Dignity in Dying

I am reading a very touching novel called "Chocolat" at the moment. If you did not read the book you may have come across the film. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32x33l2sLe8  with Juliette Binoche and Jonny Depp.

I can't recall if the old man with his dying dog comes into the film or not. It makes a very sad tale in the book. I have seen so many people stricken by the suffering of their dogs. Dogs live such short lives in comparison with humans. We love them more than most humans and they are firmer friends and loving conscious beings.

As a poet, Kipling,  said

Ladies and gentlemen, I bid you beware
Of giving your heart to a dog, to tare.

We are encouraged to put down our dogs when they have cancer. This old man leaves it very late, till his dog cries out in pain all night. He needs his friend. He is utterly bereft when he finally gives in and goes to the vet.

Most people want to die at home, but the great majority do not die at home. They die in hospital or in a "home." We do not have to think quite so much about people dying that way. There are professional carers for that. They are often overworked and underpaid, and may not care that much, not as much as the nearest and dearest are supposed to care.

How do you want to die?

Have you made a living will?

or a will?

You may not even have the option to go to the vet/doctor, even when you have suffered more than enough.

We know that people will receive very good care in a hospice like Sobell House in Oxford.

Kubler Ross described how the medicines she formulated helped dying patients avoid suffering. However, some people do not respond well to such drugs. Their pain remains.

Please see my events at  https://www.edencafe.kiwi/ on 24 and 31st October after breakfast.

Maybe it is time to talk about death, and even https://www.dignityindying.org.uk/why-we-need-change/the-facts/

https://acmedsci.ac.uk/policy/policy-projects/the-departure-lounge   gives you much more information.

You can study about therapy at the end  of life here www.deepermindfulness.com