I don't know if we're in the minority, or not. I am very grateful that we have the option of euthanasia available to us for our furred loved ones. I too would very much appreciate someone who loves me enough being able to help me cross if, when my time comes, I am suffering with no relieve or cure available. I think Switzerland allows assisted crossings for their citizens, maybe, if I have enough notice...
What was the quote, MC? "Better to send them to the bridge one day too soon than 5 minutes too late". That quote helped me alot when I was steeped in doubt, mourning the loss of my Jazz and questioning the decision that at the time, I KNEW was the right one under the circumstances. It's such an individual, case by case, decision. Look at my Gypsy. Everyone, and I mean everyone, I know has told me to pts. If I were looking at it from the outside, I'd have been advising the same thing. Something in the communication we share told me to hold on, to continue to fight for her. I made her a promise to do just that, till the end. There have been times when I was questioning that decision. Times when I thought I was being cruel and unjust to allow her to continue to suffer. But damn, if she isn't making a rebound! (Quick, say a prayer!)
I don't think you had come back to the list when we sat vigil with Michelle and her Simon. That ordeal changed my mind about judging (not that I think you are judging, but I'm afraid I was at the beginning), what is appropriate for someone else in regard to any decisions they feel compelled to make when they are in the mists of losing an animal. Michelle struggled so valiantly and, the most important aspect, for me, was that Simon held on and struggled just as valiantly. My guess is that he did that for her. Because it was important for her to have an opportunity to save him, just a little more time, just one more effort, etc. They shared something miraculous in those short weeks, even if it wasn't the miracle that Michelle and the rest of us had been praying for. Perhaps there is a lesson in all this for Lisa and Akira, or even one of us helplessly standing by, that we can't comprehend at the moment. I don't know. I just know that it's important to support each other in whatever we decide to do, because we're so damn hard on ourselves regardless of what decisions we ultimately end up making.
I just wanted to say thank you. Thank you for voicing your opinion, even though it did seem you were in the minority. I think that along with the invaluable knowledge shared and the moral support given, the next important thing we can do for each other is to speak up and let our opinions be known.
No shrinking violet me, Nina
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
I've not been responding with any suggestions so far, because I'm probably in the minority in my opinion, but I think she is suffering needlessly, and that HUMANE euthanasia would be the kindest thing for her at this point. I do not think that putting her through all the invasive procedures of biopsies and feeding tubes is the right thing to do. I know that if I ever get to that point, I HOPE that someone will have the kindness to ease my suffering and end my dwindling life (hopefully it will be legal by then). That's just how I feel though, and I'm not you, and she's not my cat, and I do not want you to in any way think that I am judging you, or criticizing your actions. It's just that you asked for opinions so many times, and I held my tongue a few times, but your plea has finally given me the will to say what I know will probably be my unpopular opinion. Whatever you decide, PLEASE make sure it is the decision that your heart tells you is the RIGHT one, because I know what living with regret every day feels like, and I don't want anyone to feel that kind of pain! My sincerest wishes of peace and understanding go out to you and Akira!
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Jenn
