Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1422227
88 | SIGNATURE MONTANA Heather Bode is an award-winning children's magazine writer. She's a non-fiction junkie who loves to tell the stories of people she meets and interviews. Heather lives in Helena with her husband and five children. Dr. Norton's greatest challenge is when he cannot bring an animal back to health. Being with a family through the euthanasia (Greek for "good death") of a family pet may be just where Best Friends Animal Hospital becomes the exemplar. Dr. Norton explains, "e human-animal bond is way bigger than it was 30 years ago. It's geing stronger and stronger all the time. Where can a person find unconditional love anymore? Pets supply that." Dr. Norton has heard countless stories of pets helping their people through illnesses or through grieving the death of a loved one. is makes the already difficult topic of euthanasia even harder. Best Friends can help. Dawn Milligan, office manager at Best Friends, explains, "We are careful to go through everything with the parents ahead of time. We tell them what to expect. We have a space where they can say goodbye to their pet. We also have luminaries placed in the waiting area and a sign, so everyone is aware a family is going through this process. Most people see how peaceful their pet is and stay with them as long as they choose. 1. Answer questions honestly. Avoid telling children their pet ran away. 2. Use general terms: "We do not live forever. ____ is very sick. We have done everything we can, but now _____ is in pain." 3. Involve children as they were involved in the pet's life. Perhaps that means helping plan a memorial. 4. Show emotion. Let children know it is healthy and natural to be sad. Drawing pictures may help children express their emotions. 5. Allow time for grieving before geing a new pet. If/when that time comes, give children a voice in the decision- making process. Talking to Kids about Euthanasia I always tell them: ey can still hear you. I highly recommend the books Dog Heaven and Cat Heaven by Cynthia Rylant to understand and explain what is happening." Milligan says empathy is a skill that is hard to teach. But every person at Best Friends Animal Hospital possesses it. ey each have their own special pet stories, and they have all taken in and cared for abandoned animals and lost pets near and dear to them. ey are all here to serve you by caring for some of the most important members of your family. Norton concludes, "Big-hearted people have a way of finding other big-hearted people…whether it's our clients, nurses, or receptionists. When you work with families and care for their loved ones, you need a good family around you supporting you." S MT Don't let the cuteness fool you. Vet Technician, Peyton Milligan, uses patience and lots of love to calm a saucy Pomeranian with lots of attitude. Dawn Milligan reviews an X-Ray. BFAH's X-Ray/Ultrasound Room went digital about five years ago allowing for faster and more effective imaging. Vet Technician, Penny Harvill, helps calm the patient before prepping for a procedure.