Alleviating pain or diminished quality of life are often the reasons behind humane pet euthanasia.

Choosing to euthanize a pet can be sobering. Most pets are valued members of their families and the idea of living without the companion that has shared the ups and downs of life can be heart-wrenching. However, while some animals die  peacefully on their own — and pet parents hope their favorite pets will gently expire in their favorite curling-up spot — many animals have strong wills to stick around with their pet parents and may live on despite a poor quality of life. It’s in their nature to mask pain and illness, so it may be difficult to determine the extent of illness or failing.

While pet parents cannot control all of the factors, the one thing you can do is alleviate pain and suffering to a companion animal. In many cases, the decision to euthanize a pet is the most humane option available. So how do you determine if it is time for euthanasia? There are certain questions to ask that may precede the choice.

• Is your pet in pain that cannot be alleviated by other methods?
• Does your pet have a terminal illness that has progressed?
• Will more treatment create a poor quality of life?
• Has your pet lost most of his normal bodily functions, such as getting up, walking, going up and down stairs, and relieving himself properly?
• Does the pet still want to eat?
• Are the dog or cat’s gums pink?
• Are you putting the pet’s best interests at the forefront, or are you simply extending the animal’s life for your comfort?
• Can you afford the vet care or further treatment?

Answering these questions can help pet owners make a more educated decision. If you are still having difficulty determining if it’s the time to say goodbye, talk with a veterinarian. He or she is in the business of saving pet lives and will not encourage euthanasia if it is not the right time. Most people and vets agree that it is better to euthanize your pet earlier than later so that he or she will not suffer unnecessarily.

Others prefer to make a list of what their pet enjoys, i.e. chasing a ball, being petted, eating, going for rides. Set a minimum that must be reached for quality of life. If the pet falls below this minimum, then euthanasia should be considered. Couples who have a pet may disagree on the time to euthanize. But ultimately the needs of the pet should be put before personal feelings.

Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is seldom easy for anyone. But euthanizing an animal when his or her quality of life has diminished vastly is often the humane way to let a pet go.

Boulder County 4-H, which provides educational programming for kids 8 to 18, is starting a “Lease-a-Goat” program.

The program, which will be open to any members of Boulder County 4-H, will provide more than a dozen Angora goats for youth to care for and exhibit at this year’s Boulder County Fair.

“The Lease-a-Goat is supposed to be an opportunity for kids who don’t have farm ground, or maybe even their grandparents don’t have farm ground,” said Nicolette Ahrens, who works with Boulder County’s 4-H youth development in equine and livestock. “Maybe they’ve not ever even had an interaction with an animal, except for maybe a dog or a typical house pet.”

Ahrens said that fewer and fewer youth in Boulder County have the chance to work with livestock, as once-rural areas increasingly fill up with coffee shops and townhouses.

“There’s just a lot less access or exposure,” she said.

That’s where Sue Struthers comes in.

Struthers lives on her family’s ranch along North 63rd Street, about halfway between Boulder and Longmont.

Kenzie Struthers, 11, shows how she leads Onyx, an Angora goat, up and down steps at her family's farm, Friday Dec. 23, 2011 in Longmont, Colo. Kenzie's mother Sue Struthers is starting a program allowing kids to lease her family's goats for 4-H. (AP Photo/Longmont Times-Call, Lewis Geyer)

The family has 13 Angora goats now — along with an alert llama named Checkers for protection against predators — with many babies due early next year. It’s the baby goats that will be used in the 4-H program.

“You want the kids to be able to learn how to take them from little babies up to show goats,” Struthers said.

Angora goats are a common sight at the Boulder County Fair, both as show animals and in the fiber competition for their fluffy white and brown wool.

Struthers said she got the idea to provide a place for youth to learn about goats by talking with families at the fair.

“Kids who come by just fall in love with the goats, and then you say, ‘Well, why don’t you do 4-H and goats?’ And they always say, ‘Because I live in town, so I don’t have the opportunity.’ We do have the land; we do have the opportunity.”

The baby goats will be leased to 4-H members for $5 each per year. That gives the kids a stake in the animals, Struthers said. Lessees will have to keep detailed records about the animals and put in at least six hours of work at the ranch each month before showing off the animals at the 2012 Boulder County Fair. They must also meet 4-H requirements, such as completing a community service project.

Kenzie Struthers, 11, is a veteran with the animals at her house.

She rattled off the names of the family’s goats — Onyx, Comet, Marcie, Molly, Ashley, Boo, Obie, Destiny, Minty, Pearly, Ivory — and showed off her three-ring binder full of details from last year’s goat projects.

Her friend, Sarah Smith, 11, will be leasing one of the forthcoming baby goats for the first time this year.

“I think it’s going to be fun,” Sarah said. “Babies are so cute. I’m looking forward to being able to see them — often, if I can.”

Her mom, Karen Smith, of Firestone, said the Lease-a-Goat program offers the kind of access that’s just not available in town.

“I think it’s wonderful,” she said. “We are animal lovers and have a lot of pets, but we can’t have livestock. It’s a wonderful opportunity for (Sarah) to see what’s involved, other than just coming over here and petting them and feeding them hay.”

Adopting a cat from a shelter is a way to reduce the number of animals routinely euthanized each year.

The Humane Society of the United States estimates that animal shelters care for 6 to 8 million dogs and cats in area shelters. Of these animals, 3 to 4 million are euthanized each year. Adoption of animals is the primary solution to prevent animals from being put to sleep.

Felines are routinely picked up on neighborhood streets as strays or individuals relinquish their pets. While cats can make ideal pets, preparation for the animal can help him or her bond in the household.

Be sure the family is ready for a cat. Have a discussion with members of the household to determine if everyone is on board with cat care. Talk about the needs of the pet and who will handle certain chores.

Understand cat behavior. Cats use meowing and yowling to communicate. Felines only meow at humans, not to one another. Meowing will indicate a “hello” or a request for food or attention.

Cats generally are nocturnal creatures. They’ll sleep for long hours during the day (primarily if you’re not home to entertain them) and can potentially be rambunctious at night. By playing with a cat during the day, and feeding him or her a meal before your bedtime, you can cut down on the amount of nocturnal shenanigans.

Stock up on cat supplies. Purchase the necessities for your new cat:

- a litter box and the brand of litter he/she has been using

- cat food, preferably a brand the cat is used to

- a sturdy, rough-textured scratching post

- grooming tools

- a soft, warm bed

- safe, stimulating toys

Provide a low-traffic area for a pet retreat. While your new cat is acclimating to new surroundings, provide a space where he or she can retreat to become situated. Gradually you can make the transition for the pet to roam the house. However, for starters, a small room or out-of-the-way-area is a good safety space.

Gradually introduce new family members. It can be overwhelming for a cat to warm up to a new family. Potentially it can take a week to two weeks before he or she feels comfortable. Members of the family should be introduced to the cat one-by-one, so the pet can feel safe and secure.

Choose your vet. It is important for cats to receive routine well visits and vaccinations. Veterinary care is essential to a good pet-parent relationship.

Babies and animals have similar needs. Each relies on a parent to provide basic essentials: food, shelter and affection. Pets that are already established in a home may feel jealousy or confusion when a baby arrives. A child can throw schedules out of the window and contribute to a bit of chaos until a routine is established. Animals who are used to a certain way of life might be upset by the changes. Then again, there are some pets that simply go with the flow.

To be a responsible pet parent and parent to an infant, there are certain things to do to ease the transition at home. Here are some things to consider.

Before the baby comes home

• Make sure the pet is up-to-date will all vaccinations and gets a clean bill of health from the veterinarian.
• Gradually introduce the pet to the smells and sounds that will be the baby’s world. Have the pet go into the nursery and see the new furniture and toys. Let the cat or dog sniff at the baby’s clothing.
• Practice devoting attention to a doll and cuddling with it. This will acclimate the pet to seeing its owner doting affection on someone else.
• Invite friends or family over who have a young child. Observe how the pet reacts around the youngster.
• Start correcting behaviors that should be changed now so the pet won’t associate them with the baby. For example, have the pet stop sleeping on the sofa.
• Stock up on food, litter and other pet essentials so that the supply will be full when the baby comes and time for shopping is hard to come by.
• Make arrangements for care of the pet for a few days during the hospital stay.

When the baby is here

• Send home a piece of clothing that the baby has worn to acclimate the dog or cat to the smell.
• If the pet is very affectionate toward Mom, have someone else carry the infant into the house so Mom can greet the pet.
• Gradually introduce a leashed pet to the baby using a lot of praise.
• Check to see if the pet shows any behavioral issues, such as chewing, scratching or guarding food and toys. This could prove problematic when the baby is crawling.
• Never leave the baby alone with the pet. Again, even a well-behaved pet may lash out if he or she feels threatened.
• Teach the child the proper way to interact with the pet.

First-time cat owners looking to survive the experience and raise a healthy and happy cat should consider the following cat care tips.

Relax when it comes to the litter box

Unlike puppies, which often need to be trained to relieve themselves outside, it’s often a kitten’s instinct to relieve itself in a litter-like substance. Cats naturally want to bury, and the litter box allows them to do just that after they have voided. New cat owners should relax if their kitten relieves itself outside of the litter box every so often. Chances are the kitten just could not find the box or it might just be an accident. If the problem starts occurring with any regularity, it’s best to consult a veterinarian. But chances are the problem will correct itself.

First time cat owners might grow frustrated with certain behaviors their kitten exhibits.

Learn the typical body language

While no two cats are the same, many do display similar body language to communicate certain emotions. Cat owners who can recognize this body language are far less likely to grow frustrated with their new feline friend. When a cat’s ears are up, that generally means the cat is happy, while ears bent back often mean the cat is frightened. Cats’ pupils commonly enlarge when they are scared, and their eyes typically squint or resemble slits when they are content or relaxed.
A cat’s whiskers may also indicate its mood. When whiskers are bent back, this typically means the cat is scared, while whiskers bent forward often reflect the cat is calm. Though none of these indicators are concrete, they often do help first time cat owners determine their kitty’s mood.

Discourage biting

Similar to a first time parent telling their child no, first time cat owners might find it difficult to discourage certain behaviors their kitten exhibits. One common problem owners come across is biting. First-time owners might find it harmless if their kitten bites their hands. After all, such biting doesn’t hurt. However, allowing kittens to bite often results in a cat who bites often. Should a kitten begin to bite, strongly discourage such behavior to avoid the problem becoming much more serious in the years ahead.

Be mindful of the cat’s dietary habits

Some cats can handle their bowls being left out all day without overeating. Others, however, might be a little less disciplined. First time cat owners might not know that cats can gain significant amounts of weight if they overeat, a complication of which can lead to diabetes if owners aren’t careful. Pay attention to your new cat’s eating habits. If it picks at its food and can handle the food being left out, owners can leave food out. However, if cats appear to be getting a little thick in the stomach, only feed them at scheduled meal times every day.

Give the cat some personal space

Puppies often crave attention and will initiate contact with their owners. Kittens, however, are a different story. Particularly when first introduced to a new home, kittens might shy away from their owners, hiding under furniture or finding another hiding spot where it’s hard to reach them. New cat owners should not be discouraged if their kittens exhibit some initial shyness. Give the cats some personal space, even sitting near their hiding place to let them know no harm is intended.

Take time to groom the cat

Some cat owners like cats because they feel cats don’t require nearly as much upkeep as their canine counterparts. While that might be true to an extent, kittens do require some grooming from their owners. Cat hair needs to be brushed to avoid matting, and cat owners should use a soft brush and brush gently when caring for the kittens.

Until recently, it was more difficult to travel with dogs and cats. But as more and more hotel chains recognize the strong connection between people and pets, those chains are growing increasingly flexible in hosting four-legged guests.

Safe traveling with pets means keeping them properly restrained while in the car.

For those who will be traveling with pets, there is a right and wrong way to do so. Having a plan of action is essential to safeguard the safety and comfort of all involved. Follow these tips to ensure everyone enjoys their R&R as much as possible.

Establish the travel method and route in advance. Go online or scour travel maps to determine the best route to your destination. Depending on the length of travel, layovers may be needed to sleep, refuel and simply stretch the legs. Determine which areas will be safe for walking a dog roadside, and look for rest stops with areas to exercise pets. Experimenting with different routes virtually also enables travelers to choose the most direct, most scenic or another route that fits with their travel plans. Some GPS devices can also alert to lodging and traffic conditions.

Stock up on supplies. Much as parents would bring along essentials while traveling with children, the same concept should be applied when traveling with a pet. Be sure to pack food, treats, toys, bedding, and any of the other creature comforts from home. It also may be a good idea to bring along a recent copy of the pet’s immunization records to ensure that he or she is up to date on all shots. Bringing records can also serve as a safeguard if the pet needs to be seen by a veterinarian while away from home.

Purchase bottled water. While on the road, take the time to give pets the opportunity to drink water to stay hydrated. Keep in mind that once a pet grows acclimated to a certain type of water at home, a change in that water may cause temporary digestive upset. To avoid accidents or discomfort, travelers may want to bring water from home or purchase bottled water.

Contact pet-friendly hotels. Many hotels allow guests to bring along a pet, provided a security deposit is given. Some may have requirements, such as the dog must be caged at night or when left alone in the room. Some pet-friendly hotels can also recommend restaurants that allow leashed dogs.

Travel safely. When a cat or dog is riding along in a car, it is always best to have the pet restrained. This protects the animal in the event of an accident and also protects the other occupants of the car from injury. Pet seatbelts or harnesses can be used. For motorists with SUVs there are pet gates that can be installed to keep the animal secure in the back part of the vehicle.

Traveling with pets can be an enjoyable experience if proper precautions and planning go into the trip. Be sure to heed the requirements of the establishment where the family will be residing, and inquire as to the pet laws of cities, towns and provinces to act in a responsible manner when out exploring.

Whatever the reason, boarding pets during the holidays is common. Understandably, however, families who have never boarded a pet in the past might struggle with their decision to leave the family dog or cat behind with strangers. When looking for the right fit for the family’s favorite four-legged friend, make note of the following before heading off for the holidays.

Professionalism: Pet owners will want to make sure their pets are being taken care of by professionals who love animals. Few humans would prefer to stay overnight in a cheap motel, so why should the family pet suffer with shoddy accommodations? Make sure workers at the kennel or pet facility (i.e., pet motels, pet resorts, etc.) exhibit a friendly, professional attitude toward the animals. All kennels are not created equal, so be on the lookout for facilties that appear poorly managed.

Cleanliness: A facility’s appearance will go a long way. If the facility is visibly dirty or exudes a strong odor of fecal matter, that facility is likely one that’s either overbooked, understaffed or just poorly run. A facility should be clean and make a warm first impression.

Ventilation: A good facility will have plenty of ventilation in the areas where the pets will be spending most of their time. Poorly ventilated facilities could cause illness in pets, even if they are only there for a short period of time.

Accommodations: Pets will likely be spending a significant period of time in cages while their owners are away. This is an unfortunate reality, but the size of the cage can make all the difference. Cages should be large enough for pets to comfortably move around, and pets should not be forced to share a cage with other animals.

Cat owners should examine cages to make sure there’s room for food and water dishes and the litter box. There should be ample distance between these items.

Temperature: The temperature at the facility should also be a consideration. Even furry cats and dogs can get cold, so make sure the facility has adequate heating for cold days and nights.

External accommodations: A good facility will have adequate external accommodations in addition to what’s inside. Inquire as to how much access pets will have to the outdoors, and make sure the recreation area is large enough for pets to run around during their time outdoors. Facilities with outdoor areas that are sheltered may prove especially valuable, as this gives pets the chance to breathe some fresh outdoor air and remain dry should it begin to rain or snow.

Flexibility: Ask the facility if it’s okay to bring along some of the pet’s personal items, such beds, blankets or toys. Pets will no doubt feel more comfortable if they can bring something from home with them to the facility.

Pets can be a nice gift, but do your homework first.

But pets are also a very personal choice. Such a reality makes giving a pet as a present during the holiday season a difficult proposition — one that requires careful consideration of the pros and cons before making a final decision.

The Pros

Companionship: Pets make fine companions, and many people think giving a pet as a present during the holiday season is a great way to put a smile on a lonely friend or relative’s face. However, when giving a pet in the hopes it will provide companionship, be sure to find a pet that’s known for liking attention, such as a golden retriever, and not a pet that doesn’t require much care or appreciate the attention.

The surprise element: Oftentimes, when a family pet dies it takes awhile before the family is ready to get a new pet. However, if sufficient time has elapsed, the surprise element of a new pet at the holidays can make it one of the more memorable holidays ever.

The same can be said when giving a child their first pet. For moms and dads who have decided the kids are ready for their first pet, the holidays make a great time to surprise them with a Fido or Morris of their own.

Cost: Particularly in the current economy, not all families can afford to adopt or buy a new pet. While they might be able to afford to feed and care for a pet, the initial costs (some adoptions can cost several hundred dollars) might be well beyond their budget. For gift givers who can afford the costs of adoption or the purchase price from a breeder, giving a pet can be a gift the family will greatly appreciate.

The Cons

Personal choice: Pets don’t take long to become a member of the family. And that’s often because pets are a deeply personal choice made by the pet owner and his or her family. Giving a pet as a gift might be a nice gesture, but many people would prefer to pick their own pets.

Timing: Not all families are ready for a pet. Even parents who want to add a pet to their home should consider if the timing is right. Are kids ready for the responsibility of a pet? Is the family ready to add another member?

Timing should also be a consideration for those thinking of giving a pet to someone they don’t live with. It might be a nice gesture to give newlywed friends a pet, but they might also be trying to have a baby and might not have the time to care for a pet.

Allergies and additional health considerations: Not everyone can have a pet in their home. Many people are allergic to animals. It could prove a disaster to give a kitten to someone who is highly allergic to cats. Shoppers who are unsure if a friend or loved one has a pet allergy should avoid giving a pet as a present.

In addition to pet allergies, another medical concern is some people might not be physically capable of caring for a pet. Dogs, for instance, need to be taken on daily walks or, at the very least, taken outside to relieve themselves.

What’s more, training a puppy is no small task. If a friend or family member does not appear capable of caring for a pet, consider a different gift.

Be sure pet odors aren't a problem in the home.

Pets can make wonderful companions. Some of the most popular friends people welcome into their homes are cats and dogs. But as loveable as pets can be, they come with their share of work and negative aspects. One of the problems that can invade home life is pet odors.

Pet odors are some of the most tenacious problems homeowners face. Odors may be the result of litter boxes, accidents that occurred in the home or simply the aroma of the pet itself. Some animal breeds simply are more malodorous than others. Ferrets, for example, have a natural musk that can infiltrate the home. Dogs like labradors, produce extra oil on their coats for protection, which can contribute to odor.

Whatever the cause for pet odors, finding the source of the problem is the first step to eradicating smells. Afterward, a homeowner can explore methods for keeping odors at bay, like the following suggestions.

• If the pet odor is coming from the pet itself, regular bathing and grooming can help. A dirty pet will attract bacteria and other dirt that can eventually lead to odor. A professional groomer can advise on a grooming schedule and products that are geared toward neutralizing smells.
• Change the litter box every day if odors are emanating from that source. A clean litter box is not only more attractive to homeowners, but cats prefer a fresh place to relieve themselves as well. This limits the chance that a cat will seek another area of the home to do his or her business.
• If a pet does have an accident indoors, clean it up promptly. Vinegar can neutralize the smell of urine. There are many commercial products also available that state they will remove pet odor stains and odors.
• Some people purchase homes where there is residual pet odor. When neutralizing products don’t work, the only option may be to remove and/or replace carpeting and floorboards. Urine has a tendency to absorb into porous materials and the odor can linger.
• A bad smell on a pet may be a symptom of illness. Regular veterinary visits can help pet owners catch diseases early on and treat them.
• Limit the amount of time dogs spend outdoors in rainy weather. Wet fur can give off a lot of odor. Dry the pet once he or she returns indoors.
• Clean cages, tanks and other pet habitats regularly so that odor from waste doesn’t build up unnecessarily.
• Ear infections are a common source of bad smells from dogs. Be sure to check if the dog is scratching or favoring an ear. Treatment will likely be necessary.
• Routinely wash pet bedding and other items to remove odors.
• Using baking soda as a carpet powder before vacuuming can help lessen odors in the carpeting and on upholstery.
• Whenever possible, open up the windows and doors to allow fresh air into the home, which can help draw out smells.
• Air fresheners will probably just add to pet odors, not cover them up. Seek products that are specifically designed to neutralize odors.

Some hugs and other affection may be the only thing pets need to feel pampered. But most people go above and beyond that.

Dogs, cats and other pets are acquired through a number of methods. Statistics indicate that most pets come to families from friends or acquaintances for free or low cost. According to the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy, 10 to 20 percent of cats and dogs are adopted, while only 2 to 10 percent of animals are purchased from a pet store.

Individuals who want to go above and beyond in their treatment of pets frequently push pampering to the limits. Some people treat dogs and cats as if they were children, with all of the same benefits. Thousands of dollars a year may be spent being sure these animals live the high life. Whether this has any benefit on the animals’ well-being is debatable; the fact remains that individuals spend quite a few dollars caring for their pets.

Those who want to take pampering to new levels can consider these ideas.

Pet treats: While the occasional catnip or dog bone is a nice idea, there are entire bakeries designated to whipping up gourmet delights for pets. Many feature organically grown food items that are human-grade. Cakes, cookies and the like can be purchased that fit with the specific diet and tastes of the pampered pet.

Doggie daycare: Why leave the pooch home alone when he or she can hang out with other tail-wagging friends? There are a number of businesses that now cater to the canines and offer fun activities and socialization for dogs who would otherwise be latch-key pups. Some daycare centers offer accommodations that mimic home, such as cozy couches and quiet corners in which to curl up. Furthermore, they enable dogs to catch up with their friends, a necessity when Mom or Dad won’t let them log onto Facebook.

Home away from home: Instead of sending pets to a boarder when individuals are on vacation, people are choosing to take pets along. Road and Travel magazine has reported that many pet parents (approximately 78 percent of them) often take to the roads or the skies with their pets in tow. There are many pet-friendly accommodations, and travelers have been known to compare amenities and regulations when choosing a hotel/motel for their trips.

Pet birthday parties: One in four pet parents in the U.S. have admitted to celebrating their pets’ birthdays, according to Best Friends Pet Care. Some go as far as hosting a birthday party in honor of the birthday pup or kitty. Some pet sitters and daycare centers actually will host pet parties where other animals can be invited to celebrate. Pet parties are growing in popularity and can be quite lucrative considering the millions of pets currently in the country.

Spa treatment: From lapping in a heated pet pool to receiving a massage, some pet owners treat their favorite friends to relaxation treatments. Gone are the days of a simple bath and haircut at the local groomer. Today’s dogs and cats can receive massages, aromatherapy and acupuncture while enjoying additional resort-like amenities.

Spending time: Of course, one of the easiest ways to pamper a pet is simply to spend time and devote attention to the animal. After all, most animals are content with some love and affection from their owners.