Our latest Stories, Hints and Tips

Saying goodbye to a beloved pet: Ripley’s story 

The heartbreaking decision 

Paws Indoors is often called out to animals at the end of their life for euthanasia – to be ‘put to sleep.’ Many pet owners prefer this process to occur where their beloved companion feels most comfortable – in the sanctuary of their own home. At home, the pet remains undisturbed, and family members do not have to put on a brave public face during this deeply emotional time. 

When mobility becomes a challenge 

Sadly, larger dogs can sometimes lose function in their legs, making it difficult or impossible for them to stand. When owners are unable to lift their pet into a car for a final visit to the vet, at-home euthanasia becomes a compassionate option to prevent further suffering. 

One such case was Ripley, a large retriever who had reached the impressive age of 15. His back legs had become too arthritic and painful to support him. He could no longer stand up or go outside to relieve himself, which caused him distress. As heartbreaking as this was, Ripley’s family knew it was time to let him go. 

A compassionate process 

Calling a vet to come and put a much-loved pet to sleep is an incredibly brave but difficult decision. The team at Paws Indoors strive to make this process as easy as possible, offering guidance and support to understandably emotional owners. As a dedicated mobile veterinary service, we are always ready to assist with the booking process and discuss aftercare options with sensitivity and kindness. 

Ripley’s final moments 

When I arrived at Ripley’s home, I found him lying on a thick bed with a puppy pad beneath him. His entire family—Mum, Dad, children, and Grandma—had gathered to say their goodbyes. 

I reassured them that the process would be carried out in a way that felt right for them. They could stop me or ask questions at any time. Before proceeding, I took a moment to chat with Ripley and give him some affection. Despite everything, he still wagged his tail, a testament to his loving nature. 

Some family members chose not to stay for the procedure, instead saying their final goodbyes before stepping out for a walk. I then administered a sedative injection to ensure Ripley was calm and relaxed. While we waited for him to sleep, Ripley’s mum shared his incredible life story. 

A life well-lived 

Ripley had been discovered in a bin in Spain while his family was on holiday. He was only a few weeks old when they rescued and brought him back to England. Judging by the photos adorning their walls, it was clear that Ripley had lived a long, happy life filled with love and companionship. 

Once Ripley was fully asleep and unaware, I administered the final injection. He passed peacefully and quietly, surrounded by the love of his family. 

A privileged responsibility 

We are frequently called upon to put a pet to sleep, but we never see it as routine. Every pet is unique and deeply cherished by their family. It is always an honour to hear the beautiful stories of love and devotion that pet owners share with us. 

At Paws Indoors, we understand that saying goodbye is never easy. As a mobile vet specialising in end-of-life care, we aim to provide compassionate, gentle service, honouring the incredible bond between pets and their families. Ripley’s story reminds us of the deep love and connection between humans and their animal companions, and it was a privilege to be part of his final moments. 

For more information on our services, please visit our Final Farewell page. 

 

Molly’s Story

Molly, a two year old collie cross, came as a rescue from Romania, a journey of over 36 hours. She was then rehomed in Scotland, but bit the new adopter, and finally found herself in the home of Mark and Julie. 

Mark and Julie are experienced dog owners but didn’t know how to help Molly with her severe behavioural issues – she wouldn’t get in the car at all, would stop on walks and not move for half an hour at a time. Although generally loving and friendly to other people and dogs, she tried to bite another vet that came to the house – who advised that she be put to sleep, as she was dangerous. 

On first meeting Molly in the garden, it was clear that she was very anxious and that the recent traumatic events in being transported from Romania, had left deep wounds. She barked at me on the doorstep and would only let me cross when distracted with chicken. I sat on a chair and avoided eye contact. Molly didn’t take her eyes off my movements, particularly where my hands were. 

Mark and Julie were doing their best to provide her with the perfect home but realised that if she wouldn’t get in the car, they couldn’t take her to all the lovely places they had planned. She also had some health issues but wouldn’t let anyone who she didn’t know near her. 

I made an initial assessment of Molly’s behaviour by carefully observing her reactions to me, while talking through everything that had happened with Mark and Julie. All the while I was feeding Molly treats. Initially I had to put them on the floor some way away but after forty minutes or so she would come and take them from my hand, give me a paw and let me pat her.  

At this stage I knew that while I could stroke Molly’s ears and neck, it was on her terms. At one point I unzipped my bag, the sudden noise made her jump and snap. 

I explained the situation to Mark and Julie from Molly’s point of view – she had come a long way in a car, the journey had been unpleasant and scary, so she wasn’t going to get in another one. On the way some people were nice, but some were probably rough or shouted or were impatient – she didn’t know who she could trust. Sometimes the new situation, new noises and people and smells, was so overwhelming that she just stood still in a kind of nervous collapse, and other things set her on edge. 

We talked about starting some behavioural training – playing  a game with treats, just near the car to start with, and also some muzzle training. Although I couldn’t do a full hands-on examination, I could recommend some treatments for Molly’s itchiness and also some anxiety relieving tablets that would  help her to relax and participate in the training of new routines – getting used to a muzzle and seeing the car in a different light, enjoying the new experiences around her rather than seeing everything as a threat. 

Mark was very good at keeping in touch about Molly via email and when I went to see them all four weeks later, she was making very good progress. She was no longer itchy. She hadn’t stopped on any walks and would happily go wherever Julie suggested. She had jumped into the front and the back of the car after treats. She was also excited to see her muzzle come out as she knew she would get chicken! 

There is still a long way to go. Behavioural changes are slow and have to be done at the dog’s pace, but with such dedicated owners and some understanding of how the doggy mind works Molly, Mark and Julie are well on their way to a happier life for all of them.