Am I just heartless?

[stardogs]

I've seen posts on fb recently asking for donations for the care of severely disabled and neglected dogs and I just look at the dogs and can't help but think that euthanasia might be more humane. Does anyone else think like this?

These are dogs with multiple *major* health issues: genetic malformations that make eating difficult, traumatic loss of eyes, mange, Cushings, etc. and both come from abusive/neglectful situations. I just can't help but wonder if their caretakers are pushing the dogs past what is humane and it makes me incredibly sad for both the dog *and* all the other healthier dogs that could be saved in their place.

[JustaLilBitaLuck]

Originally Posted by stardogs

I've seen posts on fb recently asking for donations for the care of severely disabled and neglected dogs and I just look at the dogs and can't help but think that euthanasia might be more humane. Does anyone else think like this?

You're not being heartless. You're being realistic. The rescue that I work with doesn't knowingly take in dogs (from animal control or surrenders) that have extreme health issues. Why? Because the amount of time and effort it would take to try and save that one dog could be used to save another ten dogs. It's horrible, and it's sad, and I feel for those dogs...but it's the big picture.

[AdrianneIsabel]

It's wrong.

[Moth]

I think there comes a point where the quality of the dogs life is never going to be what it should be and the money poured into the situation would do much more good for other animals...

...so no I do not think you are heartless. I think sometimes perspective and being practical and realistic is something that needs to happen more in those type of situations.

[sassafras]

Nope, and I'm right there with you.

[stardogs]

I showed the dogs to DH and he agreed with me, but I'm glad we're not the only ones. One of the dogs had pictures posted of her "being a dog" - she's just lying on a rug, not even curled like a "regular" dog and to me that is soooo far from truly being a dog. It just broke my heart.

[MandyPug]

Someone posted a photo of a dog who's throat was slit right through the trachea asking for donations for the surgery to save the dog. That's an especially big case in my opinion of "PUT THE DOG DOWN"

[smkie]

For someone like Patrick, he did a complete recovery, it took a long time, but his progress was steady and that I think is what works for me. I think there is worse things than dying. I have a real hard time with some of them, and think they make unnecessary suffering. So right there with you.

[MericoX]

No you're not heartless, and I feel the same sometimes as well. Some of the dogs, it just seems cruel, yes you can probably get them healthy, but what kind of life will they lead in the end, and how much of that money could be going towards helping dogs with a much healthier/fuller outcome in life.

[JacksonsMom]

I do tend to agree.

I will say, for my own dog, I'd definitely go to extreme measures if it meant he had a chance at a healthy life still, or a decent quality of life. Of course I wouldn't let him suffer, but I definitely would go to great lengths to help him.

When it comes to dogs who may or may not have a home anyways, and are sitting in a shelter, etc, it's a tough call. I don't think it's cruel to humanely euthanize though.

But then again, you do read of stories of very happy dogs who were not going to be given a chance, and then they ARE given a chance, and end up living very happy lives in great homes. Hard to say.

But I totally get what you're saying and agree.