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A Humane Kill

April 13, 2023 5 Comments

By Marc Littman

I killed my best friend today. I had no choice. Skip was old and fat. He couldn’t walk anymore because of his ruptured knee.

I tried convincing myself that what I did was humane, even kind. I don’t think Skip felt pain, though he looked up at me with anxious surprise. I tried calming him by keeping his head turned so he couldn’t watch being injected.

I spared Skip the circus of an execution. There was only one other witness. After Skip’s heart stopped, the vet said he is in heaven, but I felt like a devil who sent him there.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Carthryn says

    April 13, 2023 at 11:13 am

    Hello Marc,
    Heart wrenching. I’ve had a similar experience–as have other readers, I am convinced. Excellent flash piece.

    Reply
  2. David says

    April 14, 2023 at 3:30 am

    Good twist and a relatable, well-written story.

    Reply
  3. Anne says

    April 19, 2023 at 7:04 am

    This went straight to my heart, Marc. I hope writing it helped you. So hard. love to you Anne xxx

    Reply
  4. Paul Scott Wood says

    April 19, 2023 at 10:48 am

    The story brought my memory back to the three cats that I stroked and said, “I love you!” to as my vet euthanized them. I had 8, 15 and 11 years of companionship with each cat, but sadly it was time to let them go to cat heaven.

    Reply
  5. Pamela Cartlidge says

    April 21, 2023 at 7:16 am

    So sad.

    Reply

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