Loving Them Enough to Let Them Go

Saying goodbye to Caramel was one of the hardest decisions we have ever had to make.

Knee cancer is brutal. When it progressed to the point where a bone broke, it became clear that love now meant letting go. Not because we were ready. But because Caramel deserved dignity, comfort, & peace.

As pet care professionals, we talk a lot about quality of life. Pain management. Mobility. Appetite. Joy. But when it is your own animal, knowledge does not protect you from heartbreak.

Losing a pet is not just part of owning animals. It is the cost of loving deeply. They depend on us not only for food & shelter, but for advocacy. For protection. For the impossible choice when their bodies fail them.

Euthanasia is an act of compassion, even when it breaks you. Choosing to end suffering does not mean you gave up. It means you stayed present until the very end.

Grief after pet loss is real. It can affect sleep, appetite, mood, focus, & mental health. For many people, especially those who already live with anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other conditions, this loss can hit harder than expected.

We encourage pet parents to give themselves permission to grieve fully. Take time. Cry. Cancel plans. Talk about them. Say their name.

Caramel was not just a dog. He was family. And families mourn.

At Hoomane Pet Care, we honour the bond between people & their animals at every stage of life. Including the last one. Including the part that hurts the most.

If you are facing an end of life decision or have recently lost a pet, you are not weak for struggling. You are human. You loved well.

Rest easy, Caramel. You were deeply loved.