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 Veteran
Posts: 114
Location: Central Florida | This afternoon I will be putting my old horse to rest. He was my very first horse and has taught me so much. Unfortunately, he has cancer that has came back aggressively after multiple cryo treatments and surgery. I have experienced horses being euthanized as a vet assistant. However, this will be the first time having one of my horses put down. I feel like a mess already.
How do I keep it together tomorrow without being a wreck? |
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 Double Standards Don't Fly
Posts: 1283
 
Location: At the barn | I've been there too many times. In very sorry. Dont over think the situation. Survival mode will kick in and take over. You will process it over time. My only advice is to request the vet heavily sedated your horse first. Some do not and I always request it, even when I put my dog down. Prayers to you for strength and comfort.
Edited by trotncowpony 2014-05-22 4:21 AM
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Veteran
Posts: 114
Location: Central Florida | Thank you. My vet does a good job of sedating them and tries makes the process as easy as possible. I think your right I'm over thinking it. |
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 Hugs to You
Posts: 7550
  
Location: In The Land of Cotton | Many prayers for you today. Know that you are doing the right thing. Hugs to you. |
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 Midget Lover
Location: Kentucky | I am so sorry to hear this. It looks like your vet will take good care of your boy. |
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 Popped
Posts: 20421
Location: LuluLand~along I64 Indiana | i left and went outside the barn till he was down then laid his head in my lap as he took his last breath.... to heck with holding it together... grieve away |
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  More bootie than waist!
Posts: 18425
Location: Riding Crackhead. | I'm a blubbering mess for days prior and after. Its our best friends, our children. You need to grieve. |
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 Angel in a Sorrel Coat
Posts: 16030
Location: In a happy place | One of the toughest things we as caregivers of our beloved animals. I feel so sorry for you. Prayers for you. |
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 Shelter Dog Lover
Posts: 10277
| Prayers and hugs, hope you can take comfort in the fact that he is no longer suffering and had been loved. I can't imagine how hard it is to say goodbye. |
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 Miss Laundry Misshap
Posts: 5271
| CYA Ranch - 2014-05-22 7:32 AM I'm a blubbering mess for days prior and after. Its our best friends, our children. You need to grieve.
Yep. When the pony that I had for 23 years (had her since I was 6) had to be laid to rest, I cried for a month before, (we knew it was coming) and I still cry when I think about it. She was my baby. Go ahead and break down, I can't say that anyone would think anything of it.
The nice part was the relief I felt in knowing that she was in a better place without anymore pain. That really helped. |
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 Fact Checker
Posts: 16572
Location: Displaced Iowegian | Grief is natural.....they are a member of the family (just like children). Our vet even cried. He had just put down his horse that was 28 years old. Hugs!!!!! |
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 If it Ain't a Paint it Ain't!
Posts: 8519
Location: Mansfield, Tx | I'm sorry....
I try to stay there with my horse and keep talking to them and tell them that it's ok and that I love them and thank them for everything... I try and stay strong for them while they are still here and then once they are gone then I kinda loose it. BUT once they are finally laid to rest and everyone is gone and it's just me then
I really break down...
My prayers go out to you... it's never easy to say good bye... |
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 Expert
Posts: 1432
Location: Never in one place long | I am so sorry! I've been very fortunate that I've never had to make this decision but know it would be one of the hardest in life! It was almost a blessing that my very first horse just up and died in the night so I never had to make that decision but at the same time he was only 18 and he had so many years left. He was perfectly healthy up till that moment. :(
One thing that we did that maybe you might not have thought about it is to remember him by, we cut parts of his mane off and to the few people that had been a big part of his life gave a piece to share. It was a small thing to remember him by, I keep it hanging on one of his pictures. |
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 Night Chatter
Posts: 1907
Location: Mississippi | I had it arranged where the vet had a place to bury him after I left, so my last memories were with him alive. He was nice enough to wait till I was gone to do anything. I was already a wreck, so it was hard. Almost two years later, I still cry all the time. It does get a little easier over time. I hope you have lots of pictures and fond memories. |
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Nut Case Expert
Posts: 9305
Location: Tulsa, Ok | As an older person who has been there many times, I will just say that it never gets easier. As a caregiver, owner, partner, I feel I owe it to my animals to let them go when their quality of life deteriorates. Take comfort in knowing you gave them the best in the best and worst of times. Dwell on the good memories. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 929
| I am so sorry...your post just made me start bawling as I had the same thing happen to my first horse. As a vet assistant I'm sure you are able to hold it together with client's animals, yet when it comes to your own you are allowed to grieve. You don't have to be tough all the time, and this is one of those times. Prayers for you on one of the most difficult days you will face. |
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 Expert
Posts: 3782
Location: Gainesville, TX | I saw an advertisement where they can take some shavings from your horse's hoof and make a jewel out of it. Looks kind of like jasper. Might be a nice memento. |
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Veteran
Posts: 114
Location: Central Florida | Thank you all for kind thoughts. It was not easy but, I do feel better now I know he's not suffering. He went peacefully, my vet said she has never seen one go so fast. He was ready to go it was definitely his time. I did feel more at easy after I looked at old pictures from when I first got him, that really helped. Once again you for your prayers and thoughts I sure do need them. |
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 Serious Snap Trapper
Posts: 4275
Location: In The Snow, AZ | Sending you prayers this evening. I'm glad he went easy for you. He's galloping across heavens pastures now. |
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 I'm Here!!
Posts: 4583
Location: Is it Summer Yet? | You stand there holding the halter shank and petting them. Put some big sunnies on if you wish and let the tears flow. You never leave them and let someone else deal with this, this is when they need you the most. I had to put down my first horse last summer. Similar to you, I have helped put down lots of horses but this was the first time it was mine. You just do it cause they need you and you have to be there for them. I never talked to the vet, she was so good, when she asked if I was ready I was already a crying fool, I just nodded. |
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