Question: We have a pet who has been sick for some time, whose condition worsened recently. Although his condition is under control, there is less activeness now. Is it alright to stop medicating him, so that he can depart?
Answer: If he is eating less now, it is likely that these might be his last days? If so, all the more should there be caring till the end. The mentality to have is that he is a family member too. Just as we will not withdraw reasonable medicine from a human family member, you should not withdraw it from him. Since medicine is needed for sustenance, to deprive of it is not very different from deprivation of food.
What should be done sincerely and continually is the practice of repentance, Niànfó (mindfulness of Āmítuófó’s name: 阿弥陀佛) and dedication of meritorious virtues (忏悔，念佛，回向) on his behalf, to help lessen his suffering.
When dying, there should be offering of guidance (开示) and support-chanting (助念): https://purelanders.com/wake. (The guidance text might have to be simplified in your own words.) Even if not dying yet, this should still be done to prepare him. This ‘Āmítuófó’ track can be used as a guide for Niànfó: https://purelanders.com/mp3.
Recently, there was sharing of practising the above for a pet bird, and the results were astounding: https://purelanders.com/2025/02/13/118-how-our-bird-sprouty-hopped-onto-amituofos-palm. This reminds us that our compassion must extend to animals too, especially those who depend on us for care, both physically and spiritually, for this present life and the next.
It is good to Niànfó longer per session, for 30 minutes perhaps, about twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening at least. This can help to clear more negative karma and create more meritorious virtues. To help your pet more directly, it is best to recite audibly in his presence, for him to hear Āmítuófó’s name, to connect to him.
It is also good to remember the optimum way to Niànfó: https://purelanders.com/start. At the end of each session, always dedicate merits to all beings first, before dedicating to specific ones like your pet. This expression of compassion and generosity actually creates more merits for all.
