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Nursing: You Wanna Know What I Think?

Euthanasia: Dog vs. Man

Published August 4, 2010 7:24 AM by Pat Veitenthal
When I was a young nurse, euthanasia was a word only whispered, if spoken at all. Now it is a regular topic of discussion among us. We cover it from all points of view: ethical, religious, political, moral...even animal.

I am one of those sickening pet owners. I kiss on my bichon frise, love her dearly, talk to her, carry her, worry about her, take her bye-byes in the car, give her clothes, toys and treats, and I do it all devotedly and unapologetically.

The argument among nurse pet owners like myself is that if euthanasia is the humane thing for the pets we love as much as members of our family, why don't the humans we love deserves the same humane end if they so choose?

I've actually been pondering this reasoning very carefully, and I happened upon the thought of looking at it another way.

Regardless of how much I do cherish my beloved dog Hollywood, the love for her is actually not the same. I would take a bullet for my son, but I would not take a bullet for my dog. So let's leave our pets out of this very important debate.

It needed to be said...

This blog brought to you by ADVANCE and Dansko.
posted by Pat Veitenthal

3 comments

Thanks. I know how deeply embarrased bystanders are when they see my brother in a wheelchair, or my daughters with white canes. Both of my daughters have been sexually assaulted, not in spite of being blind, but because they were easily abducted.

In one facility, my brother's neighbour was left in his wheelchair by a unionized "care" worker who had "done enough." The man died of suffocation when he fell over in his chair at 3:00 AM.

I have absolutely no doubts where euthanasia will go once it is unchained. Notice that no one is embarrassed by your pet dog.

Jim, Author August 5, 2010 2:57 PM
Canada

Dear Ms. Veitenthal:

Thank you for your eloquent comment on the difference between euthanasia for sick and dying animals and the murder of human beings.

Charlie Buck, US Army (Ret.) - Captain August 5, 2010 8:59 AM
Huntsville AL

Never thought of it like that, but of course it says everything. Brilliant.

Lene, MyRACentral.com - Writer August 4, 2010 7:12 PM
Toronto

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About this Blog


    Pat Veitenthal, BSN, RN
    Occupation: Per diem nursing supervisor and cruise ship nurse
    Setting: Community hospital and cruise ships
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