by Angelina Marshall

Created on: August 02, 2008

To truly love a pet is to put their needs and well-being above your own. In any human relationship, the last thing we ever want is to see a loved one suffer in any way, shape, or form. The same idea should be present in our relationships with our pets. After hopefully many years of loving companionship they provide, the very least we could do for them is to alleviate suffering. I didn't always believe in euthanasia, but life experiences have caused me to look beyond my own selfishness.

When I was around the age of 7 or 8, our family dog Red suffered from a stroke. Red was about 18 years at the time. He was my grandfather's hunting dog, and when he passed away, Red was all we had left of him. I remember that week so clearly, Red had lain on his side unable to walk, barely caring to eat or drink. My family had discussed putting him to sleep at the time, but I had thrown such an argument about killing "grandpa's dog." I was convinced Red would be fine, every day I went outside to feed him and he recognized me and wagged his tail. After about a week, Red started to walk again...a month later he was almost like the vibrant dog we had before the stroke, just a little slower. I was so happy that my family's indecisiveness gave Red some time to recover.

The next time, however, we were not as lucky. Red suffered another stroke a few months later, and this time recovery was a far cry from hope. Red lost his sight and was unable to walk again, he just laid in his own darkness and cried all night. I still remember that cry to this day, it was the most horrible sound and his pain was so apparent. There was no arguing with family this time, Red was put to sleep and essentially relieved of a misery that would have just continued until his passing.

I have heard many sides to the euthanasia debate, and there still are many issues to be dealt with when considering this route. We do not have an open line of communication with our pets, we can't exactly just ask them "How much does it hurt?" I do believe however, that pain and suffering is very appararent...even without the use of language. I know that in the case of Red, his pain the second time around was so tangible and recovery was not an option for him at all. To just allow that dog to lay in his own waste, blind and starving, would have been just as cruel as any other torture device.

I have two cats now, who provide the most unbelievable love and companionship. I know now that if the time ever comes to make that decision, it will be made soley with their well-being in mind. I would do my best not to put my own selfish desire to keep them in my life as long as possible in front of their own needs.

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