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One of the most difficult decisions a devoted pet owner ever has to make is authorizing euthanasia. When a pet’s life has to be ended, grief may be intensified. The decision is never easy. Consider the following questions. Is the accident or illness irreversible? Is life bringing your pet more pain then pleasure? Did you choose quality over quantity of life? Is your animal suffering? Is the animal no longer responsive to treatment?
Animals are survivors. They will often struggle to stay alive until they draw their last breath. Ending the life of a suffering animal, or one with a severely diminished quality of life, is the loving, compassionate thing to do. A final act of caring is seeing that your pet’s life is ended gently. Your animal friend will then close his/her eyes for the last time knowing that his/her trust in you was well placed. A consoling thought for all of us have had to make or will need to make this difficult decision: Death cures all disease, mends all broken bones, breaks all chains and makes you free at last.
Sometimes pets need to be put to sleep for more practical but just as emotional reasons; the owner’s quality of life. Reasons such as:
-The pet that is so incontinent that there is urine or feces all over the house;
-The pet has cognitive dysfunction (senility) and no longer knows where it is, how to find its food and water, and who the people are around it;
-The pet has a cancerous growth that is draining blood and fluid but is inoperable;
-The pet has bitten or attacked children, family members or other animals and is therefore dangerous and a liability to have around;
-The pet’s condition is so costly to treat or maintain that it is not feasible for the family to handle the financial burden.
Before you are faced with the imminent act of euthanizing a pet, it is a good idea to think about the following:
-Do you or your family members want to be present or do you want to say your goodbyes and have the last memory be of your pet alive?
-Do you have the land and ability to bury your pet at home? (Make sure there are no county or city ordinances against this and make sure if you have a well that this act will not endanger your water supply.)
-Would you rather have your pet cremated?
-Would you like to have the ashes returned to you for a private family ceremony or just to keep?
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