What's your opinion on... euthanasia

[PJ's Mom]

He's a pretty kitty! I'm sorry you'll be faced with such a difficult decision in the near future. I can only imagine how much it hurts.

[jackie]

It took me three tries to read this thread all the way through. I really don't know how I could find the strength to make that decision. My biggest fear is that my dogs will fall ill in the same time frame They are five, two, and one and a half, which are pretty close together. I don't know if I could handle losing one dog, let alone two or three in the same year.

[Glacier]

My biggest fear is that my dogs will fall ill in the same time frame They are five, two, and one and a half, which are pretty close together. I don't know if I could handle losing one dog, let alone two or three in the same year.

I have similar thoughts sometimes...I have 2 12 year olds and several who are 8 or older. I've lost 3 in the last 18 months and I know there will be more over the next year or so. I sometimes look around the yard and house and think, I can't do this 30 more times (31 after tomorrow). After Hoodoo died, I said to my hubby that I didnt' think I could handle this. He pointed out to me that the alternative to grieving for them is to not have them at all. That is even worse. Everything they bring to my life while they are here is completely worth the broken heart when they leave.

[cyber-sibes]

He's a pretty kitty! (

Thanks, I've always thought so, too. The picture is from last spring, he's much much thinner now. My friend that helps me do the sub-q fluids says he's "circling the drain" now.

To those of you who have had to euthanize, did you feel guilty? Even though it was undoubtedly a kind decision? I felt guilty just thinking about it the last time he was having problems.

[Glacier]

To those of you who have had to euthanize, did you feel guilty? Even though it was undoubtedly a kind decision? I felt guilty just thinking about it the last time he was having problems.

He is a lovely kitty! I adore the senior feline!

I've never felt any guilt about the actual act of euthansia, but I've always been completely sure that there were no other options and it was the right thing to do. I've felt guilt about all sorts of other things after the fact, but never that final decision. I'd suggest that you felt guilty last time because you knew it wasn't time yet.