Vet's heartfelt advice to stop saying 'I'm sorry' to your pets before their passing — say this instead
Spending the last few moments with a pet before saying goodbye forever is a devastating moment every owner dreads. At such an emotional time, people tend to express their gratitude for their pet’s existence and recount cherished memories from the past. However, Dr. Mary Gardner, a veterinary expert working with Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice, opened up about a common phrase that pet parents resort to while bidding farewell to their furry companions on October 14, 2025. She advised against saying, “I’m sorry” to their dying pets and instead shared her expert wisdom on the right phrase that leaves a significant impact in their end moments.
Speaking from more than 15 years of experience performing euthanasia, Dr. Gardner noticed a pattern among families grieving their pets. They apologize to their pets as they cross the rainbow bridge. “There are usually two things that families will say to the pet right before they pass. That’s either ‘I’m sorry’ or ‘Thank you’,” she pointed out in a video shared by @lapofloveveterinaryhospice. While the latter was fine, the vet was not convinced by the apologizing part. “I really hate that somebody says 'I'm sorry' to their pet as if they did something wrong,” Dr. Gardner said.
The vet shed light on the effort of pet parents in giving their furry pals a blessed life and doing everything in their power to make sure their end moments were dignified and surrounded by love. It would not be justified to regret the inevitable moment. The fact that the owners were able to spend their life with the pet is what matters the most, and they should instead express gratitude for the blessings that came along the way. “So, instead of saying, ‘I’m sorry,’ really consider saying, ‘Thank you’...and ‘I love you,'” the veterinarian said. Expressing love and gratitude and thanking the pet as they prepare to leave can transform the devastating moment into one of the many beautiful memories the families have created.
The decision to euthanize a pet is difficult, and it comes with a great deal of responsibility and discomfort. It is important to make sure the pet feels loved and protected, even as they go, and apologizing to them might negate the cause. The post received a couple of reactions from fellow pet owners reflecting on the vet's advice. “I could not say any more thank yous and love yous and even said I am so proud of you,” said @gigi1492 and @valentine_sonja shared, “I just told him ‘I love you’ a 100 times.” Similarly, @snowadventuring wrote, “I said, ‘Thank you for choosing us, thank you for joy, and I love you over and over and over again.’”
According to PetLabCo, the days leading up to the euthanasia appointment are valuable for both pets and parents. It is crucial to spend as much quality time with the pet, offering reassurance and petting to soothe them in their final days. Surround the pet with their favorite treats and toys, and ensure their bedding is warm and comfortable. In case of extreme pain, a vet should be consulted for pain management options.
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