Question
Gramps,
According to the Vet, a family pet (16 yr. dog) has maybe up to 60 days to live. The struggle towards natural death which could happen at any time with a heart murmur, fluid building in the lungs, and the body failing in several areas. Should we allow our pet to suffer to natural death or choose euthanizing? If doing right we should feel joy. Choosing wrong brings remorse, doubt and guilt. How can one not have remorse, doubt, and guilt with shortening the life with euthanizing? The pet did not share their preference.
Roger
Answer
Dear Roger,
So sorry to hear about the beloved family dog. The church does not have a stance on euthanizing pets, as I think you know. If I understand your question correctly it is more about how to know if you’ve made the right choice based on your feelings. You mention remorse, doubt and guilt. What about grief? Remorse, doubt and guilt are normal parts of grieving in this situation.
Of mourning, Elder Russel M. Nelson has said, “Irrespective of age, we mourn for those loved and lost. Mourning is one of the deepest expressions of pure love. It is a natural response in complete accord with divine commandment: “Thou shalt live together in love, insomuch that thou shalt weep for the loss of them that die.” (D&C 42:45.) Doors of Death He was speaking of humans, of course, but I think his sentiment applies to our furry companions as well.
I know it would be helpful to pray and have a feeling of peace to guide you in what to do (and replace the grief), but suffering is a part of this life and some answers are slow to come. If you want my opinion, I think either choice would be acceptable to the Lord as long as you try to alleviate your dog’s suffering (by euthanasia or medication) it is your choice. Euthanasia is not a choice for humans because we can learn and gain experience from suffering. Is the same true of a pet? I don’t know for sure. If it were my dog, I would euthanize him/her to eliminate suffering, but again I think either choice is reasonable when it is done with love.
Gramps
