The newest atrocity thought up by people who choose to not look at life through clear lenses is "hospice" That's a plan where a loving owner, who may be a bit underfunded for euthanasia takes their dog to the shelter to be put down. I wish all dogs could go like Oreo did, in a familiar place with their head in the lap of a loved one, but I also understand why most shelters can't do that. And I understand not everybody can afford it;.there is an alarming trend in sheltering that says owners don't have the right to offer or expect humane euthanasia at the end of their beloved pets life.... As if somehow the person behind the desk knows more about your dog than you do......
Besides depriving an owner of allowing their pet an assisted death, lets consider what the dog faces. I'll use Burley Dog, he's almost 9 and that is old for a Newfie, he's a bit slow in getting up, but still having a good time at the party. The vet says good for another year if the cancer doesn't return. You can see Burley Dog pictures all over this blog, but what do pictures say ? What information do they offer to keep a dog comfortable.... none......
Looking at Burley Dog, would you know he has a heart condition ? That his life is good because he has a cardiologist? Bet not :) His coat looks a little dry, maybe fish oil ? Probably not a good idea for this fella, really gets bloat from fish oil, could even go into a twisted stomach ( ouch ). How about some Rimadyl for that stiff rear end, couldn't hurt right ? Wrong. . nearly lost him from that a couple of years ago, made his stomach bleed. But the kind " hospice " person wouldn't know that because it's not her dog. These well meaning folk are experimenting and playing " nurse" to the most vulnerable of the animal population, and it needs to stop. Owner requested euthanasia needs to be put back on the sheltering contract and kept there. These old dogs are being held prisoners, and used to draw attention to the shelter and make people " feel good" at the dogs expense. How about a " BIG FLUFFY BED ??.. Burley Dog weighs 200 pounds, his hair is 14 inches long, your big fluffy bed would make him very uncomfortable and possibly overheat him if you stuck him in a crate with it.. Most shelter dogs brought in for euthanasia don't come with instructions, because the owner knows it's in the best interest of the animal to be spared further suffering. So if you are a
" hospice" please don't pat yourself on the back, because you are a meddler, and nothing more......Dogs don't fear death, but they feel pain. If your shelter doesn't offer a Euthansia Request Form, ask why, and don't shut up til you get one. It may be the last kindness you can show your pet.
