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GS110 - Understanding and Preparing for Euthanasia ::
As animal caretakers we will almost certainly be faced at some point with decisions regarding the care of an ailing companion. Whether due to aging, chronic illness, acute injury or tragic cases of severe behavior problems most of us will, at some point, be presented with euthanasia as an option in the care of our companion animals.
The death of a beloved companion animal is often fraught with questions and difficult decisions regarding the care of our cherished friend. For many of us, the mere thought of ever losing our beloved companions can be so traumatic that we refuse to even consider the possibility. Our own fears of death and loss can impact our ability to make the best choices for the animals in our care. Fear of the unknown can be a tremendous source of grief and can lead us to make decisions surrounding our animals’ dying that we later regret. By facing our fears and questions before we are confronted with the trauma of an ailing loved one, we can better consider the choices and decisions we may need to make and take the time to develop plans or make changes that can lessen the sense of chaos and confusion and make our parting a time of shared love and connection.
In the right time and circumstances, providing a peaceful release for an ailing companion through euthanasia can be a powerful demonstration of love and respect. Education about the process of euthanasia can help us prevent surprises and minimize discomfort, stress or shock that can be part of the experience for humans saying goodbye to their animal companions. Advanced planning and consideration of our own questions, concerns, fears and beliefs about euthanasia can help us to make more informed decisions and create the best death experience possible for our animals. If we are able to move past our own fears, euthanasia can become a sacred act and a time of powerful connection.
This course will focus on the physical process of death as it relates to euthanasia in companion animals. We will evaluate ways of thinking about and evaluating quality of life and other end of life issues. We will look at the process of euthanasia and physical death and consider ways to provide the best process possible for our companions. We will discuss ways to help guide a sometimes clinical process to support our relationship with our animals at this sacred time.
While any discussion of death or dying will necessarily touch on our emotional and spiritual needs at this time, this course will focus primarily on the practical physical considerations regarding euthanasia with the goal of helping participants become more comfortable evaluating the options for their own animals and supporting clients or others in making end of life decisions for their companion animals.
Course Topics
Session I: Understanding Euthanasia
- Defining euthanasia
- The clinical process of euthanasia
- Species specific considerations
- The process of physical death in euthanasia
- Suggestions for providing the best process possible for the animal and for the humans involved
Session II: Preparing for Euthanasia
- Making decisions
- Euthanasia or ‘Natural’ death?
- Is it time? Assessing quality of life
- Advanced directives - considering options/wishes
- The ‘Good Death’
- Fantasy vs Reality
- Important themes – planning to meet those needs
- Facing fears
- Concerns/fears – how to prepare/develop plans to minimize
- Reasons for euthanasia – special considerations
- Acute illness/injury
- Chronic illness/age
- Extreme behavior / Bond Issues
- Personal / financial considerations in each case
Several supportive articles by Teresa regarding animal loss are located online by clicking HERE.
This course is available on-demand, and includes a full class audio recording and the course material handout. For students taking this course as part of an ASN Program of Study, and if you are working toward a Certificate of Completion, you are to complete the fieldwork assignment for this course and have it reviewed. You do not need to complete the fieldwork assignment if you are not planning to earn a Certificate of Completion from an ASN Program of Study. The Fieldwork must also be submitted if you are transferring the learning units from this ASN class to another institution.
Class Details:
| Prerequisite: | None. |
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| Class format: | On Demand (see below to purchase on demand). |
| Course hours: | 4.0 hours, in two 2.0 hour sessions. |
| Course credits: | 4.0 units. |
| Tuition: | $115.00 |
This class is faciliated by Windi Wojdak.
This class is only available on-demand at this time. 
To purchase the Fieldwork review component for this class ($45) please click here.
Please review the appropriate Enrollment Policy, as well as the Student Waiver, prior to registering.
*This class is for informational purposes only and is in no way meant to cure or diagnose anything. It is not a substitute for professional medical or veterinary care.