Euthanizing a Pet

[Pegmo]

Is there any reason that a Christian should not euthanize a pet? I would never support euthanization of a human....but is it ok to do this for an aged pet?

[SeattlePhog]

That is always one of the toughest question a pet owner has to face. If the pet is suffering I don't see it as a bad thing. If someone does it just because they can't take care of the animal or can't afford it any longer, then I think it is a bad thing.

tough question though!

-Dan

[cinlynn]

I agree with SeattlePhog.

If an aged pet is suffering, then I really don't see anything wrong.

We lost our collie 2 weeks ago today. She was almost 13, and in fine health. On that Saturday, she was mopey.. That Sunday we found her dead when we got home.

Sometimes the older dog or cat simply die. But, with an older pet that is in distress and is suffering.. sometimes, though difficult, letting them go can be the last loving thing we can do for them.

:hug I'm sorry if you are faced with this decision.. it isn't an easy one.

[Sandra]

I've had to euthanize two very beloved dogs. Each time it broke my heart. The first was 4 years ago. Dallas, had a very rapidly spreading cancer. The vets gave her less than a 20% chance of surviving the very expensive cancer treatments. I chose, with tears streaming down my face, to let her go that day. The second was this past March when our sheltie, Joshua, suffered a FCE and was left totally paralized from the neck down. The emergency vet recommended going ahead and putting him down. We took him home. We were back at our vet a week later with a beloved furbaby having seizures and crying out in pain. The vets could do nothing for him, no surgery would be successful, no meds would help him, so once again, we had to make a heart breaking decision.

Several months after we let Dallas go, in church one Sunday morning, in the midst of my worshipping and praising God, I had a "vision". I do not have visions, but suddenly I saw Dallas in a lovely place. She was looking up at someone with love in her eyes and smiling with her doggie smile. The vision shifted upward and there was Jesus, placing His hand on her head and telling me she would be there when I get there. I looked back down at Dallas and she looked "at" me and then back at Jesus. I then knew I had made the right decision for Dallas and I quit second-guessing my decision to let her go.

I know that most do not believe our beloved pets will be with us in heaven, but after that "vision" which came out of the "blue" during praise and worship, I most certainly believe they will be with us and I know wherever Dallas is, Joshua is with her.

One thing I have done to honor each furbaby, has been to make a Memory Book for each one. I bought a small, but beautiful photo album with a metal cover which has space for a picture. The books are filled with our pics of them, snips of their fur in a plastic bag, and other things to remember them by. That has been a great help in our grieving over these much loved members of our family.

[bopeep1909]

One of the hardest thing in my life was to make a decision to have my dog put to sleep. She was really suffering and she was 20 years old. So...So very hard:cry :cry <><

[A_AmericanSaint]

Nope, no reason not to euthanize them if you deem it is necessary. It is wrong however to kill them in a way that would make them suffer like suffocation (which some places do- they put the animal in a box and suck the air out until it's a vacuum. Animals deserve to be treated well. If you rgoing to euthanize, use the injection of wome other non-painful way to do it.

Saint

[cathy1953]

I had to have my little Dachsund put to sleep.
He was about 15 years old, and he got very ill at the end. He started to have some
kind of brain deterioration, {vet's words} and he started having seizures.
In between the seizures he was so hyper, he would go out in the back yard and pace around and around the fence all the way around the yard, over and over.
The poor little thing only weighed about 7-8 lbs, and his little heart was beating very rapidly during this.
He was suffering. It broke my heart to do what I had to do. I cried for 6 months, and even tho it has been 8 years I feel my eyes tearing up now. I loved that dog so much.
He was so precious to me. He'd been my close friend and buddy for a very long time.
But he was suffering, and I knew it. He was not "Butch" anymore. He was very ill and it was time for me to help him to get relief.
I loved him very much. I have another dog now and HE has seizures, too, but so far we've got them under control, at this time.

[ManhattanGuy]

That is always one of the toughest question a pet owner has to face. If the pet is suffering I don't see it as a bad thing. If someone does it just because they can't take care of the animal or can't afford it any longer, then I think it is a bad thing.

tough question though!

-Dan

But then why is a bad thing for a legitimately suffering human? Why do we show such preference to animals, but not people? The Lord said that he knows even when a sparrow falls, so obviously their existence is of importance to him. So why have more concern for an animal than a human being? Is it because we do not trust the humans or because we do not trust God?

[Pegmo]

But then why is a bad thing for a legitimately suffering human? Why do we show such preference to animals, but not people? The Lord said that he knows even when a sparrow falls, so obviously their existence is of importance to him. So why have more concern for an animal than a human being? Is it because we do not trust the humans or because we do not trust God?

ManhattanGuy, this gets more to the heart of my question. As we struggle with this family decision regarding our almost 16 year old dog with kidney failure, I was struck by how often those around us, our vet, friends and family, assume we will "put her down" at some point when they would never, ever suggest the same thing about a family member. Yet, "pain and suffering", are the very arguments the hemlock society uses to validate their euthanization stance for humans.

So, why are animals or pets different than humans in this regard? Or are they? If one doesn't support euthanization for humans, why do they support it for pets? Life is life....or is it because there is a soul involved with the human?

[cathy1953]

But then why is a bad thing for a legitimately suffering human? Why do we show such preference to animals, but not people? The Lord said that he knows even when a sparrow falls, so obviously their existence is of importance to him. So why have more concern for an animal than a human being? Is it because we do not trust the humans or because we do not trust God?


I think why the difference in animals and humans, is that animals don't need salvation, and humans do. As long as there is life there's that chance that person might come to know Jesus, if he/she hasn't already.

Even tho we can make this decision for animals, as some of us have, myself included, it just isn't people's place or right to do so for fellow human beings.
God gave that life, and only HE should take it.
People were given the right to be stewards or caretakers over animals, and I feel we can do that for animals, but not people.

[JCISL]

But then why is a bad thing for a legitimately suffering human? Why do we show such preference to animals, but not people? The Lord said that he knows even when a sparrow falls, so obviously their existence is of importance to him. So why have more concern for an animal than a human being? Is it because we do not trust the humans or because we do not trust God?

We don't kill and eat humans either. While you may not eat your dog (some cultures would ) there is a differance.

[ManhattanGuy]

think why the difference in animals and humans, is that animals don't need salvation, and humans do. As long as there is life there's that chance that person might come to know Jesus, if he/she hasn't already.


Yes, but my grandfather knew Jesus and suffered horrible agony for nearly 8 years in life support brcause my family believed it was "wrong" to let him die.

[ManhattanGuy]

We don't kill and eat humans either. While you may not eat your dog (some cultures would ) there is a differance.

That's not a good answer. We don't do a lot of things to humans or animals. It doesn't have anything to do with euthanasia, no one is sugesting that we eat them.

[cathy1953]

Yes, but my grandfather knew Jesus and suffered horrible agony for nearly 8 years in life support brcause my family believed it was "wrong" to let him die.


Well, I am a nurse, and I do believe in letting nature take it's course.
If a person has incurable cancer, or some other terminal diagnosis, I don't believe in any extra heroic measures.

I believe that food and water, as the patient can tolerate it, should be given, but not with holding all nutrition or fluids just to deliberately starve the patient to death. But any life support machines, CPR, etc.....I believe some of those procedures may be over the line sometimes, but then again....NOT all the time. A young person who has a heart attack and codes....naturally, I believe that person shuld be assisted back to life if possible, but not necessarily someone who is 90 years old, and sick with so many other illnesses.
There are places now, as we all know from Jack Kevorkian, {sp?} that actually give meds to euthanize people, commit suicide.
I hear it is quite common over seas, like in Switzerland, the Netherlands, etc.
When people get old, it's time to let go.
That sounds harsh to some, probably, but I believe in life after death.

[ManhattanGuy]

Well, I am a nurse, and I do believe in letting nature take it's course.
If a person has incurable cancer, or some other terminal diagnosis, I don't believe in any extra heroic measures.

I believe that food and water, as the patient can tolerate it, should be given, but not with holding all nutrition or fluids just to deliberately starve the patient to death. But any life support machines, CPR, etc.....I believe some of those procedures may be over the line sometimes, but then again....NOT all the time. A young person who has a heart attack and codes....naturally, I believe that person shuld be assisted back to life if possible, but not necessarily someone who is 90 years old, and sick with so many other illnesses.
There are places now, as we all know from Jack Kevorkian, {sp?} that actually give meds to euthanize people, commit suicide.
I hear it is quite common over seas, like in Switzerland, the Netherlands, etc.
When people get old, it's time to let go.
That sounds harsh to some, probably, but I believe in life after death.

My grandfather was 87, and it was pretty sad. And they brought him back from death time after time. I know he would have been upset beause he was not like that.

[andy]

I have had to "put down" a beloved pet. As hard as it was, it had to be done. Even the vet stated he had no idea what was wrong with my pet. She was suffering. A pet, even a loyal and loving pet. is not a human being created in the image of God. There is a big difference.

[ManhattanGuy]

I have had to "put down" a beloved pet. As hard as it was, it had to be done. Even the vet stated he had no idea what was wrong with my pet. She was suffering. A pet, even a loyal and loving pet. is not a human being created in the image of God. There is a big difference.

You're wrong. Misery is misery. I hope you don't ever develop such a condition so that you know what you are discussing.

[andy]

You're wrong. Misery is misery. I hope you don't ever develop such a condition so that you know what you are discussing.

My brother in Christ

By all means you are certainly free to disagree with me. However, a pet, even a beloved pet, is not the same as a human. I truly hope I or any members of my family ever develop a horrible disease or condition. I commend your love for animals, but I disagree with you.

[ManhattanGuy]

My brother in Christ

By all means you are certainly free to disagree with me. However, a pet, even a beloved pet, is not the same as a human. I truly hope I or any members of my family ever develop a horrible disease or condition. I commend your love for animals, but I disagree with you.

I can respect your opinion. Yet at the same time I disagree that humans are anything special. I've met a ton in my business, and animals seem preferable to me.

[andy]

I can respect your opinion. Yet at the same time I disagree that humans are anything special. I've met a ton in my business, and animals seem preferable to me.


I can certainly agree that many humans are very difficult to be around much less care about and love. However as you stated, I can respect your opinion, but I do disagree with you.

May our God richly bless you.:wave

[ManhattanGuy]

I can certainly agree that many humans are very difficult to be around much less care about and love. However as you stated, I can respect your opinion, but I do disagree with you.

May our God richly bless you.:wave

And you too friend. :):

[Proudmommy]

It is different because we are given the care and responsibility over the animals and the land. God gave us the right to take care of those animals as we see fit. He didn't give us permission to abuse them or anything like that, but it is clear in Gen 1:26 that we have rule over them.

Gen 1:26 Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground."

It is also very clear in scripture that we do not have rule over other humans the way we do with animals. That is God's responsibility. We have no right to say that God is done with any person which is what we do when we 'euthanize' them. We have no right to decide that their life is no longer necessary because they are in pain. Exodus 20:13 Thou shalt not kill or from Young's Literal Translation Bible 13`Thou dost not murder. This doesn't mean we don't or can't make laws and consequences concerning right and wrong behavior, but in the end it is God's right and decision to take us out of this world, no matter how much we think a person is suffering.

[ManhattanGuy]

It is also very clear in scripture that we do not have rule over other humans the way we do with animals. That is God's responsibility. We have no right to say that God is done with any person which is what we do when we 'euthanize' them. We have no right to decide that their life is no longer necessary because they are in pain. Exodus 20:13 Thou shalt not kill or from Young's Literal Translation Bible 13`Thou dost not murder. This doesn't mean we don't or can't make laws and consequences concerning right and wrong behavior, but in the end it is God's right and decision to take us out of this world, no matter how much we think a person is suffering.

Then perhaps we should just let God decide who lives and dies, and save the money spent on such people. After all, if it truly is in God's hands then nothing we can do will prolong their lives.

[Proudmommy]

What?

[JCISL]

That's not a good answer. We don't do a lot of things to humans or animals. It doesn't have anything to do with euthanasia, no one is sugesting that we eat them.

Yes it is . Point being that there is a clear differance. If we were only animals like some would have use believe then there would be none. Killing is killing no matter the reason it is still taking a life. So there is no differance in putting down a pet out of love or killing a cow to eat it.

[JCISL]

I have had to "put down" a beloved pet. As hard as it was, it had to be done. Even the vet stated he had no idea what was wrong with my pet. She was suffering. A pet, even a loyal and loving pet. is not a human being created in the image of God. There is a big difference.

Yes and that is it in a nut shell

[JCISL]

Then perhaps we should just let God decide who lives and dies, and save the money spent on such people. After all, if it truly is in God's hands then nothing we can do will prolong their lives.

I understand what you just said and you are right. If God says today is the day then you die, even from a paper cut if He wishes. Man only thinks he heals it is God in reality.

[Proudmommy]

If you are saying we shouldn't medically treat people because they are sick, then that isn't what I am saying at all. I believe God shows us in scripture that it is wrong to let someone die too. For example in the story of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10: 30-37, Jesus was talking about who our neighbors are, but I believe it is very clear too, that those that left the victim for dead, and didn't give him 'medical' attention are wrong.

30and Jesus having taken up [the word], said, `A certain man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among robbers, and having stripped him and inflicted blows, they went away, leaving [him] half dead.

31`And by a coincidence a certain priest was going down in that way, and having seen him, he passed over on the opposite side;

32and in like manner also, a Levite, having been about the place, having come and seen, passed over on the opposite side.

33`But a certain Samaritan, journeying, came along him, and having seen him, he was moved with compassion,

34and having come near, he bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine, and having lifted him up on his own beast, he brought him to an inn, and was careful of him;

35and on the morrow, going forth, taking out two denaries, he gave to the innkeeper, and said to him, Be careful of him, and whatever thou mayest spend more, I, in my coming again, will give back to thee.

36`Who, then, of these three, seemeth to thee to have become neighbour of him who fell among the robbers?'

37and he said, `He who did the kindness with him,' then Jesus said to him, `Be going on, and thou be doing in like manner.'

God gave us a brain to use to help our 'neighbors', to make people comfortable, and try to bring healing to them when we can. If we don't use the knowledge that God gave us to bring that healing, we are just as wrong as those that 'euthanize' a person because they are no longer viable.

[Pegmo]

I tend to agree with you Proudmommy. Thank you for your thoughtful post.

Manhattanguy, I understand your points about trying to prolong human life. At times, I think people go too far in that regard....as in the example about your grandfather's final days. Just because we have the technology doesn't mean we should always use it. But there is a difference between artificially prolonging life and helping manage pain and making a dying person comfortable. Clearly, we could and should comfort the dying by making them comfortable and helping to manage their pain. But taking the next step to actively end a life steps over the line as far as I am concerned. I don't think that's our decision to make.

[scrappergirl]

Manhattan Guy,
I am sorry your grandfather died such a painful death. My mother did, as well. She had colon cancer that spread throughout her body, and her last few months were agony for her to live and for me to watch. The time came that we had to place her in Hospice because I couldn't manage her pain from home, she was sleeping for five days or more without eating, only awakening to have pain meds, she was hallucinating...it was horrible. At Hospice, they fulfilled her wishes. There were no heroic measures. The only thing she really got was pain meds, NOT because we were trying to starve her to death, but because her body had begun to shut down, and if we had hydrated her (with an IV), it would have worsened her pain and swelling and yes, would have prolonged her pain. I do not belive at all to this day that we starved her. Her internal organs were decimated. There was no where for any nourishment to go. She went in on Sunday and died on Wednesday.

The importance of having your wishes known is paramount, especially when you have a terminal illness. My mother had a DNR (had your grandfather had one, they would never have kept resuscitating him--it wouldn't have been legal), and we discussed her wants and wishes thoroughly.

I knew when she went into Hospice, that there was an automatic DNR (the point of going to a Hospice is because you are dying. They do not PROLONG life there, but they also do not euthanize there, either). Sadly, I had to listen to my mother for months at home, some nights crying in pain for God to take her. It was horrible, but I would never have euthanized her. She, as far as I know, was not saved. Whether that changed in the last few days or hours of her life, only God knows for sure. If I had it to do over again, other than having more patience with her and maybe quitting my job to stay home with her full time, I would have done the same things that I did. I would never have euthanized my mother, and with all the pain meds she was on, it would have been very possible to OD her. I don't feel that it was my place to determine the day and hour of her death. That was up to God Himself. I think therein lies the difference between this debate. What we determine to be mercy, because we are fallend and imperfect, is sometimes just the opposite. If we trust God, then we need to trust that His will is soverign, even when others are suffering.

I hope this story helps you in your struggle.

[scrappergirl]

Oh.
I forgot to add, since the thread was originally about this, that I have euthanized a pet. He was our German shepard, and actually, when my mother died he went crazy. He became extremely aggressive (he was aggressive with my husband under certain circumstanes, but this was different), and two days after she died he also started marking EVERYTHIng in the house, this from a dog who was always perfectly behaved in that regard. We tried crating him, which worked, but that was bc he was in a crate while we werea t work, which i hated. When we moved after our first child was a year old, he was pretty good, until one day he did it again, and on her toys. I found that to be a threat. We couldn't even discipline him, because once, before we moved, husband was bathing him and he (the dog) bit dh and here i am running out and giving dh a towel for all the blood. I finished the bath (and he actually bit me for the first time). when i brought him back int he house, all the dog saw was dh, who was holding DD. I swear, had i not had the leash tightly, dog would have gone THRU dd to get to DH. cut to when we moved, and dog peed on DD's things (first time ever). i finally came to terms with the fact that dog was just not right in the head any longer, and could i live with myself if he bit or mauled DD??!! We could not give him away, bc of his history of biting. Had we brought him to a shelter or rescue, the vet informed us they would put himdown anyway. So we were forced with the difficult decision to put a perfectly healthy (except for mentally), very loved animal down. I wish the outcome could have been different, but, it was the only choice we had at the time. Now, of course, there are meds for depressed dogs, perhaps had we known about them then, they'd have worked..but it was not worth the chance to have the dog around and worry about my child's safety and life.

i have to say, i do not believe in putting pets down willy nilly. But there sometimes is a time and a reason to do so. This was one of them.

[Proudmommy]

I tend to agree with you Proudmommy. Thank you for your thoughtful post.


Thanks. :): I hope it is helpful to him. I noticed that he is on read only, and read some of his other posts. He seems very angry right now. I hope he finds a way to let go of it and get right with God.

[A_AmericanSaint]

But then why is a bad thing for a legitimately suffering human? Why do we show such preference to animals, but not people? The Lord said that he knows even when a sparrow falls, so obviously their existence is of importance to him. So why have more concern for an animal than a human being? Is it because we do not trust the humans or because we do not trust God?

Because we're made in the image of God, while animals are not. The Lord has set mankind apart. We are allowed to kill animals in the Bible, but not allowed to kill people.

You're wrong. Misery is misery. I hope you don't ever develop such a condition so that you know what you are discussing.

It was never given us the authourity to make a statement of this sort. We have no right to determine when a person should die, except in the case of a transgression of law. Animals and people are significantly different, (besides the fact that the Bible has plainly told us so) because we were given authourity over them.

Saint

[greenbrier]

I had to have my little Dachsund put to sleep.
He was about 15 years old, and he got very ill at the end. He started to have some
kind of brain deterioration, {vet's words} and he started having seizures.
In between the seizures he was so hyper, he would go out in the back yard and pace around and around the fence all the way around the yard, over and over.
The poor little thing only weighed about 7-8 lbs, and his little heart was beating very rapidly during this.
He was suffering. It broke my heart to do what I had to do. I cried for 6 months, and even tho it has been 8 years I feel my eyes tearing up now. I loved that dog so much.
He was so precious to me. He'd been my close friend and buddy for a very long time.
But he was suffering, and I knew it. He was not "Butch" anymore. He was very ill and it was time for me to help him to get relief.
I loved him very much. I have another dog now and HE has seizures, too, but so far we've got them under control, at this time.

My little wiener dog did exactly the same thing. She would circle round and round and round. I had to put her mother down several years earlier and when I accompanied the vet while he did it. I couldn't stand to do with with the lastest one. Yes, I did shed some tears for both. God gave us dominion over the animals so we could made these responsible decisions. He alone has dominion over man.