Posted on 12/23/2018 6:35:14 AM PST by Chickensoup
When do we put Rover down?
I have always thought that when an animal becomes sick, old, diseased, and is in pain, senile or unable to manage that the kind thing to do would be to euthanize it.
However, it seems that I am in the minority with that opinion.
Our good dog of 15 years is now senile, is anxious and barks, has poor vision and little hearing. He barks almost constantly, cannot remember where he is or where we are. He is a sad old mess.
I have been advocating putting him to sleep.
Others in the family see me as advocating family murder.
I thought that was odd, until I discovered that acquaintances have approached the family members with NURSING HOME options for the pets that one can no longer care for. At a price.
that none of them can afford.
As the primary care taker of this animal I see that continuing his life is causing him undue suffering. I am also frustrated at the limitations on my life. I suppose I am selfish.
I now know people who have animals with joint replacements, insulin, cardiac meds and other complicated measures. I find it surprising. Perhaps I am just too old?
There was a time where the decision to put down a beloved animal was considered an act of courage. I thought it was a part of the process of maturation and acceptance of life's limitations.
Now I am faced with people telling me that the dog deserves to live out all of his natural life in whatever condition it presents.
Am I so out of touch? Is animal euthanasia no longer a decision?
I agree. But I am not allowed to think of euthanasia for the Notorious One.
“It is a dog”
That’s harsh advise for some but in the end that’s just how it is.
It’s really hard to see them deteriorate.
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