If you are taking actions that will affect a persons life, you might consult with them first or you may make assumptions based on your knowledge of the person involved. Sometimes you might not even realize your actions could have an effect (positive or negative) to anyone beyond yourself.
But what about if the person in question can't communicate their wishes? What do you do when they are incapable of expressing what is in their best interest?
Do you make assumptions based on past knowledge, do you consult with an expert, or do you make a decision blindly and hope that it is the right thing to do?
I see these situations on a daily basis, typically minor decisions made on the behalf of someone who can't communicate their own wishes. Now, however, I find myself in the position where I must make a decision that will effect someone I care about. In my situation however, the person in question is my pet.
Lana is going in for surgery on Thursday to have her right eye removed. She has a growth behind her eye that is causing major damage to her eye socket. I told myself I would never put her through a surgery like that, but now I'm not sure what to do. If she were a person I would ask what she wanted to do, but she's not. She's a dog; intelligent but completely incapable of expressing complex desires.
She is not in any visible pain, and it is likely that the removal of the growth will stop the damage. However, in performing the operation she will be left blind on her right side and we may discover that her medical situation is worse (i.e. cancerous). How can I really make that sort of decision for her?
My family and I have elected to have the surgery done, and she goes in to the vet on Thursday. I can't say I'm very happy about the situation and I'm rather torn on how I feel about the whole thing.
What would you do if you had to make a decision for a pet who couldn't provide their own input?
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