Euthanasia guide helps DVMs talk to clients

Fort Collins, Colo.

-- Talking to a pet owner about euthanasia can be difficult, which is why Colorado State University's Argus Institute is offering a printed guide for veterinarians on end-of-life decisions.

"What Now? Support for You and Your Companion Animal" is a comprehensive guide written by the Argus Institute, a teaching, research and service organization devoted to counseling pet owners through loss and improving veterinarian-to-client communication.

The guide helps veterinarians support clients when their animal is sick, and the client is facing an end-of-life decision or 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.

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 the Web site at www.argusinstitute.colostate.edu.