July 07, 2009

Animal Euthanasia

According to wiki, Animal Euthanasia (from the Greek meaning "good death") is the act of inducing humane death in an animal. Euthanasia methods are designed to cause minimal pain and distress.

In domesticated animals, this process is commonly referred to by the euphemisms "lay down," "put down," "put to sleep," "put out of its/his/her misery," or "sent away to the farm."

And some of the reasons for euthanasia
  • Illness or broken limbs that would cause suffering for the animal to live with, or when the owner has insufficient financial reserves to pay for treatment.
  • Old age - Deterioration to loss of major bodily functions. Severe impairment of the quality of life.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Insufficient Financial Reserves to pay for treatment
I am a single mom supporting a growing son, an aging mother and a housing mortgage.

Old Age
Gi will be 12yo in Nov 2009. That is equivalent to 84 human years old.

Deterioration to loss of major bodily functions
Dec 2007: Gi was diagnosed being blind.
Nov 2008: Gi was diagnosed with arthritis and it has gotten worse recently.

Illness or broken limbs
Dec 2008: Gi was suspected to have breast cancer.
June 2009: There’s a growth in Gi’s left front shoulder joint which is causing her to not able to use her left fore leg and limping too. And it’s suspected to be a cancerous growth.

With all of the above, they shud be reasons enough for me to euthanize her knowing that what I’ve done is for her best interest. So why is my mind *STILL* searching for alternatives to prolong her life?

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