Jun 10 2009
Euthanasia Difficult Decision
Euthanasia is the last resort for a pet owner and rarely is it an easy decision.
Again yesterday, we experienced that agonizing realization that there was nothing further to be done for our pet and the decision to release him from Earthly agony was one we reached reluctantly but with compassion.
Sadly, we said our good-bye’s to our black and white cat, dear “Oscar,” yesterday. He suffered an inexplicable circulation problem that resulted in poor blood flow to his hind legs, causing weakness and atrophy. That his mind was still sharp and eyes bright with life and alertness is what causes us the most pain, I think. If he were aged and his eyes were tired and dull we would simply acknowledge that he had lived a normal life span. To see him in his prime, and yet unable to move normally, was painful for us as well as for him.
The exercise of this “power” that humans have over animals is not really debated; it is considered “humane” to put an animal out of its misery and pain. When we choose to have pets in our lives we have to realize that we may be faced with the “life or death” decision, even more than once, when the pets that we love are approaching the end of their life spans.
The most difficult decision is often to choose between the cost of surgery and the “value” that we place on our love for the pet. How much is a cat worth? A rich man or woman might not hesitate to spend $1000 or more to extend a cat’s life by a couple of years, but for most of us, that would not be possible.
I realize that it is unfair to characterize animal euthanasia to be akin to “pulling the plug” on a human, but, speaking from direct personal experience, I can attest to experiencing some of the same emotional jolts to my psyche.
Farewell, Oscar, we hope that you find peace.
And though it is a strange post to comment for some people don’t give their pets a second thought, I believe that animals can become a part of a family. I’ve had dogs most of my life and they have lived to be 10 of 14, that’s alot for a pet and I found myself missing all when they were gone.
Yesterday we had one of our guinea pigs die. We have no idea what happened one minute he was fine eating a carrot and two hours later he was dead. We had only had him for 2 years but he is still missed.
Sorry about your cat. But I believe you did the right thing.
Your story reminds me that animals are unique as are humans. I still remember my first cat Harvey, and have always been slightly disappointed that every other cat I ever owned was not like dear old Harvey. Consolations on your loss.