How Much is that Doggie in the Window?

The best friend, we've all had one.  For some, its someone we can confide in and tell everything to; someone we can stay up all night with talking about the deeper meaning to life and giggling madly over nothing; someone who knows what you're about to say just by looking at the expression on your face.

Super doggy and I

Wether that best friend is a person or an animal, does it really make a difference?

Growing up, we had chocolate springer spaniel named Nubbers.  He was my guardian, my companion and above all, my best friend.  Sleeping was impossible without his heavy breathing and chubby chest rising and falling at the foot of my bed.  I'm sure everyone likes to think that their dog was the best, but Nubbers really was the most incredible companion I've ever had.

Sure he had his moments, like when he bit the mail man, or got hit by that car, or when he broke through the screen door and chased my mom's Minivan all the way down the street, but what dog doesn't?

All the good memories, however, overshadow all the dark moments.  At the time, its not like we could've trained my baby brother to go fetch the newspaper, or dig holes in the snow for me to hide in.  When the neighbour kids would come over to play, our favourite fort building spot was way into the tall corn fields.  My dad would tie a rope from Nubbers' collar around each of our waists, that way when we went too far into the fields, all he had to do was whistle and Nubbs would drag us back home -- dirtily, but safely.

Now, when the years started to add up, the "Velvet Pup" could no longer fetch the newspaper, or chase us through the yard.  He rapidly went blind, followed by deaf, then eventually both hind legs became paralyzed with severe arthritis.  There was no doubt that he was in pain.  After falling down

No winter blues here!

the stairs and breaking and fracturing many bones, all he could do was lay there.  He had to be carried outside and basically spoon fed.  His end was approaching and it was inevitable.  At 11 years old, looking at his sad body laying on the floor, I knew he was in pain.  When I came home from school one afternoon, however, his bed was gone and his heavy breathing could no longer be heard.  Dad explained to us that he'd taken Nubbs to get put down, taken out of his misery.  It was heartbreaking, yet so relieving knowing that he was no longer suffering.

If you've been lucky enough to experience a such a relationship with a pet, like my Nubbers, you understand that they're basically considered family.  Losing a pet can be just as difficult as losing a close family member.  Seeing your own mother, brother or grandfather suffering in pain, knowing that their time is near is absolutely heart wrenching - knowing that they're pleading for recovery even though it'll never come, and knowing that there is nothing you can do about it.

What I'm getting around to is the topic of Euthanasia.  In other terms, it can be called assisted suicide, signifying to painlessly end one's life with the assistance of a medical practitioner, in order to relieve pain and suffering.

For our pets, we see Euthanasia all the time.  When we can no longer stand to see them suffer with no hopes to spare, we realize that its time for them to be put down - sparing them, and us from the heart wrenching pains.

Yet when a family member, one who is even closer to us than a pet could ever be, is suffering tremendously knowing that they will never recover, there is no end - other than waiting for the mournful morning when they don't wake up.  The psychological, emotional and even physiological tolls taken on family members of those who are suffering, go beyond compare to any broken bone or stressful week at work.  The effects can even be long lasting, such as loss of appetite and weight loss, mental instability and anxiety.

So, why is it okay to euthanize our pets for their greater good, yet it becomes unthinkable when a loved and loving human being is suffering?  I believe there should be a choice, an option for severe cases - not all.  Cases such when they keep someone alive one more day, and then another day,  and then another day, just to watch them suffer even more on their deathbed, when their goodbyes have been said long ago.

I do not wish to upset or offend anyone with my approach to such a sensitive subject.  If I have, please don't neglect to let me know.

Otherwise, take a moment to think about this topic, the pros and cons, the humane and inhumane side of things and let me know, what do you think?

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/euthanasia