Post by: wmenorr67 on May 22, 2006, 09:20:54 AM
But it does bring up the question as to why is it inhumane to let an animal suffer but it is also inhumane to end the suffering of a human being? Just doesn't seem right.
Post by: Ex-MA Hole on May 22, 2006, 09:48:54 AM
Why else?
And yes, putting any animal down sucks. Been there, done that, didn't like it. At all.
You, and more importantly (sorry), your Daughter has my sympathies.
Post by: Oleg Volk on May 22, 2006, 12:17:03 PM
Post by: Perd Hapley on May 22, 2006, 01:17:31 PM
I wonder, though, how many people there are who are actually asking to die but are successfully prevented from dying.
Unlike animals, which are more or less intelligent machines under our stewardship, human beings are creatures accountable to God, whose lives are owed to Him, rather than to men. The short version is that we can and sometimes should kill animals because they are our property, while human beings are ulitimately the property of God. He allows killing in self-defense or in justice, but has given us the prerogative to kill in no other circumstance. Hence, suicide is regarded as self-murder.
Our laws on this topic have tended to reflect this Christian point of view, but have changed in some cases to reflect a different, usually secular, point of view. This is unfortunate.
Post by: Guest on May 22, 2006, 01:53:54 PM
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I still don't like see them or any other animal suffer and I hate how my daughter feels right now.
As bad as she might feel, i doubt euthanizing her is the thing to do...
Post by: Telperion on May 22, 2006, 02:13:53 PM
I've heard that the horse that went down in the Preakness would have been put down immediately if not for the fact he is worth millions as a stallion.
Post by: Sindawe on May 22, 2006, 03:55:52 PM
Quote from: Telperion
Treatment often requires behavior modification. A doctor can give a human directions on post-op recovery: you need bed rest, don't exert yourself for a month, etc. This doesn't work for animals.
Hmmmm....funny, I had zero problem keeping two cats quiet and calm after a "He" became a "She", and later when the other cat had a drain on his flank from an abscess, this while my home was invaded by four relations for a week.Quote from: fistful
Unlike animals, which are more or less intelligent machines,...
I've meet insects that are more aware than some people I deal with on a day to day basis.Quote from: fistful
...human beings are creatures accountable to God, whose lives are owed to Him, rather than to men. The short version is that we can and sometimes should kill animals because they are our property, while human beings are ulitimately the property of God.
Sorry fistful, *I* am the sole owner of my life and its is NOT owed to any invisible friend in the sky, your's or mine.Fistful IS correct in that the worldview he stated above is the root of why humans are allowed/forced to suffer a lingering death when they themselves are ready to check-out.
My sympathies for your daughter wmenorr67.
Post by: Ron on May 22, 2006, 04:17:08 PM
No reason to involve doctors in the taking of a human life any more than that.
Post by: Firethorn on May 22, 2006, 05:12:03 PM
As for humans, I think that it's a combination of factors. We're the guardians, caretakers of animals, who can't make the decision themselves. Since our medical technology is still limited, we must make a decision that includes possible suffering. Because everything eventually ends up being economics as well, we must acknowledge that we can't afford heroic life saving efforts for every animal, especially when you realize that you're only extending the inevitable, and in consequence, their pain.
Humans are different. At least in theory we're all our own master. We can make our own decisions. Children are precious to us, and will eventually be able to make their own decisions, so we attempt to save them as much as possible, including heroic efforts. Even for adults, there's always the hope that we'll recover. Euthanasia does happen however, under the cover, in secret. High doses of opiates dull all pain, but also shorten lifespan. As GoRon says, this is fairly common, but untalked about, much like fatal 'gun cleaning accidents'. There have been some issues brought up, mostly in the EU, about this being done by the doctors themselves, however.
I believe that the second facet is our religious heritage that prohibits and demonizes suicide. Thus, we have humans, able to make their own decisions, and a general cultural policy that prohibits the taking of one's own life. Because of this heritage, a doctor makes the assumption that anybody would choose 'all life-saving measures' unless there is ample evidence otherwise, as the doctor is acting in the 'patients best interest' if he or she is unable to make the decisions themselves. That and the ancient oath 'commit no harm'. However, our technology has reached the point that there are relativly few people whose usefull life can't be extended through injury or illness. Even those completely invalid. Even those who have lost their mental facilities. Thus the importance of 'living wills' and medical powers of attorney.
Post by: grampster on May 22, 2006, 05:35:58 PM
Post by: Winston Smith on May 22, 2006, 07:47:55 PM
As far as fellow humans I don't eat them because they're generally much more interesting to talk to, and people don't look to kindly on cannibalism hereabouts, although if the eaten was willing, I guess it's none of my buisness.
As far as euthanasia, what kind of loving friend or family member would I be if when I was certain that THEY were certain that they wanted to die, I wouldn't at least "let" them, if not actively help. Love is not about what you want, at least not completely.
Post by: Antibubba on May 22, 2006, 08:19:44 PM
I'm typing this through tears.
Post by: 280plus on May 23, 2006, 12:27:41 AM
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Docter to terminal patient in pain: Here is something for your pain. Be careful, if you take too many you will fall asleep and never wake up.
This goes on more than most think.Usually it's a nurse though and the "pills" are morphine. They just keep giving it to you until your pain goes away, one way or another.
Sorry about your loss. I had to put down my favorite dog a few years back. One of the most painful experiences of my life.
Post by: wmenorr67 on May 23, 2006, 02:09:26 AM
Post by: trapperready on May 23, 2006, 04:02:37 AM