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 Owner of a ratting catting machine
Posts: 2258
  
| I just want to write and let you know about my old friend Sneaks.
Sneaks turned 34 years old in April, we had owned him since he was young. Everyone in the family rode him for something, I even ran barrels on him some in high school. My Mom claimed him as her own since he was so noble looking, but Dad still used him on fall roundup.
Sneaks was always happiest being turned out, so when my Mother retired to five acres, we turned him out on the property my husband and I have. The heat this summer took a huge toll on Sneaks, and he got pretty thin. I watched him closely, knowing that if he lost any more weight he would need to be put down.
The heat finally broke, and he put almost all of the weight back on. He played around, and took long naps, but winter in Oklahoma is very wet and windy, and can be pretty chilly. I didn't want him to ever get cold and soaked, so last Friday, the vet came and we put him down.
I wasn't sure how I would feel about it, but during the actual euthanasia, there was nothing but peace. He was chewing his last bite of grain one minute, wondering why he got a shot, the next his eyes went blank and he was down. We had him on the front lawn, because that's where it's the cushiest, plus he got all the green grass he could eat. Sneaks never twitched, and it took about three minutes for his heart to completely stop beating. I kneeled at his head and talked to him and petted him the whole time.
Sneaks went away in the same classic style as he arrived in my life, and I feel nothing but honored that I was there to help him along away from any chance of pain or need.
If you're having a hard time making a decision for your old, sick, or physically hindered horses, please just know that with a good vet, a big bucket of grain, and lots of love, you can make that hard decision knowing that you're doing the right thing, and that they truly don't feel a thing. |
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 Shelter Dog Lover
Posts: 10277
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 489
| Sometimes the most humane thing is to let them go before they go completely downhill. It is a very hard decision, but it is honestly one that is for the best. I think it shows more caring than letting it drag out. |
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 You get what you give
Posts: 13030
Location: Texas | This made me cry :(. I applaud you for doing what is right by your horse and giving him that gift of taking his pain away. |
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 I Don't Brag
Posts: 6960
| So sorry that you had to do this, I had to do the same the first of July for my good, honest, gritty (and crabby, lol) rodeo mare. I had her 22 years, she survived the removal of 30 feet of small intestine at age 15 to go and run even better than she had before. She was 30 when I had to make the decision that I could no longer watch her face one more difficulty. The vet gave the shot and thankfully her heart stopped before she was completely down.
We have had to make this decision too many times but that is the price we pay for their loyalty and years of service. I really makes me mad and sad when I see ads on Craigslist where someone is trying to sell an oldster after years of service and loyalty...breaks my heart.
Thank you on behalf of your Sneaks. And hugs.
Edited by rodeoveteran 2016-11-07 7:27 PM
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 Expert
Posts: 5293
| Ive had to put several down over the years and the oldies seem to go the best. My vet said their circulation is so slow it takes a bit. I have also had to put very young horses down and thats a bit more difficult/Dangerous. They tend to not go a peacefully. Never an easy choice and they will appreciate you for it! :) |
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 Texas Taco
Posts: 7499
Location: Bandera, TX | casualdust07 - 2016-11-07 7:20 PM
This made me cry :(. I applaud you for doing what is right by your horse and giving him that gift of taking his pain away.
This. |
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 My Heart Be Happy
Posts: 9159
Location: Arkansas | classicpotatochip - 2016-11-07 6:53 PM
I just want to write and let you know about my old friend Sneaks.
Sneaks turned 34 years old in April, we had owned him since he was young. Everyone in the family rode him for something, I even ran barrels on him some in high school. My Mom claimed him as her own since he was so noble looking, but Dad still used him on fall roundup.
Sneaks was always happiest being turned out, so when my Mother retired to five acres, we turned him out on the property my husband and I have. The heat this summer took a huge toll on Sneaks, and he got pretty thin. I watched him closely, knowing that if he lost any more weight he would need to be put down.
The heat finally broke, and he put almost all of the weight back on. He played around, and took long naps, but winter in Oklahoma is very wet and windy, and can be pretty chilly. I didn't want him to ever get cold and soaked, so last Friday, the vet came and we put him down.
I wasn't sure how I would feel about it, but during the actual euthanasia, there was nothing but peace. He was chewing his last bite of grain one minute, wondering why he got a shot, the next his eyes went blank and he was down. We had him on the front lawn, because that's where it's the cushiest, plus he got all the green grass he could eat. Sneaks never twitched, and it took about three minutes for his heart to completely stop beating. I kneeled at his head and talked to him and petted him the whole time.
Sneaks went away in the same classic style as he arrived in my life, and I feel nothing but honored that I was there to help him along away from any chance of pain or need.
If you're having a hard time making a decision for your old, sick, or physically hindered horses, please just know that with a good vet, a big bucket of grain, and lots of love, you can make that hard decision knowing that you're doing the right thing, and that they truly don't feel a thing.
Hugs and prayers----you did right by him and let him keep his dignity right til the end. Dan is 37 and I am watching him so close right now to make sure I do the right thing and not be selfish for me if this winter looks like he's gonna have a tough time. I love that old horse with a passion and I pray for the strength to do what's best for him when it's that time. How brave and strong you were for your Sneaks |
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 Take a Picture
Posts: 12841
| So sorry. Not an easy choice but the best choice. Hugs |
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Go Get Em!
Posts: 13503
Location: OH. IO | Im sorry for your loss.So thankful you were strong enough to do what was right for your boy. |
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Industrial Srength Barrel Racer
Posts: 7268
| I am so very sorry for your loss and bless your heart for sharing this with us.
BIG HUGS! |
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"Heck's Coming With Me"
Posts: 10797
Location: Kansas | Even as a human being, I hope I can go as easily.
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 Go Your Own Way
Posts: 4947
Location: SE KS | Hugs, doing this, this weekend..... |
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 Midget Lover
Location: Kentucky | That was really beautiful. Your post probably helped some folks make a easier decision. It's a sad thing to do, but the most humane. It really is the final act of love. |
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 Miss Laundry Misshap
Posts: 5271
| So sorry for your loss. It does suck to make the decision, but the peace you feel when you know it's the right decision is when you know it's right. |
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 Too Skinny
Posts: 8009
Location: LA Lower Alabama | Hugs for you! I have had to be there for many that I wish the decision had been made much earlier so they could have gone more peacfully like yours did. |
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 Expert
Posts: 1481
Location: TEXAS | I've been on the other side of euthanasia more times than I can count being a vet tech for many years... You gave him a wonderful send off.. Coffee & Tears ..... I'm sorry for your loss... |
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 Nothing Comes Easy
Posts: 2353
Location: Texas | I'm sorry for your loss but know the difficulty in this choice. I had to put two mares down in the last year, one who I had for 15 years. Both looked to be in great physical shape but one started to show signs of laminitis, and another was having terrible side effects from Cushings (she was 30+ years old). To give them peace and relieve their pain was the greatest gift I could give them after they had done so much for me. A&M handled my mares, both were donated to their vet program after euthanizing. |
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 Knowledge is Power
Posts: 4051
Location: wherever my daughter's running | Tears. I have always said the greatest gift of love we can give them is to not allow them to suffer. Hugs to you. |
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 Accident Prone
Posts: 22277
Location: 100 miles from Nowhere, AR | Bless you for doing such a loving thing. And be thankful it went so well because some of them don't. |
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 Expert
Posts: 3782
Location: Gainesville, TX | Many prayers and hugs. |
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 Dog Rescue Hero
Posts: 1660
Location: Oklahoma City OK | God Bless you for your compassion and thank you for relaying your story. I know it will help so many others find peace when making that decision.
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 A Somebody to Everybody
Posts: 41354
Location: Under The Big Sky Of Texas | Didnt read what you said because my heart is still broken over my mare that I had to put down about 6 years ago, it still hurts when I think about her, she got hurt really bad.
Just sending a few hugs to you.  |
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Owner of a ratting catting machine
Posts: 2258
| Thanks for everyone's nice words. I am completely at peace with the decision, it was truly an honor to be there with such an old friend. There's nothing like having a good vet that can get 105 mL into one while he's still chewing his grain. She got big hugs too!
I hope that Sneaks story can be supportive of anyone that is having a hard time deciding what to do. Love all the support from everyone, thank you! |
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 Own It and Move On
Location: The edge of no where | Made me cry, it's so tough to say goodbye to them. I wish everyone had the strength to handle this like you did, we owe it to them.
I still cry everytime I think about the day I had to do it with my old guy - he went very peacefully and I felt like it was the least I could do after all he did for me. |
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Expert
Posts: 1255
| I had to put mine down today he was 25 year's old I've had him 22 years so it's very very hard to do. |
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I Don't Brag
Posts: 6960
| myhre - 2016-11-08 6:59 PM
I had to put mine down today he was 25 year's old I've had him 22 years so it's very very hard to do.
Hugs for you too, and all of our BB who have had to face or are facing this decision. |
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My Heart Be Happy
Posts: 9159
Location: Arkansas | Dinero10 - 2016-11-08 7:53 AM
Hugs, doing this, this weekend.....
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My Heart Be Happy
Posts: 9159
Location: Arkansas | myhre - 2016-11-08 6:59 PM
I had to put mine down today he was 25 year's old I've had him 22 years so it's very very hard to do.
Hugs to you and all of the ones going thru this right now. . . |
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  If it Ain't a Paint it Ain't!
Posts: 8519
Location: Mansfield, Tx | classicpotatochip - 2016-11-07 6:53 PM
I just want to write and let you know about my old friend Sneaks.
Sneaks turned 34 years old in April, we had owned him since he was young. Everyone in the family rode him for something, I even ran barrels on him some in high school. My Mom claimed him as her own since he was so noble looking, but Dad still used him on fall roundup.
Sneaks was always happiest being turned out, so when my Mother retired to five acres, we turned him out on the property my husband and I have. The heat this summer took a huge toll on Sneaks, and he got pretty thin. I watched him closely, knowing that if he lost any more weight he would need to be put down.
The heat finally broke, and he put almost all of the weight back on. He played around, and took long naps, but winter in Oklahoma is very wet and windy, and can be pretty chilly. I didn't want him to ever get cold and soaked, so last Friday, the vet came and we put him down.
I wasn't sure how I would feel about it, but during the actual euthanasia, there was nothing but peace. He was chewing his last bite of grain one minute, wondering why he got a shot, the next his eyes went blank and he was down. We had him on the front lawn, because that's where it's the cushiest, plus he got all the green grass he could eat. Sneaks never twitched, and it took about three minutes for his heart to completely stop beating. I kneeled at his head and talked to him and petted him the whole time.
Sneaks went away in the same classic style as he arrived in my life, and I feel nothing but honored that I was there to help him along away from any chance of pain or need.
If you're having a hard time making a decision for your old, sick, or physically hindered horses, please just know that with a good vet, a big bucket of grain, and lots of love, you can make that hard decision knowing that you're doing the right thing, and that they truly don't feel a thing.
I also have an old one ... 33 and I'm worried about him this winter . I swear when I was reading your story it was about Lil Bit but I haven't made the decision to put him down yet.
I just don't know if it's the right thing to do. I've always prayed that he would some how tell me ( if he couldn't get up from laying down anymore or signs of pain in his eyes) but nothing I go out this morning and he is laying down resting which I haven't seen in forever and he jumps right up.
I made the comment to him I guess your still doing good old man.
It's killing me... to do the right thing for him
Edited by RunningOnPaints 2016-11-09 2:41 PM
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My Heart Be Happy
Posts: 9159
Location: Arkansas | RunningOnPaints - 2016-11-09 2:37 PM
classicpotatochip - 2016-11-07 6:53 PM
I just want to write and let you know about my old friend Sneaks.
Sneaks turned 34 years old in April, we had owned him since he was young. Everyone in the family rode him for something, I even ran barrels on him some in high school. My Mom claimed him as her own since he was so noble looking, but Dad still used him on fall roundup.
Sneaks was always happiest being turned out, so when my Mother retired to five acres, we turned him out on the property my husband and I have. The heat this summer took a huge toll on Sneaks, and he got pretty thin. I watched him closely, knowing that if he lost any more weight he would need to be put down.
The heat finally broke, and he put almost all of the weight back on. He played around, and took long naps, but winter in Oklahoma is very wet and windy, and can be pretty chilly. I didn't want him to ever get cold and soaked, so last Friday, the vet came and we put him down.
I wasn't sure how I would feel about it, but during the actual euthanasia, there was nothing but peace. He was chewing his last bite of grain one minute, wondering why he got a shot, the next his eyes went blank and he was down. We had him on the front lawn, because that's where it's the cushiest, plus he got all the green grass he could eat. Sneaks never twitched, and it took about three minutes for his heart to completely stop beating. I kneeled at his head and talked to him and petted him the whole time.
Sneaks went away in the same classic style as he arrived in my life, and I feel nothing but honored that I was there to help him along away from any chance of pain or need.
If you're having a hard time making a decision for your old, sick, or physically hindered horses, please just know that with a good vet, a big bucket of grain, and lots of love, you can make that hard decision knowing that you're doing the right thing, and that they truly don't feel a thing.
I also have an old one ... 33 and I'm worried about him this winter . I swear when I was reading your story it was about Lil Bit but I haven't made the decision to put him down yet.
I just don't know if it's the right thing to do. I've always prayed that he would some how tell me ( if he couldn't get up from laying down anymore or signs of pain in his eyes ) but nothing I go out this morning and he is laying down resting which I haven't seen in forever and he jumps right up.
I made the comment to him I guess your still doing good old man.
It's killing me... to do the right thing for him
I honestly pray also that Dan will somehow let me know, that I will have not a shadow of a doubt when it's time. |
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Owner of a ratting catting machine
Posts: 2258
| For me, it was knowing that he was a little thin going into winter. The chubby, young horses crowd into the shelters and then stand there and shiver during a windy, wet, cold winter day.
I knew that he would be miserable on those days, and then facing another blistering summer after that.
It was just too much to ask him to do. It felt right to lay him down before there was an issue. He was so super old, and had lived a useful, great life with full care and love.
Letting these guys retire well, and live their last days as horses with all their needs met is all we can ask of ourselves. He would have had needs that I couldn't meet, and very soon. I couldn't let him have even one day of being miserable.
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Euthanizing old or very hurt horses.