The life cycle on Earth leads all beings into a place of releasing the physical form once a lifetime is complete here. Animals and other beings 
handle this last part of the journey much better than Humans. Because of their ability to look forward and embrace the present moment equally well at the same time. There is considerably less angst for them as they transition because they know where they’re going. That being said, how they transition is still important for them and for us. As ultimate stewards of their lives it is incumbent upon us – especially in the case of companion animal relationships – to show mercy and compassion. Which at times costs us a great deal. We fear the end being too soon or too late, their physical and emotional discomfort level and above all whether they know how much we love them. Mindful consideration of all these things while holding space for their journey is the ideal that I promote. Clearly this week for one particular hamster a different reality was present.
I’m a big fan of euthanasia for all beings because it honors the body. It creates a space where the body is deeply respected for its life of service and is supremely cared for at the time of its release. This whole letting the body expire thing just doesn’t work for me or for the Animals that I know. They actually think it’s barbaric the way Humans treat their own bodies in a myriad of ways, not the least of which is life support and the like preceding death. I’ve also had guardians question whether their decision to euthanize an animal is not, in fact, murder to which I reply most passionately – NO! Not if it’s done with consideration for all options present and with the ultimate goal being compassion and love for the Animal and for oneself. With those components lacking then it would definitely be murder IMHO.
A hamster who acted in the role of emotional support animal was flushed down a toilet this week at an airport because his/her (?) guardian alleges she was told to do so. And that she was told this because misinformation led her to believe she could fly with what the airline in question called a rodent and was denied boarding upon arrival to the airport. Here’s the link in case you missed it: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2018/02/08/student-who-says-she-flushed-comfort-hamster-down-toilet-spirit-airlines-flap-has-replacement-rodent/320062002/
The story has been updated to reveal that the guardian has a new support hamster ala Pebbles 2.0 since the original Pebbles was deemed expendable and presumably drowned. Yes, that’s right. Flushed down a toilet. In an airport. By the one other being on the planet responsible for its care. Who is now blaming other humans for her own choices.
Surely, we’re better than this. And if we’re not – we’ve still got a long way to go.