Better a Day Too Early, Than a Day Too Late

Senior Dog

Better a Day Too Early, than a Day Too Late…. But Is It?

The decision to euthanise a pet is one of the hardest choices a guardian can face. For many, this phrase offers reassurance: a way to frame the impossible choice as an act of mercy rather than tragedy. The idea is simple, choosing euthanasia too late means subjecting a pet to unnecessary suffering. Choosing too early means sparing them pain that may not have come yet. But does this logic always hold? And does it dismiss the possibility of just one more day of joy?

The Case for One More Day

Imagine this: Your dog, old and frail, but still capable of experiencing happiness, wakes up to a bright, warm morning. A final day to lie in the grass, feel the breeze, and indulge in their favourite meal. They wag their tail when they see you, their eyes still filled with love. Would ending their life today be stealing that one last moment?

Advocates of waiting argue that animals live in the present. They do not anticipate their pain worsening tomorrow. They do not fear the future in the same way humans do. If they have one more good day, shouldn't they be given that gift? Shouldn't we make absolutely certain that they have reached a point where suffering outweighs any last flicker of joy?

The Case for Mercy Before Suffering

On the other hand, waiting too long carries its own heartbreak. Many pet guardians fear hindsight - the realisation that they waited past the moment when their pet still had dignity and comfort. They worry about the suffering that came before relief, about the final hours or days when their pet was no longer living, but merely enduring.

Veterinarians often remind us that animals mask their pain. What seems like a peaceful nap may be the silence of agony. And in cases of terminal illness, pain can escalate quickly, leaving a beloved pet in distress before a guardian has time to act. For those who prioritise minimising suffering, choosing euthanasia a bit earlier - before unbearable pain sets in, feels like the kinder path.

What Is "Too Soon"? What Is "Too Late"?

There is no universal answer to this. Some pets, despite illness, maintain a level of contentment that justifies more time. Others deteriorate rapidly, leaving no chance for gentle goodbyes. It becomes a deeply personal choice, shaped by:

• Veterinary guidance

• Observing quality of life markers (appetite, mobility, enjoyment)

• The guardian's ability to ensure comfort

  
  

Ultimately, "better a day too early than a day too late" may offer solace to some but feel cruelly dismissive to others. No one wants to rob their pet of one last good moment, just as no one wants to extend their suffering. The only certainty is that love guides the choice - and that, regardless of timing, it is never made lightly.

Finding Peace in the Decision

If you struggle with that phrase, you're not alone. Maybe it's too rigid for something as nuanced as saying goodbye. Maybe better a day right on time would be more fitting. Whatever choice is made, the greatest act of love is ensuring that our pets never feel abandoned, that their final moments are filled with warmth, and that whenever the goodbye comes - it is given with absolute compassion.

If you are feeling uncertain, please reach out to Kirstey who will listen to your concerns and help you arrive to a decision that is best for your much-loved animal companion (and you). Ultimately it is your choice, but Kirstey can listen and advise from a neutral perspective – sometimes talking can help find clarity. Please email  Kirstey.lee@outlook.com to book an appointment. Appointments last up to one hour and cost £45.