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​​This is a very big controversial subject. Many feel it is acceptable to euthanize your pet and cremate them when they die to be buried alongside them; and others feel it is completely barbaric and selfish. I myself am staying neutral on this because, I think every case can be classified as unique and different.
​I have seen some brutal arguments on social media over this very topic. First off, what if the dog is 16 years old and in poor health, would you still feel it to be barbaric to euthanize this pet when the pet parent may be dying themselves of let's say cancer? What would happen once that person passes away to their already old and ill dog? The odds are, it would go to the shelter and be euthanized anyway.

​On the other hand, what if the dog is young and jubilant with no illness and no severe behavior issues? Would that be barbaric to euthanize that pet? One would think. So every case will be different. There is no black or white case here and people need to stop judging others and bullying them over their decisions. Stop being hateful and try to understand the whole situation.  

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​​What we all need to do is find solutions. I have some suggestions. First, I feel that a pet parent should be able to make pre-arrangements about their pets like we do with pre-planned funerals/burials.

As a caring pet parent that loves their pet so much and really has no family or friend to take them in when you pass, then we must find other choices. Many times family members have no desire to take in a pet and they usually end up taking them to a shelter anyway. So tell me, what's the difference between the pet parent doing it before they pass or after. This all depends on the age, behavior issues, and health of the pet. 

​​I feel this is where animal rescues need to get involved. I feel that there should be some sort of an agreement, in writing, that you can make with a rescue group that if anything happens to you, and that they will take in your pet and find it a new home or have a place it can live out its life in a new home. If transportation is needed, the pet parent to provide travel payments for that pet to arrive safely at the rescues facility. After that, the rescue will take upon themselves the cost and care of the pet per agreement. Many times people will donate money to whoever takes the pet, but are we sure it goes towards that pet? Sometimes there is a gray area on this. Also the pet parent can even make a call to a transport company and work out a pre-plan as well. This can always change of course but you want the best and safest transportation you can get. 

Many transporters mean well but are not doing right by the way they transport. There are many shady uncaring transporters as well. So do your homework before you hire one. ​

• ​Does the transport have a separate AC unit for the pets in the back while traveling?
• Does the transporter make stops and walk dogs every 2-4 hours? They may say they do but do they really? Find out.
• Do they provide one crate per one pet and for that specific size of animal?
• Does transport secure PLASTIC carriers and do not stack wire crates on top of one another? BY USDA guidelines, this is against the law. They cannot legally stack wires crates on top of another to do transport.
• Does the transport switch off with many legs during transport to finally arrive the pet at its destination? This causes more added stress onto the pet and should not be done.
• Is water provided at all times for pets?
• Does transporter smoke?
• Is the transporter in a big hurry to get pets to destination and doesn't take as needed frequent breaks?

So ask a lot of questions on transport.

As for you to make arrangements with a rescue, have them agree to take in a particular pet of yours. Exchange info on your pet and have a signed agreement between both parties that they will take your pet if something should happen to you, no matter what condition that pet may be in. Make detailed arrangements and agreements. 

I would love to see an animal rescue setup that caters to these kinds of situations.
​I feel people will make less rash decisions when it comes to their pets knowing they have a plan in place, someone they can trust and know their pet will be cared for. I hope to see these changes in the future between these parties. 

Holistic and Organix Pet Shoppe

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