to euthanize or not

[riosharon]

My 27-year-old gelding, Rio, is severely crippled by arthritis but able to walk a little Last Saturday he fell down in the pasture and needed help to stand up.
My veterinarian advised me earlier there would come a day when I must deside to put him to sleep, and that day was it. I told the barn manager I would call the vet on Monday.
Monday night the barn manager said he could place Rio in a paddock close to the barn to minimize walking and further injury. Good, but I still feel the best thing is to end Rio's struggles and suffering.
Any comments are welcomed.

[whinny]

IM so sorry i just went threw this, accually iv been threw it about ten times.putting aside your own feeling, put yourself in your friend head and try to feel what he feels.you have to do the best for him,hes no spring chicken and although you may not feel his pain they do sUffer in silence..grinding teethis a sign, runny nose clear droplets of water falling i call them Horse tears,but above all he will just look at you and say iv had enough let me go..always remember they never really leave you.hell be there i believe this with my heart.i can feel my horses that have PASSED ON.THERE HERE..WITH MY DOGS MY DAD AND EVEY ONE ELSE I LOVE. DO WHAT IS GOOD FOR YOUR FRIEND AND HOPE THAT SOMEDAY A FRIEND WILL DO WHAT IS GOOD FOR YOU.IF YOU NEED TO TALK E MAIL ME WHINNY<br><br>Post edited by: whinny, at: 2007/01/23 15:03

[mrsEd]

Riosharon, this is so sad to read... I have been forced to put my dog to sleep and that was one of the most distressing things I ever had to do, especially because it is 'you' having to take that decision. That's probably what makes it so hard. I cannot give any advise to you other than listen to your heart. That's what I did, then.

[luvallbreeds]

You definately have to listen to your heart and your head. My daughters 34 yr old Arab mare finally went down one day when she had turn out I helped her get up twice. She repeatedly fell, I called my daughter she stayed with the horse for several hours. We really thought the mare would fall asleep laying there and give up the fight. But she did not she would only rest a short time then struggle until exhausted and rest again. We went thru several emotions then. We should put her out of her misery or she is fighting so hard should not give her a chance. Not knowing she repeately fought and rested for a several hours. Until my daughter said enough is enough and called the vet. My daughter struggled with guilt that her mare fought so hard stand, the vet was wonderful and very reassuring that my daughter made the proper decision. She can visit the mare anytime as she is buried out back under a special tree, with a special plaque.
riosharon..I am so very sorry for your loss and you are in my thoughts.

[mic2]

My god, this is so hard to take such a decision :sick:
I think I could never do this, or would not sleep nights after this :blink:<br><br>Post edited by: mic2, at: 2007/01/23 23:03

[whinny]

WE ALL DO FEEL THE EMOTIONS OF LIFE AND DEATH.TO ME LIFE IS A HAPPY RUNNING FULL OF BEANS HORSE,BUT WHEN THERE IS NO JOY AND THE FLEETING FLYING FUN DAYS SEEZE TO EXIST,IT IS TIME TO GENTLY SHUT OUT THE SUN.HAND OVER A BIG FLUFFY CLOUD AND LET YOUR FRIEND JOYFULLY EXPLORE THE HEAVENS ABOVE AND WAIT FOR YOU TO REACH HIM /HER AGAIN BUT THIS TIME WITH OUT SADDLE BRIDLE JUST YOU AND YOU HORSE AS ONE....FROM CLOUD TO CLOUD EXPLOREING YOU NEW PLACE..YEP THATS HOW ITS GOTTA BE.DONT YOU THINK???

[bears boss]

I'm sitting at my computer crying with everybodies sad stories about their beloved horses. In the last 3 years I have personally gained more strength than I every thought was posible for me. I had a beautiful standardbred mare who broken her front leg and we had to put her to sleep. I never ever thought I'd be able to handle making the call to the vets and watching my friend pass but I did. On the 9th Jan was 3 years since that day. Last year we had our 2 old dogs, 1 was mine and the other my husbands - mother and son. Plus I made to make the call for the girls beautiful wee welsh pony - Muffy was 32 and my day with her was much like luvallbreeds had with her daughters horse too. 1 month before Meagan and myself had been out on a beautiful walk. 1st day of duck shooting here and nothing bother her. The day before I made the call to the vets she was cantering and bucking in the paddock which was wonderful to see. Muffy (Little Miss Muffet) had foundered many times in the past before we got her so she was normally careful on her wee pins. The day we had her put to sleep she was on the ground and having problems breathing. She was closing her eyes and would then look at me as if to say 'please you know what to do'. I was not ready and it took me 4 hours before I called the vets. I kept saying to her over and over 'I'm not ready to let you go" but I knew in my heart the call had to be made. She looked at peace with the vet and while it was a hard call to make, I don't regret it. I have loads of great memories from the time we had with each of our friends. Personally I think the animal can and does tell you when they are ready.

[mrsEd]

Yes, Whinny the animal stops suffering... It is you that's left behind. But, that knowledge strangely enough also helps comforting because to see someone you love suffer without remedy is even harder to bear.