Fluffy thinking

In a hospice setting it is not unusual to be confronted by anguished relatives witnessing the physical deterioration of their loved ones. Their reproachful gaze pierces you and seems to implore you to end their loved ones' suffering. “This is cruel,” they so often say, “If this was a pet we would have it put down.”

When I was 8 years old I had a pet kitten, Fluffy. He was a funny little black and white bundle of furry joy. He brought us no end of happiness. One day when I came home from school I was not immediately greeted by Fluffy, as was his way. …