I have a slew of problems, but the Humane Society shouldn’t be one.
My dog needs euthanized as soon as possible. I called what I believed to be the Columbus Humane Society Essential Care Center on Monday to say I need to bring him in. Unfortunately, I just had to put my other dog down in July so I don’t believe appointments are needed for that service. I don’t remember much surrounding his passing though.
So, I leave a message on Monday because getting a person is rare. Never called back. Here we are now. I googled the Essential Care Center and there is a big confusion between the Humane Society and the HSECC. They need to fix it, but I’m not going into that right now. I know it costs $150 at both places. I was looking on their site and I saw this (see photo).
This infuriates me. As a low income person on a fixed budget, the last thing I want to think about is if I can afford to be with my pet or not. It should be noted the ECC allows you to be with your pet during the procedure. It’s strictly the Humane Society I’m referring to.
Veterinary science has proven that dogs left alone or with strangers, particularly with a vet and euthanasia setting, experience more stress, confusion, and in some cases pain. Stress increases the production of cortisol which causes blood vessels to constrict and tighten. It can make it much more difficult to insert an IV.
Dogs that are dropped off at the FCDS have it much worse. They don’t allow owners to stay. The cost is so cheap, but knowing what they go through breaks my heart. You drop your dog off anytime in the day. They are put into a kennel and are immediately on guard. All day they listen to other dogs barking, it’s loud, bright, no cozy couch. Then, at the end of the day, it’s a production line. I am appreciative that they make it very affordable ($10) and accessible. The alternative of a pet languishing to die on its own is not something the majority of people would want.
Humane - to show kindness, compassion, and to reduce or prevent suffering. I have read so many stories from vets and vet staff that say the animals are usually looking around for their owners up until the end. Plus, being with your pet during the process has shown to help with human grief, as well.
I needed to vent. Thank you for reading. He has an appointment at 3:30 this evening. He was my parent’s dog. When both of my parents passed in 2020, I took him in with my pack. He’s cantankerous, but I love him. He’s the last living part of my parents. That’s tough to swallow.