Dear Jack,
We are at the crossroads of the big decision of whether to send our boy to the Rainbow or not. We don’t have the money it would cost to take him to the veterinarian, so he suffers each day. There's the "he would be pain free", then there's the "should we just let him hang on"???
You love him, I know. Sit down with him in a quiet place, a quiet space. Face to face. Tell him what you are going through. Tell him that you need him to let you know what he wants you to do. Look deep into his eyes. His eyes are the direct view to his soul and his soul will give you the answer. You will know by the way he looks at you. His tail may give you clues too. What is his quality of life? Keep in mind that people have a harder time afterwards with guilt if they let it go on too long than if they let them go a little too soon. You do not want to look back and remember the pain. Let him go before the pain comes, if you can, if there is pain. Find the financing whatever way you can to get relief and peace.
Love, Jack
Credits:
About this letter
This letter is part of Jack McAfghan: Letters From Rainbow Bridge. A reader writes that they are at a crossroads about whether to say goodbye to their boy, that they cannot afford a vet visit, and that they worry about both options. Jack's reply is a practical, compassionate guide to the decision.
What Jack suggests
Jack suggests sitting down with your pet in a quiet place, face to face, telling them what you are going through and looking into their eyes for the answer. He asks the reader to consider the pet's quality of life, and notes that people tend to have a harder time with guilt if they let things go on too long than if they let go a little too soon.
If cost is a worry
Money should not leave a pet in pain. Many areas have low-cost veterinary clinics, humane societies and charities that can help with exams, pain relief or end-of-life care. Calling your local shelter or a veterinary school is a good place to start, and your vet may be able to discuss payment options.
