It never gets easier losing a horse

[Countrygirl18]

The string of bad luck seems to continue (every ear since 2018 I’ve lost a person or animal I loved, was hoping for a break in 2022)

I have helped my neighbors with his horses since 2016 for years and then on and off since moving to Florida.
In 2019 one of the horses died from a pasture accident which was the first time I experienced losing a horse

Just found out today (came down to visit my mom) that the old horse Fancy (nearing 30) died from old age things.
I feel like I want to cry or curse. I saw her in September and she was already going downhill and it wasn’t fair to put her through another winter with her not being able to get up if it was icy. I understand the decision. But man it hurts when “see you later” turns into “goodbye” I had no idea last time was the end.

This is her in early 2017 soon after I met her

[goodhors]

Sorry you are having such a string of losses. I comfort myself about the animals with “better to let them go” than find them in trouble, pain, because I waited. No chance of suffering.

Try distracting yourself working with other animals, new endeavors. They can always use volunteers at rescues, humane societies, to help keep animals socialized.

[exvet]

I’m sorry for your losses. It’s never easy losing a loved one whether it’s two-legged or four. I cannot underscore the gift that you give back when you allow them not to suffer. Just before Christmas I had to put to sleep my 13+ year old shepherd mix. He actually had been doing better for a short-while (horrible progressive arthritis and dilatative cardiomyopathy) only for me to come home one day and he couldn’t get up, had become very neurologic. I knew it was time and trying to continue to treat all of his ailments just so I could keep him around was not fair. I took him to work the next day and called my daughter to meet me at work (I am a vet and she is a vet tech at another clinic). He was used to going to work with me so he was unaware of a difference in schedule or location. I had my best technician place his catheter. When my daughter arrived we fed him favorite stuff, said our good byes and in private she held him in her arms while I administered the sodium pentothal. He was wagging his tail right up to the end. There was no panic. He went quickly. He deserved a way out that was free of fear, free of pain. We cried. NO euthanasia is ‘good’ in terms of the loss but I feel that I am blessed to be able to give animals peace and freedom before suffering becomes extreme. Not all share my views; but, those who made the decision for your horse were giving her what she deserved - freedom of pain and suffering. God speed.

[moonlitoaksranch]

I’m sorry for your loss of Fancy. 30 is a great age for a horse to achieve. Honestly, some of those ‘old age things’ hurt every minute of every day. She is at peace now. No more pain. It would have been nice if you could’ve said goodbye, but I know you also would not want her to suffer any longer than necessary. One of the hardest things to do as a horse owner is when you go on vacation and you need to sign a release in case someone can’t contact you and your horse needs vet help. It can mean that someone has to make a decision in your absence to stop a horse’s pain. This is the most selfless of things we do for the animals we care about. It hurts, but it’s the best for them. May this experience give you strength for when it’s your decision.

She looks great in the picture. I’m glad you have a photo of her from happier times.

[Countrygirl18]

Thank you for the kindness everyone

[2DogsFarm]

No, it never will get easier for us, the ones left behind.

But I only hope someone can give me a peaceful end if I can no longer advocate for myself.
It’s a gift we can give our animals.

Hold on to the Good memories.

[cayuse]

I’m sorry for your loss Countrygirl.

[rockymouse]

Such a pretty, well-loved girl.