Abuse or animal cruelty?

Lack of vet maintenance, shots is neglect.  Situations where a pet is in need of vet care to relieve pain or suffering (and its not being given) is cruel to me.  To inflict pain, physical or mental whether its out of indifference or malice is abuse to me.  Very poor quality food is a type of neglect, until the results of that poor diet show up in health issues. Then to leave those issues unresolved is cruel.  Doesn't matter how you define it, pets are not inanimate objects, they are living beings at your mercy and dependant on you for everything they need.  Thank heaven I don't live in some country where dogs are eaten.  I'd be a wreck.  It's bad enough that puppy mills and byb's are legal. It can be hard to know who the bad guys are, I have seen that 'petakillsanimals' website.   Someone have a helicopter get me, I gotta get off my soapbox...  Jules

One thing that sickens me are people who let a dog live longer then it should when it has a terminal problem and is in pain and suffering.  That's just plain cruel.

Sometimes it's not easy to let go, to love enough to give the final gift.  It's not fair to judge others until you've walked a mile or two in their shoes......

Glenda I have had a dog and cats and even a horse which I had to make the decision to have them put down.  I did everything that could be done for them with vets and proper care but there comes a point where their suffering isn't fair to keep them for  ourselves but let them go on to the next place.  Its not an easy decision but I have seen family members let their pets suffer for months for their own selfishness.  It is hard to let go and do what is right.  I had to put my Rottie down in Jan he was 8.  He had seizures that meds weren't helping and he just got worse with that and his hip dysplasia.  I did all I could and I knew that I had to let him go because he was hurting and getting worse.   So Glenda I have been there.  I just hate to see animals suffer thats all.  I don't think that that is bad.  I do know that everyone who is a good owner tries to do the very best for their pets.

Well, I've been there too and while it wasn't months or weeks, just days, I was too selfish to give my heart dog, Rusty the ultimate gift.  I could NOT make that phone call.  And I've beaten myself up for that failing for 3 years now.  Thanks so much for reminding me that I'm a selfish and abusive person.

I am sorry that you lost your pet.  I didn't mean it the way you think.  Its very difficult to make that decision and not easy and sometimes you cannot.  Sometimes Glenda the words may not come out right.  Everyone is different at the time you did what you did you had your reasons....it does not make you horrible.  I had a horse for 28 years do you think it was easy for me to put her down?  It wasn't not one bit.  I had a cat I put down and sometimes I question whether it was the right thing to do or not.  I am guessing you loved your dog SO much that you couldn't make that decision because maybe you weren't totally sure if it was right.  It is difficult to make decisons when you love a pet that much.  I made the decisions I did because that is what was right for my animal and myself at that time.  Every situation is different.  I should have chosen my words more carefully.  I have walked the miles of chosing whether my pet needs to be put to sleep and it is not a fun walk.  I had that mare for 28 years....it tore me apart, same thing for my Rott.  I know how difficult that call can be to make.  You cannot go through life saying I should have what is done is done...beating up one's self does no good and changes nothing.  I did the beatingup on myself over my mare, and then I realized that she was in a better place and that I did the right thing, although it took me 5 years to realize it.  I am sure your dog loves you still. 
I am sorry if I hit a sore spot, I meant no harm...I was just expressing my opinion....I hate to see animals suffer.....it makes me sick in the heart and terribly sad........

It makes me sick too and angry as well.  But, I CAN understand someone not being able to make the call, because I was there myself.  I've lost many beloved animals, but Rusty was beyond special.  And as far Rusty is concerned, there is nothing to forgive.  Sadly, I'm not as generous with myself as he would be!

Glenda he must have been one in a million dog!  You were lucky to have been blessed with him! 

Rusty would be the first to tell you that he was NOT a dog...just one of the kids, with nicer hair!

With due respect Rusty, I am sorry for referring to you as a dog/canine.  I am sure you were a wonderful family member loving and devoted and absolutely wonderful.