Their last night on earth: Dogs in their final hours find compassion

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Every night one of nine people show up at the Animal Care and Control center in New York to spend the night, and create a lasting memory for a dog who will be euthanized the following morning.

Animal euthanasia (from the Greek meaning “good death”) is the act of putting to death painlessly or allowing to die, as by withholding extreme medical measures, an animal suffering from an incurable, esp. a painful, disease or condition. Euthanasia methods are designed to cause minimal pain and distress. Euthanasia is distinct from animal slaughter and pest control, which are performed for purposes other than an act of mercy, although in some cases the killing procedure is the same.

In domesticated animals, this process is commonly referred to by euphemisms such as “lay down”, “put down”, “put to sleep”, “destroyed”, or “put out of its/his/her misery”.

I am reproducing this article in its entirety as it speaks to the kindness and compassion shown to our abandoned critters [the night before euthanization] by local volunteers at a New York animal shelter.  This is an important story and I am hoping that other communities adopt this model program of compassion, so please share this among your friends and local animal shelters.

Every night one of nine people show up at the Animal Care and Control center in New York to spend the night, and create a lasting memory for a dog who will be euthanized the following morning. Whether it is a long walk, a special treat, or just time spent cuddling, members of the Compassion Program make it their priority to ensure the dog is happy and loved on his final night.

The Compassion Program, which started four years ago, focuses its efforts on animals that need extra support and love–animals that will be euthanized. It is primarily run out of New York’s ACC Manhattan shelter, with the hope of expanding throughout the state.

Members accept donations, host drives, and hold events to raise money to purchase special treats and toys to give to the dogs on their final night. “It’s about providing last minute tender love and care,” said volunteer Yolanda Crous.

The program was started when a combination of staff and volunteers came together in an effort to make sure dogs are given the same care as humans in their final days. It isn’t a job for the weak of heart, as each night the volunteers are given a list of dogs that will be euthanized the following morning. A kinship is born immediately, but at the same time the volunteer knows the next day the animal won’t be there.

“It’s one of those things where I don’t think I would have ever expected myself to do,” Crous admits. “But once you see the need, you can’t walk away.

The overpopulation of pets is a problem throughout the United States, and in New York there just isn’t enough room for all of the dogs in need. Crous said dozens of dogs enter the shelter everyday and its the goal of the Compassion Program to make sure the dogs are loved as much at the beginning of their lives as they are at the end.

“I feel like I am making a difference every moment I spend with the dogs,” she said. “And one of the best parts is the dogs give back just as much compassion as we give them. It is just amazing.”

Compassion Program

Compassion Program

Compassion Program

Compassion Program

Compassion Program

About Post Author

Professor Mike

Professor Mike is a left-leaning, dog loving, political junkie. He has written dozens of articles for Substack, Medium, Simily, and Tribel. Professor Mike has been published at Smerconish.com, among others. He is a strong proponent of the environment, and a passionate protector of animals. In addition he is a fierce anti-Trumper. Take a moment and share his work.
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12 years ago

Sort of beautiful…..That’s twice MMA has made me cry in two weeks.

Now stop it!

Jess
12 years ago

I’m sitting here crying thinking, if they can give them one night why not two or more. More power to them but I just know I wouldn’t be able to do it. We really need to get people better educated about spaying and neutering their pets so there is not a need for this “mercy killing” because of overpopulation.

Sue
12 years ago

Wow, beautiful people, beautiful dogs, beautiful story… now I have to dry my tear soaked cheeks…

12 years ago

I don’t think I could do this. I could barely read the story about these noble souls without choking up. I’d love to see other communities adopt such a program even though I couldn’t begin to be one of those noble souls. Don’t have much hope here in middle TN where a vet lost his license, but only temporarily I think, for his cruelty when euthanizing animals. Will pass this along.

jenny40
12 years ago

This is so sad, but also so heartwarming. I am going to share it with everyone and I’m going to send the link to our local animal shelter. This is such a good idea.

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