More Aussies are choosing end-of-life care for their pets, would you?
Australia has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world, and according to the RSPCA's 2023 data, there are around 28.7 million animals in Australian homes - that's 69 per cent of national households with a pet.
And more parents of fur babies are now paying extra money for services, such as in-home palliative care and euthanasia so their much loved family member has a comfortable end-of-life experience.
Read more from The Senior:
When the Victorian couple's dogs weren't doing well when they travelled overseas in 2023, they were heartbroken and rallied family, a dog sitter and Rest Your Paws veterinarian Laura McGuffog to keep the dogs company and monitor their health.
But by the time they got back, their beloved dog Finn had taken a turn for the worse and they were thankful to be back for her darkest days.
Mrs Cleghorn said when Finn's time had come, having an in-home service felt less "clinical" and it also saved her beloved pooch from having the additional stress of being moved from her bed to go to a vet's clinic.
Instead, the family gathered and said their goodbyes in a more personal way.
"We all sat on the loungeroom floor with Finney in her bed and spoke to her," she said.
The Cleghorn's were especially touched when Dr McGuffog arrived with McDonald's chicken nuggets - Finns favourite - as a farewell gift that both Roy and Finn ate together.
"There was no rush. She [Dr McGuffog] took her time," Ms Cleghorn said. "And then finally she said, 'we'll say goodbye now'."
Mrs Cleghorn said after their emotional farewells were said "as she went off to sleep", a "little stretcher" was brought into the home, with the male family members helping lift Finn onto it and out to a vehicle.
Through tears, Mrs Cleghorn recalled how "amazed" she was Finn would be taken to her final resting place amongst pillows and flowers that adorned the car.
Mrs Cleghorn said saying goodbye in their home to their "daughter" helped with closure and made them feel like they did everything they could do to make her comfortable.
Sadly, it was only a few months later when they had to rally the troops again to help with their former racing dog, Roy, who unexpectantly experienced more serious seizures when the couple were away.
Heartbreakingly, they couldn't get back in time, so Dr McGuffog again came to the house - with nuggets and a "soft-serve from McDonald's" - and the devastated couple watched on their cameras, with Roy able to hear their voices saying goodbye.
"Laura did it with such tenderness and respect for the animal and us as owners," Vicki said.
The pair always told Roy they would give him the "best" life and with the home service, the couple feel like they kept their promise.
But palliative care isn't just about fulfilling a need to make animals as comfortable as possible in their final days - it is also helping people with low-mobility or illness to be able to say their final goodbyes.
"I personally have had clients who are bedridden, and they've been able to say goodbye to their pet on their bed, in their lap, in their arms, and still have that connection," Dr McGuffog told The Senior.
Dr McGuffog has noticed a difference with pet owners who choose the in-home service.
"People look up at you afterwards and say, 'that was just so peaceful'," she said.
Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE.
For Vicki, 65, and Dennis Cleghorn, 69, their beloved greyhounds Finn and Roy were their children and their "world", so when they became ill they wanted to make sure they had everything they needed - and they're not alone.
Australia has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world, and according to the RSPCA's 2023 data, there are around 28.7 million animals in Australian homes - that's 69 per cent of national households with a pet.
And more parents of fur babies are now paying extra money for services, such as in-home palliative care and euthanasia so their much loved family member has a comfortable end-of-life experience.
Read more from The Senior:
When the Victorian couple's dogs weren't doing well when they travelled overseas in 2023, they were heartbroken and rallied family, a dog sitter and Rest Your Paws veterinarian Laura McGuffog to keep the dogs company and monitor their health.
But by the time they got back, their beloved dog Finn had taken a turn for the worse and they were thankful to be back for her darkest days.
Mrs Cleghorn said when Finn's time had come, having an in-home service felt less "clinical" and it also saved her beloved pooch from having the additional stress of being moved from her bed to go to a vet's clinic.
Instead, the family gathered and said their goodbyes in a more personal way.
"We all sat on the loungeroom floor with Finney in her bed and spoke to her," she said.
The Cleghorn's were especially touched when Dr McGuffog arrived with McDonald's chicken nuggets - Finns favourite - as a farewell gift that both Roy and Finn ate together.
"There was no rush. She [Dr McGuffog] took her time," Ms Cleghorn said. "And then finally she said, 'we'll say goodbye now'."
Mrs Cleghorn said after their emotional farewells were said "as she went off to sleep", a "little stretcher" was brought into the home, with the male family members helping lift Finn onto it and out to a vehicle.
Through tears, Mrs Cleghorn recalled how "amazed" she was Finn would be taken to her final resting place amongst pillows and flowers that adorned the car.
Mrs Cleghorn said saying goodbye in their home to their "daughter" helped with closure and made them feel like they did everything they could do to make her comfortable.
Sadly, it was only a few months later when they had to rally the troops again to help with their former racing dog, Roy, who unexpectantly experienced more serious seizures when the couple were away.
Heartbreakingly, they couldn't get back in time, so Dr McGuffog again came to the house - with nuggets and a "soft-serve from McDonald's" - and the devastated couple watched on their cameras, with Roy able to hear their voices saying goodbye.
"Laura did it with such tenderness and respect for the animal and us as owners," Vicki said.
The pair always told Roy they would give him the "best" life and with the home service, the couple feel like they kept their promise.
But palliative care isn't just about fulfilling a need to make animals as comfortable as possible in their final days - it is also helping people with low-mobility or illness to be able to say their final goodbyes.
"I personally have had clients who are bedridden, and they've been able to say goodbye to their pet on their bed, in their lap, in their arms, and still have that connection," Dr McGuffog told The Senior.
Dr McGuffog has noticed a difference with pet owners who choose the in-home service.
"People look up at you afterwards and say, 'that was just so peaceful'," she said.
Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE.
For Vicki, 65, and Dennis Cleghorn, 69, their beloved greyhounds Finn and Roy were their children and their "world", so when they became ill they wanted to make sure they had everything they needed - and they're not alone.
Australia has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world, and according to the RSPCA's 2023 data, there are around 28.7 million animals in Australian homes - that's 69 per cent of national households with a pet.
And more parents of fur babies are now paying extra money for services, such as in-home palliative care and euthanasia so their much loved family member has a comfortable end-of-life experience.
Read more from The Senior:
When the Victorian couple's dogs weren't doing well when they travelled overseas in 2023, they were heartbroken and rallied family, a dog sitter and Rest Your Paws veterinarian Laura McGuffog to keep the dogs company and monitor their health.
But by the time they got back, their beloved dog Finn had taken a turn for the worse and they were thankful to be back for her darkest days.
Mrs Cleghorn said when Finn's time had come, having an in-home service felt less "clinical" and it also saved her beloved pooch from having the additional stress of being moved from her bed to go to a vet's clinic.
Instead, the family gathered and said their goodbyes in a more personal way.
"We all sat on the loungeroom floor with Finney in her bed and spoke to her," she said.
The Cleghorn's were especially touched when Dr McGuffog arrived with McDonald's chicken nuggets - Finns favourite - as a farewell gift that both Roy and Finn ate together.
"There was no rush. She [Dr McGuffog] took her time," Ms Cleghorn said. "And then finally she said, 'we'll say goodbye now'."
Mrs Cleghorn said after their emotional farewells were said "as she went off to sleep", a "little stretcher" was brought into the home, with the male family members helping lift Finn onto it and out to a vehicle.
Through tears, Mrs Cleghorn recalled how "amazed" she was Finn would be taken to her final resting place amongst pillows and flowers that adorned the car.
Mrs Cleghorn said saying goodbye in their home to their "daughter" helped with closure and made them feel like they did everything they could do to make her comfortable.
Sadly, it was only a few months later when they had to rally the troops again to help with their former racing dog, Roy, who unexpectantly experienced more serious seizures when the couple were away.
Heartbreakingly, they couldn't get back in time, so Dr McGuffog again came to the house - with nuggets and a "soft-serve from McDonald's" - and the devastated couple watched on their cameras, with Roy able to hear their voices saying goodbye.
"Laura did it with such tenderness and respect for the animal and us as owners," Vicki said.
The pair always told Roy they would give him the "best" life and with the home service, the couple feel like they kept their promise.
But palliative care isn't just about fulfilling a need to make animals as comfortable as possible in their final days - it is also helping people with low-mobility or illness to be able to say their final goodbyes.
"I personally have had clients who are bedridden, and they've been able to say goodbye to their pet on their bed, in their lap, in their arms, and still have that connection," Dr McGuffog told The Senior.
Dr McGuffog has noticed a difference with pet owners who choose the in-home service.
"People look up at you afterwards and say, 'that was just so peaceful'," she said.
Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE.
For Vicki, 65, and Dennis Cleghorn, 69, their beloved greyhounds Finn and Roy were their children and their "world", so when they became ill they wanted to make sure they had everything they needed - and they're not alone.
Australia has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world, and according to the RSPCA's 2023 data, there are around 28.7 million animals in Australian homes - that's 69 per cent of national households with a pet.
And more parents of fur babies are now paying extra money for services, such as in-home palliative care and euthanasia so their much loved family member has a comfortable end-of-life experience.
Read more from The Senior:
When the Victorian couple's dogs weren't doing well when they travelled overseas in 2023, they were heartbroken and rallied family, a dog sitter and Rest Your Paws veterinarian Laura McGuffog to keep the dogs company and monitor their health.
But by the time they got back, their beloved dog Finn had taken a turn for the worse and they were thankful to be back for her darkest days.
Mrs Cleghorn said when Finn's time had come, having an in-home service felt less "clinical" and it also saved her beloved pooch from having the additional stress of being moved from her bed to go to a vet's clinic.
Instead, the family gathered and said their goodbyes in a more personal way.
"We all sat on the loungeroom floor with Finney in her bed and spoke to her," she said.
The Cleghorn's were especially touched when Dr McGuffog arrived with McDonald's chicken nuggets - Finns favourite - as a farewell gift that both Roy and Finn ate together.
"There was no rush. She [Dr McGuffog] took her time," Ms Cleghorn said. "And then finally she said, 'we'll say goodbye now'."
Mrs Cleghorn said after their emotional farewells were said "as she went off to sleep", a "little stretcher" was brought into the home, with the male family members helping lift Finn onto it and out to a vehicle.
Through tears, Mrs Cleghorn recalled how "amazed" she was Finn would be taken to her final resting place amongst pillows and flowers that adorned the car.
Mrs Cleghorn said saying goodbye in their home to their "daughter" helped with closure and made them feel like they did everything they could do to make her comfortable.
Sadly, it was only a few months later when they had to rally the troops again to help with their former racing dog, Roy, who unexpectantly experienced more serious seizures when the couple were away.
Heartbreakingly, they couldn't get back in time, so Dr McGuffog again came to the house - with nuggets and a "soft-serve from McDonald's" - and the devastated couple watched on their cameras, with Roy able to hear their voices saying goodbye.
"Laura did it with such tenderness and respect for the animal and us as owners," Vicki said.
The pair always told Roy they would give him the "best" life and with the home service, the couple feel like they kept their promise.
But palliative care isn't just about fulfilling a need to make animals as comfortable as possible in their final days - it is also helping people with low-mobility or illness to be able to say their final goodbyes.
"I personally have had clients who are bedridden, and they've been able to say goodbye to their pet on their bed, in their lap, in their arms, and still have that connection," Dr McGuffog told The Senior.
Dr McGuffog has noticed a difference with pet owners who choose the in-home service.
"People look up at you afterwards and say, 'that was just so peaceful'," she said.
Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE.
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"What we need now is not pro-natalist policies, but instead policies of hope, restoring hope," Dr Allen said. "Because at the core of it, that's what having children is about, a hope that tomorrow will be worth living. "Right now there's a significant lack of hope in the future." Australian mums are giving birth at 31.3 years of age on average - the highest on record - ringing alarm bells for experts. New national data has also revealed the national birth rate has hit a record low, with Australian National University demographer Liz Allen saying life was "simply too difficult" for people considering having children. Dr Allen said the figures continued a dangerous long-term trend. "This is an unchanging story that isn't getting better. Really there's no news here except that things are getting worse," she said. "The time for action is long overdue." The figures from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare showed the national birth rate dropping to 52 per 1000 women in 2023, the lowest figure since AIHW started recording in 1998. The AIHW data is gathered from public and private hospitals across Australia, providing a detailed picture of birthing trends over time. While the figures revealed a record low birth rate, they also showed the rate was in "steady decline" since 2007. There was a slight uptick after the first year of the COVID pandemic, but that has been followed by a sharp decline. In 2007 the rate was 66 babies per 1000 women of reproductive age, so the figure has dropped more than 20 per cent over just 16 years. Despite the overall declining trend, regional Australia showed better rates than the big cities. Areas like Bourke in north-west NSW had a rate of 98 babies per 1000 women in 2023, double the national average. Dubbo's rate was 76.2, while Wagga Wagga's was 65.2, Griffith's was 70 and Orange's was 64. In Victoria, Warrnambool's rate was 58.6 and Wodonga's was 58.9. The larger regional cities recorded lower rates. Newcastle's rate was 46.9 babies per 1000 women, Wollongong's was 47, while Victoria's big regional centres were slightly better, with Ballarat's rate 53.7 and Bendigo's 57.4. The lowest rates were recorded in metropolitan areas in the centre of Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Brisbane, with rates around 20 babies per 1000 women. Canberra also recorded one of the lowest birth rates in the nation, with just 24 babies per 1000 women. The data also showed a continuing trend of mothers giving birth later in life. In 1998 the average age of women giving birth was 28.9 years. By 2023 new mothers were more than two years older, with the average jumping to 31.3 years. AIHW spokesperson Louise Catanzariti said the proportion of older mothers had also climbed. "Over time, the proportion of women giving birth aged 35 and over has increased from 23 per cent in 2010 to 28 per cent in 2023, while the proportion aged under 25 has decreased from 18 per cent to 11 per cent," Ms Catanzariti said. Dr Allen said both the birth rate and the age of new mothers were signs of how difficult life was for people. "Total fertility rates aren't an indication of a decline in people's ability to get pregnant, rather, life is getting in the way," she said. "It wouldn't be such a problem if people were just choosing not to get pregnant, but the truth is it's a constrained choice. People are unlikely to meet their desired family size because life is simply too difficult and the prospect of having a child is so concerning to people because the future feels mighty uncertain." Dr Allen said government intervention was long overdue and it would have to be significant. "What's needed now is a comprehensive suite of policies aimed at tackling housing affordability, economic insecurity, gender inequality, and climate change," she said. "A piecemeal baby bonus isn't going to get us out of this." She said potential parents had lost confidence in the future being a hospitable place for a child. "What we need now is not pro-natalist policies, but instead policies of hope, restoring hope," Dr Allen said. "Because at the core of it, that's what having children is about, a hope that tomorrow will be worth living. "Right now there's a significant lack of hope in the future." Australian mums are giving birth at 31.3 years of age on average - the highest on record - ringing alarm bells for experts. New national data has also revealed the national birth rate has hit a record low, with Australian National University demographer Liz Allen saying life was "simply too difficult" for people considering having children. Dr Allen said the figures continued a dangerous long-term trend. "This is an unchanging story that isn't getting better. Really there's no news here except that things are getting worse," she said. "The time for action is long overdue." The figures from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare showed the national birth rate dropping to 52 per 1000 women in 2023, the lowest figure since AIHW started recording in 1998. The AIHW data is gathered from public and private hospitals across Australia, providing a detailed picture of birthing trends over time. While the figures revealed a record low birth rate, they also showed the rate was in "steady decline" since 2007. There was a slight uptick after the first year of the COVID pandemic, but that has been followed by a sharp decline. In 2007 the rate was 66 babies per 1000 women of reproductive age, so the figure has dropped more than 20 per cent over just 16 years. Despite the overall declining trend, regional Australia showed better rates than the big cities. Areas like Bourke in north-west NSW had a rate of 98 babies per 1000 women in 2023, double the national average. Dubbo's rate was 76.2, while Wagga Wagga's was 65.2, Griffith's was 70 and Orange's was 64. In Victoria, Warrnambool's rate was 58.6 and Wodonga's was 58.9. The larger regional cities recorded lower rates. Newcastle's rate was 46.9 babies per 1000 women, Wollongong's was 47, while Victoria's big regional centres were slightly better, with Ballarat's rate 53.7 and Bendigo's 57.4. The lowest rates were recorded in metropolitan areas in the centre of Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Brisbane, with rates around 20 babies per 1000 women. Canberra also recorded one of the lowest birth rates in the nation, with just 24 babies per 1000 women. The data also showed a continuing trend of mothers giving birth later in life. In 1998 the average age of women giving birth was 28.9 years. By 2023 new mothers were more than two years older, with the average jumping to 31.3 years. AIHW spokesperson Louise Catanzariti said the proportion of older mothers had also climbed. "Over time, the proportion of women giving birth aged 35 and over has increased from 23 per cent in 2010 to 28 per cent in 2023, while the proportion aged under 25 has decreased from 18 per cent to 11 per cent," Ms Catanzariti said. Dr Allen said both the birth rate and the age of new mothers were signs of how difficult life was for people. "Total fertility rates aren't an indication of a decline in people's ability to get pregnant, rather, life is getting in the way," she said. "It wouldn't be such a problem if people were just choosing not to get pregnant, but the truth is it's a constrained choice. People are unlikely to meet their desired family size because life is simply too difficult and the prospect of having a child is so concerning to people because the future feels mighty uncertain." Dr Allen said government intervention was long overdue and it would have to be significant. "What's needed now is a comprehensive suite of policies aimed at tackling housing affordability, economic insecurity, gender inequality, and climate change," she said. "A piecemeal baby bonus isn't going to get us out of this." She said potential parents had lost confidence in the future being a hospitable place for a child. "What we need now is not pro-natalist policies, but instead policies of hope, restoring hope," Dr Allen said. "Because at the core of it, that's what having children is about, a hope that tomorrow will be worth living. "Right now there's a significant lack of hope in the future."
