This afternoon I took my neighbor Laura’s mouse to get euthanized – old, blind, hairless, with a tumor on her butt (the mouse, not Laura). This poor animal refused to die naturally, and was becoming quite pathetic. Since I was bringing in my cats in for their annual exams, I asked my veterinarian if he could serve as Dr. Kevorkian. My vet is a caring, sensitive healthcare professional who has been there for me in good times and bad for the past 15 years. He understood the situation and took care of it at no fee (but charged me $311 for feline vaccinations, stool checks, blood titer and physicals.) The technician gave the mouse something to help her sleep and it was all very humane. Earlier today Laura’s 10-year old daughter Bella bid goodbye in a secret ceremony.
You know where I’m going with this topic. There is something really wrong when sick rodents get better care than elderly parents, and have more choices. I am not suggesting sending off Mom and Dad to an animal clinic – on the other hand, I am wondering if there’s a vet in their town who will step up . . .
I may not be the best daughter, but I am a really wonderful neighbor.
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Sharing stories to give you a personal glimpse into the strange dynamics of aging in America.
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