So, I am a pre-nursing student and just started Anatomy and Physiology II. I have worked in healthcare for about 5 years now and seen many things. I have a really strong stomach, not much bothers me. I find clinical mode and just go. All that being said, I find I am having a really hard time coming to terms with the fact that I am going to have to participate in feline dissection.
My school uses a cat farm. These cats are bread for the sole purpose of being euthanized for students to use as specimens. I love cats, I love all animals. I fully understand and appreciate that animals have to die for us to exist. I'm not a vegetarian, I love me some burgers....LOL.
All that being said, I really don't know how I am going to do this. I feel that it is wrong, truly I do. A huge part of me feels like participating just for the knowledge I will gain, but I cant get past the fact that these animals come from a cat farm. I've never come across a situation in healthcare where I had to do something even though I felt it was wrong. Sure, i've come across many a things I didnt want to do,. I know I don't have a choice, that If I want to pass this class I must participate and Im not going to protest or drag my feet....... I just dont know how I am going to do it.
I live in South Carolina, where there are many kill shelters. So many feral cats are euthanized because homes can't be found. While I appreciate the fact that many of these cats are probably diseased and can't be used by students I still can't get past the fact that somewhere in this country cat's are being bread for us to dissect. It just seem so wrong. Oh, and yes, I have 2 of my own. Arthur and Grey who I freaking love and couldn't imagine my home without.
Mostly I needed to vent. If anyone has any advice or suggestions it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
K