She spent her whole life serving her masters well. But it was not just the grey behind the ears that told of long service. She was starting to stray. We'de find her miles from where we sent her, not becuase she did not have the best intent to get to her final destination, but sometimes those hills just all start to look alike. Her joints were getting slow, and it was almost painful to see her walk.
Every time I'de send her on another task, she would hobble off with determination, pain in each step evident, but determined to please her masters. And now I sit here and I wonder. How old is too old? When is the pain to great to ask for another step. There is no pasture for this gallant beast, only service, or....
I think alot about that movie from childhood. Ol' Yeller. Was the dog Yellow, or did he yell, and is it love of inability to watch the patient suffer that leads us to final sign the form and pull the plug.
No easy answers here my friend.
Posted by cmckeithan at December 13, 2004 11:02 PMIt's really best to euthanize your grandmother when she reaches that age.
Posted by: Evil Bastard at December 15, 2004 05:15 AMWas the dog Yellow, or did he yell,
I believe the dog's coat had a "yellowish" hue, thus the name on Yellar.
and is it love of inability to watch the patient suffer that leads us to final sign the form and pull the plug.
Regretably, too many times it is "impatience" that leads to the "plug getting pulled".
The Dutch (who have a lot of experience with euthenasia) have found that inconvenience or, more darkly, a profitable "will". Tend to hurry up the process. Additionally, they have noted a spike during Fridays and before holiday weekends.
There are some truly difficult and definitely personal calls. Brain Dead, extreme and unending pain, no chance of any recovery (even as a vegetable) these cases are the ones that need compassion and understanding, unfortunately, there are too many people in "Grandpa's Will" who would rather "get grandpa out of *their* misery" So they can start enjoying his money.
Euthenasia is TOUGH.
Steve
Posted by: Steve at December 28, 2004 12:53 PM