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Hernando Today

Making Hard Decisions Is The Job Of Every Pet Owner

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 1, 2009

As pet parents, what do we owe our pets? We owe them exactly what they give to us: Love, companionship and unwavering loyalty. That translates into proper sheltering from abuse, the weather, threats of danger, proper nutrition, proper health care, plenty of water, stimulation and exercise.

Max epitomizes these needs and the lack of these needs.

For the first year of Max's life, he was chained to a tree. He did not have proper shelter from the elements, he did not always have enough food or water and he became defensive and distrustful of humans. That should come as no surprise.

Max was fortunate that his living conditions were brought to the attention of someone who knew that this was unacceptable. After having lost a beloved pet, this individual was committed to not letting another dog into her heart, but was equally committed to seeing that Max have a proper home with the proper care... but she was not going to love him.

How does anyone not fall in love with a dog that needs and loves you whether you are looking for it or not? Max needed a great deal of medical care; he almost did not survive his heartworm treatment due to a infection and pneumonia that occured during the course of this regimen. But Max did make it and after rebuilding his trust in people and teaching him to let go of his defensiveness, Max grew into a beautiful specimen of what a classic Rottweiler should be.

He was playful, obedient, well-mannered and affectionate to all who knew him.

He had impeccable manners and respected the home he was so fortunate to find.

Max won the heart of his new parent before they ever knew what had happened and life revolved around Max and his well-being. For five years, Max had the life that all pets deserve and he was grateful for it every day. He repaid his parent with unbridled love and devotion. He appreciated everything life had to offer, including a new pup adopted into his family last year.

This week, Max received the ultimate gift that we as pet parents owe to our pets. After examinations by his family vet, visits to Florida Veterinary Specialists in Tampa and a diagnosis that cancer had taken over his body, his parent again put Max's well-being before her own and said goodbye compassionately and sorrowfully.

This is the last and most important debt that we owe to our pets... to set our grief aside and put their needs first.

Losing our best friend is heartbreaking and for many of us it is unbearable, but do we let our pets physically carry the burden of our despair or do we love them as they have always loved us, unconditionally.

We can carry our pets with us for all our lives, in our hearts and with the joyous memories of all the time shared together.

Owners need to make the same decisions for our pet's quality of life that we would want made for ourselves. We can articulate how we feel and what we need when we are ailing, but they cannot.

We need to have all the information possible on their condition and prognosis and then make the loving and compassionate decision if that is required.

Max was loved enough to be released from his pain and discomfort. He left this world the same way he was finally allowed to live in his new home... loved, dignified and at peace.

The debt to Max is paid with the ultimate act of love.

Joanne Schoch is the executive director of the Humane Society of the Nature Coast. She can be contacted at 352-796-2711.

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