Tomorrow is the Big Goodbye

Have 8:30 appointment to put down my 27 yo ottb mare (many issues but final deal breaker is both hind suspensories are near catastrophic failure). Have owned horses for 50 yrs, been here 4x before, usually sensible & realistic & “better to soon than too late”, but…

Can’t believe how much this hurts. I’ve had her a decade, she’s been a wonderful little mare for me. The time is right, and I’ll follow through, do right by her tomorrow.

Just can’t believe how much pain I’m swallowing back today. You’d think it would get easier as one gets older…

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I understand and feel your pain and have stood in your shoes 6 times now. I think the planned euthanasia even when it is right and the kindest decision can be very difficult because of the window of time between when the decision is made and when the horse is laid to rest. It’s sad and anxiety provoking. I don’t think it ever gets easier but it is a small albeit painful price to pay for the joy horses bring. Big hugs to you. And much love to your mare.

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So very sorry. It is so hard even when it is the right decision.

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Thank you. It helped ease the hurt just typing that post out, now even more seeing understanding responses.

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I truly am very sorry. I put two down on the same day in 2020. It was definitely time for both and probably past time for the 35 year old ( the other was 29).
Make her the most delicious breakfast and let her eat her body weight in her favorite yummy snack. And try to find some solace in knowing it takes real strength and love to let her go. It is your last gift to her. I will keep you both in my thoughts tomorrow

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Wishing you peace to help you heal a little better - right time or not, it’s always a heartbreaker :broken_heart:

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I’m sorry. It won’t hurt her anymore, but you will carry her hurt for some time yet.

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She will be free of all of her ills soon. I know that’s hard to hold on to before the moment. There never seems to be a situation where this isn’t an agonizing process. But how wonderful that your mare has a human who cares for her this much. :heart:

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There is never an easy day or easy hour. It just hurts like hell and must be borne. You are a good steward to your mare and she is lucky to have you. I wish you peace and comfort with your journey through this. :heart:

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Hold tight to this: it is not about us as we would never let go, rather about what is in their best interest…somedays just suck! I will be thinking of you and sending support.

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I put my beloved 28 y.o. Paint gelding down in July. WE were together for 21 years. His arthritic knee finally lost flexion and was losing control of his hoof. I thought the vet jumped the gun when she said it was time, but she was right, of course. I wasn’t going to pursue more vet care because I didn’t want to turn him into an old man. He was still abundle of energy. I did three things.

First, I talked with the vet about what I wanted to avoid because it grossed me out. She was able to adapt her usual procedure. He was on a bed of hay. She sedated him first so he was really relaxed. She gave me some time, then the second shot and he didn’t fall as hard. Everyone had some time before she gave him the final injection. Her tech massaged his eyelids so they were partially closed, no whites showing.

Second, I picked a time late in the afternoon so a young friend who rode him for over 10 years could come after work. He was well-known to many people in the area, so I sent an email and the word got around that I would welcome friends - a few dozen came. I was encircled by many friends who crushed me in huge hugs at the toughtest moments.

Third, I have worked hard at creating an image of my living horse in my mind. I don’t have one of a dead horse lying on the ground, whites of his eyes showing. I have an amazing photo of us where I can see it whenever I need to. I could feel him behind my left shoulder for a couple of months. He is no longer that close, but he is still nearby.

I had him composted rather than cremated because he couldn’t be buried on the farm. I picked up a few buckets yesterday and will plant a tree in my yard. I’ll share some with a few close friends who knew him well. I’m going to post about composting. It was a good decision. Friends stayed with him when he was picked him up. They were impressed with how sensitive they were moving him into the trailer.

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I knew I’d find support I need from you guys - huge thanks. Just home from giving her a thorough curry & brush out. With vets permission gave her a big dose of banamine so she can have an ache free night. Her appetite is iffy but got her lots of carrots & favorite cookies. She’s bedded deep in hay & looked sweet & peaceful as I said goodnight. I checked in with vet requesting tranquilizer & time before euth meds, they agreed.

Thanks again, I was struggling so hard before posting here - all of your support & stories are soothing my soul.

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My heart is breaking for you, but you are doing right by your girl. Keeping you both close in my heart and in my prayers. We’ll all be with you in spirit tomorrow. :heart::heart:

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I missed your posts on the forum and I’m so sorry you’re coming back to update us on such sorry news. Big hugs to you, it’s never easier and I wish it got better as you get older but it’s not the case for me either. Make sure to cut some of her tail if you are the type for shadowbox or bracelet keepsakes. Jingling tomorrow for you and your lovely old mare. This it be right. :heart: :broken_heart: :chains:

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I’m so sorry. It never gets easier. Knowing it’s the right thing to do helps some, but you still have to process the grief. I have a 29 year old who I’ve had for 27 years and known since birth. I find myself making mental evaluations every time I look at her. So far so good, but I know it could all change any time now.

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I am so very sorry. Big hugs. It is the price we pay for our love and their companionship. Does that make it easier? No. But…what would life be without that love?
I’m contemplating the ‘cheap companion’ pony I got 5 or 6 years ago…the most expensive pet on the property…at some point awfully soon, I will have to make the call. The real problem is that DH absolutely, completely adores her. He isn’t a horse person, but he just loves Bella. That is going to be hard.

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Thinking about you, and hoping you find some comfort in the support you have here.

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“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard ….” Winnie The Pooh / A. A. Milne

RIP ~ Beloved Mare ~ knowing you will always be loved and remembered ~

((hugs)) for everyone who has loved this mare ~

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Of course that will be terribly hard. But no question he will want what is best for Bella, because he loves her.

Natural decline & death is often hard and miserable. Just my opinion, the ‘easy ticket out’ is one of the greatest gifts and kindnesses we can give our animals.

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Everyone has said it so much better -so I will just add - big hugs to you. It’s never easy.

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