Winter's tale: Saving Winter

In the fourth paragraph of the story, John Barry writes the following: "The issue of euthanasia hung in the air. The baby's tail looked hopeless. They had never heard of a dolphin living without a tail. If this one did, she would require 'round-the-clock care for months. At best, she would grow up crippled and captive for life. An injection now might curtail much suffering and expense."

According to Dictionary.com, euthanasia is "the act of putting to death painlessly or allowing to die, as by withholding extreme medical measures, a person or animal suffering from an incurable, esp. a painful, disease or condition." Winter was in very bad condition, and Dr. Janine Cianciolo had a difficult decision to make. Do you think Dr. C made the right decision?

What are your thoughts about euthanasia? What do you think should be the determining factor for such an action?

You can find many articles in the St. Petersburg Times where people have made difficult decisions. Find an article depicting a difficult decision that someone has made. Do you agree or disagree with this decision? Why or why not?