End-of-Life Care
You will never be rushed, and you are never alone in this decision.
Compassionate care for the final chapter
Our pets give us their whole lives. When the time comes, choosing a peaceful goodbye is one of the most loving and selfless gifts we can give them in return. It spares them pain and fear, and lets their last moments be calm and surrounded by the people they love.
At Lange Veterinary Hospital, we treat every end-of-life visit with the same gentleness we would want for our own pets. You will never be rushed, and you are never alone in this decision.
We're a locally owned hospital serving dogs, cats, and the families who love them in Sherman, Denison, and the surrounding Texoma communities.
Here when you need us, even on short notice
You don't need to be an existing client, and you don't always need an appointment. We welcome new clients and walk-ins for end-of-life care, because no pet should have to wait to be relieved of suffering.
Sometimes a pet's condition changes suddenly. Other times, a family has been thinking it over for weeks and simply wakes up knowing it's time. Either way, call us at (903) 893-5561 or come in, and we'll make room to see your pet as quickly as we can.
How do I know when it's time?
There is rarely one perfect moment, and many families tell us they worry about choosing too early or too late. A helpful rule many veterinarians share: it is better to be a week too early than a day too late.
To help you see the bigger picture, we recommend the free Quality-of-Life Calendar from Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice. Print it and mark each day as good or bad. When bad days start to outnumber good ones, it may be time to talk with us. Tracking your pet's days takes some of the guesswork out of a very emotional decision.
You're always welcome to schedule a quality-of-life consultation. We'll examine your pet, talk through what you're seeing at home, and help you make a plan, whether that's comfort care for now or planning a goodbye.
What to expect during the visit
Knowing what will happen can bring real comfort. Here is how we care for your pet, step by step.
Scheduling with care
If you're able to plan ahead, let our team know the visit is for a goodbye and we'll schedule a quiet time, usually at the beginning or end of the day, when the hospital is calmer and you won't feel rushed. If you come in without an appointment, let the front desk know and we'll get you into the first available room as soon as possible.
Paperwork and payment first
You're welcome to complete consent forms, aftercare choices, and payment before you come in. If not, we always take care of them at the very start of the appointment. That way, nothing interrupts you, and you can focus on your pet and spend as much time as you want with them, during and after.
A private room
We'll get you into the first available exam room as soon as possible, and we'll make it as comfortable as we can with soft blankets. You're welcome to bring your pet's favorite bed, toy, or treats.
IV catheter and gentle sedation
When possible, our team will first place a small IV catheter, usually in a leg. This lets the medications be given gently and smoothly, and you may notice a small shaved patch of fur. Then your veterinarian will give a sedative. Your pet will become deeply relaxed and drift into a peaceful sleep, free of pain and anxiety.
Time together
Take as long as you need to hold, pet, and talk to your pet. We'll step out and give you privacy.
The final injection
When you're ready, your veterinarian will give a final injection. It works quickly and peacefully. Your veterinarian will listen to confirm your pet has passed.
What you may notice
Your pet's eyes may stay open, and you may see a final breath or small muscle twitches. These are normal reflexes. Your pet is not in pain or aware.
Time afterward
Stay as long as you'd like. There is no rush.
Who can be there?
You're welcome to stay for all, part, or none of the visit. There is no wrong choice. Family members, including children, can be present if you feel it's right for them.
Keepsakes
Through our cremation partner, Heavenly Pet Cremations, you can choose a lasting keepsake to remember your pet: a clay paw print, an ink nose print, or a fur clipping.
Just let our team know which you'd like, and we'll arrange it for you.
Grief support
The loss of a pet is the loss of a family member, and grief is normal. If you need someone to talk to, this resource can help:
Lap of Love Pet Loss Support
Free weekly virtual support groups led by certified pet loss coaches, plus private one-on-one sessions and longer courses (fee-based).
Visit the Pet Loss Resource Center to learn more and sign up.
Aftercare and cremation
We partner with Heavenly Pet Cremations, a locally owned and operated pet cremation provider in Denison. They care for your pet with the dignity and respect they deserve, and every pet is carefully identified and tracked throughout the process. Heavenly Pet Cremations provides complimentary transportation from our hospital to their care.
Your aftercare options include:
- Private cremation: Your pet is cremated individually, and their ashes are returned to you in the memorial urn you select. Engraving and other memorial keepsakes are also available.
- Communal cremation: A respectful shared cremation for families who do not wish to receive their pet's ashes.
- Home burial: You're welcome to take your pet home for burial. Please check local guidelines first.
We'll let you know when your pet's ashes are ready, usually within 7 to 10 days.
We're here for you
If you're facing this decision, call us at (903) 893-5561. We'll answer your questions, help you plan, and walk with you every step of the way.
Reviewed by Sam Riddels, DVM