One of the most challenging moments in veterinary practice comes when veterinarians tell their clients that their beloved companion animal is sick. Clients find themselves wrestling with hard questions, such as how to know if their pet is in pain or suffering, and how to know when it's time to say goodbye. The Argus Institute at the James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital is now offering a printed guide for veterinarians to help them assist clients through difficult times.
"What Now? Support for You and Your Companion Animal" is a comprehensive guide written by the Argus Institute at Colorado State University. The institute is devoted to counseling pet owners through loss and improving veterinarian-to-client communication.
The guide helps veterinarians support their clients when their animal is sick, when the client is facing an end-of-life decision, and when the client is coping with the loss of a companion animal. Each section includes recommendations to the client for understanding the emotional process they'll go through; techniques for decision-making; approaches for talking to family members, especially children; and self-care tips for dealing with grief.
“It can be incredibly challenging to provide support for clients after they have learned their companion is ill and they are faced with what may feel like impossible choices,” said Dr. Jane Shaw, Director of the Argus Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. “This process often involves a roller coaster of emotions, including sadness, fear, anger, denial and guilt. Veterinarians now have a resource to help clients during these overwhelming times.”
"What Now?" is designed for clients of both small- and large-animal veterinary clinics. The guide is available for $3 per copy plus shipping. Discounts are available for bulk orders. To order "What Now?" or request a sample, contact the Argus Institute at (970) 297-4143, or visit their Web site at www.argusinstitute.colostate.edu. The Heska Corporation sponsored this publication.
To celebrate the release of "What Now?" veterinarians are invited to attend a continuing education session, "Delivering Bad News: A Crucial Conversation" and reception from 6-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25, in Room 120 of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. The hospital is located at 300 W. Drake Road. Please RSVP to the Argus Institute at (970) 297-4143 by March 18.
