When we take on a pet weather it’s a cat, a dog or any other animal, there is always that little voice in the back of our mind that says “Don’t forget, someday you will have to say goodbye” It’s the voice we never want to acknowledge, the one we push to the back and ignore, going on with our day hoping that we never have to listen to it.
However the voice always comes back and sometimes when it does we have no choice but to sit down and hear it out.
Most of us hope that this time will come when our pets have fallen into old age, their bodies no longer can run and play like they used to. They can no longer make that trip around the block or up the stairs, so we make them comfortable and feel good in saying goodbye taking comfort in knowing that they where loved and lived a good life.
But what are we to do with those dogs whose minds have failed them? These are the dogs whose bodies still are young, agile and still full of life, but whose minds can not seem to handle the everyday people, places and stresses. How do we know when it’s better to let them go and have their turn at the bridge or hold onto them and manage their behavior?
Most people will agree that any animal that is in physical distress should be humanly let go in order to relive the animal from pain. However should the same be done for an animal in mental distress?
From a rescuers point of view, yes. We in rescue know what the perfect Pit Bull should be, it should be one of sound mind and soul, one who wants nothing more than to be with his people, all people and please them, one with confidence and strength.
But from an owner’s side and one that lives with a dog in mental distress, how do you tell the selfish side, the side that would rather keep them with you to spare yourself the pain, how do you let them go and let them be free of their pain?
I guess the question is how do you tell your heart what your head knows it right?
Dedicated to all those dogs who's backyard breeders didn't bother to temperament test.
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