RIP Barbaro

I was very sorry to hear that Barbaro had been euthanized. It wasn't so much that he had been euthanized because I think euthanasia is often the kindest choice for the animal involved. Mostly it was because he seemed to have fought so hard to live. Here was an animal that was bred to run and he seemed to understand that all these people were trying to help him. He tolerated all the things they needed to do to him and still was interested in his surroundings, acted like a stallion, ate well, and seemed to enjoy his life.

I know there has been a lot of discussion about the money that was spent to save him and whether or not it was well spent. I think that the Jacksons did the right thing by using their resources to save him. Animals, especially those that have a "job" or a purpose besides providing companionship, should not be seen as expendable and disposable. There are a lot worse things that they could have spent their money on (and been criticized less.)

At least one good thing came out of all the attention. More than $1 million dollars was raised for the vet hospital associated with UPenn where Barbaro was treated.