compounds electricity crisis with additional rotational loadshedding
Ghaleb Cachalia MP – DA Shadow Minister of Public Enterprises issued the following statement regarding rotaional loadshedding
Ghaleb Cachalia MP – DA Shadow Minister of Public Enterprises
As if loadshedding that fluctuates between stage 4 and stage 6 is not of sufficient concern and impact on South Africans, Eskom is now implementing additional rotational loadshedding to penalize non-paying municipalities. This means that ordinary households and businesses in the run-up to Christmas and New Year are having to operate with extended periods of blackouts – at considerable extra cost and inconvenience.
This additional rotational loadshedding schedule is implemented on a geographical basis and also affects customers directly supplied by Eskom, even those who are up to date with their accounts. This is being implemented despite a court ruling that paying customers cannot be prejudiced by inter-governmental disputes between Eskom and non-paying municipalities.
The DA has contacted Eskom for clarity on the matter but has received no response. In many areas water pumps, dependent on electricity to feed reservoirs are negatively impacted resulting in many places having no water for weeks.
The question is twofold: why is the exact nature of the problem and the measures being taken by Eskom not communicated to the nation and why are government ministers enjoying a brightly-lit festive season while South Africans who dutifully pay for electricity being excessively loadshed to the point of virtual darkness accompanied by the breakdown of other essential services dependent on power to operate?
ATM BOMBING, CASH ROBBED AND POLICE IN PURSUIT OF SUSPECTS
Nelspruit: 22 December 2022 – Police are in pursuit of suspects involved in a robbery incident that occurred in a certain fuel station at Embalenhle in the early hours of today, Thursday 22 December 2022 around 03h20 am. During the incident it is alleged that a group of armed suspects detonated some explosives which damaged an ATM machine and suspects made off with an undisclosed amount of cash which they took from the said machine.
According to the report, a group of about four armed suspects wearing masks and hand gloves are said to have stormed into the fuel station where they held the staff at gunpoint. It is then that they (suspects) went for the ATM machine and carried out their mission. Law enforcement agencies were activated via a panic button and the security guards responded accordingly.
Prior to the suspects fleeing with the cash, they noticed the security officials arriving and reportedly fired some shots towards the guards who had responded. One of the shots reportedly hit the guards’ response vehicle, leaving it with a bullet hole but fortunately no injuries were reported.
Police at Embalenhle were informed about the robbery and upon arrival, a case of robbery with an additional charge of ATM Bombing was opened. The investigators will also probe the shooting which occurred. There were some cartridges which were found at the scene and an investigation has commenced though no one has been arrested so far hence police urge anyone with information that may assist in the investigation to call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has emphasised that the suspects will surely be hunted down and it is just a matter of time before each one of them is brought to book.
MANY ARE EXCITED ABOUT THE FESTIVITIES SURROUNDING THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS, BUT FOR SOME, AFTER PET LOSS, IT IS A TIME THAT THEY DREAD.
With their shorter lifespans, pet loss is inevitable and saying goodbye is something every pet lover faces eventually. Saying goodbye is the hardest part of our relationships with our pets. As someone mentioned in a pet grief group, you joined a club you never wanted to be part of. Regardless of the type of pet, furry, finned, or scaled, no matter the species, we love them with all of our hearts and feel their loss as strongly as we’d feel the loss of a human family member or friend.
I am no grief expert and although I educate and read about pet grief a lot, you read the info with less emotions when it doesn’t affect you directly. Maybe it prepared me better for our recent unexpected situation, but the pain is still real and the loss is valid.
Grief is the response to loss and it is a strong, sometimes overwhelming emotion. It usually comes from the loss of a loved one, human, or animal to which a bond or affection was formed or it can come from a terminal diagnosis you or the someone you love receives. It doesn’t matter whether your pet died because of age, injury, or illness the death of a beloved pet is excruciating.
Although conventionally focused on the emotional response to loss, grief also has physical, cognitive, behavioural, social, cultural, spiritual and philosophical dimensions. Prolonged grief disorder is the newest disorder to be added to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). It is included in the text revision, which was released in March 2022. This is known also as complicated grief, sometimes called persistent complex bereavement disorder.
Don’t be afraid to reach out for support. There are professional counselors for those who have lost pets.
Ensure all your family members are supported and understand that all might not experience it in the same way.
Make sure your other pets are ok as animals grieve too.
Other people, especially those without pets, don’t realize that the experience can be just as traumatic as losing a parent or child.
A physical memorial can provide comfort.
Don’t make any big or quick decisions like getting a new pet during this time.
WHY DOES PET LOSS HURT?
There may be many reasons but some of the major reasons are certainly because animals’ love is so unconditional, non-judgemental and accepting. They have seen you at your best and your worst. Sometimes these pets have helped us through major life-changing events like losing someone, illness, a new job or new school, divorce, etc. Grief is a sign you were loved and loved deeply.
I watched a TEDx talk by an emergency vet Dr. Sarah Hoggan and this is some of what she shared:
The emotions you experience are real because the emotions you experienced with your pet was real. The loss is valid because you didn’t lose a thing you lost someone close and special to you.
Why is pet loss different from human loss?
Society does tend to diminish the validity of pet loss. Our pets make us happy so losing them will have the opposite effect and break our hearts.
The relationship is different. The unconditional love of the human-animal bond. They don’t judge and being able to be yourself with someone, is a deep connection.
Many people confess how bad they feel that they cried more when their pet died than maybe a parent. Your mom that died could tell you that she is in pain, had a good life or express that she wants to go and although we might get that from our pets in a way, they can’t tell us that in words.
Comorbidities of grief
She refers to the factors that made your relationship special as comorbidities of the grief and these comorbidities makes the grief more complicated. Here are a few:
The fact that you had to make a euthanasia (PTS) decision or lost your pet due to a preventable accident or unexpectedly.
If it was a rescue. A broken soul that learned to trust again because of you. Remember that your first rescue brought them joy, and your final rescue (PTS) brought them peace.
If they rescued you in some way – reaching out for a hand and finding a paw.
Losing a pet that is more than a pet for example, a therapy or emotional support companion.
If you lost a pet that was a living link to someone you lost before. Losing the pet makes you feel like losing them all over again.
STAGES OF GRIEF
As I mentioned grief is personal. We can’t say it has to take you this or that long or you need to do this or that. Do what works for you., just don’t get stuck in some phases like guilt or depression. Typically, there are five stages of grief, but before the actual grief after a death, you will experience what is referred to as anticipatory grief.
Anticipatory grief is normal, but it may rob you of day-to-day joy and time with your pet if you don’t know how to manage it. So how can you cope with this anticipatory grief feeling? By staying present and connected. Pets help us stay in the moment, appreciating every second we’re together. “If we can learn to stay present, that’s where the healing begins and not only the healing of grief but the preservation of our connection with our pets.” – Nancy Gordon
Pet loss – Image by Dr. Karen Becker
5 STAGES
In an article by WHOLE DOG JOURNAL, Author Pat Miller shared the 5 stages of grief as well as a visualization exercise for grieving.
The “five stages of grief” concepts have been applied by healthcare professionals to anyone suffering the loss of something of vital importance which includes our beloved animal companions. Because grief is such an individual process, not everyone may experience all five stages and it might also not be in this particular order, however, our first response to the loss is usually denial and the last acceptance.
1. Denial
This can be with the diagnosis or after the death.
2. Anger/Blame/Guilt
The guilt, especially if the death was due to a preventable accident or a euthanasia decision, will be there. Whether you waited too long or opted for euthanasia too early or if your pet died at home, you will have to deal with feelings of guilt. I have experienced the guilt of too late and too early PTS and I can assure you the one if you wait too long is worse. You will also feel guilty for being happy on some days.
3. Bargaining
This includes all the “what if’s”. Especially because of a disease diagnosis, I found this stage hard.
4. Depression
It is ok to cry and do it as often as you need. Some days the tears will be few and other days they will overwhelm you out of nowhere. Here are some tips to help you on those depression days. Breathing exercises can also help. The Calm page on Facebook has some great versions for breathing.
5. Acceptance
In time, the sadness will increasingly be replaced with happy memories of the times you and your pet spent together. The sadness may never go away completely, but it will become more bearable and less overwhelming.
Once you reach the stage of acceptance and you are back in a positive place, the best tribute you can pay to a dog that’s passed is to give another dog a second chance by adopting from a reputable rescue organisation.
David Kessler wrote a book in which he refers to the sixth stage of grief: Finding meaning again. In his book, Kessler gives readers a roadmap to remembering those who have died with more love than pain; he shows us how to move forward in a way that honors our loved ones. Adoption can be part of this.
My heart physically felt empty after the loss and this exercise helps.
VISIULISATION EXERCISE
In a quiet darkened room with gentle music and soft lighting, perhaps candles, make yourself comfortable on soft cushions, breathe, and relax. Close your eyes, and imagine yourself in a peaceful place – perhaps a sunny meadow, or a quiet wood next to a trickling stream. Breathe.
Now imagine your dog appearing at the edge of the meadow and running happily to you. You greet her joyfully, and the two of you spend many minutes together, remembering happy times together.
When it’s time to go, you reach down and put your hands against her sides. As you watch, she becomes smaller and smaller, until she is small enough that you can pick her up, cupped in your hands. Now pick her up, hold her in your hands, and place her in your heart, where she will stay with you, forever.
Forgive yourself. You did the best you could and animals are very forgiving. Your pet would want you to laugh and enjoy and give a home to others. I don’t think animals fear death……they live in the now and by staying in the present and connected, our healing begins too.
RAINBOW BRIDGE PREPARATION & GRIEF GUIDE
THE HARDEST DECISION I EVER MADE
To make it through the process of having your pet put to sleep (PTS/euthanasia), you need to begin preparing ahead of time. It is a crappy and hard decision, but I will always support “rather a month too soon than a day too late”! If your pet no longer enjoys the things they loved so much, then you are at that point. It happens in a grey area because if we wait until it is black and white it is too late. It is about quality of life because there is a difference between “existing” and “living”. If we extend this time, it is for us and not for them and that is selfish.
With sick or very old animals, we tend to hover over them. In an article by a vet, she shares how some animals in the wild, will leave the herd and go to die alone. You might have heard about or experienced a pet death, just the moment you were out or turned for a minute and this phenomenon could explain it. Humans usually don’t want to die alone, so we tend to think that animals don’t want to either. Maybe we prolong their suffering longer if we do this, but I totally get why we do. In all honesty, without trying to add to your guilt, I do think that if you are at that point, you already waited too long.
Please stay with them in those last moments. I couldn’t with the first dog but did with our recent loss and I will always opt to stay with them. It is the last gift you can give and I believe that at that moment, what is best for them, should trump our emotions about it. It gives some closure, plus the guilt of not being there is worse. I am thankful for the peaceful experience at Evander Dierekliniek with Dr. Melinda.
Read more on preparing for the practical side of euthanasia. You can also find links to quality-of-life questionnaires there.
Marin Humane organization also offers a free, monthly support group (now via Zoom) for those who’ve lost pets. To learn more, go to marinhumane.org/get-involved/events. There are also many other support groups for individuals who lost pets.
Books
Pet Loss: A Thoughtful Guide for Adults and Children, by Herbert A Nieburg and Arlene Fischer
I Heard Your Dog Died: Imaginings for Those Who Have Lost a Pet, by Bonnie Kreitler
The Loss of a Pet: A Guide to Coping with the Grieving Process When a Pet Dies, by Wallace Sife
Coping With Sorrow on the Loss of Your Pet, by Moira Anderson Allen
Pet loss – Image by Dr. Karen Becker
Please don’t get a new pet when you are still going through the grieving stages because you will bring the new pet into a weak and sad energy, which is not fair to them. I wouldn’t suggest getting a pet that looks the same or giving them the same name. Never do it with a mindset of “replacing” your pet or to fill that void in your heart. They can’t be replaced and won’t fill that void! Also don’t feel guilty about loving another pet again.
Never let the animal suffer because you do not have the funds to euthanize them. Contact your local SPCA or animal rescue as there are ways they can help with this or talk to your veterinarian.
People tend to say that time will heal but I don’t believe time can heal. In time, to protect our sanity, I think the wound does close and is covered with scar tissue, the pain lessens or might be gone, but the scar (the sadness or reminder of it) may remain. We don’t need healing from grief, but from the pain that accompanies it. Actively working through the pain and staying present can bring healing. Hopefully in time the grief doesn’t consume us anymore or becomes less overwhelming, but time won’t change the fact that you need to grieve. You need to experience those emotion and take or make time to grieve.
Also, read what to do if your pet dies at home. Here is a nice video on the reunion at the rainbow bridge. Please be kind to those in animal welfare because we cry for other people’s pets too and many in the trenches experience this loss frequently.
My heart goes out to every person having to make a euthanasia (PTS) decision or who lost their beloved fur-family members. Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; love leaves a memory no one can steal – Cardinal Cottage
MPUMALANGA – Junior Chauke (49) and Prince Ntsako Letswele (33) were remanded in custody by the Ermelo Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 9 December 2022 after they were arrested by the Ermelo SAPS on Thursday, 8 December 2022, following an information about a vehicle with the occupants in possession of firearms which was driving towards Ermelo.
The police went to the direction of the road where the vehicle was coming from and spotted it. The suspects in the vehicle tried to flee upon seeing the police but were both arrested. The Secunda based Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation were summoned and the crime scene was handed over to them for processing.
The white Toyota Fortuner was searched in the presence of the suspects. During the search, two big and two small rhino horns weighing 14,6 kilograms to the value of R876 000 were found inside the plastic bag hidden in the engine compartment. The rhino horns and the vehicle were confiscated for further investigation.
The case against the duo was postponed to 14 December 2022 for profiling and legal representative. Suspects remained in custody until the 14th.
Junior Chauke (49) and Prince Ntsako Letswele (33) appeared before the Ermelo Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 14 December 2022 for possession of rhino horns. Junior Chauke was released on R10 000 bail with conditions while Prince Ntsako Letswele was remanded in custody
Police urge anyone with any information on Crime to call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111. Alternatively, members of the public can send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
