September 21, 2016 at 3:45 p.m.
In-home services available for pet euthanasia
Local veterinarian offers personal setting for difficult decision
In-home services available for pet euthanasia
"A lot of animals don't like going to the regular veterinarian," Shoup said. "There's a lot of stress associated with it, especially when they're sick, and it's more stress for the owner. Having something like this available, to have it done in the comfort of their own home, makes things a lot easier."
Shoup said in-home euthanasia allows the pet to remain at ease and doesn't require the owner to travel while upset.
"You're already emotionally upset, you're already losing - in some cases - your best friend," Shoup said. "It's hard to have to pick up and make that terrible drive and then you've got to drive home with tears streaming down your eyes. Sometimes alone."
With in-home services, friends and family can gather, where in a clinical setting, space is often limited. The services can take places outdoors, perhaps under the pet's favorite tree or in a park or open space with treasured memories.
"It makes things a little easier and sometimes those can be special memories, too," Shoup said. "Death, unfortunately, comes to every living thing so we can try to make that difficult decision and that difficult process a little easier."
Services offered in the in-home process include travel up to two hours within the state of Wisconsin, the in-home consultation, the sedation and euthanasia, a memorial keepsake, pet loss literature and transportation cremation.
At Journey's End relies on the professional assistance of Midwest Cremation Services in Poynette, located in the southern portion of Wisconsin. The family-owned business includes a large, facility specializing in the cremation of animals large and small and offers a choice of urn options.
"If the owner would like the animal cremated, I would transport the body and make arrangements with the crematory based on the owners wishes," Shoup said. "If they don't want the ashes back, the crematory has their own means of disposing of the ashes. If they would like the ashes back, I will personally deliver them back to their doorstep or they can make arrangements to pick them up at a location where we can meet."
Owners can also choose to bury the pet, however Shoup recommends contacting local authorities and researching regulations on pet burials. Pet owners should be aware of utility line locations and water placement. The pet also needs to be buried a certain depth, due to the chemicals used in the process and the ability of scavenger animals to find the body.
A final service offered by At Journey's End process includes contacting the pet's regular veterinarian and groomer.
"I'll notify the family veterinarian that we've put down one of their patientsso they can extend their sympathies and not send out reminder cards in the future," Shoup said. "And if they go to a groomer and give me the information, I'll notify the groomer as well. Just to try and make that process a little easier, so again they don't get the reminders."
A graduate of Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in the West Indies, Shoup has practiced veterinary medicine for 16 years. She held a small animal internship in Akron, Ohio in both veterinary medicine and surgery then went into practice in Cincinnati. She eventually moved to Wisconsin and practiced in Racine before coming to the Northwoods.
Shoup no longer offers veterinary medicine services so she can focus on the needs of her end-of-life patients full-time. She works with cats, dogs and some exotics such as ferrets and rabbits. She does not work with iguanas, mice or hamsters at this time.
"A common question I'm asked is, 'How do you do this?' My answer is it's an honor. To be able to assist a family with the hardest decision they will make regarding their beloved pet's final moments, to be able to alleviate the pet's suffering and know they are now at peace and pain-free is why I do what I do. Helping pets and the people who love them."
For more information on At Journey's End in-home euthanasia services, visit www.atjourneysend.org or call Shoup at 715-892-9545.
Jessica Leighty may be reached via email at jleighty@lakeland times.com.
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