Devo, my whippet of 15 years, is dying. Cancer has eaten away most of the flesh on his right thigh. I took him to the vet, 龍之介動物病院 on Sangyodourou in Honjo, for his opinion, to get some painkillers, and to discuss euthanasia. Apparently, pet euthanasia is strongly discouraged in Japan. The vet gently explained this to me but said he would be willing to conduct the procedure if I desired. The issue is the animal’s welfare: to spare unnecessary pain. Fortunately, the vet prescribed a very strong sedative that has put my dog into a comfortable half-sleep so that he may die at home. For any reader facing such a terrible dilemma, I recommend this veterinarian. - William