Lessons from Drby's Journey

Preparing for the Inevitable

Death is inevitable, but as pet owners, there are ways to prepare and advocate for our pets to ensure their final days are as peaceful as possible.

When Drby’s final test confirmed his Stage V Lymphoma and leukemia, I had to start preparing for his last day. At first, I hesitated—I didn’t want to face the reality of what was coming. But I also didn’t want to be caught off guard, making rushed decisions when I could instead be cherishing every remaining moment with him.

I reached out to our vet to understand the process and our options. I also contacted a previous vet to explore alternatives. Both provided compassionate guidance, allowing me to make an informed decision. Here were the options available:

• Euthanasia at the Vet Clinic
  • Cremation Options:
    • No ashes returned (ashes scattered in a private meadow in Fraser Valley)
    • Private cremation (ashes returned to you)
    • Partitioned cremation (multiple pets cremated separately, ashes returned to each owner)
  • Urn Options:
    • Standard urn included
    • Custom urn selection from the cremation company at extra costs
  • Other Memorabilia:
    • Additional keepsakes available through the cremation service

or

• In-Home End-of-Life Care (Available in Greater Vancouver from West Van to Poco, including Tsawwassen/Ladner)
  • Two local vets offered this service, allowing for a peaceful goodbye at home.

 

*If anyone is ever in a similar situation and needs details, I’m happy to share more.*

I carefully considered all of these options before making a final decision. Mentally, I thought I was prepared—but no amount of preparation can ever make you truly ready for that moment.

 

Cherishing Every Moment

One of my biggest regrets is not creating more memories with Drby. I wish I had taken more pictures while he was healthy, collected more paw prints, and recorded more of our everyday moments. 

To all pet parents: don’t wait. Take the pictures, make the memories, and keep those little reminders of your pet’s love. You’ll never regret having them, but you might regret not doing it.

 

Advocating for Your Pet

One of the most important lessons we learned is the importance of being your pet’s advocate.

Over the years, we changed vets twice. Our first vet was great when we started, and they were conveniently close to home. But as time went on, their approach became more conventional and expensive, with little effort to think outside the box. When Drby’s IBD remained unresolved for over two years, I was advised to seek a second opinion.

That decision changed everything. In just one year with our new vet, I learned more than I had in all the previous years combined. If there’s one piece of advice I can give other pet parents, it’s this: never hesitate to get a second opinion.

If your pet’s health isn’t improving, or if something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. Pets can’t tell us what’s wrong—it’s our job to be their voice.

 

Recognizing the Signs We Missed

Looking back, I regret not catching the subtle changes in Drby’s behavior sooner. We dismissed small shifts in his habits, thinking they were just signs of aging or personality changes. We assumed he was becoming more reactive and stubborn when, in reality, those could have been early signs of discomfort or pain.

Dogs and cats are incredibly resilient—sometimes too resilient. They will do their best to hide pain, often until it becomes unbearable. That’s why it’s so important to regularly check their bodies, observe their reactions, and be mindful of any changes in their habits.

If I could go back, I would be more proactive in noticing these signs. While we can’t change the past, we can use our experiences to help other pet parents be more aware.

 

Finding Closure in Unexpected Ways

In December, I had the opportunity to work with an animal telepath practitioner—something I was initially skeptical about. But I kept an open mind, and it turned out to be an incredibly healing experience. Through this session, I was able to express my love and apologies to Drby, and the practitioner shared insights about him that no one else could have known.

Many people may not believe in animal telepathy, and that’s okay. But for me, it provided the closure I needed, and I’m grateful for that experience.

 

A Message to Other Pet Parents

Through Drby’s journey, I’ve come to understand that there’s no guaranteed way to predict how long our pets will be with us or to prevent every illness. However, there are ways to be prepared, make informed choices, and ensure our pets receive the best care possible.

That’s why I want this blog to be more than just a story—it’s a resource for anyone going through what we did. If you’re facing difficult decisions about your pet’s health, know that you’re not alone. If you need information or support, I’m always happy to share what I’ve learned.

 

Cherish every moment, be your pet’s best advocate, and never take their love for granted.

 

Drby, you will always be in our hearts. ❤️