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Euthanasia: Is it morally acceptable to destroy a physically healthy dog?

When is the right time to end the life of a dog? Is it when he is too unwell to enjoy any quality of life? Is it when he is at death's door? Or is it when you can't get him to sit?

There are countless varying opinions on the subject of dog euthanasia and the vast majority contain very worthwhile points of view. However, in order to implement a universal code of ethics on the subject it is essential for certain animal welfare authorities to agree on certain things with regards to euthanasia. What is meant by 'universal code of ethics' in this context is a collection of many opinions on when it is right to put a dog down, in order to reduce the amount of unnecessary dog deaths and the amount of undue suffering to dogs.

Comparisons with human euthanasia can only be drawn to a certain extent as the denotation of euthanasia includes the words 'merciful' and 'help'. This suggests that there has been some sort of request made on the part of the sufferer and this can not be true in the case of dogs.

The majority of dog lovers in the world would agree that it would be cruel to actively
keep a dog alive if he was in obvious pain and had no quality of life. Would it be cruel to continue feeding the dog if he was in obvious pain and had no quality of life but to offer it no medication or pain relief? Who decides whether a dog has no quality of life? It's certainly not the dog himself it is usually the family from which the dog comes upon the advice of the veterinary surgeon. This is a seemingly logical sequence of events, but isn't every person's definition of quality of life totally different? What if dogs that are perfectly happy are being euthanised because they are slower or less active? What if a dog that is in extreme pain is kept alive because it does not appear ill or in pain?

The most common way to humanely put a dog down is by lethal injection. The solution used is called sodium pentobarbital, this substance is administered intravenously and results in two of three things. Firstly, the recipient will experience rapid loss of consciousness followed by either cardiac or respiratory arrest. The animal will feel absolutely no pain as it drifts into unconsciousness. This method of euthanasia gave rise to the euphemism ' to put to sleep'.

Other methods used by vets include the injection of a substance called T-61. This is a type of neuro-muscular blocking agent. This method causes paralysis and pain and is generally not the favoured method of euthanasia with most vets.

Arguments frequently arise upon discussion of one particular method of euthanasia. Shooting is considered by many as a more humane way of euthanasia than sodium pentobarbital or T-61. However, one argument is that this method is barbaric and disrespectful to the dog. To take a dog out into a field or yard and simply put a gun to his head and end his life is deemed to be inhumane. What if the gun misfires and the dog is accidentally shot in the stomach or back and is left in pain and shock with only death to bring an end? What are the social implications of validating the ownership of firearms for this reason, when there are other methods of euthanasia which pose no possible threat to parties not involved in the ownership of dogs? These are all very logical arguments, all though there are very valid arguments to the contrary. Why should a struggling farmer, for example, have to pay to have his own dog killed when he can do it for free in the privacy of his own home? Many people argue that the environment of a veterinary surgery is stressful to a dog, and that a dog should not spend his last moments somewhere he doesn't feel comfortable or happy. Some dog owners argue that to take a dog out into a field and put some food down for him is the only humane way to do it. The last thing he will know will be the smell of his food and the feeling of freedom and happiness he gets from being outside, then gun is put to his head before he even has time to look up. Why should any body pay for their dog to be killed by a stranger when they can end it peacefully in their own home?

There are many reasons for dog owners to consider euthanasia, some of which have clear benefits whilst others are considered unnecessary. The only person who really knows when the circumstances warrant euthanasia is the dog's owner. A vet can perform a clinical examination to determine whether the dog is afflicted with an illness or condition, but only the dog's owner knows whether the dog can cope with things or if he is not enjoying life anymore. It seems only right to put a suffering animal out of it's misery, but what if a dog is to be euthanised not because of illness but for some other reason, lack of space at the rescue centre perhaps?

Dogs do stray, that is the unfortunate fact. Some breeds are more notorious for straying than others. The six most common stray breeds are, Labrador retriever, Golden retriever, German Shepard, Beagle, Siberian Husky and Rottweiler. Would it be reasonable to put a dog down because it escaped and the owner could not be traced?

A view shared by many is that an 'adoptable' dog should never be put down. But the term 'adoptable' has different connotations depending on people's views on what they want in a dog. This is why, to avoid unnecessary killings of stray or abandoned dogs, it is essential that a 'universal code of ethics' be formed. If there were guidelines which indicated that a dog be at risk of being euthanised because of his situation rather than his health or temperament, perhaps dog owners would go to more effort to see that their dog does not end up in that situation. Perhaps the money saved from reducing dog euthanisations could be put into building more, or extending existing rescue centres.

There is a simpler way of reducing unnecessary dog euthanisations. Spaying and neutering are frighteningly under valued practices. A responsible dog owner who does not wish to, or cannot afford to breed from their dog will always have their dog spayed or neutered, but some dog owners are not responsible ones. All too often rescue centres become inundated with litters of dogs which cannot be cared for by the owner. This merely adds to the problem of over-crowded rescue centres, and it puts pressure on staff. For every dog that is submitted to a rescue centre, one dog has to leave. The dog that leaves is not necessarily a dog that has been adopted, it may just be that the least likely dog to be adopted or it may the dog that has been in the rescue centre for the longest period of time. Imagine a young, healthy and well-adjusted dog who's owner died and has to be taken to a rescue centre. This dog could be the dog which has spent the most time at the rescue centre and one day an irresponsible dog owner brings in his litter of 'accidental' puppies. Which dog will be required to make room? The simple fact is, that irresponsible dog owners who allow their dogs to breed uncontrollably are adding to an already huge problem.

Fortunately there are members of society who take it upon themselves to highlight this problem, and sometimes extreme measures are taken to really hammer the point home. In fact, a sheriff in Greensboro, north California, managed to triple the adoption rate of dogs and cats in his town. He had his own cable access show which he usually used to address the issues of the week in Greensboro. The problem with over-crowded rescue centres in the town was so rife that Sheriff televised the euthanisation of a dog, after explaining the reason behind it. The reason was that the dog had been at the rescue centre for too long and it looked as if he was never going to be rescued.

Behavioural problems in dogs often necessitate euthanasia. This is an issue that has very blurred boundaries. The boundaries in question are the ones between serious behavioural problems that can pose a risk to people and other animals, and slight behavioural querks which can be misconstrued as problematic behavioural deficiencies. Some cases are clear for all to see, if a dog is dangerously aggressive and has attacked somebody then sadly, the right option is to have the dog destroyed. Unfortunately this is the case even if the behavioural problems are due to the owner's ignorance or negligence, even so it would be unacceptable to keep such a dog within a society of children and other vulnerable parties. But what if the dog is not a danger to society, perhaps a dog is being attacked by a person with behavioural problems and the dog bites, should the dog then be destroyed? Perhaps money saved from reduced euthanisations could go towards a fund aimed at treating dogs with behavioural problems, or is the risk of a dangerous dog in society too great to be lenient on border-line cases?

If there were some sort of guidelines in place to determine what criteria demand a dog be put down then perhaps there would be more care taken to control dogs and their activities. If a dog owner were forewarned that by allowing his dog to breed uncontrollably, it could lead to the unnecessary deaths of many other dogs then perhaps he may take measures to prevent such an outcome. Maybe it wouldn't bother him in the slightest and only a hefty fine would deter him, but how does one going about creating a whole new law? Would creating a whole new law be taking the issue far too far? After all they're just dogs aren't they?

Whatever opinions people hold, the fact still remains that far too many dogs are killed for no good reason. Of course to euthanise a suffering animal seems humane and it is beneficial that this be allowed, but does the entire practice lead to questionable moral values? Does the fact that it is socially acceptable to kill our pets if they are sick lead us to believe that we can kill them if they are not attractive or badly behaved? Do the benefits of such a practice outweigh the drawbacks?

Perhaps we will never know which dogs would be better off dead, perhaps the system in place is the best system we will ever have for looking after man's best friend. After all, it is rare that a dog lover will see a dog suffering and take no action, and with such marvellous advances in veterinary medicine maybe there will be less need to destroy sick or injured dogs. Whatever happens to the practice of euthanasia, dog owners can be happy in the fact that the intended purpose of it is to prevent any undue suffering to any animal.

Author: Ryan O'Meara, editor-in-chief K9 Magazine
This article was taken from K9 Magazine, the lifestyle magazine for dog lovers.
You can get a free sample issue of K9 Magazine inc useful articles, features and advice at www.dogmagazine.net
All content © K9 Media Ltd & K9 Magazine.
Reprinted with kind permission from Ryan O'Meara

Paw Print Jewellery

How Will I Know When it's Time?

Pippin needed assistance from his owner to get to his feet. He slowly walked to the door, then needed help once again to step down onto the back porch. With a slight groan, he squatted to relieve himself and came back towards the house. There was no twinkle in his eye, and this time he needed to be carried all the way back to his bed. He’d used up his energy for that day.

I got a call from Pippin’s owner that day asking me, “Do you think it’s time for me to put him down?” This wasn’t the first time Pippin’s owner had asked me this question, nor was it the first time I’d faced this dilemma with others. As the facilitator of a pet loss group, I had sat with many who were grieving and reliving the pain of this situation.

For almost everyone who came to this group who had used euthanasia to assist their animal companions to ‘the other side,’ there was either the fear that they had waited too long or that they had done it too soon. Each person doubted that they had gotten it right.

Every now and then, I would run across someone who didn’t carry this guilt or doubt. I learned from them what had helped them to find clarity and peace with their decision. So, as I spoke to Pippin’s owner that day, I was careful in what I chose to say, knowing that this decision would affect the person’s grief journey, as well as their confidence and self-esteem.

Here are some helpful reminders for making your decision:

1) YOU ARE THE EXPERT concerning your animal’s care. No one knows them better than you. Gather information to the best of your ability to help you in making this decision.

2) Euthanasia may seem unnatural to some. Consider that “nature” is defied every day as sick animals have their lives prolonged by surgeries, medicines and procedures that aren’t necessarily “natural.”

3) Asking others for input can be helpful, and it can also derail you. Be careful who you ask and what you ask. If you are going to ask your vet their opinion, let them know that you will be making this decision and would like them to give you compassionate feedback, not a lecture or a “you must do this my way” recommendation. Pay particular attention to their knowledge about the signposts that indicate your animal is suffering and what to expect in terms of medical management.

4) Ask your animal. So many people are afraid to do this. They say, “I’m no Dr. Doolittle. I can’t talk to them.” This is untrue. We all communicate with our animals a lot more than we know. Much of it may not catch our attention because we are so used to it. They put their thoughts into our minds, as we do with our thoughts and words to them. All it takes is some quiet and stillness.

Take a pen and some paper and sit quietly with your animal. Do some stretching and deep breathing to relax your body. Shut your eyes and have the intention or say a short prayer to be connected with your animal’s mind and heart. Say (silently) what you would like to your pet—perhaps something like, “I can see that your body is losing strength and having a hard time. I sense that your time to let go of your physical body is coming closer. I am so sad about this as I will miss you very much. You have brought such joy and love to my life. And I love you so much that I don’t want you to suffer during this transition.

Could you tell me, in some way, whether you would like assistance with this process? Are you ready to go?” After you say what is in your heart, you must sit still and keep your mind and heart open. Feel a band of light going from your pet’s heart to your own. After a period of time, at least ten minutes, open your eyes and write down thoughts, images or feelings you had during that time. Trust your perceptions as more than a vivid imagination.

5) More and more people will call an animal communicator or pet psychic to speak with the animal. This can be very helpful. Know ahead of time, if you can, whom you will call and that you can trust their perceptions. Ask your veterinarian or friends for recommendations.

6) If you feel you haven’t received any useful information, then ask yourself, “Which choice will I have less regrets about when this is over?”

7) Sometimes our pets stay longer because they are worried about us, about whether we will be ok when they are gone. Have a talk with them and let them know that it is ok to go when they are ready, that you will be ok. Tell them that you will grieve their absence, but that you will reach out to others for support. Sometimes, just getting this permission from you allows them to die without the assistance of euthanasia.

8) If you do decide to euthanize, don’t do it alone. Have a friend or family member accompany you. If you want to be with your animal at the time of the injection, make sure you do it in a way that minimizes trauma to you both. Dim the lights if you can. Have a favorite blanket with you that your pet is cradled in. Speak to them again and tell them of your love and gratitude for being part of your life and that you will always be connected…that you will see them again…whatever is in your heart in that moment.

If s/he is in your arms, you may want to consider holding the animal so that you are not gazing into their eyes. It is a personal choice, but one that can make your grief harder. Many people say they are haunted by what they felt were painful “why?” or other critical questions in the pet’s eyes as they died. This is most likely projection of the human’s confusion and guilt, rather than the animal’s.

9) Decide in advance how to handle the body. Some cities have pet cemeteries that will cremate or bury your pet’s body. Having a memorial service for family and close friends can assist the natural process of grief.

Even with these tips to help you, know that grief for an animal companion is still hard work, just as it is for loss of a human companion. Give yourself permission to grieve, to remember the precious times with them, and know that you made the best choice you could in your particular moment. There are no right or wrong choices here. Take comfort knowing that your beloved animal wasn’t and isn’t judging you. Their love is unconditional and, as the great spiritual teachers that they are, they are holding you in their hearts, wherever they may be, wishing for you a happy, guilt-free and purposeful life.

Marcia Breitenbach is an author, musician, expressive arts grief therapist, and presenter. Her 2nd book, The Winds of Change: A Guided Journey with Healing Music through Grief, Loss & Transformation contains a CD of original healing music. Visit her at http://www.griefandlosshelp.com "More resources for handling loss and life challenges at http://www.themagnificentyou.com

Loving, losing a pet: Death of animal companion can be an intense grieving experience

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Old Dog

Marcia Schler

When old dog had to die
After long years filled with love and honour
When the weight of time grew wearying
and she was content to have it finished
I brought my old dog to our friend.
Old dog lay soft against me
old eyes already closed, waiting.
Our friends hand was gentle
on the weary body with its ragged fur.
So gentle to find the frail small vein
where death could enter.

Difficult
Old blood runs sluggish,
old veins slackly resisting.

So patient, our friend, his knowing hands
all I can see through silent tears.
I watch capable strong hands lightly coaxing
and at the last the small red flower
blooms briefly in the crystal
before he eases the plunger in.

Old dog only sighs very softly.
The weary heart slows and stops
as the joyful spirit leaps free.

We wait a quiet moment, my tears
dropping unheeded into the soft fur.
Our friend withdraws, his gentle hands
leaving old dog's cast-off body.
My head bowed over the weathered white mask
for a moment
before I let her lie by herself
and draw the blanket over her.

I wish the old dog had made it easier for him
To bring even a kindly death brings sadness.
He asked how many years she had, and
I heard more than that in his voice.

I wish I could thank him
for keeping zest in her years
for making a good end of them
for his capable hands
for gentle words
for caring heart.

I took the old dog home
and laid her as if sleeping
wrapped in her worn blanket
and sheltered deep in the kindly silent earth.

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Pet Euthanasia: When It's Time for Your Pet to Go

Written by Tracy Hargraves

Friday, 01 June 2007

One of the most troubling things in life is having to deal with a seriously ill pet, a pet that literally is on its last legs. As a corollary of that trauma, one of the most difficult decisions that a person can face in life is making the determination as to whether or not the time has come to euthanize a beloved companion animal.

There are some factors that you can weigh and balance to assist you in your own decision making process when it comes to dealing with end of life issues of a much loved pet.

The Issue is About Your Pet -- Not You

Oftentimes when a person has a very ill pet, you hear that person make statements to the effect of:

"I am really going to Miss Rover" or "I don't know what I will do without Fluffy" or (worst of all) "I am going to keep Boxer until the bitter end."

In other words, these men and women are putting their own feelings and interests before those of their pet. They seem to be overlooking the fact that it is the pet that is in dire pain.

When it comes to making these life or death decisions involving your pet, it is important to keep in mind that while you might have feelings, it is the feelings of your pet -- particularly the pain your pet is suffering -- that must be your paramount concern.

Consult with a Vet Early and Often
It is very important that you keep your vet closely involved in the process of determining when the time is right to euthanize your pet. Your vet will have been down this road many times. You vet will be able to five you unbiased and coolheaded advice about whether or not the time has come to bring about your pet's final passing.

It also is very important that you take your vet's advice seriously. There really will be no reason for you not to follow the advice of your vet if he or she finally concludes that the time has arrived to euthanize your companion animal. As mentioned, your vet will be unbiased and objective and will be better able to gauge what level of pain your pet is going through.

Should You be There for the End?
One question that may be haunting you is whether or not you should be present in the room when the time comes to euthanize your pet. In fact, some vet clinics have rules against having owners in the room during that procedure. Therefore the question actually may be resolved for you from the start. You may not even have the option of being present in the procedure room for the procedure.

However, if the vet or clinic does give you the option to be present at the time your pet actually is euthanized, you need to be very thoughtful about the decision you make. The ultimate question needs to be whether or not you can really provide your pet with any true comfort during those final moments and how painful the procedure will be for you. This is the juncture in the whole process when you can think of your own feelings and emotions. Moreover, you will not want to have the memory of your pet's death be the final memory that is etched into your mind.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBlast.com
About The Author:
Just like your pets at home, pet portrait paintings have become significant parts of your family portraiture. Pet photography have been raised a level higher as pet portrait artists like Tracy Hargraves painted exact pet images from photos into oil paintings.

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I Stood By Your Bed

I stood by your bed last night, I came to have a peep.
I could see that you were crying, You found it hard to sleep.
I whined to you softly as you brushed away a tear,
"It's me, I haven't left you, I'm well, I'm fine, I'm here."

I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea,
You were thinking of the many times your hands reached out to me.

I was with you at the shops today, Your arms were getting sore.
I longed to take your parcels, I wish I could do more.

I was with you at my grave today, You tend it with such care.
I want to reassure you that I'm not lying there.

I walked with you towards the house, as you fumbled for your key.
I gently put my paw on you, I smiled and said "it's me."

You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair.
I tried so hard to let you know that I was standing there.

It's possible for me to be so near you everyday.
To say to you with certainty, "I never went away."

You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew ...
In the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you.

The day is almost over... I smile and watch you yawning
and say "goodnight, God bless, I'll see you in the morning."

And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide,
I'll rush across to greet you and we'll stand, side by side.

I have so many things to show you, there is so much for you to see.
Be patient, live your journey out ... then come home to be with me.

Author unknown
(Found on the Husky bulletin board on AOL)

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Etiquette for People Facing the Loss of a Valued Animal

Bonnie S. Mader

While these are written specifically with the veterinarian in mind, they have a lot to offer anyone who has a friend who has lost a pet.

DO....

Give support.
Provide the opportunity to talk about feelings and concerns--before, during and after a loss.

Educate about any medical procedure or treatment carefully, using lay terms. Provide written information whenever possible. Be sure to educate thoroughly about the euthanasia procedure BEFORE it happens. Explain how euthanasia solution helps an animal to die and how the body responds to the solution. If scheduling does not allow for this, gently describe what you are doing while you are performing the euthanasia.

Ask people to share memories of the animal (or any loved one)

Reminisce about fond memories you have of the animal--anytime.

Use the animal's name...even after the animal has died.

Provide a hug, a squeeze of the hand, or touch on the shoulder-whatever you feel comfortable doing. With some people you don't know well, you may need to ask permission first: "Would it be okay if I gave you a hug?"

Listen more than talk.

Know that depression and anger are normal emotions and expressions of grief, just as are unusual behaviours. Be accepting and patient; do not take a grieving person's negative attitudes or behaviours personally--give them a lot of room for not doing things "better."

Say, "There's nothing I can really say right now to change things or make you feel better, although I wish I could. I want you to know that I am here for you." (Mean what you say. )

Cry with them if it feels natural to you. Maintain your professionalism so that you are able to follow through with the job at hand. Allow yourself to be more emotional latter. Keep up with your own grief work.

Send a condolence note signed by members of your staff, with personal comments about the animal and how he or she will be missed.

For special clients, send flowers and/ or make a follow-up phone call, i.e. "We’ve been thinking of you here at the clinic and we're wondering how you are doing?"

Send a donation in the deceased animal's name to an organization that benefits animals

Always give clients information about a local pet loss support group to attend and/or Pet Loss Support Hotline to call. While it is kind to share your own compassion and support, additional support services are beneficial in ways you are not trained for, or have the time to provide. Make it a habit of giving this type of information to every client dealing with the loss of an animal. This way you are letting your clients decide if they want to pursue additional help, rather than you possibly assessing incorrectly who needs it and who does not.

Don't say....
I know how you feel.
He/ she isn't suffering any more.
Everything happens for a reason.
He/she is in a better place.
All clouds have a silver lining.
It's a blessing.
You were lucky to have him/her this long.
Think of all your precious memories.
Only the good die young.
You think you've got it bad...
Life goes on.
It's been two months (or however long); you shouldn't still be so sad.
If I were you, I would have done it (or would do it) this way.
Why did you do that?
Time will heal.
Faith teaches us to be strong.
Think of only the good times.
When my animal died...
It's probably for the best.
All Seal Point Siamese look the same. Just get another one

Most of us have said some of these "don't say" comments at one point or another. In fact, some of these comments have a lot of truth to them. Life does go on. Time often does heal, or at least lessen, enormous heartache. The ending of suffering is good. The thing to keep in mind is that when a person is experiencing an acute sense of loss, logic is not comforting. With acute grief, simply acknowledging the sadness and overwhelming sense of loss is appropriate and is more helpful.

Don't ever say, "You know, you can always get another animal. As a matter of fact, I know of one who needs a home right now." This comment does not acknowledge the unique relationship the person has lost. People need to grieve and be validated for the feelings they are having about this specific loss. It is impossible to recreate lost relationships with another being who is, in itself, unique (even if the same breed). The length of time, and way a person needs to mourn varies with each individual.

Telling a person that she/he can simply replace a relationship by getting a new dog/ cat/iguana/ parakeet/horse, etc., is similar to telling a parent who has lost a child that she/he can always have another one..

©Bonnie S. Mader
reprinted with kind permission from Catherine de la Cruz

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The Gift

I'll lend you for a little while
My grandest dog he said.
For you to love while he's alive
And mourn for when he's gone.
It may be one or twenty years,
Or days or months, you see.
But, will you, till I take him back
Take care of him for me?

He'll bring charms to gladden you,
And should his stay be brief
You'll have treasured memories
As solace for your grief.

I cannot promise he will stay,
Since all from earth return.
But, there are lessons taught on earth
I want this dog to learn.

I've looked the wide world over
In my search for teachers true.
And from the throngs that crowd life's lanes
With trust I have selected you.

Now will you give him your total love?
Nor think the labor vain,
Nor hate Me when I come
To take him back again?

I know you'll give him tenderness
And love will bloom each day.
And for the happiness you've known
Forever grateful stay.

But should I come and call for him
Much sooner than you'd planned
You'll brave the bitter grief that comes
And someday you'll understand.

Author Unknown

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The Journey

by Crystal Ward Kent

When you bring a pet into your life, you begin a journey - a journey that will bring you more love and devotion than you have ever known, yet also test your strength and courage.

If you allow, the journey will teach you many things, about life, about yourself, and most of all, about love. You will come away changed forever, for one soul cannot touch another without leaving its mark.

Along the way, you will learn much about savoring life's simple pleasures - jumping in leaves, snoozing in the sun, the joys of puddles, and even the satisfaction of a good scratch behind the ears.

If you spend much time outside, you will be taught how to truly experience every element, for no rock, leaf, or log will go unexamined, no rustling bush will be overlooked, and even the very air will be inhaled, pondered, and noted as being full of valuable information. Your pace may be slower - except when heading home to the food dish - but you will become a better naturalist, having been taught by an expert in the field.

Too many times we hike on automatic pilot, our goal being to complete the trail rather than enjoy the journey. We miss the details - the colorful mushrooms on the rotting log, the honeycomb in the old maple snag, the hawk feather caught on a twig. Once we walk as a dog does, we discover a whole new world. We stop; we browse the landscape, we kick over leaves, peek in tree holes, look up, down, all around. And we learn what any dog knows: that nature has created a marvelously complex world that is full of surprises, that each cycle of the seasons bring ever changing wonders, each day an essence all its own.

Even from indoors you will find yourself more attuned to the world around you. You will find yourself watching summer insects collecting on a screen. (How bizarre they are! How many kinds there are!), or noting the flick and flash of fireflies through the dark. You will stop to observe the swirling dance of windblown leaves, or sniff the air after a rain. It does not matter that there is no objective in this; the point is in the doing, in not letting life's most important details slip by.

You will find yourself doing silly things that your pet-less friends might not understand: spending thirty minutes in the grocery aisle looking for the cat food brand your feline must have, buying dog birthday treats, or driving around the block an extra time because your pet enjoys the ride.

You will roll in the snow, wrestle with chewie toys, bounce little rubber balls till your eyes cross, and even run around the house trailing your bathrobe tie - with a cat in hot pursuit - all in the name of love.

Your house will become muddier and hairier. You will wear less dark clothing and buy more lint rollers. You may find dog biscuits in your pocket or purse, and feel the need to explain that an old plastic shopping bag adorns your living room rug because your cat loves the crinkly sound.

You will learn the true measure of love - the steadfast, undying kind that says, "It doesn't matter where we are or what we do, or how life treats us as long as we are together." Respect this always. It is the most precious gift any living soul can give another. You will not find it often among the human race.

And you will learn humility. The look in my dog's eyes often made me feel ashamed. Such joy and love at my presence. She saw not some flawed human who could be cross and stubborn, moody or rude, but only her wonderful companion. Or maybe she saw those things and dismissed them as mere human foibles, not worth considering, and so chose to love me anyway.

If you pay attention and learn well, when the journey is done, you will be not just a better person, but the person your pet always knew you to be - the one they were proud to call beloved friend.

I must caution you that this journey is not without pain. Like all paths of true love, the pain is part of loving. For as surely as the sun sets, one day your dear animal companion will follow a trail you cannot yet go down. And you will have to find the strength and love to let them go. A pet's time on earth is far too short - especially for those that love them. We borrow them, really, just for awhile, and during these brief years they are generous enough to give us all their love, every inch of their spirit and heart, until one day there is nothing left.

The cat that only yesterday was a kitten is all too soon old and frail and sleeping in the sun. The young pup of boundless energy wakes up stiff and lame, the muzzle now gray. Deep down we somehow always knew that this journey would end. We knew that if we gave our hearts they would be broken.

But give them we must for it is all they ask in return. When the time comes, and the road curves ahead to a place we cannot see, we give one final gift and let them run on ahead - young and whole once more. "Godspeed, good friend," we say, until our journey comes full circle and our paths cross again.

reprinted with kind permission from Catherine de la Cruz

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May I Go?

May I go now?
Do you think the time is right?
May I say goodbye to pain filled days
and endless lonely nights?
I've lived my life and done my best,
an example tried to be.
So can I take that step beyond
and set my spirit free?
I didn't want to go at first,
I fought with all my might.
But something seems to draw me now
to a warm and living light.
I want to go
I really do.
It's difficult to stay.
But I will try as best I can
to live just one more day.
To give you time to care for me
and share your love and fears.
I know you're sad and afraid,
because I see your tears
I'll not be far,
I promise that, and hope you'll always know
that my spirit will be close to you
wherever you may go

Thank you so for loving me.
You know I love you too,
that's why it's hard to say goodbye
and end this life with you.
So hold me now just one more time
and let me hear you say,
because you care so much for me,
you'll let me go today

Written for a beloved pet & friend.by Susan A. Jackson

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Why Dogs don't Live As Long As People

Out of the mouths of Babes!

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners; Ron, his wife, Lisa, and their little boy, Shane were all very attached to Belker and they were hoping for a miracle. I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer.

I told the family there were no miracles left for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home. As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for the four-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt Shane could learn something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on.

Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away. The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, "I know why." Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me - I'd never heard a more comforting explanation.

He said, "Everybody is born so that they can learn how to live a good life - like loving everybody and being nice, right?" The four-year-old continued, "Well, animals already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."

Linda Bobo

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Eternal Guardian

At the closing of this day,
when daylight ceased and nighttime came
to cloak the pastures in soft dreaming tones,
my dear guardian left my side.
Gone to guard those that went before her,
leaving me behind.
To that gentle spirit who graced my life,
I give my whispered thanks and murmuring of love.
Guarding me no longer, but eternally guarding my soul
.
MaryBeth Vaudrin in honor of
Ch. Four Oaks Stardrift Siri
9/11/86 to 8/2/98

*********************

The Rainbow Bridge

Author - an unknown pet owner

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and contaent, except for one small thing - they each miss someone very special to them, someone who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; his eager body begins to quiver. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

******************

The House Dog's Grave

(Haig, an English bulldog)

I've changed my ways a little, I cannot now
Run with you in the evenings along the shore,
Except in a kind of dream; and you, if you dream a moment
You see me there.
So leave awhile the paw-marks on the front door
Where I used to scratch to go out or in,
And you'd soon open; leave on the kitchen floor
The marks of my drinking-pan.

I cannot lie by your fire as I used to do
On the warm stone,
Nor at the foot your bed; no, all the nights through
I lie alone.

But your kind thought has laid me less than six feet
Outside your window where firelight so often plays,
And where you sit to read -- and I fear often grieving for me --
Every night your lamplight lies on my place.

You, man and woman, live so long, it is hard
To think of you ever dying.
A little dog would get tired, living so long.
I hope that you when you are lying

Under the ground like me your lives will appear
As good and joyful as mine.
No, dears, that's too much hope: you are not so well cared for
As I have been.

And never have known the passionate undivided
Fidelities that I knew.
Your minds are perhaps too active, too many-sided . . . .
But to me you were true.

You were never masters, but friends. I was your friend.
I loved you well, and was loved. Deep love endures
To the end and far past the end. If this is my end,
I am not lonely. I am not afraid. I am still yours.

Robinson Jeffers, Selected Poems

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Pets2Gems

Amazingly there are companies that can use the carbon from a dogs ashes to make a high quality certified diamond that can be set into a piece of jewellery. For some people this is the ultimate tribute to their dog. Plus people may be attracted by the fact that the diamond is ethically sourced and does not come with the environmental and social issues of mining for natural ones.

This service certainly isn't cheap and starts at around £987 and can go up or down depending on how extravagant your taste in diamonds is. For those who find this too morbid some companies can create a diamond from your dogs hair or nails so you can have a jewel made from your dog's carbon while he is still very much alive.

Diamonds are basically carbon. What nature takes millions of years to create, technicians can create in just a few months from specially treated carbon derived from a process using the last remnants of your loved-pet. Turn it into diamond ring or bracelet or jewellery.

These are real diamonds [not CZ or Moissanite] and though created in a laboratory, they possess the exact same characteristics of mined diamonds, they are cut and polished in exactly the same way, to be set as a pendant or as a diamond ring.

What better memorial for your pet than turning it into a precious gem to last for ever.

pets2gems

Lifegem

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Pet Loss and Grief	Grieving for Your Pet	Telling Your Kids	The Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement
Pets Everlasting	Pet Bereavement Support	Ease	Pet Loss Grief Support Website

Canine Euthanasia

Euthanasia

Paw Print Jewellery

Do Not Weep

How Will I Know When it's Time?

Loving, losing a pet: Death of animal companion can be an intense grieving experience