One of the things I dislike about my job is when a client comes into my office and discovers that their pet has an illness, or their pet is really old and treatment would cost a fortune. Said client then must make a decision as to whether or not to pay for treatment (which may cost thousands over a period of time) or to put their beloved pet to "sleep".
Now, if you were to come into my office and simply say, "I'd like to euthanise my pet." We wouldn't just simply say "OK". The doctor would first consult with you to see if there were another way to prolong the life of your pet. But, if the dog or cat is suffering in pain and any treatment would force a hardship on the client, euthanasia might be an option.
OK, so animals aren't people. Although many of you would argue that point based on sentiment, we wouldn't just take little Tommy, who has cancer into the doctor's office and say, "Could you please euthanise my son, I can't afford treatment, and he is suffering." However, we do euthanise people that society deems dangerous sitting on Death Row.
I know I'm covering a broad spectrum here, but bear with me:
It's OK to euthanise a suffering pet. It's OK to euthanise a pet, in some cases, if treatment would force financial hardship on the owner.
It's not OK to euthanise a child even if the child is suffering and would force financial hardship on the parents (that includes any charities that might help a little). It's not OK to euthanise a human adult. Yes, people who pull the "plug" may be considered to be euthanising a loved one, but that person is on life support, and some think no longer aware.
But wait! It is Ok to euthanise an adult! If that adult happens to be a criminal, is not suffering and is creating financial hardship on the state.
Do you think it's OK to euthanise a pet? How about a human being? A criminal?
Now, if you were to come into my office and simply say, "I'd like to euthanise my pet." We wouldn't just simply say "OK". The doctor would first consult with you to see if there were another way to prolong the life of your pet. But, if the dog or cat is suffering in pain and any treatment would force a hardship on the client, euthanasia might be an option.
OK, so animals aren't people. Although many of you would argue that point based on sentiment, we wouldn't just take little Tommy, who has cancer into the doctor's office and say, "Could you please euthanise my son, I can't afford treatment, and he is suffering." However, we do euthanise people that society deems dangerous sitting on Death Row.
I know I'm covering a broad spectrum here, but bear with me:
It's OK to euthanise a suffering pet. It's OK to euthanise a pet, in some cases, if treatment would force financial hardship on the owner.
It's not OK to euthanise a child even if the child is suffering and would force financial hardship on the parents (that includes any charities that might help a little). It's not OK to euthanise a human adult. Yes, people who pull the "plug" may be considered to be euthanising a loved one, but that person is on life support, and some think no longer aware.
But wait! It is Ok to euthanise an adult! If that adult happens to be a criminal, is not suffering and is creating financial hardship on the state.
Do you think it's OK to euthanise a pet? How about a human being? A criminal?
__________________
I have been formatted to fit this screen.
r66-The member who always asks WHY?
I have been formatted to fit this screen.
r66-The member who always asks WHY?