Yes, you did start a good and interesting discussion. No worries here.... Everyone here comes from different backgrounds and beliefs, so I guess it is what you believe in your heart and mind.
That is why I said you should decide early in life, heck, you can always change it. I trust my family to what I would want. That is being, wait a bit, and then pull the plug, or do something else.
As for our animals... it is a very sad subject also, but who else is going to decide? I am an animal lover, I work with animals for a living, so I TRY to put myself in their shoes...and I TRY to do what I would think that they would want. I guess, that's all I can do, since I took the responsibility for them. There is no clear answer, I guess, just follow your heart and brain at the same time.
Amy