shekaberry
SAFE Volunteer
SAFE Volunteer Coordinator
Posts: 1,521
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Post by shekaberry on Jun 25, 2010 10:41:47 GMT -5
Her chronic hoof and knee conditions alone would have been enough for me to make the call. I agree 110% with SAFE's decision. It is always sad to lose a beloved friend, and I've known her since she arrived; but seeing her quality of life dissipate over the last few months made this decision the right one for her. I could see from observing her that she was not a comfortable horse. Her weaving hurt her knees along with her feet and she would often kick out her hind legs for no obvious reason, even in the winter months when flies were non-existent, so we all know there was something going on inside that was making her unhappy. She always loved attention, treats and her grain but that isn't enough to keep her alive. No horse should live in physical and mental misery and when all possible treatments have been explored to no avail the most humane thing is to let them go quietly and peacefully. Run free, sweet girl, give Crafty and Pro a kiss for me
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Post by Kea's Crest on Jun 25, 2010 11:29:18 GMT -5
Very sad to hear of this difficult situation. I understand the "second guessing" myself and I know how hard it is to follow thru with what you know is the most humane. There has been so much effort and resource put into helping her it should be emphasized this is just another part of that.
Asking the question "What else could have been done and who else could have done better?" you can feel comfort in knowing you all went above and beyond. You did well by her to gently send her on.
Our sympathies
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Post by cat67 on Jun 25, 2010 14:45:23 GMT -5
Thanks Cat and I am sorry for your loss today also. Yes, I think back to the mare she was when she came to us and still don't understand what happened. There was always some grouchiness in her but she was much more amenable to being ridden and worked with than she became over time. That's why we were so sure there must have been a physical cause for it, but we could never pin her behavior issues on one specifically. My guess is she was generally uncomfortable, due to lack of sleep, her knees and feet hurting, along with being sort of temperamental mare, and she became less compliant over time. I am starting to wonder if long term starvation sends their hormones into a tailspin you can't get them out of, in some cases. We tried everything with Soot. I was so sure it was a handling issue - that she just needed boundaries, and that worked with some things. She was fine for the farrier within months with me. But the bursts of aggression would not go away and they were not related to her cycle. It sucks, I hate giving up and I know you do too but you can't have people and horses continue to get hurt.
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Post by wildwoman on Jun 25, 2010 17:49:40 GMT -5
Was soot one of the CuddlyCowgirl survivors? That could explain mental issues too.
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Post by padraigin on Jun 26, 2010 16:04:21 GMT -5
I'm so sorry to hear the sad news. Little Miss left knowing she was with loving and trusted human friends. That in itself is comforting. I am glad I got to meet her once- she was a beautiful horse.
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