Euthanasia...
I received a call today from a woman who introduced herself as one of the veterinarians at the animal clinic where I surrendered a homeless cat yesterday. She asked if I knew about the history of the animal and the only information I could offer was, a week ago the cat showed up in the courtyard of my building and neighbors were feeding her. The cat was quiet and very friendly but homeless. The reason for me delivering the cat to their facility was to keep my neighbors out of trouble for violating the association rules for feeding strays.The vet went on to explain the cat was in pain having enlarged lymph nodes and lumps in her intestines. Most of her teeth were missing and several teeth were infected into the gums.
At that point I asked "Are we talking about the same cat?"
She described the animal and stated the her condition with all the problems it wouldn't be long for the cat to live and the most humane thing to do is euthanize her so she doesn't have to suffer.
I tried several no-kill pet adoption places and this was the only place in 50 miles or so that would take the cat in for spaying, shots and microchip. To hear they had to put the cat down came as a total surprise... and not a good one.
So ended my Happy-Friday and a full moon on a clear night.
Comments (9)
Wait ! Aren't they supposed to have 9 lives, or is that just a cat food brand ?
Sad news indeed when you tried to help this creature. However I have to say that I would prefer any animal to be relieved of excessive pain and not left to suffer if there is no hope of recovery and the outlook is one of pain and suffering.
I have had to make many decisions regarding my pets welfare over the years and very rarely had any die of old age sad to say. Us humans have the same problem but unfortunately not the same choice though we do now have Dignitas in Switzerland ,though not without consequences unfortunately.
If there is no quality of life and continued pain do you not consider that a reason to put an animal out of it's misery, as they are unable to tell us so rely on their human pals to do the right thing for them.
If you step back and look at what you just in last paragraph appears to be a question and its that question i am referring to. If you step back and look at what you have said is it not so your talking about you feelings e.g. " they are unable to tell us so rely on their human pals to do the right thing for them"!
Cats think nothing of the kind its you that thinks that's what they think not the cat
It's not your fault that the cat was sick. Don't feel guilty that its time had come.
But I got 2 more years out of him ( when he had bladder emergency.)...by following strict protocol
Involving distilled h20 + corn silk...given me by the owner of a local health food store.