"No one dies before their time, or lives one moment after."
Maharishi
In 1995 I took Buddhist vows to not kill or create suffering for others. This meant to be careful walking, so not to step on insects, to live in harmony with all God’s creatures, for other’s lives are as important as my own.
The thought of euthanasia made me uncomfortable. I believed, and still do, that the process of dying is as meaningful as our birth. I didn’t want to rob my animals of this experience or interfere with their karma by ending their lives before their soul’s work was finished. I was determined to let nature run its course, no matter what.
I was relieved when my cat Baba Looie told me he didn’t want help with his transition. Yet doubt crept in toward the end of his life. Maybe I had misunderstood him. He looked miserable and more withdrawn each day. I decided to help him first thing in the morning, however it was much too late. During the night Baba hobbled to my bedside with a piercing yowl. I had never seen anyone die before. It did not look easy.
I regretted that I hadn’t intervened just one day earlier.
One year later my cat Yudi was slowly deteriorating with a perplexing neurological disorder, and I promised to help him when he was ready. Click to Read the entire article, 'Yudi, My Yoga Boy.'
In time Yudi was clearly suffering. I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t want to break my promise to him, but I didn’t want to break my vows. No killing. Yudi’s eyes were asking for my assistance. I made arrangements. His passing was gentle and quick.
The biggest step for me, what I believe my little guide Yudi taught me, was to put my opinions and beliefs about euthanasia and karma aside, and listen to the animals with an open heart, not a closed mind, and then respect their wishes and requests. They know what is best for them.
Knowing what our animals want lightens ‘the big decision’ that weighs heavily upon our hearts, sometimes following us with regret and guilt ...... "Was he ready to go?" Or, "did I wait too long?"
When is the right time?
Sometimes an animal’s appearance can appear worse than it actually is. Leah called me after she was told that her 23 year old cat would pass in the next few days.
When I saw Big Red he was thin and could no longer walk. However I was surprised to find that he was not in pain. Red’s life force was still quite strong. He was alert, curious and quite content. Red didn’t understand why Leah was crying all the time. He wanted her to dance more. Leah continued to hand feed and bathe Red, and he lived happily on for several more months.
If you are considering euthanasia and are not certain when the ‘right’ time is a veterinarian, familiar with the stages of death, can help assess your animal’s quality of life.
An animal communicator can talk to your animal and eliminate doubt or validate what you may already intuitively know about your animal’s condition or desires. I consulted my colleagues when my own cats were nearing their transition. Listening to our own animals is difficult when we are grieving or emotionally attached.
Every situation is different. Not all animals want help with their passing. No matter what anyone advises or imparts to you, the decision is ultimately between you and your animal companion.
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