Sunday, October 2, 2011

Why Dogs Don't Live as long as Humans (A Young Boy's Perspective)


This is a touching story.....I do not know who the author is as I received this in an email from a friend of mine. I personally have found children to be quite insightful and spiritual when it comes to the euthanasia of a beloved pet. For example, when my son was quite young he had asked me why little dogs live longer than big dogs but little birds do not live as long as big birds. I thought that was a keen observation and I had no explanation other than "That's the way God planned it."

I always encourage the family to be present for the procedure (unless the children are very young or too traumatized by the event). I will tranquilize the dog or cat before administering the euthanasia solution. In that way, while the pet is slipping into sedation, the family is petting and interacting helping to calm it. So by the time the pet is adequately sedate enough when I can administer the intravenous injection, all it has felt was the loving caresses of the family. I administer the injection in a vein (usually the hind leg) so the family can continue with their goodbyes uninterrupted. I find this is the best way to handle what is a very emotional and heart wrenching experience. 

People always ask me how do I deal with euthanasia. It is something that still causes heartache after all the years I have been in practice as you get to know the clients and their pets quite well, so obviously I too feel the sense of loss. However, euthanasia is an advantage veterinarians have over physicians, as we are able to help an animal which is terminally ill and suffering with no hope of recovering. If I was euthanizing healthy animals that would be another issue entirely and if I was doing that I would be in therapy by now. I look upon euthanasia as the kindest act we can engage in for an animal in dire need of the easing of suffering. Although it is never easy, as you recognize the circumstances which have led to the final decision, you feel the justification in your heart and do appreciate that you can help these pets. It is also difficult for pet owners to know when it is time to make that decision. If you do have a strong human-animal bond with your pet you will know. When the good days are infrequent in relation to the bad days or they go off their feed and just hide all the time then euthanasia may be the choice. Speak to the family and your veterinarian to help with this decision.Some people hang on in the face of their pet truly suffering from chronic illnesses such as kidney failure, severe degenerative arthritis or cancer. As I tell our clients when they are struggling with this decision, "You have to care enough to let them go." Which essentially is saying put their needs and feelings ahead of yours.


Why Dogs Don’t Live as Long as Humans
A four year old child’s wisdom
(From the internet….author unknown)


Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten year old Irish wolfhound, named Belker. The dog’s owners, Ron, his wife Lisa and their little boy Shane were all very attached to Belker and they were hoping for a miracle. I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer.

I told the family there were no miracles left for Belker and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog. Ron and Lisa told me that they thought it would be good for the four year old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.

I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker’s family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few moments, Belker slipped away peacefully. The little boy seemed to accept Belker’s transition without any difficulty or confusion.

We sat together for a while after Belker’s death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, “I know why.” Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I never had heard a more comforting explanation.

He said, “People are born so that they learn how to live a good life – like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?” The four year old continued, “Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don’t have to stay as long.”

49 comments:

  1. You may delight in coaching people as well as assisting them study completely new points. Signing up for a career being a health professional educator could possibly be only the thing to suit your needs. Nurse practitioners tend to be usually wanting coaching registered nurse education requirement pertaining to several situations during their employment opportunities.

    ReplyDelete
  2. This is too sweet. I had to share it! :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. visitor writing for me if possible feel free to let me know, im always look for people to check out my web site.
    Cat Bed

    ReplyDelete
  4. Keep up the good work , I read few posts on this web site and I conceive that your blog is very interesting and has sets of fantastic information.
    Kitten Collar

    ReplyDelete
  5. I love this story. I have shared it when friends lose their dogs. They get comfort from it. I first heard it told in church. I then went looking for it on the Internet. Thant you so much for sharing it.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I havent any word to appreciate this post.....Really i am impressed from this post....the person who create this post it was a great human..thanks for shared this with us.
    Cat Collar

    ReplyDelete
  7. For example, when my son was quite young he had asked me why little dogs live longer than big dogs but little birds do not live as long as big ... littlepetsbird.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. It's in fact very complex in this busy life to listen news on Television, so I simply use internet for that reason, and take the most recent news.

    ReplyDelete
  9. It really is in reality extremely intricate on this active living to concentrate media about Tv set, therefore i basically utilize world wide web for this reason, and also acquire the most up-to-date media.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Needed to compose you a very little word to thank you yet again regarding the nice suggestions you’ve contributed here.
    _______________________
    Dog Training Portland

    ReplyDelete
  11. untuk solusi dari penyakit wasir yang anda derita silahkan kunjungi halaman web
    Infeksi bisa menyerang leher rahim, rahim, saluran telur, indung telur, uretra dan rektum; menyebabkan nyeri pinggul yang dalam atau nyeri ketika melakukan hubungan seksual. Nanah yang keluar bisa berasal dari leher rahim, uretra atau kelenjar di sekitar lubang vagina. Sebab Kemaluan Wanita Bernanah untuk mengetahui info tentang penyakit gonore silahkan kunjungi sekarang
    Beberapa ahli kesehatan juga mengatakan bahwa diet adalah hal paling berperan untuk menyembuhkan penyakit wasir dan tentunya semua penderita juga ingin secepatnya penyakit ini hilang dari tubuhnya. Dan untuk hal itu sekali lagi kami katakana bahwa anda perlu untuk membuat beberapa perubahan yang sesuai dan diperlukan untuk kebiasaan diet Anda ini. Salah satu hal yang sering kita dengar adalah saran yang mengatakan bahwa diet ini diperlukan untuk meningkatkan asupan makanan yang kaya akan kandungan serat dan makanan kaya kandungan serat membantu mencegah sembelit. Kita tentunya juga tahu bahwa konstipasi dapat menyebabkan pembentukan wasir. Selanjutnya, dianjurkan untuk menambahkan banyak buah-buahan dan sayuran untuk makanan Anda. benjolan wasir bisa hilang penjelasan penyakit ambeien dan bagaimana mengobatinya silahkan kunjungi halaman web
    Selain bergejala rasa panas terbakar setelah kencing, jika batang penis diurut dari pangkal ke ujung penis akan keluar cairan putih mirip susu, ada yang putih ada pula yang agak keruh. Bagaimanapun warnanya, periksakan sesegera mungkin karena semakin lama diobati maka akan menyebabkan bakteri Neisseria gonorrhea ini akan menyebar ke semua organ tubuh dan menjadi pintu gerbang masuknya HIV. Tidak usah malu memesan obat ampuh penyakit gonore untuk kesembuhan penyakit ini. Harga Obat Kencing Nanah Pria untuk anda yang menderita penyakit kencing nanah dan ingin sembuh silahkan baca selengkapnya
    Sedangkan wasir ambeien eksternal adalah penyakit wasir yang biasanya terjadi pada bagian bawah kulit yang mengelilingi anus, dan gejala yang dirasakan penderita berupa pembengkakkan hingga kemudian berupa gejala lanjutan, rasa gatal-gatal dan nyeri pada gerakan usus sebelum akhirnya menimbulkan pendarahan. Bisanya jenis wasir eksternal ini terjadi ketika adanya bekuan darah dalam vena hingga rasa nyeri yang terjadi semakin signifikan. Mengobati Ambeien Secara Alami Info definisi dari penyakit ambeien serta gejala yang di rasa oleh penderita ambeien kunjungi halaman web

    ReplyDelete
  12. Our fellow is required to help each other, this I get on this blog. Really inspiring once. thanks. salep untuk dermatitis

    ReplyDelete
  13. The best dog terrain often is the home of the most prolific flea and tick population. You know one or two of the little critters will grab a ride on your pride and joy, your little Fluffy. You will protect both your furry friend and yourself, by choosing an affordable flea and ticket treatment.dogtor

    ReplyDelete
  14. I admit, I have not been on this web page in a long time... however it was another joy to see It is such an important topic and ignored by so many, even professionals. I thank you to help making people more aware of possible issues. hop over to this website about Mastiffs

    ReplyDelete
  15. You are likewise keeping your housekeeper as the greater part of the pooch hair and earth will be assembled on their quaint little inn everywhere on your home.tplo surgery alternative

    ReplyDelete
  16. Do this by trying to ensure that your dog is in no way a Chance to follow you. Tell him to sit on his heels and just smell, or investigate but only with your permission.sell a puppy

    ReplyDelete
  17. A dog then learns that growling leads to punishment, and unfortunately, once his warning growl has been silenced, the dog is likely to bite with no warning. Growling is something dog owners should respect and appreciate rather than punish.
    sell a puppy

    ReplyDelete
  18. Dogs have been the friends of humans since a very long time ago. If you will need to write an essay on this topic, here is a resource http://www.buy-custom-essay.org/blog/buy-an-essay.html that might help. Good post, thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  19. You would prefer not to make your pooch feel confined and uneasy amid the time he is in this space. Get More Info

    ReplyDelete
  20. VitaLife all-natural Sweet Potato & Duck Twists are very nutritious and healthy. This dog treat is handcrafted with only two ingredients: sweet potato and duck. Visit VitaLife’s website to buy this all-natural dog treat.

    ReplyDelete
  21. it is unsafe for the pooch to end up overprotective and not let anybody close to the infant. The majority of the above situations can prompt the puppy being kicked out of the house! female dog names on farmpally

    ReplyDelete
  22. At the point when the dander is taken in or reaches the eyes and unfavorably susceptible response can be activated. Dog beds

    ReplyDelete
  23. This is not your dog. Your dog wouldn't chase its supper if it went hungry for a week! It would no more kill a raccoon and rip its flesh apart than would your six year old child!All dogs big and small

    ReplyDelete
  24. Individuals who don't have any pet at homes but are ardent animal lovers can display such paintings in their homes.https://www.farmpally.com/dog-car-seat-review/

    ReplyDelete
  25. The individual incineration is a wellspring of much perplexity for pet proprietors and regularly clueless Pet Care Provider staff.Anna

    ReplyDelete
  26. Assurance Dog-A pooch that is prepared to be utilized above all else as a protective obstruction.what to give dogs for joint pain

    ReplyDelete
  27. I intended to put you one very small word to help give thanks as
    before with the extraordinary thoughts you have shared in this case.부산오피

    ReplyDelete
  28. This is very interesting, You're a very skilled blogger. I've joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your great post. Also, I have shared your web site in my social networks! Feel free to visit my website; 바카라사이트

    ReplyDelete
  29. Hello there! Nice article!!! But anyways here’s one of the trusted online baccarat site we can offer you so many promo and event everyday!! Good luck!!! Feel free to visit my website; 바카라

    ReplyDelete
  30. Agree. Dogs are angels from heaven. They love in abundance, live in the now and are givers of devotion, friendship, companionship, loyalty and love. They make you feel like you are the best no matter how bad your day.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Children have more wisdom then we give them credit for. The story of the 4 year old assessment of why dogs don't live long is so instinctively true- - People are born so that they learn how to live a good life – like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?” The four year old continued, “Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don’t have to stay as long.” It brought tears to my eyes.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Thanks for sharing this. Helps me deal with loss

    ReplyDelete
  33. Excellent post! Your post is very useful and I felt quite interesting reading it. Expecting more post like this. Thanks for posting such a good post. 룰렛

    ReplyDelete
  34. After going over a number of the blog posts on your website, I truly appreciate your way of writing a blog 스포츠토토

    ReplyDelete
  35. It is really a nice and useful piece of information. I’m glad that you shared this useful info with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thank you for sharing. สอนแทงบอลมือใหม่

    ReplyDelete
  36. Thanks for the update and quick reply. I’ll be sure to keep an eye on this thread.
    스포츠토토

    ReplyDelete
  37. Aw, this was an exceptionally good post. Taking the time and actual effort to create a really good article.. but what can I say.. I put things off a whole lot and never manage to get anything done.토토사이트

    ReplyDelete
  38. Whats up, just wanted to say, I liked this blog post. It was helpful. Keep on posting! Please do visit my blog in given link below Thank you! 파워볼사이트

    ReplyDelete
  39. Thanks admin i will support of sharing such a good idea, article is pleasant, thats why i have read it completely. The clarity in your post is simply excellent and i could assume you are an expert on this subject. 바카라사이트

    ReplyDelete
  40. I think this is an informative post and it is very beneficial and knowledgeable. Therefore, I would like to thank you for the endeavors that you have made in writing this article. 토토

    ReplyDelete
  41. "Your dedicated, brilliant content captivates and enlightens, showcasing a unique approach to diverse subjects. You're my trusted source for insights and information, fueling curiosity and fostering learning. Your exceptional work is deeply admired, and I eagerly anticipate more from you!"Orden Protección Civil Nueva Jersey

    ReplyDelete