| I am going through this at this time. It has taken me a week just to get to the point where I can rationally discuss this subject. IMO, it is both a question of cost and ethics. The overriding considertion has to be the quality of life of the dog. If the dog is in pain or cannot live life as it is used to, then it is time to do the right thing. If you don't have the financial resources to offer the latest treatments w/o material injury to yourself or your family then it is time. (BTW, there should be no guilt ascribed to the fact that someone may not be able to afford the latest medical treatment either).
It's all a question of time. As dog lovers we all have to know that our beloved animals have a much shorter life span than we do. We all pray against the day when they will leave us, and leave us they will. We can only hope that the dreaded event happens in a manner and form that is easier on us. Often this is not the case. When life takes a wrong turn it is up to us as the reasoning being in the relationship to take care of our friend and insure that they don't suffer.
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Mike
The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact, the most precious and valuable possession of mankind. - - Theodorus Gaza |