Real-Life Communication
You are a wildlife rehabilitator working in a center. The center
rehabilitates wildlife that is sick, injured or orphaned. The goal is to release
the creature back into the wild when it is able to survive on its own.
If
an animal cannot be healed, it is euthanized. Euthanizing means giving an
injection that causes the creature to die without pain. Sometimes healthy
creatures must be euthanized if you know they will not be able to survive
on their own. Nobody likes having to do that, but is the kindest thing.
"I
have come to think of euthanasia as a gift," says Corrie Hines, a wildlife
rehabilitator.
One day, a man and a woman bring in a crow that has been
hit by a car. You thank the couple for bringing the bird in. While the clinic's
veterinarian is examining the injured bird, he discovers that the wing is
severely broken. Although the bird could heal from its injuries and live,
it would never be able to fly again.
The workers at the clinic discuss
the situation and come to an agreement. The crow will not be able to survive
on its own. It must be euthanized.
A few days later, the man and woman
show up in the reception area. They ask how the crow is doing. The receptionist
explains that it had to be euthanized. The couple becomes extremely angry.
They say they would have taken the crow home and kept it in a cage if they
had known.
The receptionist pages you and asks you to come and talk
to the angry couple.
What will you tell them to help them understand?