Q: (Initially posted on February 21, 2003) FROM MENTEE IN KAREN S. IN NY
I am very interested in animals and working with them, but I do not like to see anything or anybody in serious pain. I should be immune to it, because my father was a volunteer EMT, but I cannot get over my emotions when I see emergency medical problems. I work at the vet's office sometimes, and last year, an elderly couple came in with their dog. In a very emotional scene, the vet told the couple that their dog ( I formed an attachment, although not strong, to it in under 3 minutes) had to be put down in about a month. I am very sensitive to other's pain and to animals, and I could barely stop my tears at hearing this news. Rather than being a vet, do you think that zoology would be a better choice so that I can work with animals, but not see their pain constantly?

February 24, 2003
A: FROM MENTOR JOAN LUSK IN RI
I think all doctors and vets have to harden themselves somewhat, so
that they can inflict necessary pain to achieve some longer-range
good. We still want our doctors and vets to be caring people; but
they wouldn't do us much good if they were unable to stitch up
wounds, set broken bones, give shots and so on. Usually the decision
to put down a dog is made because the dog's life has become too
painful (in our judgment) and no end to its suffering can be seen. A
painless death, we think, is better than a slightly longer but
painful life. Surely the vet sees herself as preventing more pain in
such a case, not as causing it. But the death, however peaceful, is
painful to those who love the animal and have to make the decision.

To study zoology you'll have to face the fact that the anatomical and
biochemical information you'll be learning came from studying dead
animals. But we put that knowledge to use for a better life for
other animals and people, and society has judged that to be a fair
trade.

If you became a breeder or trainer of animals you would deal mostly
with healthy ones, but you would still have painful situations of
illness, injury and death. The good should outweigh the bad in
whatever field you pursue.