Mercy Killing for Dogs
By katrhina23
@katrhina23 (1282)
United States
November 8, 2008 11:12am CST
yesterday, a student (kindergarten) of mine handed me a note that came from his mom . The letter says that she'll pick the boy up earlier because they want him to spend more time with their dog. The dog apparently has been sick for a while. She said the dog is already old (7 years old) which I think is not too old for a dog , and have been growling the whole night.
The little boy was so sad, he handed me a picture his mom took the night before with the dog . In the picture, the boy was crying. I just felt so sad about that and gave him a hug and told him that life is like that. And we really have to accept that.
On the note, it also says , that if the child still feels upset or is not really feeling well, I would give her a call and pick him up earlier thn scheduled.
But I decided that the child stays, because he would feel much better and maybe forget what is happening when he is with the other kids whick I think he did. He actually participated in all the activities. Though , one can really see that something is wrong with him.
My assistant actually told me, the boy looks so sad. So I handed her the mom's note and so she also gave him a hug.
The sad part is, the parents do not want the kids to suffer longer and the dog as well. they had to take him to the vet and I guess gave him a shot that would let him die and wouldnt suffer anymore.
What do you think of this guys? If you were the parent, will you let the dog die naturally and let him at least be with the family for some more time even if he is in pain or you will do the same?
1 person likes this
3 responses
@thedogshrink (1266)
• United States
8 Nov 08
It all depends on what is wrong with the dog, and on what the vet says. If the dog has a good chance of recovery, I'd try if I could possibly find a way to afford it, to get him well.
If the vet says his chance is very poor and he is suffering, then I would "put him to sleep". (not sure if people in other countries understand that term, but I meant euthanize him, let the vet give him a lethal dose and it is very painless and quick).
I believe FIRMLY, no matter how hard it is, for the dog's owner to be with him while the vet is giving him the injection. The dog will take comfort in the fact that his owner is with him.
I don't think it's good to leave an animal suffering when there is no hope. Also if the dog is growling, and the vet say there is nothing that can be done, then that would not be very good quality time with the dog.
My only concern in reading your post is whether the family had actually tried to get medical help for the dog -- it kinda sounds like they have allowed the illness to continue without any medical intervention, and now they feel it is "time". I think the dog should be medically assessed, at the very least, before being killed.
But it could just be because you or the mother did not mention any medical help they tried, since it seems they would have tried hard, if the little boy is so upset -- I mean it sounds like they care about the dog...
@katrhina23 (1282)
• United States
8 Nov 08
I spoke to the mother when she signed the boy out, and she said the dog has been sick for a while. they had given him what he needs actually. he was in medication and they really took good care of the dog.
there were no more chance for the dog to survive. so the vet decided to do that .
i was just worried about the boy's emotions.
but i guess, he should learn that it is part of life and that anything in the world would come to an end.
@katrhina23 (1282)
• United States
8 Nov 08
oh. your replies touched me so much. Thanks for sharing guys. I just dont know what to do if my dog gets sick and die afterwards. it would be sad for the whole family for sure.
@katrhina23 (1282)
• United States
9 Nov 08
I treat my dog like he is my own child. And still I am hoping he will have longer life.
@katrhina23 (1282)
• United States
8 Nov 08
Thanks a lot. When my student showed me the picture after I read the note, he cried and I cried also,then i explained to him that it is part of life. and it really happens.
but i didnt let him see me crying. i just gave him a hug and assured him everyhting will be alright.
@lisa0502 (1724)
• Canada
8 Nov 08
I think that as hard as it is the parents did the right thing. I do not feel that it is fair to the dog to keep it alive if it is suffering. The child will take some time to get over this sad thing, but it will happen. I also think that it might be harder for the child to watch the dog die naturally and watch it suffer.
@katrhina23 (1282)
• United States
8 Nov 08
yeah. it will really take time for the child to accept it. it is very difficult for the parents what to do I guess.
