Mexican Hat Rock, UT, under the stars.
Quantity vs. Quality
To this day, the hardest decision I’ve ever made was to put down my first dog, Marvin. For those that didn’t know him, Marvin was a scraggly little mutt-terrier with an underbite as big as his heart (enormous). He was ugly-cute. You know the type.
Although that was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, I know I’ll have to do it again with my sweet Rosie before too long. I don’t think it’ll be tomorrow, or next week, or even next month, but I sense the time is coming. And I’m dreading it.
I’m very aware that us humans have a tendency to keep our pets alive far longer than we probably should. I think we naturally shy away from difficult decisions—such as ending a life—and opt for the easier route of just letting the animal continue to live. But although that’s easier on us, I’ve never been convinced it’s what’s best for the animal.
I find myself torn right down the middle; my soft, emotional side wants to take that easy, passive route and let her live as long as she can. While my logical, pragmatic side wants to pull the plug early—before she deteriorates any further.
I suppose it’s the classic quantity vs. quality debate. Do I allow her life to progress into the worst chapter, simply for the sake of having more time (quantity), or do I end her life before her deterioration gets any worse (quality)?
Who am I kidding—I already know the answer. I just don’t want to have to make it.
At this point I pray for the wisdom, clarity and courage to make the right decision at the right time.
“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” —Winnie The Pooh
P.S. For those that have had to put down a pet, how did you decide when to do it and what would you do differently, if anything?
P.P.S. On a completely different topic, this photo is unlike anything else I’ve done. I had never tried night photography before, but saw the perfect opportunity as I camped beside Mexican Hat Rock in southern Utah. It was fun to try something new, but I honestly don’t see this becoming a big part of my repertoire (mostly because I like to go to bed early). But it was fun to dip my toes in, at the very least. I hope you like it!
