I saw something yesterday that has bothered me since.

As I walked across the parking lot of a store, a old male Gorgi [sp?]
crossed my path. His back end was suspended in a complicated looking
apparatus with wheels and slings, requiring him to use his front legs for
locomotion. I noticed his back legs were pumping away as he moved, and he
left a trail of urine. His owner appeared with another Gorgi who was
healthy. The two-wheeled dog appeared to be exerting himself to move.

Unable to resist, I asked the woman what was going on. (I hoped to learn
that he was simply recovering from a fracture.) She answered that a "nerve
condition" prevented him from using his back legs. I could tell that she
was wary and awaiting more questions. I simply nodded and smiled and went
on my way.

SO---is this ethical-? Is it humane-? I am not a big fancier of canines,
but cannot stand cruelty to 'em. Is this practice common-? Should the
woman euthanize the poor critter-? I would appreciate any thoughts &
wisdom.

Cheers

Buzzy

"diddy" wrote in message
...
in thread :

If she's willing to accomodate
him, and he's not in pain, what difference does it make?

Indeed, that is the crucial question. I have known folks--we all have--who
simply couldn't face euthanizing a critically ill pet. It's a tough
decision.

I couldn't devine the dog's comfort level, and I am confident the owner is
trying to enable his locomotion in a way that does not cause pain. I have
only shared my [53 years of] life with a couple of dogs thus far, but I was
always moved by their fierce loyalty and willingness to please. The
relationship of a human and his / her dog is a private matter.

So, as the little Gorgi plodded along, I hoped he was as pain-free as
possible. Who knows-? He may be as contented as his able-bodied companion.
I hope so.

Thanks for the input.

Buzzy