It's not often I dip my toe into something as controversial as euthanasia, but what with losing our Florence I suppose I've been thinking about it recently. Also, it's been in the news.

As a pagan I believe in reincarnation (not all pagans do although most seem to) and that when I die I believe I cross to the Otherworld before coming back here again. That's my belief, you don't have to accept it.

But sometimes I find myself wondering...Why is it, that people are allowed - even condemned - to suffer, when to allow an animal to suffer can bring down the wrath of the authorities upon you?

Why is it, that the people who believe in an afterlife are often the most vociferous in wanting to prolong a life that has lost all dignity, all quality? Surely it would be more compassionate to allow the patient to meet their God sooner, rather than later in these circumstances?

Yes, euthanasia can be misused, especially by those with something to gain, but so can anything. For example, cars can be misused by drunks and drug addicts. Anyway, the biggest risk of euthanasia is not greedy relatives, but a health service that would be tempted to substitute death for care in a bid to cut costs.

These are only a few basic questions, I'm sure you'll think of many others. For myself I can only say that I believe life is wonderful - up to a point. I don't want to live on in a twilight world of dribble and nappies.

I'd prefer to shuffle off this mortal coil like Florence: in my own kitchen, in Mr Penry's arms, and with him feeding me chocolate biscuits, right until the end....