Tag Archives: euthanasia

A Life Weighed Against Euthanasia

Courtney’s blog on Euthanasia stirred this blog. I’ve had situations where I’ve had to have dogs put down because they were in so much pain and know the feelings it aroused in me. It’s a terrible feeling. I can’t imagine what it would feel like with a person. I was upset enough when our pup got hurt last week. Years ago when my Mom was suffering with cancer I remember something on TV at the time about how a person took the situation into their own hands and helped their loved one die. Even though I don’t agree with euthanasia, … Continue reading →

Man vs. Animal Double Standards: Euthanasia

On “And I Thought Declawing Was Bad?”, Samual left the following comment: “I hate it when owners or the police punish the animal for aggression, every animal is aggressive in some way but if it’s to the point where it goes around biting people it’s because the animal has not been taught not to bite. The police need to stop just putting the animals down and punish the owner instead.” Unwittingly, Samual touched on something that’s long bothered me and more than once aggravated me to the point of tears: the double standards that exist for man and beast. I’m … Continue reading →

Tough Decisions: Watch the Euthanasia or Not?

April always brings to mind Budly because he was born during this month and died during it too. (Born April 21; Died April 23) Among the many memories I have him, the one that is guaranteed to bring tears to my eyes and which still haunts my heart is his very last moments. The ones right before he was euthanized. We were given the option to be in the room, or to wait outside until it was done and then come in to say our final goodbyes. Wayne and I didn’t even need a moment to discuss it. We wanted … Continue reading →

Looking Backward: Shashi

When I was a very little girl, my mother still had her German shepherd dog, Shashi. At least… that’s what we all called her. Her official name was Wildwoods Scheherazade, and she was a purebred, papered, pedigreed shepherd my mom had bought after she graduated college. When my mom was getting ready to get married and move out, my great-grandmother refused to let Shashi leave — so the dog stayed with my grandmother and great-grandmother. Shashi was a beautiful all-black shepherd. We have all sorts of funny family stories about her. She was so scared of thunder and lightning that … Continue reading →

My Pets Are Not Disposable

I love my pets. I value my pets. I think of them as members of the family. When they are sick or injured, I do what I can to ease their pain and help them get better — whether that means a trip to the vet or administering medication or adjusting our daily routine. They are my best friends and constant companions. I realize that everyone doesn’t feel the same way about their pets. But it bothers me — a lot — that there are people out there who treat their pets like they are disposable. Planning a move? Too … Continue reading →

Pet Bereavement Photography

The other day my friend Karen and I had a chance to catch up. I asked her about recent jobs she and Michael have done (they’re pet photographers) and she shocked me by telling me they’d gone with another friend who was having her dog put to sleep to photograph that. Now, they were very close friends with this person and I can understand going for support, but to catch the moment on film? That really shook me up. I admitted as much. “I know it sounds a little weird, but Donna got the idea because they’ve done some infant … Continue reading →

Questions About Euthanasia

The most difficult choice you will face in your pet’s life comes near the end of your time together: euthanasia. If your pet’s quality of life is suffering, if your pet is in unmanageable pain, or if the cost of treatment is simply too much for you to bear, you may need to consider euthanasia as an option. When faced with the death of your pet, you may not know where to start thinking about it, or what questions to ask. The following list may help you make an informed decision. Discuss these questions with your family, your friends, and … Continue reading →

Preparing to Say Goodbye

It isn’t easy to think (or talk) about your pets dying. People who lose a pet unexpectedly may wish they’d had time to prepare, and to say goodbye. A person with a pet who suffers through a long illness may wish that their pet had passed quickly and painlessly. Whether your pet is seriously ill or simply old and running out of time, a little bit of preparation can make things easier once your pet has passed away. Talk to your veterinarian. Be honest about any questions you may have. Are there treatment options? Is your pet in pain? What … Continue reading →