It’s all about quality of life.

Dogs are so much more adaptable than we are. They accept their situations and get on with life. A bit of a limp, aHugescar or a missing eye – even losing a limb, sight or hearing altogether – will not phase them in the slightest. They are happy as long as they get the good things in life; food, love, entertainment, play and/or a lap to sit on.

So even if a dog is “crippled”, they can still have a very high quality of life, more so than most humans would in a similar situation.

But there are three other issues that the humans responsible for their dogs must take into consideration.

- Pain and Suffering

If an animal is in pain, and isprone tobe in pain for the rest of its life, or even moderate discomfort, is it fair to keep them alive? Dogs have a higher tolerance for pain than most humans, but long-term pain is draining. If your dog has a chronic limp, it’s one thing – if they cry every time they move, it’s another.

And remember, medications may only buy you weeks or months and can have dangerous or unpleasant side effects – is it worth putting your dog through any more suffering?

- Financial Cost

The cost of surgery, medication, office calls and/or modifications to your home may make it impossible to treat your dogs injury or disease, even if they’ve a good chance of recovery. There are organizations that can help if you are unable to foot the bill, so do not let cost be the ONLY deciding factor. However, if the choice is between caring for your pet and paying for a vacation, perhaps you should reevaluate your priorities.

- Emotional Strain

It’s difficult caring for anyone (dog or human) who has special needs to make their lives complete. If you’ve a dog that needs to be carried everywhere, it will be inconvenient if they weigh 10 pounds. But what if they weigh 50, or 100 pounds?

Sometimes your physical limitations will make the decision for you. But again, there may be options. Dogs with hip problems can get around with carts. Dog unsteady on their feet may just need a bit of carpeting on a slippery floor. Do your research before you make your decision.

But what if the injury is causing other problems that need to be addressed – bladder control, seizures or behavioral problems? Some of these things can be controlled or managed, sometimes they may pose a risk to your health.

Before you make your decision, Considerthe following:

- Have you and your vet fatigued all the options?

- Are you making a decision out of frustration?

- Do you define “crippled” as less than perfect or attractive?

- Can you honestly state your dog is happy, despite their injury?

- In a month or a year, do you think you may regret your decision?

Making the decision to end a life is never, and should never be easy. Don’t keep a suffering animal alive because you cannot bear to let them go, but don’t put a happy dog to sleep just because their care has become inconvenient or because they’ve lost their looks.

Most pet owners know, it isn’t an easy decision to make – ever. But remember, whatever decision you make, right or wrong, your dog understands and accepts.

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