Euthanasia, this necessary evil!

It is generally very difficult to approach the subject of euthanasia, especially when it directly concerns a pet that one has cherished for several years.

As animal lovers, we are often hesitant to euthanize our pet because since they cannot speak, we are not clear about their needs and whether or not they are suffering.

But when is it necessary or even moral to euthanize your animal?

The idea of ​​euthanizing your pet initially arises when the owner realizes that he has done everything he could to save it, and without success. It will then be necessary to take the situation into consideration and think about shortening the agony and suffering of the animal by agreeing to proceed with the inevitable euthanasia. It goes without saying that we will always feel a little "guilty" at the idea of ​​"putting down" our companion, but this decision is generally not taken lightly and will respect your limits as well as those of your animal. In a case like this, it is to love it that you choose to euthanize it.

Today, it is not only incurable illness that explains or justifies the euthanasia of an animal. It is increasingly morally accepted to euthanize an animal for one of the following reasons:

  • The animal requires more maintenance or attention than initially expected;
  • You no longer have time to take care of the latter;
  • You are moving and the animal is not accepted;
  • The animal is too bulky;
  • The animal develops harmful and uncontrollable aggression;
  • The arrival of a new baby worries you or is problematic;
  • The animal is a gift you cannot accept;
  • The animal has a health problem, but the veterinary bills are far too high for your budget to bear;
  • Etc.
For many people, however, euthanasia represents an absolutely abominable, even unacceptable solution. It goes without saying that euthanasia is a hot topic and that opinions diverge widely from one person to another and especially from one situation to another. Euthanasia is, however, most of the time, more accepted than abandonment, but it remains essential to always ensure that we have considered all the options available to us before making a final decision. It is not for nothing that we strongly recommend taking the time necessary to carefully analyze all the possibilities when choosing to get a pet:

  • Does my schedule allow me to give my pet the time he needs?
  • Does the space I have to offer him suit his needs?
  • Does my budget allow for this (food, annual vet, toys, etc.)?
  • Does my budget also allow me to plan for possible unforeseen events (illness, etc.)?
  • Am I planning on having a child in my life soon and if so, is it problematic for us to have a pet?
  • Are those around me aware of my abilities regarding the unexpected arrival of an animal in the house? Regardless of the reason that will push you, despite everything, to euthanize your animal, know that you must make peace with yourself as well as with your decision. If you have taken all the necessary measures to avoid arriving at this solution as much as possible, if your animal suffers from illness or old age or if it is aggressive, then euthanasia will probably be your last option.
Whether we agree or not with this choice, whether it is moral or not according to our beliefs, whether it is necessary for the well-being of your animal or simply yours... if euthanasia turns out to be your choice, it is because you will be at peace with your decision and that it will have been carefully considered and analyzed.

If euthanasia is necessary due to illness or a painful end of life, then enjoy these last moments with your pet! He is your companion, your confidant, your friend, and this, for a long time in the majority of cases!! And although his time has come, the fact remains that he has the right to be surrounded by all those he loves and to whom he has been so faithful all these years. In this case, your decision is directly linked to the well-being of your pet, so why would you feel guilty!?

It is to your credit that you have enough love for him to give him a chance to leave with dignity and without unnecessary pain! This is just a simple return favor!