I
asked myself today “How do I
begin a discussion about euthanasia, the act of putting animals to death
humanely?” This is a professional
service that I administer for animals almost daily. In spite of the deep
sadness that accompanies the majority of euthanasias, I am able to separate
myself from that sadness by realizing I am terminating suffering or the ravages
of disease.
Because veterinarians
perform “cradle to grave” care for their patients that age more rapidly than
humans, we get to know our patients and their people quite well and
quickly. The depth of love for and
devotion to four-legged family members is revealed in different ways and at
different times by pet owners. Thankfully, most pet owners who seek regular
veterinary care are genuinely and emotionally invested in their pets.
As I tell my clients
faced with the decision to end their pet’s life, letting go of that adored pet
is the greatest act of love you can show them when the time is appropriate. I
will assist in the decision-making process as needed by clarifying the choice
with a few questions:
1) Are your pet’s good days (or good
hours in a day) outnumbering the bad?
2) What do you think your pet’s quality
of life is?
3) Are you comfortable with your pet as
it is?
When faced with
quantitating good times versus bad, the decision becomes more “black and white”
for most people. If they still aren’t
sure, I will ask them to use the “Penny Jar” principle. They are instructed to put a coin in a “Good
Day” jar when the pet is having a “good day,” and a coin in the “Bad Day” jar
when they are not. This routine helps many justify the decision while they are
preparing themselves for it.
Some euthanasias are easier to perform
than others, technically as well as emotionally. Veterinarians often develop strong, emotional
attachments to their patients, for a multitude of reasons. Caring for a patient that is blessed to live
a long life commonly leads to a deeper attachment to that pet. Certain pets
also remind us of our own beloved pets, past or present. And, some patients are in the “too good to be
true” category, either because they are incredibly cute or beautiful, but
mostly because they are really cooperative, extremely forgiving, and easy
patients to care for.
What prompted me to write this column
was what I consider perhaps “The Most Perfect Euthanasia” of all.
I have been caring for
“Darla,” a much-loved truly “golden” Golden Retriever for over 13 years. Her 14th birthday would have been
on July 31. Her people always gave her the best of love and veterinary care as
recommended. She earned her “frequent
flyer” card at our hospital as a regular on the toenail trimming circuit as
well. We always knew when Darla was in
the building because she would announce herself with several jubilant “woofs”
upon entering the door. Plain and simple, Darla was a true delight…happy,
beautiful, loving and always forgiving.
Like many senior pets,
Darla began to be plagued by tumors when she was 11 years old. Her attentive
owners expressed their concerns expediently as we began a journey of removing
and biopsying three different cancers.
While her first cancer was a more benign tumor called squamous
papilloma, her second and third cancers were digital and oral melanomas that
eventually seeded themselves in her lungs. It recently became clear that Darla
had lost her fight with cancer when she began having difficulty breathing,
especially when she exerted herself.
With Darla’s welfare
always at the forefront of their loving care, her owners decided it was time to
say good-bye to Darla, and her departure was scheduled to occur at her
home. On the most perfect evening, in a
picturesque backyard with more than beautiful landscaping surrounding a lovely
pond, I assisted Darla across The Rainbow Bridge after she ingested one last
handful of favorite treats, with her people by her side. I am absolutely certain Darla was smiling as
she left her earthly life and went to Heaven.
Do I enjoy euthanasias?
No. But, this was as close to perfection as it gets. Everyone should have a “Golden Ending on a
Golden Pond.”
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