This is a thought-provoking story about who should decide the time to die.
I always found it strange that we never questioned putting our pets “down” when we believed they were suffering too much. But for humans, we have a different standard.
Who decides the time to die?
July 15th, 2009 · 4 Comments
Tags: Faith and Doubt
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1 Posts about pets as of July 15, 2009 « youtubeblog // Jul 15, 2009 at 3:38 pm
[...] Water Dog is 16 to 22 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 35 to 55 pounds. Who decides the time to die? – williamlobdell.com 07/15/2009 This is a thought-provoking story about who should decide the [...]
2 janaremy // Jul 16, 2009 at 2:58 am
This is a huge debate in the disability community. They fear that many people (or their families) would elect termination of life simply because of the stigma of living with a life-changing disability–not knowing that you can live a very rich and fulfilling life even with a disability.
I’m not sure where I fall on this issue–I’ve been saddened by friends who chose to die by suicide, but I also have no desire to live in pain and/or be a burden to my loved ones. I’ve watched a family member die a slow death from cancer and I have to say that there’s nothing at all ‘human’ or ‘humane’ about it. In that situation a strong dose of morphine can be a blessing to all.
3 aklym // Jul 16, 2009 at 9:56 pm
We love our animals and don’t want to see them suffer. On the other hand, deep down I suspect that many feel that somehow we “deserve” to suffer. That old story from which we derive the doctrine of “original sin” just won’t die.
4 naturechaplain // Jul 22, 2009 at 5:43 am
A critical conversation and that seems the point. When the door is closed on rational dialogue and crucial decision-making, we’re all left on life-support. Authorities in high places (Paine’s “crowned ruffians”) want to move the pawns but we are all bishops and queens.
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