RE: We are so lucky

[Guest guest]

Hi all, as I read through this thread, I have

been thinking to myself how much better the world, and certainly how much

better our patients all are because of this endeavor (rehab and ALL it

entails). We are so fortunate that rehab brought such an amazing, caring

group of people together that might not otherwise have even known each

other. Thanks for the thoughts, support and friendship, as well as the

brains!

Pam Nichols DVM

From: VetRehab [mailto:VetRehab ] On Behalf Of Dr. Laurie McCauley

Sent: Monday, April 07, 2008 5:12

PM

To: VetRehab

Subject: Humane

Euthanasia

Hi All,

I have to add my 2 cents as well as I have been blessed to have

some unique experiences.

Although we may feel that euthanasia may be in the best interest

of the patient, this is still the owners decision and we are only there to

guide them, not to make that decision for them.

I have had a case where the dog had DM and had lost the use of the

rear limbs, was incontinent, lost the use of the front limbs and then had

trouble picking it’s head up. Many people thought the dog should

have been euthanized long before it got this far. The real story is that

she belonged to a couple that had gotten her just before the dad was diagnosed

with terminal brain cancer. The dad was slowly progressing just like the

dog. Mom felt strongly that when the dog died, the dad would give up and

go as well. It was a real eye opener to realize that sometimes more then

one life can be affected when this decision is made. We did everything we

could to keep her going for as long as possible. In the end she had

trouble breathing and went on her own. I felt privileged to have known

both mom and dog with such perseverance.

I have also been in the hospital where children lay dying, their

parents by their bedside, willing to give their own lives to save their

child’s. I have had clients say they would “go to hell and

stay there” if it could save their dog, or “I would rather lose my

wife/husband then lose my dog”. I have seen clients with their

parents in the room that they bring in unable to walk, some on oxygen, some not

sure who they are, and realize that the client sees their pet like they see

their parent. I have even had a client tell me that “I have

suffered through potty training, obedience training, and later in life potty training,

and I am not ready emotionally for them to leave yet, they can suffer a little

after all I have suffered though for them”. Funny, but not really.

I think to my self “who am I to say when this pet should be

put to sleep?” I can give guidance if I feel like the pet is

suffering, but it is never my decision and since we do not know all of

the experiences of the client and the pet, we must rely on the owner to take

all the information and make the best decision. And to understand even if

we do not agree with their decision. I can’t tell you how many

patients have been brought to me because others have told the owners that the

dog should be put to sleep. If we push the issue, we push the clients

away. If we offer gentle suggestions and then do all in our power to

increase quality of the life that we have in our hands, we can help the client

and the pet come to peace about any decision they make.

Sincerely,

Laurie McCauley DVM

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