Expert: Alex Wilding - 2/10/2010

Question
I have an extremely anxious dog.
She is now five years old and on strong medication for her condition, but even with this she is still anxious. Her behaviour restricts my ability to take her anywhere, have friends visit. It impacts on my other dog.Her medication is an expense that I can only just afford. I could not give her to anyone as she would not cope. Would it be wrong for me to put her peacefully to sleep.

Answer
Hello Chy,
This is a moral question, of course. I'm not sure that I can take the moral responsibility of giving you an answer.
If I say "No, it's wrong" you will not see me as an authority.
If I say "Yes, it's OK" you might do it and I would be responsible.
All I can say is that, as a Buddhist, you should do everything you can to be as compassionate as you can, even though that is sometimes very difficult.
But I cannot tell you where the line is in your circumstances.
Just be as kind as you can, whatever that is. Ask yourself whether your idea is for the benefit of the dog, of your other dog, or of yourself. I really cannot tell without knowing your circumstances much, much better than is possible.
Sorry this isn't much help - I wish you all the best in working through this in whatever way you do!