Last week I wrote that the topic of euthanasia was now closed. I should have known better. More than any other previous theme, the columns pertaining to euthanasia in pets evoked (provoked?) more calls and more letters than any other topic with which we have dealt, since these columns began years ago. Most persons were supportive and described euthanasia as a “compassionate choice” and as “death with dignity.” One person hinted that I was advocating the murder of pets – notwithstanding the terminal nature of the ailment itself. Mostly, however, pet owners asked practical questions which I had not touched on, and for which I might not have satisfactory answers. The most common question had to do with the breaking of the news to children in the family.
Well, I had said in one of the columns that euthanasia should be a family decision. This would mean,