We didn’t name her Fluffy without reason. She had one of the most beautiful coats of any pet I’ve had. And soft, from head to tail. Must have been because she always seemed to be washing. Surprised she didn’t get hairball’s often at all. And it really didn’t shed like some animals. And even if it did she we wouldn’t have cared. A wonderful pet who gave lots of joy to our family for a very long time.
Fluffy, no really, that is her name.
Photo by Mike Hartley
Pets are a wonderful thing. They are a lot of responsibility also. Fluffy was the first pet we had that needed some very costly veterinary care early on in her life. And while I have always known that is part of being a responsible pet owner, taking care of their medical needs, it is something that many probably make different choices on.
And I’m not saying that they are less compassionate at all. Sometime even the best pet owners don’t have the means for some of the medical things Vets might have to do. Luckily for us there wasn’t an issue of means or desire. She lived a long and full life.
Which brings me to my next point. I’ve made decisions both ways with pets in terms of the end of their lives. Twice I’ve had to make decisions to end the suffering of the pet. A gut wrenching and one of the hardest decisions you will ever make. And I’ve also made the decision to wait and let them pass naturally.
And what I will say is that I feel it should be a compassionate option not just for pets but for PEOPLE.
I am looking to support the next right to die legislation that comes up in our great state of Maryland.
