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There is no question that animal health pros in all settings are challenged when a pet owner struggles with an aggressive dog or a serious behavior issue that impacts human and animal safety or quality of life. When deciding to euthanize a dangerous animal, pet owners turn to veterinary professionals. It can be hard to find resources or the right words to ease the necessary decisions.
Guidance & Grace is a free workbook written by Cathy Madson, MA, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, FDM. It offers structure, language and empathy for some of the more difficult conversations animal health pros face.
Source: Preventive Vet, October 15, 2025. Link. <Workbook Link in AHD Library>. Inside “Guidance and Grace,” pet owners and animal health pros will find:
- Reflection prompts to clarify your values, boundaries, and capacity
- Checklists to document your dog’s behavior and safety risks
- Tools to evaluate quality of life for both your dog and your family
- An overview of management, rehoming, and behavioral euthanasia options
- Guidance on ruling out medical issues, especially pain, as underlying causes
- Resources for grief and aftercare if euthanasia becomes the most compassionate choice
Also see: Considerations for behavioral euthanasia, Today’s Veterinary Practice, October 6, 2025. Link. Veterinarians must weigh scientific knowledge, animal welfare principles, and ethics when helping owners navigate behavioral euthanasia decisions.