final journey euthanasia

Helpful Resources for Grieving Families

Pet loss books.

• Going Home: Finding Peace When Pets Die –  Jon Katz
• Grieving the Death of a Pet
  – Betty Carmack
• Coping With Sorrow on the Loss of Your Pet  – M. Anderson
• Pet Loss and Human Bereavement  
- W. Kay
• Animals as Teachers and Healers  
- S. McElroy
• A Final Act of Caring: Ending the Life of an Animal Friend  – M. Montgomery
• Pet Loss: A Thoughtful Guide for Adults and Children  – H. Neiburg
• Tibetan Book of Living & Dying  
- Sogyal Rinpoche
• Kindred Spirit, Kindred Care: Making Health Decisions on Behalf of Our Animal Companions  – Shannon F. Nakaya, DVM
• It’s Okay To Cry  – M.L. Quintana

Pet Loss Books Especially for Children

• When a Pet Dies  – F. Rogers
• Dog Heaven  – C. Rylant
• Cat Heaven  – C. Rylant
• Water Bugs and Dragonflies  – Doris Strickney
• The Tenth Good Thing About Barney  – Judith Viorst
• The Invisible String  – Patrice Karst
• I’ll Always Love You  – Hans Wilhelm
• Farewell to Doby  – Dr. Lakhbir K. Jassal
• On Grief and Grieving –  E. Kubler-Ross and D. Kessler
• On Death and Dying –  E. Kubler-Ross
• On Children and Death  – E. Kubler-Ross

Bereavement and Grief Resource Links

• ASPCA PET LOSS HOTLINE
• ASSOCIATION FOR PET LOSS AND BEREAVEMENT
• CORNELL PET LOSS HOTLINE

The Argus Institute, Colorado State University

They are available Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm, Mountain time. Phone: (970) 297-4143 Website:  www.ArgusInstitute.colostate.edu 300 West Drake, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1620

Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement

state-by-state listings of pet loss counselors Phone: (718) 382-0690 Website:  www.APLB.org P.O. Box 106, Brooklyn, NY 11230

Cornell Veterinary Teaching Hospital https://www.vet.cornell.edu/about-us/outreach/pet-loss-support-hotline

Delta Society

Phone: (425) 679-5500 Website:  www.DeltaSociety.org 875 124th Ave. NE, Suite 101 Bellevue, WA 98005

Hospice Care and Support

Request a visit.

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Final Journey LLC

In-home Veterinary Services Monroe, Connecticut, 06468

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Our Commitment at Final Journey LLC is to provide a humane, dignified and compassionate service for people and their animal companions at a time of transition.

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Submitted by Robert Monck on Friday, Oct 22, 2021

I wasn’t sure about putting my dog to sleep but it was time. Someone told me about Final Journeys and it was the best decision I could make. The vet and the assistant who came to the house were great. They made putting my dog to sleep a lot better for me an my family. I would highly recommend them to anyone who has to put doee we n there pet

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Final Journey Care

Final Journey

Introduction to Final Journey

Welcome to Final Journey, where we understand the profound bond you share with your beloved pet. We are dedicated to providing compassionate and dignified services for your pet's final journey. Our team, composed of caring professionals, recognizes the difficulty of saying goodbye to a cherished companion. We offer personalized at-home euthanasia, ensuring a peaceful and gentle farewell in the comfort of your own home. In addition, our pet cremation services are designed to offer a respectful and caring way to honor your pet's memory. At Final Journey, we are committed to supporting you through this challenging time with empathy and understanding.

Service Description

At Final Journey, our services are centered around providing peace, dignity, and comfort to your pets and you during the hardest of times. Our at-home euthanasia service is conducted by experienced veterinarians who ensure a peaceful, painless, and stress-free experience for your pet. We understand the importance of being in a familiar and loving environment during these final moments and strive to make this process as calm and comforting as possible. Following the passing, we offer cremation services with several options to memorialize your pet. Our state-of-the-art cremation facility ensures a dignified farewell, and we provide various urns and keepsakes to cherish your pet's memory. Each service is conducted with the utmost respect and care, honoring the special place your pet holds in your heart.

Message to Pet Owners

Guidance for pet owners facing the decision.

Memorializing Your Pet

Commitment to Compassionate Care

Comprehensive At-Home Euthanasia Process

Personalized Grief Support and Resources

At Final Journey, we recognize that the loss of a pet is a deeply personal and profound experience. We offer grief support and resources to help you through this difficult time. Our compassionate staff can provide information on coping mechanisms, support groups, and counseling services. We also offer online resources, including articles and forums, where you can connect with others who understand what you’re going through. We believe in the power of community and shared experiences in healing and offer a space for you to honor and remember your pet.

Commitment to Ethical and Environmentally Responsible Practices

Final Journey is committed to ethical and environmentally responsible practices in all aspects of our services. We adhere to the highest standards in veterinary care and cremation processes, ensuring that they are performed with the utmost respect for both your pet and the environment. Our crematorium uses the latest technology to minimize environmental impact. We are also dedicated to responsible handling of all remains, ensuring that every step from transportation

Community and Environmental Commitment

Educational Outreach and Awareness

Future Plans and Vision

**Please call/text first if this is an Urgent Request**

**please call/text if this is an urgent request** 740-607-0480, about final journey home.

Final Journey Home LLC is a small business owned and operated by Dr. Cally Webster, a compassionate veterinarian who is passionate about providing in home euthanasia in the greater Columbus Ohio area. We specialize in in-home small animal veterinary euthanasia. We understand the pain of losing a beloved pet, and we aim to provide compassionate end-of-life care to ensure a peaceful passing in the comfort of their home. Dr. Webster is dedicated to ensuring that you and your loved ones have a positive experience during such difficult times. We offer in home euthanasia, some palliative care options and after-care to meet your needs. Our goal is to provide a personalized, meaningful experience that allows for a peaceful passing of your pet and helps you through the grieving process.

Dr. Cally Webster

Dr. Cally Webster grew up in Ohio and found her passion for animals at a very young age.  She was inspired by her Aunt to attend Veterinary school, which became a reality for her in 2014.  She graduated from The Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine in 2018, where she then pursued an Equine Field Service Internship for one year, then practiced in a mixed animal general practice for 4 years, and now currently works at MedVet in the Urgent Care department. She has also completed an animal chiropractic certification and owns an animal chiropractic business as well.  She became very passionate about end of life care after losing her heart dog Noel almost 1 year ago from a brain tumor.  She understands how much our pets mean to us and how much it hurts to lose them.  She found comfort in having her beloved Noel pass peacefully and strives to provide the same experience for other pets.  Noel has been Dr. Webster's driving force for starting Final Journey Home LLC, you can even spot her in the logo ;).

Fun fact, Dr. Webster is CAETA certified, which means she has completed additional up-to-date training in companion animal euthanasia. 

We also collaborate with a local photographer, LM Imagery, to offer memorial pet portraits, providing a lasting memory of your pet. LM Imagery understands that each family is unique, and they will work with you to create a personalized photo shoot that honors your pets life. At Final Journey Home, we value the comfort and well-being of our clients and their pets, and we are committed to providing the highest quality service and care. Contact LM Imagery today to learn more about their photography options and how they can assist you during this difficult time.

Final Journey Home

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Compassionate In-Home Euthanasia Service for Pets

We offere compassionate in-home euthanasia services for your beloved pet. We are able to come directly to your home, which… read more

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About the Business

At Final Journey Home LLC we understand the deep bond you share with your beloved small animal companions. We offer compassionate and professional in-home euthanasia services for small animals. We prioritize your pet's comfort and dignity, allowing them to peacefully transition surrounded by familiar sights and sounds. With empathy and respect, we aim to ease the difficult decision-making process and provide support every step of the way. We also have flexible scheduling to help accommodate weekday, evening or weekend needs. …

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It's a Final Act of Caring

We are dedicated to making your pet’s last moments peaceful and comfortable. Through the years we have become advocates for Home Euthanasia, providing pets and their families with a peaceful, comfortable passing in familiar surroundings.

It’s a Final Act of Caring

“We need help now”

If your home is within our service area and you and your pet have an immediate need for an in-home euthanasia, please call us. We would like to discuss your pet’s situation as soon as possible.

The earlier in the day you call, the more availability we may have on short notice. Our hours are: M-F, 6AM to 7PM and Sat/Sun 6AM to 5PM (CST).

“We need help soon”

Thank you for considering Journeys Home. We provide in-home euthanasia services for pet families in Dane County and the surrounding area.

Hours and Availability: M-F, 6AM to 7PM and Sat/Sun 6AM to 5PM (CST). Please call to discuss our current available appointment times.

“We might need you in the upcoming weeks”

Unfortunately, our pet’s health can and often does deteriorate as they approach the end of life. As you and your vet recognize a decline in your pet’s well-being, we recommend that you occasionally use our JOURNEYS Quality of Life Scale quiz to track aspects of your pet’s life. It will help you assess changes to their overall comfort and happiness.

Hear from our doctors about how we’re here to help, and why we do what we do.

The Story of Journeys Home

It’s Our Calling

Dr. Katie Hilst started a house call business in 2007 and soon realized that families needed support throughout the decision-making and home euthanasia process. Often the circumstances changed suddenly, and she needed to be available on short notice and on weekends.

She started to envision a business model where veterinarians could offer peaceful home euthanasia and assist families with a final act of caring. She founded Journeys Home and started her search for compassionate veterinarians who felt, as she did, a calling to help people through one of the most difficult times of their lives.

Dr. Laura Purdy joined Journeys Home during the summer of 2015, and after 3 1/2 years of helping pets and their families, she became a partner at Journeys Home in the fall of 2018. She believed that in-home euthanasia was an invaluable service and that providing comfort to pets and families at the end of life was truly where she needed to be.

Dr. Christine Nelson began working part-time with Journeys in early 2018 while also filling in at some local clinics. After seeing what an extraordinary experience in-home euthanasia can be, she joined as a partner in November 2019 to do her part in making this special process more widely available to the pet community.

Over the years, Journeys Home has grown to serve the needs of our community, and our team now includes eight incredible veterinarians who all support the following principles:

We feel it is both a privilege and an honor to help pet families with “A Final Act of Caring.”

We had Dr Kitt make a house call today. My bestest boy, Chance, made his way across the Rainbow Bridge after loving me for 16 years. I have to say, in all sincerity, Kitt was absolutely amazing. Very understanding, pleasant conversation and she let us move at a pace that we were comfortable with. She was very inclusive with the process, all while making us feel, weirdly at peace with our decision.

I’m willing to say, Dr Kitt is one of the most genuine and kindest person I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Thank you so very much for helping my family through a very difficult process. (And no, this picture isn’t from today, he was old and slept a lot 😬)

I’m so grateful that a friend of mine told me about Journeys Home. I was very distraught over the fact that my veterinarian’s office would no longer come to your home for euthanasia services. My elderly kitty, Moses, was getting close to the end of his journey, and I was dreading having to take him to the clinic to help him transition.

Dr. Christine made a heartbreaking experience as peaceful as possible, and I will be forever grateful that they offer this service. My only regret is not knowing about Journeys Home earlier.

What an amazing service this is. A vet had recommended them years ago when our last dog had cancer and was in pain, and I was so impressed with them. So I called again when my current dog was going downhill fast and it was time.

Dr. Laura came and was so amazing. She made me feel so comfortable and relieved and confident that my decision to let my boy go was the correct one. She was great with him too, and took great care to make sure his passing was easy and peaceful. incredibly professional and personable.

They made a very tough moment so much easier. And my boy was sent on his way with no anxiety, in his home, surrounded by his family.

Perfect. From the moment we decided to let our 13 year old black lab (Mya) go, I was an emotional wreck. I knew it was the best thing I could do for her, but it still hurt my heart. I knew Mya HATED going to the vet and doing so would cause her anxiety and I do NOT want that to be her last emotion. SO I reached out to Journey’s home and I immediately knew this was the right decision. Laura was great in communicating with me via e-mail and Dr. Katie was amazing.

She showed up on time, was so sweet and comforting, she talked to my kids before hand so they understood what was going to happen. She was patient, professional, caring and so sweet. She did a paw print for us that we will treasure forever. She even gave me a perfectly timed hug that I needed so badly. I would highly recommend this service to anyone having to face the difficult decision to euthanize their furry friend. Mya passed peacefully in our backyard surrounded by her family, that is all I could have asked for. Thank you Journey’s Home, we will never forget what you have done for us and our beloved Mya.

It is a rarity in life that you meet someone so wonderful at such a devastating time. As we prepared to lose our beautiful little boy, Prince, to cancer, my husband was given a recommendation that same day to contact Dr. Katie Hilst of Journeys Home. Katie is truly an angel on earth. She was kind, compassionate and loving to two complete strangers and our beloved companion of fifteen years. We were allowed to have the lights in our home turned down low, candles lit, soft music playing in the background and our Princie’s beloved heated blanket to rest on.

As incredibly difficult as the situation was, it could not have been a more peaceful transition for our sweet boy. We cried freely while Katie explained the entire process to us, step by step, treating us and our Prince with nothing but kindness and true compassion. We truly cannot say enough about Katie. When the day comes and you have to make incredibly difficult decisions, please consider the warmth and comfort of your own home with Journeys Home. You will not regret it.

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The Final Journey: A Compassionate Guide to Euthanasia for Dogs

Welcome to our heartfelt discussion on a topic that, while difficult, is important for every pet owner to understand. Today, we delve into the compassionate world of veterinary care, specifically focusing on the process used to humanely say goodbye to our canine companions.

🐾 The Decision: Recognizing When It’s Time

Making the decision to put a dog down is one of the hardest moments a pet owner can face. It’s a decision that comes from a place of deep love and a desire to prevent unnecessary suffering. How do you know it’s time? Look for signs such as:

• Persistent Pain 😣: Pain that can’t be alleviated with medication.
• Loss of Appetite 🥄: When your furry friend no longer enjoys their meals.
• Difficulty Breathing 😮‍💨: Struggling to catch their breath.
• Lack of Joy in Activities 🚫🎾: No interest in play, walks, or interaction.

🩺 The Process: How Vets Help Our Canine Friends Cross the Rainbow Bridge

Veterinarians use a specific, humane procedure to ensure a peaceful passing. Here’s a step-by-step insight:

Preparation Stage

• Comfort Is Key 🛌: The process often takes place in a quiet, comfortable area to ease stress.
• Final Goodbyes 👋: Families are given time to spend final moments with their pet.

The Euthanasia Procedure

• Sedation 💤: A sedative is administered to relax the dog and alleviate any anxiety or discomfort.
• Euthanasia Solution 💉: A euthanasia drug, typically a barbiturate like Pentobarbital, is administered. This acts quickly to stop the heart and brain functions, leading to a peaceful and painless death.
• Confirmation of Passing 🕊️: The veterinarian will confirm that the heart has stopped, ensuring the process is complete.
• Options for Care 🌈: Pet owners can choose burial, cremation, or other memorial services to honor their beloved pet.

🚀 Expert Tips: Navigating Your Emotions and Decisions

• Seek Support 🤝: Consider pet loss support groups or counseling to navigate your grief.
• Memorialize Your Pet 🖼️: Create a memory box or a photo album to celebrate your pet’s life.
• Understand the Process 📚: Educating yourself on the euthanasia process can ease anxieties about the decision.

📊 Understanding the Costs

Here’s a brief look at what you might expect in terms of costs. Prices can vary based on location, the size of the pet, and aftercare choices.

💬 Final Thoughts: A Journey of Love and Respect

While discussing the end of a pet’s life is never easy, understanding the process of euthanasia helps ensure that when the time comes, you can make informed, compassionate decisions. Remember, this difficult choice comes from a place of love, aiming to prevent suffering and provide a peaceful transition for your furry family member.

We hope this guide has provided you with the critical answers and insights you needed. In this challenging time, remember, it’s not just about saying goodbye; it’s about celebrating a life well-lived and the unconditional love shared.

Dr. Emily Hart, DVM: Navigating the Path of Compassionate Farewells

Q: Dr. Hart, can you describe how you approach the conversation with pet owners considering euthanasia for their beloved dog?

A: “Certainly. I believe in approaching these conversations with a blend of empathy and clarity. It’s vital to create a space where pet owners feel supported and understood. I start by asking them to share their observations and concerns about their pet’s quality of life. This initial dialogue helps in framing the situation not just as a medical decision, but as a compassionate choice aimed at alleviating suffering. I use straightforward, gentle language to describe the procedure, ensuring they understand it’s a peaceful and painless process for their pet.”

Q: There’s often a lot of emotional pain involved in this decision. How do you help pet owners cope with the guilt or doubt they might feel?

A: “Dealing with guilt and doubt is indeed a significant part of the process for many pet owners. I emphasize that this decision is the ultimate act of love and kindness a pet owner can offer. I encourage them to reflect on their pet’s life as a whole, rather than just the end, and to recognize the joy and companionship they’ve provided. Sharing stories of their pet’s happier times can also be a therapeutic way to honor their bond. Additionally, I provide resources for grief counseling and support groups, as external validation and shared experiences can be incredibly comforting.”

Q: What advancements in veterinary medicine have impacted the process of euthanasia in recent years?

A: “Advancements in veterinary medicine, especially in the realm of palliative care, have significantly influenced how we approach the end-of-life stage. We now have better pain management options and sedatives that ensure the process is as smooth and stress-free as possible for the pet. Additionally, the rise of in-home euthanasia services has been a game-changer. It allows pets to be in their familiar environment surrounded by family, which can be less stressful for both the pet and the owners. This personal and intimate setting has transformed the experience into one of peaceful passing rather than a clinical procedure.”

Q: For pet owners who’ve gone through this process, what advice do you have for them in the days that follow?

A: “The days following the loss of a pet are often filled with a profound sense of emptiness and grief. I advise pet owners to allow themselves to mourn fully and to seek support when needed. It’s important to remember that grieving is a highly personal experience and there’s no right or wrong way to feel. Creating a memory book or planting a tree in honor of their pet can serve as meaningful tributes. Also, reaching out to friends, family, or a support group who understands the depth of their loss can provide solace. Eventually, I encourage them to celebrate the life and love shared with their pet, recognizing that their furry companion’s legacy is one of unconditional love and joy.”

Q: Lastly, any final words of wisdom for our readers?

A: “I’d like to remind everyone that the bond shared with a pet is incredibly special and unique. While the decision to say goodbye is heartbreakingly difficult, it’s a decision made from the deepest love and respect for our animal companions. Trust in the knowledge that you’ve done everything within your power to provide a loving, joyful life for your pet. And remember, it’s okay to seek help as you navigate through your grief. Your pet’s paw prints will forever remain on your heart, marking a journey filled with love, laughter, and beautiful memories.”

• Paws and Reflect: The Final Journey of Our Feline Friends 🐾
• A Compassionate Guide to End-Stage Lung Cancer in Dogs 🐾
• Banfield Cremation Costs: A Compassionate Guide 🐾
• 🏥 Banfield End of Life Costs: A Compassionate Guide
• A Compassionate Guide to Saying Goodbye:…

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Pet Grief: Helping Your Pet on Their Final Journey

• February 20, 2022

Owen John Thomson

Pets are considered members of the family, and as such, we want to keep them with us as long as we can. Unfortunately, there is no cure for all ills, including those of an aged or dying pet.

It can be hard to know how to care for a dying pet, but following these seven steps should help you lead your cherished companion on their final journey in comfort and peace.

1. Be Honest, but Positive

Part of caring for a dying pet is knowing when enough is enough. It’s essential to be honest with yourself and your vet, but at the same time, you want to remain positive in front of your pet. Pets are perceptive in their own way, and they will pick up on your feelings.

It can be hard to know how to care for a dying pet when many pets seem full of life, no matter their age or sickness. The truth doesn’t have to take away from the bond you’ve built with them over all these years together.

That being said, if you’re struggling emotionally, it might help you both if you speak with an expert — particularly someone who has expertise in this area, such as a veterinarian or therapist.

2. Find a Good Vet for Your Pet

One of the most significant factors that help you care for your dying pet is having someone who knows about euthanasia, can prescribe medication to make your pet comfortable during end-of-life, and understands what you are going through emotionally and physically.

That means finding a veterinarian who is willing and able to offer all of this. If you have several veterinarians in mind, ask friends and family for recommendations on someone they trust their pets with before making an appointment. Make sure your vet works with your budget — euthanasia does not come cheap!

3. Schedule an Appointment to Euthanize Your Pet

After speaking with one or more veterinarians, schedule a suitable appointment for you and your pet. Your vet will help you determine what would be best for your pet, but they may offer medication to make them more comfortable while awaiting their final journey.

Euthanasia itself happens in the veterinary office, which can sometimes cause emotional trauma for people who are not used to it. Ask if someone can stay with you during this process who does not have direct ties to your pet (such as a spouse or close friend).

4. Involve Your Pet in Grieving Their Loss

Pets grieve just like we do when they lose a companion or loved one — they feel loss at some levels even though they might not be able to express it directly with words.

When the time comes to euthanize your pet, it can be too stressful to focus on them and yourself, especially if this is a long-term process like cancer.

Ask an assistant to help you hold and comfort your pet before and during euthanasia, even if that doesn’t mean physical contact; playing familiar music or using aromatherapy can go a long way in comforting them and helping you feel more confident about the final outcome.

5. Have Your Pet’s Body Cremated

After euthanasia has taken place, your vet will take care of any necessary paperwork and store your pet’s body until you are ready for pick-up.

It is best to have their body cremated through the aquamation  process, which uses water instead of fire to return your fur baby to mother nature.

6. Say a Final Goodbye

Once your pet’s body has been cremated, have a private memorial for them, perhaps where they felt most at home, such as near their favorite tree in the garden or on top of their favorite hill on a walk together.

You can put any souvenirs from your time spent together, including toys and treats they enjoyed.

Grief is a long process, and you might find yourself going through several stages before finding peace with your pet’s transition to the other side. You might even find that you feel guilty or sad about their death more than your pet does!

It is important to remember that your pet is gone and cannot feel anything, but you can choose to continue a loving relationship with them — a memory that will light up any room.

It is never easy to say goodbye to a pet, but with careful planning and thought, you can make the process as smooth as possible for both yourself and your furry friend.

By following these seven tips, you’ll be able to give your pet the best possible send-off and ensure that their death is not only peaceful but also allows you time to mourn in your own way.

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Euthanasia, a final journey from France to Belgium

Brussels (AFP) – Born hemiplegic, nearly blind, 43-year-old Lydie Imhoff was gradually losing the use of her limbs. Last year, she made the decision to travel from her native France to Belgium to undergo euthanasia -- for "fear of living in a dead body."

Issued on: 09/02/2024 - 07:13

An AFP team first joined Lydie in March 2023, to meet with a psychiatrist in Brussels who gave a green light for her to undergo the procedure, made legal in Belgium two decades ago but still outlawed in France.

They travelled with her again early this year, on a final journey from the apartment in eastern France where she lived alone with her pet rabbit, to Brussels where her ashes have now been scattered.

Tuesday, January 30 - Besancon, France

Lydie's apartment lies almost empty, the light of the setting sun glinting at the bay windows. Huddled in her wheelchair, she sighs as her rabbit, Lucky, shuffles around the room. The sound of her breathing echoes through the empty space.

"On the one hand I can't wait for release. On the other I feel guilty for leaving behind the people I love. But at the end of the day, it's a choice I've made," she tells AFP.

The mood is solemn, but that doesn't stop Lydie cracking jokes.

"Don't let me forget to put the keys through the letterbox -- or they'll murder me for it!"

Wednesday, January 31 - departure at dawn

It's still dark outside when Denis Rousseaux and his wife Marie-Josee pull up outside Lydie's home in a rented van. Both retired, the former anaesthetist and nurse have been helping her since 2023 with the process of seeking euthanasia abroad.

Cut off from her family, Lydie relies wholly on the support of a handful of friends and volunteers like these.

Settling on the backseat, she snuggles against Marie-Josee and pulls up her blanket, still flecked with the fur of her rabbit -- which was taken in by a foster family the day before she left.

Once the wheelchair is loaded in, Denis Rousseaux starts the engine. It's the first time the couple have escorted someone to Belgium.

"It's first and foremost a humanitarian gesture," he says, his eyes locked on the road ahead. "The political aspect comes second."

Wednesday, January 31 - lunch at the border

They break the journey in Longwy, a French town just short of the border, where they meet Claudette Pierret, a right-to-die activist who first connected Lydie with Yves de Locht, the Belgian doctor who will perform the procedure.

A table is laid for them -- "It's like a birthday lunch!" quips Lydie, before turning serious.

"I just hope once I'm up there, that I'll be in peace, that I can get some rest," she says.

"I'm tired. I'm tired of every day being a battle -- against my illness, against my disabilities, against everything."

"I know I joke around, I shoot the breeze all day long -- but there you have it."

"What you see here," she says, pointing at her face, "that's not what's really underneath."

After the meal is over, they say goodbye at the front gate. The van sets off again, bound for Brussels. Lydie's day is not over yet. Arrived at the hospital, she settles into a large room, decorated with a seaside theme.

"OK then -- what's the last meal on death row tonight?" she asks.

Wednesday, January 31 - in hospital in Brussels

Before going to sleep, Lydie has a final interview with her doctor about the day ahead.

"Are you still OK to do this?" asks de Locht.

"Yes! You're sure I'm not going to wake up, right?" Lydie replies.

"Tell me what you still have on your mind," he asks.

"I'm thinking of the people I leave behind."

"You know what they will be thinking? However sad they are, they will know you have been set free."

At the end of their talk, Lydie hugs the doctor close. "Your sweater is so soft!" she tells him.

Thursday, February 1

The morning sky in Brussels is a crisp, bright blue. In Lydie's hospital room, the curtains are drawn.

Marie-Josee and Denis Rousseaux are seated on either side of her bed. Farmer protests are disrupting traffic all over the city, but the doctor arrives on time.

He asks Lydie one last time if she wishes to die. She answers yes.

"OK, we'll get the products ready. I'll leave you together for a little longer, and we'll be back in a few minutes."

De Locht is assisted by a fellow doctor, Wim Distelmans, head of the hospital's palliative care unit. In a small laboratory, Distelmans mixes up the substance, using three vials of Thiopental, a barbiturate.

The syringe is ready. The doctors walk together back to Lydie's room, where Denis Rousseaux introduces her to Distelmans.

"So he's the big boss?" she asks -- as the others burst out laughing.

They gather around the bed. Exchange last words. De Locht announces: "Lydie, I bid you farewell."

"See you up there?" she asks him. "All right. Bye bye to you Belgians, bye to the French!"

Lydie's empty wheelchair sits facing the bedroom door, as the doctors emerge back out.

De Locht shares his impressions.

"My feeling is that sickness was killing her little by little, and I put an end to her pain. That is in line with my ethics as a doctor," he says.

"I absolutely don't feel like I killed her. I feel like I cut short her suffering."

Afterwards, together with Distelmans, he finalises the paperwork he will need to submit to the country's oversight commission on euthanasia.

Before leaving, he exchanges a few words with Denis and Marie-Josee Rousseaux. "We set her free," he tells them.

Four days after her death, Lydie was cremated and her ashes scattered in a memorial garden on the outskirts of Brussels, by the staff of the crematorium. No family members were present.

Belgium's 2002 law decriminalizing euthanasia requires at least two professional opinions in support of the patient's decision, one by a psychiatrist and one by a doctor.

It stipulates that the request must stem from a "constant and unbearable physical or mental suffering that can not be alleviated, resulting from a serious and incurable disorder."

In 2022, 2,966 people underwent euthanasia in Belgium, according to the federal oversight commission. Of that total, 53 were resident in France.

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Euthanasia: How One 'Remarkable Woman' Invited AFP On Her Final Journey

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Born nearly blind and paralysed down one side, Lydie Imhoff didn't want to "live in a dead body" after she began losing the use of the rest of her limbs after a disabled riding accident.

AFP journalists followed her through her final months, from the day she was given the green light to undergo euthanasia in March 2023 to her final moments in a Belgian hospital.

In this Backstory we look at the dilemmas of covering such an emotive and controversial subject so close up.

Despite being hemiplegic, Lydie Imhoff loved riding horses.

But after a serious accident near her home in Besancon in eastern France, the 43-year-old -- who also suffered from Crohn's disease -- felt more and more trapped in her failing body.

Euthanasia is outlawed in France but has been legal under strict conditions in neighbouring Belgium since 2002.

AFP photographer Simon Wohlfahrt first met Lydie in March when she travelled to Brussels to see a psychiatrist for the green light.

They had been put together by Belgian doctor Yves de Locht, who looks after many French patients who want to be helped to die.

The first thing that struck him about Lydie was her humour -- often wickedly black -- and her determination to die with dignity.

Getting the go-ahead that day clearly had a "liberating" effect on her, he said.

In the 10 months that followed leading up to her death on February 1, she and Wohlfahrt regularly talked and texted.

"She would send me jokes, memes. Humour was her thing," the photographer recalled.

"Once she sent me a picture of her rabbit covered in herbs, with the punchline, 'This time, he's got himself into a stew.'

"She made fun of us all the time, calling us the paparazzi."

Wohlfahrt said he believed Lydie chose to live out her final days and hours in front of their cameras to try to change the law in France.

"She could not understand why she had to go abroad (to die)... I think this was her way of criticising this," he added.

During the months leading up to Lydie's death, Wohlfahrt and video journalist Dmitri Korczak had been asking themselves what they should and should not show of her last moments.

But it was clear from the start Lydie had "total control over her own image" and could stop the reporting at any time, Wohlfahrt said.

"It was really all about trust."

"Clearly one of the central points was whether we would stay with her in the room when she had the injection," the photographer said.

"For Lydie it was clear that we shouldn't. She didn't want it to be photographed.

"It was her dignity and her choice... We respected her wishes and it was like that all through the reportage."

Despite wanting to go public with what she was doing, he said, "there were moments Lydie wanted to keep for herself".

Jokey as she was, "suffering was such a part of her inner self that she did not want to share it with us," said Korczak.

"Which made it all the more touching, because she offered us the chance to accompany her on this journey while sparing us the worst.

"She kept the hardest things for herself."

Despite the trust between Lydie and the journalists, euthanasia remains a difficult issue, which made reporting it so close up complicated.

"It is so controversial that people did not want to appear on camera so as not to be associated with it," said Wohlfahrt.

"We had carers who looked after Lydie who did not want to be photographed," he said.

"You have to talk to people to reassure them. Some accepted in the end, others didn't."

Even the Belgian hospital in which Lydie died did not want to be identified for fear of being inundated with people from abroad trying to contact them.

In such a potentially "divisive" situation, both journalists wanted to remain observers and somehow keep a professional distance.

"Despite getting attached (to Lydie) and all the laughs and the moments we shared with her... we had that journalistic objective to record something that reflected the reality," said Korczak.

"We simply told the story of one among dozens of French people who go to Belgium every year to benefit from the procedure," he added.

"We tried to show that with the most dignity and respect possible, and to avoid being voyeuristic."

Both admitted to "hiding behind the camera, in the work" when dealing with the feelings that such an emotional subject entails, said Wohlfahrt.

But once they got home and looked at what they had shot, all their defences dropped.

"It was an extremely powerful moment. Having been there to witness it, it doesn't leave you unmarked," said the photographer.

Korczak said he was "shaken" for several days afterwards.

"I just have to look at the images for it to come back" and to catch that "very gentle" look of hers that "went through us all".

They hope to have caught something of this "remarkable woman" in their reporting, which has now gone out across the world, as well as "a little of the emotion" she stirred in them, said Wohlfahrt.

Interviews by Michaela Cancela-Kieffer in Brussels. Edited by Catherine Triomphe and Fiachra Gibbons in Paris.

Euthanasia: How One 'Remarkable Woman' Invited AFP On Her Final Journey

Born nearly blind and paralysed down one side, Lydie Imhoff didn't want to "live in a dead body" after she began losing the use of the rest of her limbs after a disabled riding accident.

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Woman Chooses Euthanasia on 34th Birthday Due to Depression, Eating Disorder Struggles: 'I Want to Step Out of Life'

“I’ve been struggling with this my whole life,” said Jolanda Fun, whose life ended on April 25

Vanessa Etienne is an Emerging Content Writer-Reporter for PEOPLE.

A 33-year-old woman in the Netherlands opened up about her decision to end her life with euthanasia on April 25, her 34th birthday, rather than living with her mental health struggles.

Jolanda Fun, from North Brabant, spoke to The Times about being diagnosed with an eating disorder, recurrent depression, autism and mild learning difficulties. She said she’s tried countless therapies but has struggled her entire life.

“Dark, overstimulation, chaos in my head, loneliness,” she told the outlet. “Most of the time I just feel really shitty. Sad, down, gloomy. People don’t see it, because that’s the mask I put on and that’s what you learn to do in life.”

Although she has parents, a brother, a few friends, and a dog, Fun said she’s been living in constant pain. So when a counselor told her two years ago that euthanasia for psychiatric reasons was legal, she made it her goal ever since, admitting that she’s always thought about death.

“My father is sick, my mother is sick, my parents are fighting to stay alive, and I want to step out of life,” Fun explained. “That’s a bit strange. But even when I was seven, I asked my mother whether, if I jumped from a viaduct, I would be dead. I’ve been struggling with this my whole life.”

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The procedure became legal in the Netherlands when the Termination of Life on Request and Assisted Suicide (Review Procedures) Act was passed in April 2001, taking into effect in April 2002. With its passing, the Netherlands became the first country in the world to make euthanasia legal, per BBC News . The country's official government website states that the procedure is performed by a physician who administers "a fatal dose of a suitable drug to the patient on his or her express request."

"Requests for euthanasia often come from patients experiencing unbearable suffering with no prospect of improvement,” the website states. “Their request must be made earnestly and with full conviction. They see euthanasia as the only escape from the situation. However, patients have no absolute right to euthanasia and doctors no absolute duty to perform it.”

Fun told the outlet that her case was initially turned down by the Expertisecentrum Euthanasie, the institution that typically handles complex cases. However, she found a psychiatrist who was willing to carry it out. Following Dutch requirements, she also found two other doctors to agree.

“The rules are very strict,” she said. “You don’t just get euthanasia, there’s a whole journey… But it is death in a dignified way: painless, done by a doctor. Your loved ones can be there. And nobody discovers you in an appalling state — or you don’t end up unlucky and even worse off than before [after attempting suicide].”

Fun ultimately opted for euthanasia on her 34th birthday, April 25, preparing her own funeral invitations beforehand that read: “Born from love, let go in love. After a hard-fought life, she chose the peace she so longed for.”

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or go to 988lifeline.org .

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