Moving On

Dogs do not have many advantages over people, but one of them is extremely important: euthanasia is not forbidden by law in their case; animals have the right to a merciful death. — Milan Kundera

in life, Gabriel was the watchdog

always roaming the yard

always barking at threats

despite the fact

that there weren't any

but this time he was the quiet one

he didn't struggle

accepting the needle in his vein

he had done his job

and was ready to move on

in life, Benjamin was the companion

always by your side

always making you wonder

what was going on behind

those gentle observing eyes

but this time he was the difficult one

he didn't go quietly

fidgeting as the needle sought his vein

then he started snoring

and we sobbed as he went silent

it's not until you've loved an animal

that you become aware of life's brevity

you don't know the impact that can be made

until you've been affected by a being

who visits earth for merely a decade

they love unconditionally

they give all expecting nothing

maybe that's why they deserve

the honor of a merciful death

if this is the case

humans will never earn that right

Author's Note

With all the pets I've grown up with and owned myself, this is the only instance I was present during euthanasia. And it was a double whammy. Both were my mother's dogs. And it was well beyond time for both to move on. So they were sent on together. I've often wondered why animals have the right to be put out of their misery, yet humans don't. So there's a reason the quote struck me.

Reviews

[Larry Dyson]

So true...if it is agreed the best is to exit....including the one...in question...I can decide to do it....but then I must do it ALONE...what a cold hard slap in the face...selfish?...I dont think so....well as you can see im opionated about this subject as well....very nice poignant write...ty

[ScaryTrees]

the world will never change until we learn from these "lower" creatures
humans are the rot in the heart of every solution

poignant and well put

[Robin]

sinks into chair pondering the last couple months ...

[Neva Flores Smith - Cha..]

This is a brilliant thought provoking piece. Do we really have free will? Another point you have brought out is that we most of us do not love unconditionally, give all and expect nothing, so should we receive this honor of a dignified death. Something to definitely think about. You have my wheels turning.

[Poetic Beauty]

Now this touches a deep part of my heart. I work at a dog groomers for a living and even there you get attached to certain dogs. You make a profound statement about why dogs are treat humanly and put to sleep but humans are not allowed this decency. It is a thought that goes through my mind sometimes for I use to work at a hospital. I can't say if I am for or against it but your poem has definitely made me think and when poetry has done that it is a job well done.100/100

[Jūdan FyreHeart]

I've had the same thought myself and watched as beloved companions pass on to the next phase.
This summed it all up so well, the emotion and going back through the precious memories. The final lines hit home, the simple fact.

[JelliFyshKissUs]

You just touched my heart with this one. Now let's go snuggle under the comforter.

[Kerry O'Connor]

Your observations on the value of a life, whether human or human companion, are so poignantly told in this poem. This is a scenario many will relate to.. and one that touches me deeply. They do deserve the merciful death, but it is so hard for us, as we cling to vain lives, to administer it. Perhaps there is the lesson in life: give all expecting nothing.

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