Could you be the one who does the euthanizing?

[MollyWoppy]

I can say, without a fathom of a doubt, there is no way I could put animals down. Unless, the animal was in huge, huge pain, then I could.
I have the greatest respect for vets and vet techs who have to do this, it's a necessary, but I imagine, the absolute worst part of an awesome job.
I don't know how our vet handles it when he's got to put an animal down and I hope its a long, long time before I ever find out.
But I was waiting in reception with Mol this year when a lady bought in her old dog who was seizing to be put to sleep. They went out the back and she came out a bit later crying. No-one was with her so I went over and put my arm round her and cried too. The receptionist said "I'm so sorry......that will be $35 please". I guess they have to disconnect from their feelings too, maybe there's no other way of handling it?

[DaneMama]

I have euthanized more animals than I want to think about. The majority are too sick or inured to be helped and I know I am helping them go to a better place. The hospital I work at work with animal control and we do a lot of their euthanasias as well. I am never having to put down the completely healthy animals, but a lot of times it is an animal that could be easily helped. I hate it. It hurts and there are days it haunts me. However, I would rather be the one to do it instead of sending them back to the shelter to be done there. I know I am giving them the utmost love and respect in their final moments. I can at least have control over that.

1+

This is the hardest part of the job....I think once you see death of a pet so many times you become somewhat detached from it. I know that sounds terrible, but its a fact of life in the vet world. You become attached to client's pets yourself, and it makes you want to cry and mourn just as much as they are sometimes. But as the veterinary professional you have to be the strong one. Many times I've put IV catheters in animals while trying to choke back tears, prepping the animal for euthanasia. Other times I have to hide my wrath of hatred at why they are giving up on their companions, questioning their sanity. But just as werecatrising said...we can make these pets comfortable, at peace and feel loved in their final moments.

So...yes I think I could do it. Why? Because at least I can trust MYSELF to show them humane respect and dignity and love in their final moments in life that all animals deserve. I cannot trust just the next person to do just as good of a job as me.

[Mia]

I have a hard time thinking about when and if that end comes. I guess we never really get used to it. People who have to do it I believe need to put up a barrier inorder to carry it out. Atleast I hope.