Fluffy thinking

doi:10.1136/bmj.328.7439.574

BMJ 2004;328:574 (6 March), doi:10.1136/bmj.328.7439.574

Filler

Fluffy thinking

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

In a hospice setting it is not unusual to be confronted by anguishedrelatives witnessing the physical deterioration of their lovedones. Their reproachful gaze pierces you and seems to imploreyou to end their loved ones' suffering. "This is cruel," theyso 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 afunny little black and white bundle of furry joy. He broughtus no end of happiness. One day when I came home from schoolI was not immediately greeted by Fluffy, as was his way. Momentslater he appeared, dragging his hind legs. He had been hit bya car and his back was broken. His distress was palpable. Hedragged himself home, but he would not allow us too near, fearfulof our intentions; he had no flight . . . [Full text of this article]

Rosemarie Anthony-Pillai, registrar in palliative medicine

Sue Ryder Care St John's Care Centre, Moggerhanger, Bedford