luciousego

Two of my best friends had to put down their dog today. He had stomach cancer and was suffering but it was no easy thing for them. They are a very loving couple who will most likely never have children. The puppy(he was 15 so hardly a puppy) was like their favorite child. I mourn for him as well as them.
A few months ago my wifes father also succumbed to cancer. It was a horrible and sorrowful experience. At the end the wonderful people of our local hospice helped to ease his and our pain.Which brings me to my question.
Why is there no hospice like agency for our furry family? Are their lives worth less than our own? I've never been comfortable with the idea of putting them down. I realize that in this country assisted suicide is illegal. And thanks to our squeamishness, bbc America wouldn't air Terry Prachett's special about the clinic in Switzerland he plans to use to end his life. But I think a hospice like organization for our pets would make the pain easier. Can we not make them comfortable as well until its there time? My friends said that in these last few days their dog was feeling much better(at least his actions suggested so) and that ending his life felt like the worst thing they ever did. I love them both and wish that this organization can soon exist