One of the Most Difficult Decisions : Dealing with Dog Euthanasia

It wasn't a hard choice for me last Fall when I spent $4,000 on an operation to rescue my favorite pet's life. He was just 3 years old, and despite his severe stomach damage, I was assured he would be well again.

All too soon, though, I discovered blood when he went outside to go to the bathroom. My vet, a good friend of ours, recommended a new battery of tests, but a fortnight after our appointment, Carl couldn't get up from his nap. Because he had been paralyzed by a spinal seizure, he could pick up his head to contemplate me with his beautiful brown eyes, but otherwise was completely helpless.

I was hurt. Even though each day in hospice witnessed his health diminish, I could not abandon faith and even looked for wheelchairs for quads. Just a miracle, not a quad wheelchair, could bestow him the quality of life he should have, and I could not forget that. But, that didn't make taking that life away from him any less difficult.

I felt down, but not weak. Merely having an overview of all the possibilities gave me the strength to make the right decision.

Just because you're here, I know that you strive to make the best choice, and that you have deep feelings for your pet. But where do you start?

Everyone looks at death in their own way, however, don't ignore the amount of comfort that a expert guide can offer. Your way is predetermined by the decisions you make, however you can remove the misery and pain once you know all of your choices, and where they will guide you.

A close friend gave me an invaluable book shortly before Carl died - Dr. Pat Bradley's book, More Than a Pet. After reading it, I was informed enough to do the correct thing. If you would like to be sure you're making a decision in line with your values, I recommend you read this book or one like it.

If you are dealing with a dog's disease or dog euthanasia, you'll find that expert, caring advice will help you make a decision in line with your values.