Buena
SAFE Volunteer 
No horse will ever teach you as much as your first horse.
Posts: 1,929
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Post by Buena on Nov 29, 2007 12:33:43 GMT -5
Jaime, it's the hardest thing in the world to let them go. And sometimes it's even harder to keep hanging on. If he's having a good day, then it's the perfect day for him to go. You said yourself that's he's deteriorating fairly quickly. Don't wait until he's truly suffering because then you will really be regretting it. I speak from experience. TBs are very sensitive souls. He just wants your last memories of him to be good ones. I am pretty sure of that. He knows you.
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Post by jennywho on Nov 29, 2007 14:03:29 GMT -5
Jamie, I am so sorry to hear you've had to make the call. Crafty is one very lucky (and handsome) boy to have you there for him.
Enjoy today with him and be glad that he's leaving on a good day instead of when he's suffering, it will leave memories that you will treasure forever.
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Post by Gingersmom-Tate on Nov 29, 2007 14:05:51 GMT -5
I'm so sorry to hear about Crafty and what lies ahead, you have a special bond with a very special horse, and in your heart you will know when its the right time. Dear Bonnie once said to me "you take their pain and make it your own". How true.
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Post by fototropic on Nov 29, 2007 20:25:29 GMT -5
Oh, I am so very sorry to read this thread. Crafty sounds like a very special horse. It is such a difficult, heartbreaking decision. I have heard it said though, that it is much better to be a day early than a day late. Be gentle with yourself.
Pam
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Post by trillium on Nov 29, 2007 21:34:42 GMT -5
I am so sad to read you have to put your good friend down. It is always such a gut wrenching decision, especially when the line is not drawn in black and white.
Hugs to you and your family.
Laurie
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Post by Nelliebelly on Nov 29, 2007 22:23:46 GMT -5
So, sorry to hear of your loss. I know how difficult it is.
My best friend had a beautiful bracelet made out of the mane to help her remember her amazing girl.
Wishing you and your family a peaceful evening.
~Alexandra
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Post by schwung on Nov 29, 2007 23:37:52 GMT -5
Well, I chickened out and didn't do it. Mara, Allison, Mike, my son, and Dr. Hannah were there, and he was thoroughly enjoying all the attention, begging for treats, walking around, eating grass with gusto, and acting almost absolutly normal. I was getting panicky...he seemed like a normal horse, and it felt like I would be killing him. Hannah was wonderful...and she agreed with me that he was not ready, and it would be ok to wait.
She gave me some sedatives just in case I find him down and suffering one day. Crafty is a fighter though and tonight just wasn't his time. I knew if I did it I would not feel a sense of relief (like I have with all the other horses I have put down) but instead I would feel guilty and have regrets and second thoughts. I hope it wasn't a selfish decision, but I just couldn't do it. Not tonight.
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Post by Nelliebelly on Nov 29, 2007 23:50:55 GMT -5
You'll know.  Glad to hear you have more time with him. When he is ready, he will let you know. May you and your family have a "very" peaceful night. ~Alexandra |
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Post by Sara on Nov 29, 2007 23:56:06 GMT -5
{hugs} to you jamie.
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Post by slew on Nov 30, 2007 0:06:38 GMT -5
I totally understand........I have been saying for over a year that I am going to put my old TB gelding down.....he has neuro problems and bad hinds. He is a tough job for the shoer. I cannot clean his hind feet out anymore....he has to be tranquilized.
But each time I say "if he is a lot of trouble today...I will do it tomorrow" but tomorrow comes and I think "well, he wasn't that bad"..."maybe we can get through one more time and after all, we have six weeks now"
cyber hugs.....you will know when it is time.
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Buena
SAFE Volunteer
No horse will ever teach you as much as your first horse.
Posts: 1,929
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Post by Buena on Nov 30, 2007 0:48:58 GMT -5
I am so with you Jaime. Crafty may have told you tonight wasn't the night, but be prepared that he will tell you now is the time any moment from here on out. They hand on until you are ready, or until you are out of town and have no real say int he matter. Been there, done that; for horses, dogs AND cats.
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Post by safehorses on Nov 30, 2007 11:30:29 GMT -5
I'm glad to hear you have more time with him...and I think you made the right decision. Every day is a treasure when you can spend it with a loved one, so enjoy this time you have with him. |
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Post by fototropic on Nov 30, 2007 13:21:08 GMT -5
I, too, am happy to read that you have more time with him. I would have done the same thing. I know that feeling. I had an old dog put to sleep and I still wonder if I did it too soon. The only one of the pets I have had to euthanize. I wish I had waited with Abbie.
Pam
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Post by schwung on Dec 1, 2007 1:55:48 GMT -5
Well tonight Crafty got alfalfa hay and the same yummy grain that everyone else gets that is high in protein, along with apples and carrots. He was chowing down with enthusiasm, he especially LOVED the alfalfa. It is great to see him eating...although its hard, as I know it means that I am giving up on him bouncing back this time. I hope it doesn't make him feel bad for eating it either.
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Post by pdevlieg on Dec 2, 2007 0:19:05 GMT -5
Jaime - what a hard time for you, but enjoy each moment you have with Crafty. He is a wonderful boy with such a heart. You will know when the time is right, and it has to be a time when you can be at peace with your decision.
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Glad to hear you have more time with him. When he is ready, he will let you know.
