5 days ago, I was given the opportunity to relieve the suffering of another (a wonderful, but abused puppy). So, my wife & I brought another member of our family into the household. But for the last 2 days, she hasn’t been right; not eating , only taking a bit of water (which she vomited back up within the hour) and generally being very listlless. We took her to a vet today and were given news that we were dreadig…..Parvovirus. The pet hospital the vet worked for wanted (at least) 1900 dollars to treat her, and said it may go as high as 2200. Unfortunately, we cannot afford this, and the vet advised us in that case, we should have her put down.Being a Buddhist, I am dedicated to ending the suffering of all the creatures of the Earth.But I am also against killing in any form. When I stated this to the vet he said that she will suffer more if we don’t euthanize her. But I cannot just let her die with out trying to save her. So, the vet agreed to have one of his techs show me how to treat her with fluids and medication, and sold us the materials we would need. Now its up to Tara’s will to live and my wife’s and my care. I am told that there is a chance that she may recover in 5-7 days. We are hopeful, but this leads to a conflict in my mind. Is it wrong to try and end the suffering of a dog (and humans) by possibly extending the suffering so that she MIGHT live? Or should I go against what I beleive and have her killed in the name of ending her suffering? I hope that our choice to try and save her life is the correct one.
We shall see……….
Robb, I fully support your choice to try to treat that puppy with love! "Buddha's teaching leads us to non-duality, from the discriminating concept of two conflicting points of view. It is a mistake for people to seek a thing supposed to be good and right, and to flee from another supposed to be bad and evil."
What you're doing is done with *compassion* and I think that supersedes all dualistic questions of right or wrong. Please let us know how the puppy does!
Peace and love,
Dr. Deb
Dear Robb,
My prayers will be with you too, God is kind and prayers often do magic. I will pray that your love and kindness brings back the life into that tiny being.
You are doing the right thing, she has every right to live we should always first try to give some one life before death takes over.
Noble decision.
Wish you love, peace and happiness.
Trisha
Dr Deb and Sharmishtha,
Thank you both for the kind words and encouragement. I'm sure that if Tara could speak she would thank you too.
I will keep posting as to her progress.
Namaste'
Robb
Dr. Deb & Trisha,
I wanted to let both of you know both Tara & Molly (who became sick also) have both recovered from their bouts w/Parvo. Thank you again for your encouraging words- they really did help my wife & I when we were treating the girls.
You have both helped me to realize that there are good people out there that I may not have met in this lifetime who none the less care and try to help those in need.
Thank you again!
Namaste'
Robb
This is wonderful news — thank you for the update, and congratulations!!
Peace and love,
Dr. Deb