I am not sure how this post will come across but I need to write it.
After leaving the Dr Ee's animal clinic yesterday, I suffered from pangs of regret for the whole day. Firstly I want to mention the clinic was quite basic, unassuming and maybe I should say "rural" like. It was located along a row of old shophouses. I did not see much equipment like an X-ray machine. I was used to seeing the vet clinics in the Klang valley. These urban clinics were attractive looking with large glass doors with animals painted on neon lighted signs. They probably have better diagnostic equipment but not necessarily a better veterinarian.
While driving to Seremban, I was thinking of what if the vet said the cat can be saved by an operation and long term care. What would I do? I trashed out the complication of this scenario in my mind. I came to the conclusion that I was prepared to give the necessary funds to save the cat. I also thought what would I do after the cat had fully recovered? He could have been someone's pet or maybe he was a stray. If he was a pet, how would I find the owner ? If I could not find the owner, I may have to keep him- this was a big maybe. If he was a stray cat , I would release him back to the same area. These were difficult choices to make for which I had no immediate answer.
I did not have to make the above choices, I had agreed to the vet's suggestion to put the cat to sleep. Yesterday I wondered if had I brought the cat all the way to the "better" clinics in the Klang valley, would the outcome be different ? Could the cat have been saved from being put to sleep? I knew from past readings, that when a when an animal makes a circling movements, it is an indication of brain damage. The vet's diagnosis was correct but it is impossible to say for certain if recovery was possible.
This morning I thought through my actions again. Did I do make the right choice by bringing the cat to the "basic" clinic ? Did I make the right decision to put the cat to sleep? The vet made the suggestion based on decades of experience. There is no 100% certainity and there never will be.
I need to let go of these burdening thoughts, my guilty conscience and the "What if" questions for which there are no certain answers. I made the best decision I could under the circumstances at that time.
Rest in peace, cat!
11 comments:
In most things we do, there is always a "Right" and a "Wrong" in it, depending on which side of the coin you look at.
What is more important is WHY you do it. As long as your intention is good, you need not feel guilty about it.
I am sure the cat will appreciate your love and will sleep in peace.
your last line says it all. you did the best and provided the best care for it under the circumstances. in fact way beyond what an ordinary person would've done.
I think the important thing is that you DID something rather than just looking at the situation and walking away. You opened your heart to a helpless creature and help end it's agony. That I think is a very kind and noble act.
And from my experience in dealing with animals (my own pets and animals in SPCA), the injury to the cat was most likely mortal. It probably won't live past a week in that condition.
So take heart and know you've done the right thing.
once me and kev heard the cries of distressed kittens.. we traced it and found them underneath a cart in an open spaced shop. The shop owner swept the kittens in the dustpan and threw them into the waste bin, infront of our very own eyes! We were shocked. We quickly rescued the kittens and only then, we found out that the kitten had been cruelly tortured. the 3 kitten were tied up by the neck with a nylon string and there was a fishing hook too. They were still alive..though there were blood ard their neck.. but when we brought them to the SPCA vet, the 1st thing they say was.. "we will put them to sleep" without much examination. We didn't like that idea but what to do.. :( We told ourselves that at least they die in a ,somewhat, a dignified manner rather than to rot in the bin.
I understand ur dilemma, bro.. but i feel that u did the right thing to that poor cat.
Well,it was the right thing to do under that circumstances.Rest assured that the cat wud have acknowledged ur action.
From my experience (my dad owns dogs) many vets tend to take the easy way out and suggest that the pet be put to sleep. But anyway, I think you did your best under the circumstances. Rest in peace, dear cat. When you meet KRunner in heaven make sure you say "hi".
All : thanks everyone for your support.
PM19: I did get that impression of the vet.
Steph : I found out I didn't need a visa when I was at the Embassy. No visa needed for a one month visit.
haizad, aku bangga ada kawan yg compassionate macam kau. tak semua org akan stop their car, and bawak an injured animal on the road, pegi jumpa vet, spend duit... don't feel guilty.
aku almost nangis lah...
showed this message to my daugthers. agreed your action is a noble one. Really touch our hearts.
very Kam Tong (as pm1/tey like to say.
hi there. i think u did the right thing. there is nothing much you can do , really. the cat had suffered so much and i bet the cat is so happy to be with someone like you on his last days of life. the cat is now at a place where there is no suffering, running happily in heaven. :)
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