Don't let illness change view of your Pet

Here's a controversial column.

 

I'm against  euthanizing the family pet because of age and ailments.

 

Here's the story.

 

When a dog or cat becomes seriously ill, we follow the veterinarian's recommendation that we terminate the animal's life  as an act of mercy.

 

If it were our Uncle Jimmy, we would either treat him or do everything to make him comfortable.

 

We would do nothing to expedite Uncle Jimmy's demise. Let the Grim Reaper arrive when he is ready to make his appearance.

 

Why do we take a different stance for Fido?

 

I'll tell you why.

 

It's because we are lazy.

 

We don't want to put up with the aggravation of caring for a sick animal in her waning days.

 

So the vet gives us a handy excuse. He tells us that the only kind thing to do is to "put her down."

 

Then we all become sad that "we had to do it".

 

As if you didn't have a choice.

 

You did have a choice.

You didn't have to automatically agree to pull the plug on fluffy.

 

Why do we go along so easily with the Vet's

 "suggestion" ?

 

If caring for the sick pet is too expensive or inconvenient, admit that you've put cost and time above your pet's life.

 

Be honest.

 

If you can, consider  caring for that innocent soul who has loved you unconditionally  for many years.

 

How many people do know that have the  kind pure heart of your faithful furry friend?  Practically zero.

 

A few months ago, we said goodbye forever to a petite Golden retriever named Marby. She brought a spark of joy into my life every single day of her nine-year existence.

 

Although she died on the operating table, my wife and I had already responded to the animal doctor's request for instructions that Marby should be put down if the operation resulted in only a grim prognosis.

 

Today when I think about it, I am ashamed of having made that decision.

 

Somehow, when our family pet becomes seriously ill, the dear affection that we have for these important members of our family degenerates into a question of keeping a table lamp or an old broken down recliner chair.

 

I'm not exactly sure how or why it happens. But when I go back and think about it, I see that it's just not right.

 

Just because our pets haven't received official recognition from society as equals to us, we easily transition from someone who really cares for the family dog to someone who's supposedly making an objective decision about an in animate object.

 

I don't buy that. And I can see now that I was wrong to have ever thought that way.

 

So, next time think about it.

 

You just might find immeasurable benefit for your own psyche in being patient and loving and caring for someone ignorant people often referr to as a "dumb animal".

 

I love these pets.

 

Let's not be so quick to give Dr. Death a thumbs-up. At least think about it.

 

Peace.