From Gregory Stock’s The Book of Questions: Follow-up from last week: What would you say if the pet weren’t yours, but that of a child or friend who wanted your advice about what to do?

Well, well, well, it seems like we’re back for round two of the “Would You Do It?” pet edition. Last week, we tackled the question of whether you’d put your own beloved furry friend to sleep for a cool $50,000. Now, we’re taking it up a notch and asking what you’d do if a child or a friend came to you for advice on the same dilemma. Buckle up, because this ethical rollercoaster is about to take a sharp turn!

First things first, let’s address the elephant in the room (not literally, please don’t put elephants to sleep either): No, no, and a thousand times no. I don’t care if the pet in question is a goldfish won in a carnival game or a prized purebred poodle; the answer remains the same. If a friend or a child approached me with this question, I’d sit them down for a serious heart-to-heart about the value of life and the importance of cherishing our animal companions.

Now, I know some might argue that $50,000 could do a world of good for a child’s future or a friend in need. They might say, “But think of the college fund!” or “That money could help them get back on their feet!” To that, I say: At what cost? Is sacrificing an innocent life really the way to get ahead in this world? I’m pretty sure that’s not the kind of lesson we want to be teaching our children or the advice we want to be giving our friends.

Plus, let’s be real here. If a child or a friend is considering this offer, there’s probably something shady going on behind the scenes. I mean, who goes around offering large sums of money for healthy pets? It sounds like the plot of a bad movie or the beginning of a cautionary tale. As a responsible adult, it’s our job to steer our loved ones away from such questionable situations, not encourage them to take the bait.

At the end of the day, our role as friends and mentors is to guide others towards making ethical and compassionate choices. We should be promoting the idea that all lives, including those of our furry, feathered, or scaly friends, have inherent worth. It’s about fostering a society that values kindness and respect for all creatures, not one that puts a price tag on their heads.

So, my advice to anyone facing this dilemma, whether it’s their own pet or someone else’s, is to take a step back and reevaluate their priorities. Is a temporary financial gain really worth the weight of knowing you played a part in ending an innocent life? I think not.

But hey, that’s just my two cents. I’m sure you all have your own thoughts on the matter, and I’m eager to hear them. Share your perspective in the comments below, and let’s keep this conversation going. And if you ever find yourself in a situation where someone is pressuring you to make a choice like this, just remember: Friends don’t let friends put healthy pets to sleep for money.