A recommendation

[den]

"Den is one of our most competent euthanasers."
(comment at the recent WIRES meeting.)


I'm not happy to know this.

Comments

[http://users.livejournal.com/killjoy_/]

That's... definitely mixed praise, yes.

[janetmiles.livejournal.com]

It sucks that you've been in the situation often enough to become "one of the most competent". On the other hand, it seems to me (from a distance, not having to do it) that if one *has* to euthanize animals because they're too badly injured to recover, doing it competently is better than screwing up.

Re:

[dewhitton.livejournal.com]

I still cry when I kill bats and mammals. I'm coping better with birds now. The sad thing is that my Kill Kit is almost as complex as my Care Kit.

[janetmiles.livejournal.com]

I probably would too (and in case you're wondering, I don't think less of you for doing so yourself). Query: I thought bats are mammals?

Re:

[dewhitton.livejournal.com]

I meant "other mammals." I mentally divide things into "bats" and "everything else" 8)

[janetmiles.livejournal.com]

I mentally divide things into "bats" and "everything else"

And why does this not surprise me? :-)

[red-frog.livejournal.com]

I'm sure it doesn't sit well because that means you've had to do it, but I can understand (as I'm sure you can) it being a valued skill in that group. Sometimes it needs to be done--better not to have it bungled.

[kelloggs2066.livejournal.com]

Sorry Mate,

This was said, I hope, in a context that listed your other boatload of skills.

Scott

[weyrdbird.livejournal.com]

Yeah, it's a sad thing to have to do:(.

But you do it *humanely*, at least as much as is possible. Some people just walk away and let nature take its course. Death isn't supposed to be a cute fluffy thing anyway, or we'd all be a living monty python sketch.

[dancinglights.livejournal.com]

you're best at making things stop hurting., with compassion, and only, in such a way, when nothing else can be done. You are a far stronger person than i for being able to do so, and I respect you even more for being so touched each time it happens, Den. I'm proud for you, in a way, and sorry.

Re:

[dewhitton.livejournal.com]

The fact that I have to do it so often that I'm competent, is sad.

[ursulav.livejournal.com]

At the risk of being crass, I'd leave that one off the resume...

Still, at least you're good at it. Were I checking out, I'd much rather have someone competent on the other end than otherwise. I suppose it's like being a really fabulous embalmer--you'd rather you didn't need to do it, but hey, somebody's got to, and better it was done well than otherwise.

[ngarewyrd.livejournal.com]

I would like to think of it being 'compitant in knowing when to do it, in the humanest manner possible..

of course, it's open to interperatation.. =8\

[wabbitcalif.livejournal.com]

*hugs* I think that the animals you've had to assist in such a way were able to appreciate (if that is the correct word to use in this case) your being there to assist them as swiftly and painlessly as possible.

Might I also state that I'd like that kind of competence if I were in need of it.

Can I thank you, on their behalf, for the assistance you give?

[tatterdemalion.livejournal.com]

You're looking at it the wrong way hon, it means that you do what is a rather horrible and depressing job in the MOST humane, competent and caring way that is possible, there is NO unesseacary suffering or pain.

You care.

Those poor animals that you have to help out of this world are in pain, you relieve that pain, and thats a great thing, your compassion is your greatest asset above anything else.

if i was an animal in that situation I'd want YOU as my carer because I'd know that you would do your utmost, but that when the time came you would also see to it that my ending was quick and painless.

[philrancid.livejournal.com]

It just means you stop the uncurable hurts, without adding to the animals' suffering.

[sinboy.livejournal.com]

Perhaps you should train someone else and take a break for a while.

Re:

[dewhitton.livejournal.com]

I'm not the only one who euthanases. Everyone in the group has to learn how to do it, but there are a couple of us who seem better at it than others.

[(Anonymous)]

It's been said so many times already, but it's important. You do what needs to be done. The kindest thing to do. You have courage in the face of an unhappy and distasteful task, and against the people who misunderstand what must be done. You're stronger than most, in your conviction to protect life, and to end it when it's gone horribly wrong. You may never feel good about euthanasation, but there are those of us who understand both what must be done and how it makes you feel.

-Rust