Reader Reaction: Debbie’s Death and Euthanasia

Several weeks ago I wrote that Debbie, the world’s oldest polar bear, had suffered a number of strokes. Her zoo keepers in Winnipeg decided she had suffered enough and painlessly ended her life. I also mentioned a good friend who, unlike Debbie, had endured an agonizing death. And I asked readers whether we needed a Society For The Prevention Of Cruelty To Humans (SPCH). I’ve spent hours reading the huge response, surprised by the reaction.

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H.F. wrote, “Thanks for your wonderful column that appeared in the Windsor Star. Yes, Yes, Yes, it’s my prayer you will receive overwhelming support for it and that the law changes by the time I see ‘the grim reaper’.” From The Winnipeg Free Press JY said, “My Father slowly died of prostate cancer. He was in terrible pain and pleaded with doctors to end his suffering. One day he did not answer the telephone and I went to his home. I found him hanging by his neck. It’s a sight that’s haunted me ever since. I fervently hope your column raised awareness of this issue.” CH of Toronto commented, “I normally do not respond to articles, but felt compelled this time. I’ve just watched my daughter die a painful lingering death from lung cancer. Why is it that we use new medical breakthroughs as an excuse to make us suffer longer? I enjoy your frank, candid comments. Pleas keep writing about this issue.” On the negative side J.B. from Ottawa wrote, “It’ about time you stopped trying to control people’s lives. Don’t you realize we must all endure pain in this life? Put yourself in the hands of God and do something useful rather than expounding your petty ideas”. A nurse from Sudbury, Ontario: “Your columns are often discussed over morning coffee, but especially so this a.m. I’ve seen more frightening deaths over the years than I want to talk about and hope you can establish a SPCH. Keep up the good work.” From London K.D: “I’ve witnessed both parents dying from Alzheimer’s Disease several years ago. One wouldn’t think twice about ending the suffering if this was happening to an animal. Yet in spite of good medical care my parents endured untold agony. Thank God you have the courage discuss this controversy.” DN from Edmonton: “I enjoy your enlightened articles and have pancreatic cancer. If I can’t get the help Debbie received I will seek it in Switzerland. But this right should be available in our own country”. From St. Johns, Newfoundland: “Having a veterinarian on a committee too oversee one’s final hours is a fantastic idea. We can choose who we marry, where we live, whether we smoke, drink and eat. So why shouldn’t we be allowed to decide on what to do at the final moment of our life?” From Niagara Falls: G.G, “Why can’t you understand that only God can make this decision. I pray for you.” From St. Catharines: ML, “I cried when I put my cat to sleep and wondered why can’t I die this way? I think you are “right on” about this matter”. From Saskatoon DK: “The do-gooders and God-spouting group will change their minds when suffering pain. My Father weighed 60 pounds, believed in euthanasia and had stockpiled pills at home. But we were afraid to take them to the hospital for fear of being sent to jail. I should have taken the chance and it troubles me to this day”. Why was I so surprised about these responses? In the past when I’ve discussed euthanasia many readers have criticized, or wanted to hang me. This time 95 percent were in favour of euthanasia. It’s seems the “Debbie Factor” played a role in this reversal. I wish I could publish all the e-mail I received as each one told a heart-breaking story of how a loved one had suffered before death intervened. Many readers pleaded with me to start a SPCH. Unfortunately, it would be a huge and costly undertaking, but if I win the lottery I’ll try it. In the meantime I’ll predict that one day it will happen, only when the silent majority makes its views known to politicians.