“Is it wrong to have a pet put to sleep because it frets for the owner who has died?

Answer 1

I would say yes it is. I have seen the devastating effects of an animal who is grieving my brother in law died in a car accident and after that his horse would not let anyone near him. He quit eating and his hair was falling out in patches however we just kept up with his nutrition and gave him more supplements and fattening foods so that what he did eat actually made a diff after about two months of making it a point to visit and pet him everyday he eventually got better and now he has bonded with my husband the same way he did with my brother in law. Just give it some time =O ) Good Luck

Answer 2

I'm sorry to say that yes it is wrong to put down a healthy animal because it is basically grieving, you wouldn't put down a human because they are grieving and I have been grieving for the last four and a half years for my father, brother, and nephew, who all died on the same day together. My brother had a dog that was his dog and yes you could see the sadness in her beautiful eyes but she is starting to come out of herself now so give this poor dog a chance with a loving and caring owner who really needs a dog for comfort themselves.

Answer 3

Have you ever read the children's book _Greyfriars Bobby_, or seen the Disney movie? It's a true story. Go here to learn more about it: http://www.greyfriarsbobby.co.uk/story.html

There are so many "if's" here, it's impossible to answer without a lot more information. Many animals will come out of it after a grieving period, the same way humans do.

But some don't. Greyfriars Bobby was so dedicated to his master that he sat watch at the man's grave until his own death 14 years later! He refused all efforts to remove him from the graveyard or to give him a new home. He depended on others to feed him. Though he did have "friends" who regularly visited him and fed him, and sometimes even took him places -- he NEVER left his master's grave behind. What would you have done in *that* situation?

That's so unbelievably sad, and there are many other stories like it of animals whose human companions die, or whose animal companions die, who simply "pine away" -- they quit eating and eventually just die. Those are the ones it would be more humane to put to sleep.

Answer 4

I would say so. Given TLC & some time to get used to the new owners/circumstances the pet should be able to lead a happy life. Give it some consideration, they dont understand death the way humans do but putting a healthy animal to sleep is not really a reasonable option

Answer 5

Depends on how you are interpreting "Fret"

Not eating or drinking? No interest or get up and go? Losing weight?

Then yes. And its not only for owners. My horse went down hill over a period of time after I had to have his companion put down due to cancer. He was 32 and I just knew he had had enough and missed her so much it was affecting his quality of life.

Answer 6

well, it not really wrong because when a dog's owner dies and the dog is devoted to the owner, it would kinda be torture everyday for the dog.
when you put the dog to sleep, it will be able to rest easier and not fret for its passed away owner
however, before putting a dog to sleep for this reason, wait a few days and see how it copes.
if it is doing fine and is adjusting, dont put it to sleep
however, if the dog is still fretting and refuses to eat or do anything else, it is best to put it to sleep so that the dog will no longer feel the pain for its deseased owner
and if your christian......the dog and owner might meet it heaven and be happy together! ^^

Answer 7

No. Animals actually grieve for their missing owner to an extent that they too go ahead and pass away if your goal is to not to sit and watch this happen putting the animal to sleep might be a better choice just cause some animals never get over it. If it is like many of my family and friends have gone through they went ahead and did it and it was deffinetly for the better.

Answer 8

Try to find another home for the dog before putting the dog to sleep. There are plenty of web sites you can run free ads for in the state where you live, such as Craigslist.com. There are a lot of people out there who would be willing to give your dog a home. No offense, but, maybe the dog would be happier in another home.

Answer 9

Animals grieve, just like humans. Give the cat time, it will start to get better. The average length of the greiving cycle in humans is 2 years, but i dont think it will be that long in a cat.

Answer 10

its natural for a dog to act like that when its owner died .if the dog healthy .no reason to put it down .love and caring from someone who cares .it like any thing take time.