Viral TikTok video
The two words vets dread hearing when pet owners say their final goodbye
A Toronto-based hospice vet discusses the words that owners typically say to their pets in the moments before they die.

It’s the hardest part of having a pet. Unfortunately, domestic animals such as cats and dogs have a much shorter lifespan than humans - so, sooner or later, the time comes when you have to say your final goodbyes.
Although there are pet owners who can’t face the experience, many choose to be by their animal’s side in the moments before it passes away, to ensure it is surrounded by as much love and affection as possible.
What do owners typically say to their dying pet?
The Australian media outlet nine.com.au has shared a TikTok video in which a Canada-based hospice vet, Dr. Faith Banks, discusses how important it is for a pet to feel loved and comforted with a few soothing final words.
“The last words that you say to your pet are very special and meaningful,” Dr. Banks says.
She notes that loving phrases owners often say to their animals include: “I love you”, “thank you”, “I’ll miss you”, “see you again” and “wait for me”.
And there is one farewell message that the hospice vet, who works for the Midtown Mobile Veterinary Hospice Services in Toronto, finds it particularly tough to listen to.
“Hopefully not apologizing for anything they’ve done wrong”
“‘I’m sorry’ is one that I don’t love to hear, because I feel that those people have done so much for their pet,” Dr. Banks explained.
A last-minute apology might also indicate that the dying pet was made to endure unhappy times during its life, she added.
“I understand them [the pet owners] being sorry that they can’t be together anymore,” she said, “but [they’re] hopefully not apologizing for anything that they’ve done wrong.”
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