Print

Mail

wiki links

The vet who will pray for your pet when it passes on

To some, the death of an animal is equally as traumatic or noteworthy as that of a person.

Lin Chung-yung (林忠勇), president of the Chang Kung Veterinarian Hospital in Kaohsiung, believes that people are obligated to pray for animals when they pass away.

"Pets, like humans, have lives," Lin said. "The medical treatment may end, but the spiritual treatment has just begun."

Lin, who has been a veterinarian for 25 years, converted to Buddhism a little over 10 years ago. The concept that all creatures are created equal particularly inspired him.

Fear

One time, he sensed an animal's fear of death while looking at a dying dog on the operation table. His compassion moved him to pray for the dog, using part of the Buddhist scriptures, before it was pronounced dead. To his surprise, the dog's body softened immediately and died peacefully.

"Buddhists believe that humans who have committed evil deeds in previous lives will become animals in this life," Lin said. "Should animals hear the [Buddhist] scriptures before they die, they will probably have the chance to become human again in their next incarnation."

Lin also provides shelter for sick or new-born pets found abandoned near the hospital.

He is taking care of five dogs and a cat. He said that the owners of these pets abandon them at the hospital by leaving a fake telephone number.

"Dogs are loyal, and when you are kind to them, they are kind to you in return," he said.

Cremation

Wu Kuo-rong (吳國榮), a technician who manages the disposal of dead animals, said that while most people are aware of the importance of environmental protection issues, there remain a large number of pet owners who will put their dead pets in garbage bags and throw them away like trash.

Disease could spread because of the improper handling of the dead animals, he said.

"Since people now fear that bodies of dead animals might pollute the water and soil, the best way to handle them [dead animals bodies] is cremation," he said.

Wu launched his animal cremation business three years ago.

He said that most pet owners treat their animals like their children and that they were deeply upset when their animals died.

"Each owner seems to hope that their dead animal will become their flesh and blood in the next life," he said. "So it is important they do not depart this life in a casual manner."
This story has been viewed 1587 times.