Should I feel guilty?

Post by **Sally** » Thu Jan 22, 2009 12:40 am

You're perfectly normal, Jordan. Anyone who has ever had to make the decision to put down a pet has a feeling of guilt, like we think that somehow we should be able to make it better. We are only human, after all.

BillD · Post by **BillD** » Thu Jan 22, 2009 1:14 am

Jordan,

Guilt is a human reaction to these circumstances and is normal. I know my 'kids' (animals) miss the presence of the ones that have passed on due to my having to euthanize them, but they feel no guilt. They just miss them as we do too. We have that added struggle, but knowing we helped them stop their suffering should help, but doesn't make it any easier.

I had to put down my favorite cat a long time ago. The Vet came to my house and asked me to hold him while he injected him. He was in bad shape with Feline Leukemia and couldn't walk, but it was still the hardest thing I ever did. I knew it was the better thing for him, I'm crying while i'm typing this. Sorry..

It was the 'Immediately after the chick took it's last breath' comment that brought that all back to me. Guess this is the consequence of having them. I'd prefer to have them in my life, with the life they have, rather than not having them..

atarasi · Post by **atarasi** » Thu Jan 22, 2009 2:37 am

Oh Bill, I didn't mean to cause you anymore sadness in remembering your favorite cat. After the chick passed away, all I could think of was if my pals on this forum would approve of what I did. I'm glad that I'm not as bad as some of my friends and co-workers sometimes make me out to be!

dfcauley · Post by **dfcauley** » Thu Jan 22, 2009 8:18 am

We do seek the approval of those on here due to the fact we know they care and love their pets. And want best for them.....but in the end we have to do what we think is best because all have different opinons and views. That is what I did when I began culling a very sick finch. I knew that if I was going to continue this fun and rewarding hobby, that I would have to have an outlet for the birds that suffer. And I have never regretted it even though it is very hard.

franny · Post by **franny** » Thu Jan 22, 2009 12:03 pm

BillD, I have had to euthanize (have my vet do it) 4 cats over the years, and my sweet little Tody, and I was with each of them too. So I know how hard it was for you. That's the trouble with keeping pets. Especially when you adopt older, or special needs pets, as I've done twice. You know they won't be with you for long, but the time I had with them was worth it when all was said and done and it was time to let them go.

Yet I dread the thought of having to go through it with the birds now, too. And my sister's dog is now 13 1/2, and has Cushings Disease. Every day we come home from work and wonder how she'll be, and hope she comes to the door wagging her tail. So far so good, but eventually we will be forced to make the decision regarding her quality of life...
Why can't they just go peacefully in their sleep.

But it seldom happens that way. As their keepers, we have to make that decision more often than not. Still worth it though, for I cannot imagine a life without them.

cntrymeadow · Post by **cntrymeadow** » Thu Jan 22, 2009 12:37 pm

Jordan...
Such a hard decision but like everyone else said..
you made the right one.

You have to always think, no matter what the animal, quality of life.
What bird would be happy that could not fly?
Sounds like the injury would have more than it could bear had it grown up.

I have had to put down a pond fish or two, and these were not small fish.
Its hard but you know it has to be done so the animal does not suffer.
Just know you did it in the most humane way possible.
Its ok to feel bad and grieve a bit as long as you move on to enjoy the birds you have.

franny · Post by **franny** » Thu Jan 22, 2009 1:10 pm

cntrymeadow wrote:You have to always think, no matter what the animal, quality of life......I have had to put down a pond fish or two, and these were not small fish.
Its hard but you know it has to be done so the animal does not suffer...

Cntrymeadow,
You have no idea how glad I was to read this post! It warms my heart to think that there are people here who recognize that fish are living animals, and deserve to be treated humanely, too. I've had an aquarium, and have also had to have my sister euthanize fish for me. I feel like such a coward at those times, when I have to get someone else to do the deed, because I can't...not even to stop the suffering.

(I'm a vegetarian, and you wouldn't believe how many people say to me, "but you eat fish, right?" I tell them that I will eat fish, as soon as they can grow them in their garden...

Most people don't realize that commercial fishing can be just as cruel as factory farming.)

BirdCrazy · Post by **BirdCrazy** » Thu Jan 22, 2009 2:13 pm

franny wrote: I feel like such a coward at those times, when I have to get someone else to do the deed, because I can't...not even to stop the suffering.

I'm with you on this franny. I don't think we are cowards though, it is just not in our make up to be able to do this. Fortunately my Vet will put birds down for $5. I find it much easier for me to pay to have them do it and I don't have to do something I don't think I ever could.

BillD · Post by **BillD** » Thu Jan 22, 2009 10:12 pm

atarasi wrote:Oh Bill, I didn't mean to cause you anymore sadness in remembering your favorite cat. After the chick passed away, all I could think of was if my pals on this forum would approve of what I did. I'm glad that I'm not as bad as some of my friends and co-workers sometimes make me out to be!

No worries Jordan,

I was in kind of a sad mood last night and that just kicked it. Even men need to have a good cry every now and again. Luckily, nobody was around. You know we don't like to appear vulnerable. hehe.

Finch Fry · Post by **Finch Fry** » Fri Jan 23, 2009 12:14 pm

>_< Harsh reality of bird breeding. I am new to this scene with 7 eggs incubating and even though this is a sad thread its good information for a new bird person like me and my gf. I am expecting my first set of hatchings next Thursday-Saturday and now I am far more prepared this week then I was a week ago when she was laying eggs. I know that some or maybe ALL may not be fretilized, some may be DIS, some may die due to parents having to learn how to parent and finally, some birth defects resulting in me having to put some down.

So even though its a sad thread, posting the tragedy also has spread the knowledge of proper bird care. So take a positive away from this and know that you helped out a noob in the bird breeding arena.