Forest Farewells easing the pain of saying last goodbye to pets

VET Susie Smith knows full well that having a pet put to sleep can be traumatic for owners.

Taking one’s beloved animal to a brightly lit vets where they are surrounded by strange noises and smells, then making the heartbreaking journey home without them.

That’s why Susie created Forest Farewells where she euthanises dogs and cats in the comfort of their home.

She said: “It is a very emotional event to have to go through for anyone. I felt there had to be a better way.”

Working in conjunction with vets in the area, she and veterinary nurse Claire Dunn provide a way of saying goodbye to cherished pets which is easier for owners and the animals.

Susie said: “Claire and myself both feel strongly that euthanasia is highly emotive and how and where it’s done can have a lasting impact on clients.

“Therefore, we wanted to offer a service that gives people reassurance that someone can be there for them and their pet outside practice hours, when they really need us.”

“Our mission is to make the last goodbye to their dog or cat a calm, unhurried, and gentle experience. We know that saying farewell is the hardest thing to do and we want to help people through this sad time.

“At home the pets are surrounded by familiar smells and sights. There is no journey to make to the vets knowing what will happen there. There are also no time restraints so someone can take as long as they want before saying their goodbyes.

“As we carry out the service in the evening or at weekends, other members of the family can also be there to say goodbye and support the owner. Other pets can say goodbye to.

“Research has shown that it helps other pets if they get the chance to do this otherwise they can become stressed, pacing around looking for the other animal.

“The whole process is all done in a very comforting caring way and there is no horrible journey home without your pet with you.”

Susie also works with New Forest Pet Crematorium so can take the animal away with her after it has been put to sleep, then return its ashes later.

She said: “You don’t have to go back to the practice to get the ashes, which many people find difficult, also if you have another pet, or go on to get one, going to the vets can be difficult as it brings back memories of having an animal put to sleep there.”

Susie says pets can be euthanised in someone’s home, or garden – “wherever someone wants them to be.”

She said: “We have had some really beautiful goodbyes like the one under a favourite rose bush and another in a wooden glade. Owners can chose a special place which their animal liked.

“The whole thing about our service is that it gives the owner the opportunity to say goodbye to their pet when and where they want, although it has to be at their home.”

Susie and Claire can only deal with non-urgent cases and the registered pet owner has to be present on the day.

For more information visit: www.forestfarewells.co.uk