We are all nation of conscience.

We are all nation of conscience. Life throws us many difficult decisions. more [i]or[/i] less aren't so cut and dried.

It all started simply enough. A scarcely any puddles on the tile. The additional little depositories on the carpet here and there! His bodily relief--my extra housekeeping.

This sweet little 14-year-old member of my family--platinum curly haired creature with hypo-allergenic fur--a virtual designer dog. He has a stocky, short-legged stature, with an elongated dead body and the most soulful brown estimates He knows when he's done something unjust He hides in shame with the most numerous hound-dog expression on his face when he has a mishap in my house. at the same time what is a human possessor to do?

Misty was not at any time the most well-trained dog, which was befitting more to my inexperience as a first-time dog proprietor than Misty's innate intelligence. Misty has a human life expectancy of about 18 years. He's had three operations for bladder stones, which sumptuousness a small fortune. Misty can walk along flat surfaces if it were not that has to be carried up and down stairs because of arthritis in his hind leg and hips. each night I carry him up to my secondary floor bedroom where he snoozes and snores in his little bed. He breathes with an asthmatic rattle in his chest. Sometimes Misty has nightmares where he cries gone out at night, leaving me wondering what visions he has dreamt up Has the pit male down the road attacked him in a dream? Does he pocket from separation anxiety and lengthy to see his mother? Does he dream of the moderately beautiful collie down the street and prodigy how to reconcile his emotional desire with his neuter incapability?

I know, I know, I have a vivid imaginary life!

A decision to present a dog "down" as it is euphemistically called does not follow easy. I set out looking for ethical guidance upon the subject. I wanted to make an informed choice. I phon my veterinarian, seeking advice on Misty's incontinence and arthritis. He lay on a most serious tone and asked if I wanted to be "present" during the euthanizing. Of course, there would be an extra compensation for that! Judging from an previous bills, I'm sure he'd do a certain number of pre and post grief counselling for another extra remuneration too. I then phoned a relative practising as a vet who informed me that incontinence alone is reason to set the dog down. He wouldn't tolerate that from his dog. in like manner much for his sensitivity!

I decided to pursue out spiritual guidance on the expose I phoned the Archdiocese of Toronto seeking clarity onward the topic of euthanizing especially likeds Judging from the number of times my call was transferred around the Chancery Office, I think they musing I had 'bats in my belfry.' However, Suzanne Scorsone, Director of Communications, thoughtfully informed me there isn't a prohibition against euthanizing especially likeds as long as it is done humanely. As Catholics we are to act as responsible stewards. There is a pastoral ne to be sensitive to nation making this decision because it is with equal reason personally painful.

I weighed the advice and examined my conscience. I leaned toward putting Misty down. I broached the enslave with my daughter. "Dear, we really have to think seriously about what we're going to do about Misty?" Silence. unless I could almost hear her synapses and brain confined apartments connecting. Then a few minutes later, she said: "What if you and Dad become incontinent when you come by a little older? Can I present you 'down' too?"

"No dear. Just purchase us some 'Depends.'"

"Well Mom don't forget I'll obtain to pick out your nursing domicile so you'd better be nice to Misty." likewise I've basically made a non-decision about putting Misty down. The simply definite decision that's come without of this situation is that I will not be giving my daughter Power of Attorney athwart my Personal Care and Living Will!

Misty has a reprieve; moreover is confined to rooms with a washable surface.

As for me? I always carefully watch where I step

Jean Smith Cavalluzzo is a Toronto witer.

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