"Natural" death

Dearest Forum Members,

This topic may seem morose to many, but it weighs heavily on my mind every day. In my family of five canines, ten felines, and four equines, old age is more the norm than the exception. Three of the canines are very geriatric, two of them having had tumors removed (most likely cancerous) and the third having just been diagnosed with cutaneous lymphoma. All four horses are geriatric, two having had tumors removed (one most likely malignant melanoma). Two of the ten cats are geriatric, as well. My future will be filled with loss, probably sooner than later.

My heart aches for everyone who has, is, or will face the decision to say goodbye to a beloved companion. Over the years, both here and on other pet-related forums and mailing lists, I have read folks struggling with the decision to euthanize animals. Not infrequently, someone will state a desire to allow the animal to die a "natural" death. That is what I would like to address here.

To my way of thinking, there is no such thing as "natural" death in companion animals. The first time we vaccinate, deworm, spay/neuter, or even feed an animal, we have taken "nature" out of the equation. Mother Nature is intolerant of the weak and infirm. In nature, any animal who is not strong enough to feed itself or evade its own predators, dies. That is "natural" death.

The lives of companion animals do not follow Nature's rules. As caretakers, we assume all responsibility for the care, feeding, and physical welfare of our animal charges. We do everything we can to eliminate Nature's influence over our companions' lives, yet in the end, we expect Nature to reappear with perfect timing to deliver a peaceful and merciful passing. In my nearly 50 years and dozens of animal deaths, I have only known one who passed peacefully in her sleep without benefit of a needle.

I, too, am guilty of always hoping Nature will step in to do what I so desperately wish to avoid at the end of my companions' lives, but I ultimately know the responsibility is mine. When I accept responsibility for a life, I must also accept responsibility for a death. It's as horrifying as it is inevitable.

Please forgive the frankness of this post. I suppose I'm just trying to remind myself of my duty. Dear Nature, you are off the hook. I will do what I must when the time(s) comes.

Take care, everyone,

Laurie