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This is probably the hardest decision facing the pet
owner today.
Allowing your pet to be "put to sleep", can
be difficult, as well as controversial for some people.
Unfortunately, most pet owners are put in this position
at some point in their pet's lives. Making this
horrible decision for a family member, is distressing,
and means the final end to their loved one. Knowing
when the time has come for euthanasia is the first step
in the process.
Let's take a look at the various reasons for euthanasia
we see in today's society. Overcrowded animal
shelters are faced with this dilemma every day, as more
and more un-adoptable animals come into these shelters.
These otherwise healthy animals have as their only crime
in life, no place to call home. Thousands of these
animals are put to sleep annually because of this
harsh reality.
The greyhound industry uses the greyhound dog to race
and make money, but when these dogs no longer measure
up, euthanasia is their ticket, unless adopted out to
a home. These otherwise healthy animals, are put
to sleep by the thousands, by individuals who I'm sure
have become calloused to the fact in order to maintain
their sanity. But when euthanasia affects the
beloved pet we call our family member, this becomes
a different story.
The main problem is that our pets lives tend not to
last as long as our own lives. Most cats and dogs
begin having "old age related problems" when
they are past 10-12 years of age. Most dogs and
cats don't live beyond 14-16 years with exceptions that
can live close to 20 years of age. In some instances,
our pets are stricken with life threatening diseases
or traumatic instances, which can occur at any age.
How then can we face the issue of euthanasia?
For some people, it is difficult to allow their pet
to go through a treatment or surgical process because
of the financial burden upon them. Without insurance,
or subsidies from elsewhere, many pet owners are faced
with this dilemma. If the situation of money arises,
most veterinary facilities may be willing to work with
the honest individual. Still placement into debt
which may be irretrievable is reason enough for some
people to chose euthanasia, and certainly understandable.
For others where money is no object, the condition
of the pet may be beyond medical or surgical means.
For these individuals, euthanasia can be quite difficult
to face. If all that can be done is being done
for the pet, and still the outcome will be death with
a period of inevitable suffering, euthanasia can offer
the patient a reprieve from this period of suffering.
Separation of yourself and the selfishness that accompanies
the loss of a loved one, from what is truly best for
that loved one, can be difficult. However, realizing
that through euthanasia, you can alleviate some of the
pet's suffering prior to death, can offer some comfort
to the owner that the right decision has been made for
the pet Remember, the decision for euthanasia
should mainly be focused on what is best for your pet,
and not what may be best for your needs.
However, your needs certainly are important, and most
individuals who have lost a beloved pet, whether through
their own choosing or not, will experience a void in
their lives. This void can be difficult to go
through, and though often times when a pet in our life
dies, the grief can be as strong as if a human loved
one has passed on.
Individuals may be mocked or poked fun at by friends
and family, retorting that it was only an animal-just
get another one. This can be very hurtful to hear,
especially when the animal was looked upon as much of
a family member as a son, daughter, sister, or brother.
Grief for the loss of a pet, is the same as grieving
for the loss of a human loved one, and the stages of
grief should not be denied nor buried.
Experience them, and relate them to whomever will listen.
Often talking about the experience will help to allow
it to heal. Some states offer
grief counseling for the loss of a pet, which can
be quite helpful. There are also
books that have been published on the subject of
pet loss, which too can be helpful. Knowing that
others have gone through similar feelings, does seem
to make the loss more bearable, which then can allow
you to move forward with your own life.
For more information regarding euthanasia (how it
is done, what to do afterwards etc), Click
here.
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