The hardest part of owning a pet is watching them pass away. While there’s always a chance they’ll end up living longer than you, most of us will see our beloved friends move into the next life. To avoid unnecessary pain and suffering, this is usually done using euthanasia. If a pet gets sick or old, sometime’s it’s kinder to let a professional send them over the Rainbow Bridge.
However, many people choose to leave their pet at the vet’s office, citing the pain of watching them die. This leaves the vets to comfort and reassure the animals during their final moments. While there’s no rules against this, one veterinarian (at least) has a moral quandary about the practice.
Posted by the Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital’s Facebook account, the status was written and signed by “a tired heart-broken vet.” It explains that while a pet is a large part of your life, your pet’s entire life revolves around you. The vet says that when you abandon a dog or cat in the veterinary office, they spend their final moments confused, scared, and surrounded by strangers.
Photo Credit: Hillcrest Veterinary Clinic on Facebook
Comments on the post were mixed, but many people agreed with the original poster. Abandoning a pet at a vet’s office to be euthanized could easily become a source of regret later in life, and many preferred to get closure by staying with their pets.
Photo Credit: Facebook
They shared their experiences being there for their pets, and expressed disbelief that people would leave the animals they promised to care for. One commenter even compared it to leaving a family member on their deathbed.
Photo Credit: Facebook
While many people were inclined to agree, the post sparked some controversy in the comments. They said that putting down a pet is hard enough, and owners shouldn’t feel guilty about leaving.
Photo Credit: Facebook
Another said it was an honor to be there for a pet in their final moments, taking on the role of caregiver while their real owners grieved.
Photo Credit: Facebook
While it’s a personal decision, it brings up very serious questions about loyalty and commitment. Is it wrong to leave a pet during euthanasia? How do they feel when they’re left behind? These are painful questions, but ones that many people are asking themselves – and should be asking themselves.