Category Archives: Euthanasia

The importance of stories in the euthanasia debate - MercatorNet MercatorNet (blog) The pro-euthanasia case is compact and quick and easy to make: It focuses on a terminally ill, seriously suffering, competent adult who gives informed consent ... and more »

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The importance of stories in the euthanasia debate - MercatorNet - MercatorNet (blog)

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EUGENE, Ore. -- He was destined for euthanasia, but a rescue group saw a work of art.

Now Picasso, a 10-month-old pit bull-corgi mix who was rescued from a high-kill animal shelter in Southern California, is an international celebrity.

Liesl Wilhardt, executive director of Luvable Dog Rescue, the organization that rescued Picasso, said the bark around Picasso started after Luvable posted videos of him on its Instagram account. Other media outlets chased the story and now Picasso's out-of-kilter but loveable face has reached the eyes of thousands of people across the world.

Picasso has a misaligned snout that makes him look a bit unreal, like a subject in a Pablo Picasso painting. That's how he got his name.

But Picasso's breeder apparently has more traditional taste in art. Picasso and his brother Pablo were surrendered at 8 months old when the breeder failed to find buyers for the pair. The two were at high risk of being killed.

They were saved from death row by Luvable, a nonprofit animal shelter in Eugene, Oregon, that often takes "hard to place" dogs with medical conditions, like Picasso.

Picasso acts like any other dog. "He is completely unselfconscious about his looks and does not judge himself or others harshly on outward appearances," Wilhardt said.

Wilhardt said people from across the globe have expressed interest in adopting Picasso and Pablo, but the two aren't ready to leave the shelter just yet.

Picasso will have dental surgery to correct a painful condition caused by his misaligned snout. Then the shelter will evaluate what's best for Picasso and Pablo, who will be put up for adoption as a pair. Wilhardt said fans of the two should watch the Luvable social media platforms for updates.

In the meantime, the organization has received almost $2,000 in donations from animal lovers inspired by Picasso's story.

"Picasso could teach others what we share in common is more important than what is different," Wilhardt said. "People are the same. No matter where people are from, or what they look like, we are the same."

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Deformed dog Picasso saved from euthanasia becomes internet star - WGN-TV

Sacramento Bee

Trumpcare: Euthanasia to cure a cold Sacramento Bee But the Republican authors of Trumpcare seem to want to cure a cold with euthanasia. Their plan to gut the requirement that individuals carry insurance will almost certainly trigger a death spiral in which healthy people will opt out, causing premiums ... and more »

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Trumpcare: Euthanasia to cure a cold - Sacramento Bee

After all the recent films promoting euthanasia, it is interesting how The Mother Situation won first prize in the Tropfest film festival in Australia. Tropfest is the worlds largest short film festival.

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Link to The Mother Situation. Warning: This film contains swearing.

Director, Matt Day, insists that he supports euthanasia and that this is not an anti-euthanasia film, yet The Mother Situation is a comic film that casts doubt on the effectiveness of safeguards concerning euthanasia.

Film is a powerful cultural medium.

Recently a euthanasia advocate changed her mind after watching The Euthanasia Deception documentary with her grandson. The Euthanasia Deception documentary is produced by The Euthanasia Prevention Coalition (EPC) and DunnMedia.

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EPC is committed to producing films for social change at: http://www.vulnerablefilms.com.

LifeNews.com Note: Alex Schadenberg is the executive director of the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition and you can read his blog here.

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The Mother Situation: Award-Winning Short Film About the Dangers of Euthanasia Wins at Film Festival - LifeNews.com

EUGENE, Oreg. He was destined for euthanasia, but a rescue group saw a work of art.

Now Picasso, a 10-month-old pit bull-corgi mix who was rescued from a high-kill animal shelter in Southern California, is an international celebrity.

Liesl Wilhardt, executive director of Luvable Dog Rescue, the organization that rescued Picasso, said the bark around Picasso started after Luvable posted videos of him on its Instagram account. Other media outlets chased the story and now Picassos out-of-kilter but loveable face has reached the eyes of thousands of people across the world.

Picasso has a misaligned snout that makes him look a bit unreal, like a subject in a Pablo Picasso painting. Thats how he got his name.

But Picassos breeder apparently has more traditional taste in art. Picasso and his brother Pablo were surrendered at 8 months old when the breeder failed to find buyers for the pair. The two were at high risk of being killed.

They were saved from death row by Luvable, a nonprofit animal shelter in Eugene, Oregon, that often takes hard to place dogs with medical conditions, like Picasso.

Picasso acts like any other dog. He is completely unselfconscious about his looks and does not judge himself or others harshly on outward appearances, Wilhardt said.

Wilhardt said people from across the globe have expressed interest in adopting Picasso and Pablo, but the two arent ready to leave the shelter just yet.

Picasso will have dental surgery to correct a painful condition caused by his misaligned snout. Then the shelter will evaluate whats best for Picasso and Pablo, who will be put up for adoption as a pair. Wilhardt said fans of the two should watch the Luvable social media platforms for updates.

In the meantime, the organization has received almost $2,000 in donations from animal lovers inspired by Picassos story.

Picasso could teach others what we share in common is more important than what is different, Wilhardt said. People are the same. No matter where people are from, or what they look like, we are the same.

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Deformed dog Picasso saved from euthanasia - myfox8.com

Updated 7.02pm

Pro-euthanasia lobbyists are being permitted access to vulnerable patients in order to promote their cause, a lawyer alleged today.

Human rights specialist Tonio Azzopardi filed a judicial protest alleging abuse in local hospital wards. The protest was filed in the First Hall, Civil Court against the permanent secretary within the Health Ministry.

Dr Azzopardi informed the court that certain individuals are being allowed to approach patients who are seriously ill, in pain and in a fragile state of mind, at a time when hope of survival is all but lost.

Lobbyists were allegedly asking patients to sign a petition in favour of the introduction of euthanasia in Malta.

Such behaviour runs counter to the patients' right to life as safeguarded under article 2 of the European Convention and amounts to complicity in the act of terminating one's life, the lawyer argued.

Dr Azzopardi called upon the hospital authorities to intervene so as to put an end to this allegedly abusive behaviour.

'Nothing but coercion' - Gift of Life

In a statement, lobby group Gift of Life said that was "deeply disturbed" by the claims and asked whether they could be "some form of collusion" between pro-euthanasia lobbyists and authorities.

The group argued that the claims, "if confirmed", would be proof of the dangers of euthanasia.

It called on the government to launch an independent investigation into the claims.

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Times of Malta Pro-euthanasia lobbyists preying on vulnerable ... - Times of Malta

They argue Mary Kills People glamorizes assisted suicide By Agnieszka Krawczynski Photo: Caroline Dhavernas stars as Mary Harris in Mary Kills People. (Corus Entertainment)

The Catholic Womens League has fired sharp criticism at a new TV show dealing with the dark issue of assisted suicide.

It is with extreme sadness that I write to register the absolute disapproval of the Catholic Womens League of Canada to the airing of the six-part program series Mary Kills People, wrote CWL national president Margaret Ann Jacobs.

The series, which premiered on Global Jan. 25, features an emergency room doctor named Mary Harris who carries out illegal assisted suicide on the side. The show has been categorized as a drama and black comedy.

In Jacobs letter to parent company Corus Entertainment, she says Mary Kills People glamorizes assisted suicide and could cause ill-informed, isolated, and lonely people to consider taking their lives.

How sad that Global Television is reducing these life-altering circumstances and decisions to pop culture.

More than 82,000 women across Canada are members of the CWL, which strongly opposes assisted suicide. It regularly speaks out against the practice and promotes palliative care as the proper alternative.

A CWL press release dated Jan. 23 said the organization is profoundly dismayed and disappointed with Global for releasing the show.

Death by any means is not glamorous and should not be portrayed as such.

Global maintains it does not promote or oppose controversial issues.

In a statement to The B.C. Catholic, spokesperson Jacqui VanSickle said, while this fictional series does feature assisted dying, it does not sensationalize this controversial topic or encourage any one point of view.

VanSickle added Mary Kills People is mindful to include various perspectives on the issue of assisted death, including those who do not agree with its practice.

Mary Harris, the fictional doctor, does everything she can to save lives and in situations where her patients seek death, they are not treated lightly, said VanSickle.

This is a sensitive topic and all storylines are depicted with the utmost respect and dignity.

Barbara Dowding, past national president of the CWL, is not buying it. She wrote to Global as a concerned individual and received a similar response.

Dowding replied to Global, saying If you are keen on balanced programming, you should show The Euthanasia Deception, a documentary produced by the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition last year that includes testimonies from people in Belgium warning the rest of the world of the dangers of legalizing the practice.

Dowding said she received no reply.

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CWL decries new euthanasia TV show - B.C. Catholic Newspaper

Some Canadian doctors who agreed to carry out euthanasia have withdrawn their names only months after legalisation, according to the National Post. I cant tell you how many, but I can tell you that its enough that its been noted at a systemic level, says Dr Jeff Blackmer, of the Canadian Medical Association.

The figures are hard to obtain, but in Ontario, 24 doctors have removed their names permanently from a voluntary referral list of doctors who will help people die, and 30 have asked for a temporary hold. At the moment, there are 137 doctors in the province who have agreed to perform euthanasia.

Were seeing individuals, or groups of physicians who are participating and really feellike theyre alleviating pain, alleviating suffering, Dr Blackmer told the National Post. And then were seeing doctors who go through one experience and its just overwhelming, its too difficult, and those are the ones who say, take my name off the list. I cant do any more. Even if it is supposed to be a compassionate act, he says, it doesnt make the psychological impact of that final, very definitive act, any less than it would be for anybody.

Moral misgivings and emotional distress are two reasons why doctors might be reluctant. But another doctor interviewed by the National Post suggested that bureaucracy, social stigma, paperwork and legal ambiguity are more to blame. Phrases in the legislation like grievous and irremediable, enduring suffering and reasonably foreseeable can be interpreted in different ways.

Can you understand why people might be concerned and say, maybe this isnt for me? says Dr James Downar, of Dying with Dignitys medical advisory council. He believes that doctors need to be supported and assured they arent going to be punished for acting in good faith.

He and others say the scarcity of doctors providing assisted deaths is putting serious pressure on the few who are.

Although Canadas euthanasia legislation is still only months old, it seems likely that its supporters will continue to press for further relaxation of safeguards so that participating doctors will have no reason to fear prosecution.

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Ontario doctors back out of euthanasia - BioEdge

The euthanasia of a beloved pet is a solemn time for everyone involved, but it may be less of a strain if you are prepared for the euthanasia process.

Euthanasia is defined as the act of humanely ending the life of a living being in order to end extreme suffering (often as the result of a serious and irreversible medical condition). In animals, euthanasia is often called "putting to sleep."

Euthanasiain animals is intended to end life when there is little or no hope of recovery from illness or injury.

As a pet owner, the decision whether or not to euthanize can be a very difficult one. Your veterinarian will help guide you and your family through the decision-making process and help you keep the best interest of your pet in mind. Ultimately, the choice is up to you. Just know that your decision is the right one if it was made with your pet's best interest in mind.

Once you have made the difficult choice of euthanasia for your dog, it is important that you know what to expect before, during, and after your dog is put down.

First, decide if you would like to be present during the procedure. Also, decide if you would like family members or friends to be present. Talk to your veterinarian about your decision, and ask any questions that come to mind. If you want the euthanasia to take place at home, find out if that is an option. Your vet might be ableto recommend a mobile vet if he or she doesn't do house calls.

Ask about the vet's process during the euthanasia. Be aware that there will likely be a consent form for you to sign before your vet can proceed.

Next, make a decision about aftercare and notify your vet. Many veterinary hospitals work with companies that can arrange for individual cremation (and, in some cases, burial).

Some owners will opt for communal cremation (sometimes called group or mass cremation). In both the above cases, the company will pick up your dog's remains directly from the hospital. Alternatively, you may wish to bring your dog's remains home so you can handle aftercare on their own.

Try to settle up the bill in advance. The last thing you will want is a tearful wait in the lobby to pay your bill after your pet is gone.

Take time to say goodbye. Talk to your dog, hug him, express your love for him. Allow friends and family members to do the same.

In dogs and cats, euthanasia typically involves the intravenous injection of a solution of pharmaceutical agents that will quickly stop the heart. In most cases, this solution is predominantly made up of pentobarbital, though some euthanasia solutions also contain phenytoin. The solution is usually a pink, purple, or blue tint and may be slightly thick. The most effective way to administer the solution is through a vein. Injection into a body cavity will often work, but not as quickly.

Your vet may prefer to have an intravenous catheter placed in your dog. This will allow easier access to the vein and make the injection process quick and painless for your dog. It may alsohelp decrease the chance of complications during the injection. Your vet might administer a sedative to your dog prior to administering the actual euthanasia solution. This will allow your pet to be extremely relaxed and sleepy before the next step.

The euthanasia solution is then injected into your pet's vein, where it rapidly travels throughout the body. Within just a few seconds, your dog will become unconscious, experiencing no pain or suffering. Breathing will slow down and then stop over the next several seconds. Cardiac arrest will soon follow, resulting in death. Typically, a peaceful death occurs within 30 seconds of intravenous administration.

Once the solution has been administered, your vet will listen to your dog's heart to confirm death. He or she will let you know that your dog has passed on. At this time, your vet will probably step out of the room to give you a few moments alone with your dog.

This is an emotional time, and the veterinary staff will provide plenty of tissues and privacy. You are in a safe environment where everyone understands what you are going through. Stay as short or as long as you are comfortable. If you have already made aftercare and payment arrangements, you can simply slip out when you are ready.

Be aware that your dog's body may release urine and feces upon death due to the relaxations of all muscles. You dog's eyes will remain open. Sometimes, there are muscle spasms and/or sounds as the air and energy leaveyour dog's body. This does not mean your dog is still alive, it is simply part of the process that occurs after death.

Now the process of grieving will begin. Grief is a little different for everyone, and there is noright or wrong way to do it. Remember the good times you had with your dog, and know that he would thank you for relieving his suffering.

Consider doing something special to memorialize your unique and much-loved companion. One idea is to make clay or ink paw print and frame it next to a photo of your dog. You may wish to plant a tree or other plant in memory of your dog. Another therapeutic exercise during grief is to write about it. A poem, story or written tribute can help you say goodbye to your beloved dog in words.

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Euthanasia: What to Expect When Your Dog is Put Down

A dog abandoned by a breeder because of his facial deformity, has been saved by a dog adoption service which rescues dogs on 'kill lists'.

Corgi pit bull mix Picasso and his brother Pablo were both rescued from an animal shelter where they were both on the euthanasia list.

They were dumped at the shelter after their breeder had difficulty selling them due to Picasso's lopsided face.

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Luvable Dog Rescue, which takes in dogs on euthanasia lists at animal shelters, said they initially planned to take just Picasso but found out his brother Pablo was also due to be destroyed.

"We couldn't leave the brother behind so we said we would take him too", the centre said on its Instagram account.

The rescue centre said that the 10-month-olds are "VERY sweet and VERY goofy", and that Picasso, despite his looks, is a "happy and healthy" dog.

Last updated Sat 4 Mar 2017

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'Lopsided' dog Picasso saved from euthanasia by rescue shelter - ITV News