Young Woman Wants To Euthanize Old And Suffering Family Dog Against Her Father’s Wishes
A family dog is at the center of a painful split, and the decision is getting harder by the day.
In a viral Reddit post, a young woman says her 17-year-old dog is suffering badly, but her 81-year-old father refuses to agree to euthanasia. The dog can barely move, the medication is no longer helping, and the rest of the family is stuck between compassion and conflict.
Now she is left wondering whether doing what she believes is best would mean going behind her father’s back.
OP asks:
Her family has a 17-year-old dog with serious health issues.
The dog is in constant pain, and there is no way to help him. The medications are no longer effective, and his age makes surgery too risky.
The decision to euthanize a pet often gets messy fast when family members do not agree.
OP and her mom believe that euthanasia is the best solution, no matter how painful it may be for them to say goodbye. But OP's father won't even discuss it.
The whole family is suffering
Redditors were heartbroken:
The father is at fault here. But his reaction is understandable—he is probably projecting.
Some people get really attached to their pets.
Some unethical advice here. But who is to say what's unethical in this situation...
That’s where the comments really start to split.
Redditors believe OP should do what's best for the dog.
But OP should also be careful about her dad's health.
Some really difficult decisions need to be made.
And the family tension only seems to be getting worse.
OP really needs luck to make the best decision.
OP posted an edit:
She's been telling her parents what needs to be done for months now.
Then OP added an update that changed the tone a bit.
The vet said that euthanasia is not the answer—stronger medications are. OP's parents are happy with it, but OP is not.
The situation is still heartbreaking, no matter which side you land on.
There are several indications that your dog may be in discomfort. However, dogs frequently are unable to express to their owners the suffering they are feeling. Here are a few signs of discomfort to watch out for:
- Groaning and whimpering
- Hesitation while being touched or moved
- Restlessness
- Hiding or stooping
- Widening pupils
- Lack of desire to socialize
- Loss of appetite
- Change in temperament in general
- Unexpected growling and hostility
Your dogs can't tell you when they are in pain, so you have to be on the lookout.
This one leaves the whole family with a painful choice to make.
For another family standoff, see the roommate debate over euthanizing an ailing pooch. WBTA if she tells her she needs to let him go?
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