Lesson 4: The Rainbow Bridge
Pets come into our lives and change our hearts forever. As surely as we have loved them, just as surely will we grieve when they are gone. As our time with them draws to a close, we will be faced with a tremendous loss. This lesson will focus on dealing with that loss, finding hope in being reunited, and ultimately, the inspiration to help other animals in our pet's memory.
The Decision
When a pet becomes disabled, problematic, or very ill the question of euthanasia may arise. This is a very difficult subject and one in which various opinions abound.
Some feel that when a pet’s quality years are gone, it’s time to “help them pass”. The real question seems to be, ‘what does quality life mean?’ Consideration should always be given to the fact that many humans and animals alike find meaningful lives, even with disabilities.
Helen Keller, blind and deaf from the age of 2, lived 87 years and became a powerful symbol of triumph over adversity. In spite of her disabilities she developed a wide range of interests, traveled extensively, and enjoyed a rich emotional and intellectual life. Her contributions to the American Foundation for the Blind and to humanity in general will always be remembered.
Speedy, a blue-eyed, black and white kitten born without use of his hind legs, dragged himself happily around the veterinarian’s clinic floor, suggesting that he never considered himself handicapped. Today his zest for life is displayed as he runs, plays, climbs furniture, and divebombs the dog; all in his kitty wheelcart.
Even if you are not able to devote the time and effort required to help a disabled animal lead a meaningful life, there are many rescues and homes who are willing to take in and nurture a “special pet”. All you have to do is give them the chance.
Sometimes pets are “put down” as a result of behavior problems. If your pet is hard to train or hard to handle, you don’t have to give up on him. Perhaps a visit to the vet will reveal a physical source of the problem that can be treated. If a pet shows aggression, he doesn’t have to lose his life. You may contact the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior at avsabe@yahoo.com for referral to a vet in your area who handles behavior cases. New training methods have been developed and many difficult behavior problems are responding well to them. Sometimes a different home or environment can work wonders for a pet.
Organizations are now successfully rehabilitating pit bulls who were used for fighting. This determined and loyal breed makes great search and rescue dogs. One such pit bull now works on the US/Mexico border sniffing out smuggled drugs. Remember to look for the beauty and purpose in every animal.
In the case of unmanageable pain and no hope for recovery, perhaps euthanasia can be a humane act to end irreversible suffering. Yet, there are some who believe that, as long as there is life, there is hope. Simon, a big cat at Tiger Creek suffered severe kidney failure and the vet advised euthanasia, yet workers decided to try a little longer. They were finally able to coax him to eat special food and the day he was to be destroyed, he showed improvement and continued to improve and gain weight.
Something to remember is that life is as valuable to animals as it is to humans and they have amazing ability, with your love and support, to overcome or adjust to whatever comes their way.
