I think I used to have a much more rigid perspective on quality of life and end of life care, but discussions with a lot of veterinarians in the hospice field have really changed my perspective on what good end of life care looks like, and how to approach those conversations with clients.
I think a lot of the struggle isn't getting clients to understand the objective situation, but rather in helping them navigate the grief process quickly and thoughtfully enough for them to be able to make that decision in a timely fashion. Some clients are very easy to work with to come to that decision, and for others letting go is a much more difficult process and helping them get to the point where they're ready takes much more work. It's difficult when you have a time-sensitive medical issue and a client who wants a ton of time to make the ultimate choice.
I think a lot of the struggle isn't getting clients to understand the objective situation, but rather in helping them navigate the grief process quickly and thoughtfully enough for them to be able to make that decision in a timely fashion. Some clients are very easy to work with to come to that decision, and for others letting go is a much more difficult process and helping them get to the point where they're ready takes much more work. It's difficult when you have a time-sensitive medical issue and a client who wants a ton of time to make the ultimate choice.


One of those people wasn't even born yet…