The choice to euthanize your cherished dog is certainly among the most sorrowful decisions any pet guardian can encounter.
For those who find themselves in such a distressing scenario, one animal hospital in Alabama has developed a profoundly moving practice, referred to as “goodbye kisses”.
As the final goodbye approaches, the compassionate team at the hospital endeavors to offer comfort not only to the suffering pets but also to their mourning human counterparts.
This poignant ceremony has arisen as a tribute to the deep connection shared between humans and their beloved four-legged family members, serving as a bittersweet moment of closure in the face of euthanasia.
The “Goodbye Kisses” Jar
Smiths Station Animal Hospital in Alabama understands the difficulty of losing a furry family member.
Thus, they devised a heartfelt ritual to bring solace not only to dogs in their final moments but also to their human family members.
They shared an image of a jar on Facebook named “Goodbye Kisses”, overflowing with small chocolates – Hershey’s Kisses.
The image included the following message from Dr. Nicole Namie:
“This jar is designated for our euthanasia appointments… because no dog should leave for Heaven without experiencing chocolate.
❤❤❤
Dr. Namie”
This post not only went viral globally but also generated a surge of responses from distraught animal lovers.
Shared more than 123K times, the post garnered immense affection.
Jennifer Williams, the manager at Smiths Station Animal Hospital, informed Fox News that it was actually a technician, Casey Hinkley, who conceived this idea after spotting something akin online.
Williams remarked that even prior to introducing the jar, they always offered treats to animals before euthanizing them, but she adored the concept of the specially designed jar.
“It was a great idea because it was a designated jar, and seeing the ‘goodbye kisses’ just shattered my heart,” Williams stated.
Parting With Affection
Typically, chocolate is harmful to dogs; however, during their final moments, it presents as a special treat for ailing pups.
“We strive to provide as much comfort as possible amid an extraordinarily challenging and emotional period. My team has always kept small snacks and candy bars hidden away specifically for those appointments. Usually, these are treats I wouldn’t advise giving to my patients, but in their last moments, I believe it’s essential to offer them something special. It’s not a service that clients expect or foresee, but they truly seem to value it. They appear to find solace in knowing their pets are heading to Heaven with a full stomach and love in their hearts,” Dr. Namie told WRBL News 3.
Whenever the weather allows, the staff makes every effort to organize a picnic outdoors for families to spend their final moments with their cherished pet.
“Deciding to euthanize a pet is an extraordinarily vulnerable time. Often, it’s the first time children have had to bid farewell to someone they’ve loved,” Dr. Namie remarked. “They seem to take comfort in knowing their pets are leaving for Heaven with a full belly and love in their hearts.”
Numerous individuals across the country have been moved by their empathy in handling such a challenging issue.
Within days of their announcement regarding the “Goodbye Kisses” jar, they received a shipment of Hershey’s Kisses milk chocolates from an anonymous admirer to help replenish the jar.
However, it’s not just that – individuals went the extra mile to share their poignant stories and even sent pictures of their beloved pets as a gesture of support for all that the hospital does for their patients.
Gentle Farewells
Since revealing their “Goodbye Kisses” jar, the hospital has received thousands of images of pets that have sadly crossed the Rainbow Bridge.
Overcome by the support from individuals everywhere, they chose to compile all the images into a video. They gathered so many beautiful photographs that they had to produce three separate videos.
It wasn’t just the pet guardians who were moved by the gentle gesture – other veterinary staff also appreciated the idea and opted to implement the same in their clinics.
Thanks to Smiths Station Animal Hospital, now dogs nationwide have the chance to savor the delightful treat moments before they depart from this world forever.