by B. L. Babb

Created on: May 02, 2008

Turn to the Animal Planet and watch any of the handful of "Animal Cops/Animal Precinct" type shows they run and in almost every episode there will be at least one abused animal that has injuries or illness making their quality of life so poor that euthanasia is selected as an alternative to treatment.

A responsible pet owner must provide many things for their beloved companion during their life span. In the beginning it is a healthy living environment, obedience training for safety, nutritious food for growing, and immunizations to stave off devastating diseases.

The responsibility does not end there, however. Your beloved companion may one day be facing a disease immunizations cannot prevent, health issues caused by old age or health deterioration, and/or serious injury.

Is it compassionate to allow a pet to suffer pain, to not be able to run and play as they once did in their younger days as a result of an incurable medical condition? It is not right to euthanize an animal solely because you are expecting a newborn baby, because your house is being foreclosed and you cannot find a place that will take your pet, nor for any number of stupid reasons given daily when healthy pets are presented for destruction; for that is what this is - destruction in its most severest of forms. A healthy pet should have every possible opportunity for a chance at a new loving home before this option is exercised.

However, when your pet is suffering from cancer that cannot be cured and will be debilitating for them, spinal injuries preventing a healthy lifestyle, or other devastating diseases which affect their quality of life, which is more compassionate keeping your friend alive or ending your friend's suffering with minimal pain in your presence to comfort their last minutes?

Pets cannot speak in clear words when they have endured enough. If you are attuned to your beloved companion, you will know when the time is right because your pet will know.

If your friend is a true member of your family and not just a possession, this will be the hardest decision you may make as well as the hardest trip, but do not shirk the end. Your pet has been with you through everything, be with them through this last hurdle in their life.

I look into the loving eyes of my friends and I dread the day I may need to make that decision, but if the circumstances are presented where the decision has to be made, I will make the choice best for my friends, even if it means I will no longer have them at my side. It will be made with their best interests in mind, not my desire to prolong their presence with me. This is the final test of a responsible pet owner, letting them go for just reasons.

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