Dear Jack,
I just don’t know how to prepare for this. His impending death. Euthanasia. Loss.
Every minute, every moment shared when you know you are coming to the end of this life together is precious. Every second on the clock. Every hair on his head. Every beat of his heart. This is how your pet has always lived. All the time. He looks at what is happening now. He lives in the now. He is teaching you to be present too. Now is where your power is; now is where love is.
Now is the time to talk to your vet so you know what to expect. Now is the time to communicate for the express purpose of alleviating your potential future guilt, growing your faith and having a sense of control through the dying process. Now is the time to ask your loved one to send you signs after they are gone; signs to reassure you that they live on beyond this life and that they still love you very much.
Love, Jack
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About this letter
This letter is part of Jack McAfghan: Letters From Rainbow Bridge. A reader writes that they do not know how to prepare for a pet's impending death, euthanasia and loss. Jack's reply invites them to focus on the present and to use the time that remains.
Key ideas in the letter
Jack describes how pets live in the now and are teaching us to be present too. He suggests talking to your vet so you know what to expect, communicating with your pet to ease future guilt and build a sense of control during the dying process, and asking your loved one to send you signs after they are gone.
Preparing for the end of a pet's life
Every situation is different, so speak with your veterinarian about comfort care and what to expect. Many people find it helps to plan quiet time together, take photos, and decide in advance who will be with them. Anticipatory grief is normal, and support is available for it.
