Euthanasia: Ideal or Ordeal?
Tuan and Misty, reminisces of the time they forestalled against their will upon deciding whether euthanasia was the only solution for their beloved dog
Tuan and Misty, reminisces of the time they forestalled against their will upon deciding whether euthanasia was the only solution for their beloved dog
There will come a time when your heart will tell you, its time to let your pet go. Excruciating pains, horrific surgeries, unbearable weeping... it's just not worth the selfishness of trying to maintain the life of your pet. Tuan and Misty, are two different people residing in different states, however, coincidently they both had to suffer the same decisive obstruction. When they first befriended their pet, it never came to thought for Tuan or Misty that their pet would be diagnosed with a tumor. It also never came to thought that they must eventually debate with the ethics of euthanasia. Spottie was diagnosed with a tumor in his hip and BooBoo's tumor was spreading on his leg. As they became aware of their pet's tumor, fear of losing a companionship lurked in their home and though they fought to save their pet through surgical operations, nothing could revise their pet's faith. Their companionship with their pets for more than fourteen years was the main reason forestalling their final decision: euthanasia or not, that was the question.
The word euthanasia comes from the Greek meaning of "good death." It is the act of putting to death painlessly, usually from animal suffering, esp. an incurable diseases or condition. Based on the AVMA guidelines for euthanasia, the methods are proven quick and painless. Though it may be disturbing to the observer during the process, the pet is not experiencing any pains or distress. Euthanasia was, considered an act of mercy, distinct from animal slaughter, being performed for purposes. There are two main types of euthanasia: the injection or the gas anesthetics. The injection is of pentobarbital or sodium thiopental that creates unconsciousness, which then is followed by a respiratory cardiac arrest within 30 seconds. The gas anesthetics, such as isoflurane/sevoflurane, is used as an inhalant on the pet which gives the same results of a cardiac arrest.
The frustration, uncertainty and guilt of putting their dog down, consumed their mind and thoughts. To answer the question to their debate, Spottie and BooBoo was a victim of euthanasia. There were challenges when making the decision, and it never really is an easy decision. The truth is quite doleful when they realized that euthanasia was the sole answer. Misty responded in regards to BooBoo, "His walk was limited, his eyes filled with life, while his body was out of sorts. I didn’t want BooBoo to merely exist and suffer. I had to decide when it was time. I didn’t want him to have a slow death, and yet I didn’t want him gone too soon. It was difficult."Misty was present during the euthanasia process. She mentioned that the first shot caused BooBoo to slip into a slouch position, while the second shot was the hit that made everything become still. She remembered, "I felt him pass away in my arms as his spirit ascended up and through me. It was intense yet peaceful." In reflecting Tuan's experience, he barely wanted to speak about the occurrence.
Through a positive perspective towards the situation, Spottie and BooBoo no longer must suffer the vengeance of their tumors. Even pets know and can feel when they no longer can endure and when it is time. Pet death, like other losses, requires that the bereaved adjust to the often severe consequences of that loss. It still holds pain to both their hearts that they had to lose their pet, however, its a beautiful relief to know that their pet no longer has to suffer the pains of the tumors. A pet will always be part of someone's family and heart. Today, Tuan and Misty still keeps their pets in remembrance to their hearts.
Video sources:
References:
Written and Edited by: Remedy Huynh, Research by Misty LaVina & Juan Padilla, Intro/Headlines Brainstromer: Jason Lopez
HomeWork_03 Part. 1
No comments:
Post a Comment