You know... mankind is a curious microcosm, filled with so many contradictions and double standards, that if you were to really sit down and think about it, it would drive you mad. We have a curious habit of holding people to different standards and different levels, of making emotional decisions or logical ones, of lying to ourselves and to others; of condoning insensitivity towards people in the name of protecting other people's rights. We're a messy, complicated, unpleasant race. On the whole. What has got me ranting? What has made me feel so negative tonight? Well... there is one particular double standard that has me all worked up... Euthanasia!
You see, this is the situation... I have an ill relative with advanced Alzheimer's. I also have a beloved cat with a problem liver which could prove fatal. Now - most people (mostly those who are not animal people) would argue that these are two very VERY different situations, but I beg to differ. You see, when it comes to my beloved cat - for whom I will fight every step of the way - the chances are that there will come a point where my Vet will take me aside and gently suggest that the level of pain / discomfort / quality of life has reached a point where it is best to have her put to sleep. Now, when it comes to my much loved relative - who I would fight for every step of the way - there will never come a point where that same suggestion will be made. There will never be a moment where a kindly Dr will take us aside and tactfully suggest that the level of pain / discomfort / quality of life has reached a point where it would be best to "put her to sleep"... as it were.
Ok - so most of you would point out that there is a difference between animals and people, but everyone who has ever had a beloved pet that has had to be put down will know what it is that I mean when I say that the words "it's for the best" really are NO comfort at all. In fact, to be honest, I think that it is a horrific double standard to say that we are trying to help our animals "die with dignity" and doing what "is best for them", but we allow our sick, dying and aged people to linger long past a point where they have no bodily control, are brain dead and have no quality of life whatsoever. In fact, we condemn those who would "put them to sleep" because we consider that to be murder. Now - do NOT get me wrong here. I am not suggesting for one moment that we go around murdering people. I am simply commenting on the fact that we have this double standard.
I think that - in much the same way as we will try every last option at our disposal to save a relative, we should do everything in our power to fight for our animals. They cannot talk and they don't get to make any choices for themselves, but as their humans, shouldn't we try harder? Do more?
I don't want either of them to die. Ever. Unrealistic, but true. Knowing this, I also know that I will push my vet to try anything and everything that he can. I need to know that I have tried absolutely everything in my power to help. I need to know that this terrible decision, this heartbreaking choice that I may be forced to make, is a final option and not just the "easiest" one for everyone else. And when my relative dies - as needs age and circumstance means that they must - I need to know that everything was done for them too. I don't like change and I dislike death and I don't cope well with either of them.
So you'll have to forgive me for wanting to put them off for as long as possible.
Until next time...
