Quote:

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Some of the most poignant moments I spend as a veterinarian are those
spent
with my clients assisting the transition of my animal patients from
this
world to the next. When living becomes a burden, whether from pain or
loss
of normal functions, I can help a family by ensuring that their beloved
pet
has an easy passing. Making this final decision is painful, and I have
often
felt powerless to comfort the grieving owners. That was before I met
Shane.
I had been called to examine a ten-year-old blue heeler, named Belker,
who
had developed a serious health problem. 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 in their
home.
As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be
good
for the four- year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt Shane
could
learn something from the experience.
The next day, 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
minutes,
Belker slipped peacefully away.
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'd never heard a more comforting explanation.
He said, "Everybody is born so that they can learn how to
live a good life - like loving everybody and being nice, right?"
The four-year-old continued ...
"Well, animals already know how to do that,
so they don't have to stay as long."
By Robin Downing, D.V.M.

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*Karyn* IBS D



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