Just let nature take it's course vs euthanasia

Trigger warning: animal euthanasia

"I will just take her home and let nature take it's course..."

This is a phrase that as a veterinarian I loathe. I understand the sentiment behind it. I understand the desire to not have to make that call to put down your beloved companion. However, it can be quite cruel to let an animal sit at home and suffer through their illness until they die.

We do so much in our companion animals lives to prevent them from becoming ill and living much longer than they would in nature. Because of this they are getting diseases that are different than they would if not sharing our homes with us. So if we are going to provide them with a life long enough that they are susceptible to geriatric diseases such as kidney disease, heart failure, and cancer then we should be kind enough to help end their suffering when no more can be done. 

I know this is a controversial topic in human medicine but I am not a human doctor so I am not going there today. 

I am a veterinarian; by federal and state laws I can provide an end to animal suffering via humane euthanasia. This is a duty I take very seriously. It is a gift I can provide my patients and clients when I can no longer provide relief from pain and suffering. 

I will always listen to your concerns about this topic. I will always be respectful of your wishes for your companion. I will also give you my professional opinion when I feel euthanasia is warranted. I promise I will never recommend this lightly or without justifiable reasoning. Without humane euthanasia, your animal companion may refuse to eat, maybe unable to move around free of significant pain, and possibly be unable to properly eliminate all while suffering. All of these factors will diminish their quality of life which is unfair to them. 

I know this decision maybe the hardest decision in your life. I understand that for some, their pet is their whole life. I understand they only want to do right by them. After working in this field for 2 decades I can assure you that a veterinarian will not recommend euthanasia lightly AND we are always doing it in the best interest of your pet. We do not want to euthanize animals, it is not the highlight of our careers. However, it is necessary for us to perform this kind deeply moving procedure (usually multiple times a shift) to relieve suffering. 

We are not allowing nature to take it's course in regards to the rest of the health of our animals as we are providing them with food, shelter, and medical care their whole lives, why would we not intervene when they need us the most?

I will leave you with one of my favorite quotes (might even turn into a tattoo later): 

“To cure sometimes, to relieve often, and to comfort always” attributed to William Osler.