Integral Ethics and Animals

 Here's a dilemma worthy of some integral contemplation.  It's been on my mind for more than a week now.  My dog just had a lump removed from her leg last week.  The biopsy revealed it is a form of cancer called hemangiopericytoma.  It's not a malignant form of cancer, but the problem with it is it tends to come back larger and more complicated each time. This is all hypothetical at this stage - 'cause we're not even sure if it will come back.  But it raises an ethical dilemma that has me worried and wondering about a few things.  

Consulting with friends who also have pets, we get different views and perspectives.  At the heart of the issue is partly the cost of treatment versus the benefits of treatment (if at all), and the pain your pet is going through.  I've heard of one couple who spent $7000 on chemo for their dog, only to see it die 6 months later.  Other friends say that if/when their dog gets cancer - for them it's "Well, she had a good life!".

My dog is 9 yrs. old.  A beautiful white german shepherd.  Not so beautiful these days - with her front leg shaved and an ugly scar from the operation.  But she doesn't even seem to know there's anything wrong.  Or, am I anthropomorphizing her feelings or sense of her condition?   That aside, as any dog lover knows, we've had a very intimate relationship for the past nine years, and I'd hate to see her go prematurely (usually shepherds live for 14-16 yrs.).  

I guess these are the 'conventional' ways of looking at our relationship.  From an integral plane - we know that she too is 'spirit manifest'.  She is spirit - has a conscience of some level - or does she have some sense of 'self'?   If/when (and this is hypothetical) it comes the time that I 'might' decide to put her down - I'm wondering what she might think when she looks at me for the last time?  Wondering what Spirit in her is doing looking at Spirit in me at such a crucial time?  

Its a different situation than with humans - because at least with humans - the patient has some say or desire in the choice of termination.  But she won't - it'll be MY decision.  But who am "I"?  Who am "I" in relation to "Her"?  Who's really making the decision?  Or, should I let the disease take its natural course, and let her live in pain and discomfort and cost me thousands to keep her going in pain?  

Truth is - I really don't know at this point.