How much is a pet's suffering worth?

Can we take compassion too far? It seems today our country is involved with an animal welfare movement. Yet we greedily and irresponsibly breed animals without enough loving and responsible homes.

And veterinarian costs are out of reach for individuals who can benefit having companionship from a dog, cat or bird - including the elderly, disabled and some low-income families. These homes can be loving and responsible, but medical costs are too high for these people. It seems like only individuals with high incomes and status can afford pets.

My son is a low-income owner. He has a little Chihuahua/Yorkshire terrier mix, 6 years old and named Gabriel. He is my son's protector, friend and loving family member. This little dog has displaced knees and cannot run or hardly walk without pain. He was born in a puppy mill - yes, we shouldn't have brought home such a dog. Yet, for my son, who has a disability, that little puppy seemed to fit. And we were taking him out of a bad environment into my son's loving arms.

We have three choices to decide quality of life: Have this dog euthanized, give him to a Yorkie rescue group and have them do the surgery and find him another home or have his owner put into a debt that he cannot afford.

I do not know what to do. Should suffering and dying be a part of this dog's life because that is what is affordable?

Pat Wagner

Cedar Rapids