From:
Melissa Litwicki
Date: 2001-11-13 17:20:00 UTC
Subject: Re: How do you know when it's time...
Regina,
When you can judge if Amelia's in pain and you can't do anything else to
relieve it, and she doesn't seem to be enjoying the things that she used
to, it seems kinder and more humane to put her to sleep than to keep her
alive. Do not mistake 'in occasional pain, but mostly seems comfortable'
with 'enjoying life'. However, if you really don't think she's suffering,
and she does seem mostly comfortable, you are not being cruel,
particularly if you can still share moments of kindness with her; you,
however, are probably gaining more from those last few weeks or months
than she might be.
My Potpie went much the same way from insulinoma - quiet, sad, with no
energy and no spark. I could have let her go on for weeks longer, but
when the vet came by for the house visit to put her to sleep, she rushed
into the vet's arms and died immediately - not even 5 seconds - after
starting to receive the euthanasia injection. I don't often personify my
pets' actions, but I strongly feel in this case that Potpie knew exactly
why the vet was there, and what was to happen. In her case, I know that I
waited too long, and I know that I did so because it was too hard for me
to let go. Was she in excessive pain? Not really, but she was exhausted
of life, worn down from too many meds, and sick of fighting.
Insulinoma is so difficult because it strips ferrets of one of the
characteristics that makes them so endearing - their zest for life and
living in the moment, even in the face of debilitating illness. Many of
the other diseases, deadly and cruel though they are, do not have the same
effect. You are capable of deciding for yourself and Amelia when it is
the right time for her to go; you just need to be honest with yourself and
try to evaluate her situation by looking at it with clear eyes and
considering with a clear mind.
Melissa