AboutAlex Wilding Expertise I have practiced and studied Tibetan Buddhism in the Kagyu and Nyingma traditions since the early 1970s, and have a good knowledge of theory, history and of the struggles of trying to practice the teachings, including meditation, while leading a normal, modern life.
I am also available to provide background information for journalists.
Experience I have been a practitioner since the early 1970s; have run a small Buddhist centre in the English Midlands and was vice-president of Kagyu Benchen Ling e.V. in Germany, for whom I managed three large Buddhist summer-camps. More importantly, I maintain a habit of personal practice.
I am the "owner" of the Kagyu list at Yahoo.
Education/Credentials My first degree was an M.A. from Oxford. I later obtained a Master of Philosophy degree for a research thesis in "Initiation in Tibetan Buddhism" from Leicester University. I also have engineering and educational qualifications.
I am having a great deal of difficulty with the choice to euthanize my belovd cat. He is almost 19 years old and has been failing rapidly in the last few days. He is a diabetic and for the past 6 years I have been giving him insulin twice a day and I also administer fluids to him every other day for his kidney failure. I have a very strong belief in Buddhism and I am torn about the decision to put him to sleep. I do feel that he is now at the point of suffering but to make the life & death decision is breaking my heart. The fact that he is alive after all he has been through physically with his disease has astonished my veterinarian. She says she has never seen anyone keep a cat alive so long and keep his illness managed for so many years. I do not know what to do. A few years ago I did have another cat suffer and die in front of me and it was a horrible death to see him gasping for his last breath. I had also gone above and beyond to keep his illness under control and keep him alive. I do not want to cause my beloved cat to suffer like that but I have such a difficult time with "playing God". Please give me advice as quickly as possible from a Buddhist stand point. Thank you very much for your time.
Answer Dear Cherie,
I feel for you deeply, as a cat lover myself. Many Western Buddhists have been through this. I can only offer you my opinion, based on discussions with quite a few other people.
1) You have already given your cat a far better, longer life than nature would.
2) The ulitmate critereon has to be compassion.
3) It's obviously got to the stage where all that awaits your cat is more suffering.
4) *If* there is something "bad" about the euthanasia, take the consequences on yourself (the "bad karma", if there is any, and the heartache) gladly out of love for your cat.
I have known people who have wished that they could be given the same release.
Like I say, only my opinion, but one that is widely shared.
Obviously, if you also know any prayers for the dead, they may help a bit, especially with your own feeling.
