The Marriage of True Minds by Stephen Evans

Author:Stephen Evans
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Unbridled Books
Published: 2008-01-15T00:00:00+00:00

Ralph carried the wine crate through the maze of cages, trying not to look at the other animals, and went out through the back door.

The five kittens, probably about six weeks old, had been brought into the shelter thirty days earlier. None had been adopted. Now, according to the rules, none would be. Originally the time limit had been five days. Ralph and Alice had lobbied to expand that to thirty, and management had reluctantly agreed, under the condition that adoptions increase concomitantly.

Behind the shelter, Ralph unlocked the gate, placed the box carefully in the chamber, and sealed it. At the side of the chamber, he twisted a brass lever. Gas hissed inside.

Ralph and Alice had also asked to switch to some of the newer synthetic gases, or possibly to lethal injection. Studies had determined that these methods were faster and produced less stress on the dying animal. Although carbon monoxide gas was generally thought to be effective, there were anecdotal reports of extreme suffering before the animal lapsed into unconsciousness. And more than one handler had died from CO gas poisoning. But the other methods of euthanasia were more expensive or required additional handlers, so the change had not been authorized.

The kittens inhaled the deadly gas. In a few moments, they receded into unconsciousness. Minutes later, their hearts failed. Soon after, all brain function ceased. The fragile remains cooled and constricted.

After fifteen minutes, Ralph unsealed the chamber. According to the recommended procedure, five minutes was all that was necessary. But young animals with tiny lungs sometimes took longer to die.

Ralph removed the crate. The dead kittens were curled up together as if sleeping. He carried the litter to the biological waste disposal container and gently positioned the kittens inside.

Back in the shelter, he removed the gloves, washed his hands, and drifted past the cages to the front lobby. He sat by Alice and held her hand. Neither spoke.

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