I have not wanted to think about this but I know its what we have to do. A year ago Sassy dinged up her knee. We have tried numerous remedies and nothing has helped. The only option is x-rays and surgery, which we cannot afford. As we have seen with Barbaro, no amount of money can save a horse with a messed up leg. Even with surgery, there are not guarantees. Sassy's injury has now affected her shoulder. She is almost 25 years old. She is hobbling around okay, and eating, but we can tell she is in pain. She suffers in silence, as is her way. But always comes into the barn when I come home to hand out cookies and sugar cubes. I always give her extra. I feel really bad about this, like I have somehow let Sassy down. She has given me so much. Of course we do not ride her, and we wouldn't think of selling her. Up here she could end up being food for a sled dog team. The best thing we can do for her is help her go. We will have a vet come out and I will make sure that he or she puts Sassy down in the most comfortable way possible for Sassy.
Hondo is much older than Sassy, but doing quite well. We think he is losing his eyesight and hearing a little, you definitely don't want to sneak up on him, or any horse for that matter. But his weight is good, he still plays and knows when the mares are in heat, even though he is shooting blanks. He is a good old horse, Dan will have a real hard time saying good bye to Hondo. Me too. Hondo is the horse I learned to ride on.
I just want to say that even if this was Neeki with a knee injury, our options would be the same.....euthanasia. A horse was meant to put its weight on all four legs. When they can't, it will cause problems. Just like with Barbaro. They got the injured leg under control and then the other back leg started having troubles due to the added stress on that leg. It's a no-win situation.
Yes you are doing the right thing you sure do not want your beloved horse in pain seems like they have their ways of letting you know when it is time 25 is a good age she had a long and happy life.Heard today they put poor Barbeo to sleep poor thing he was just 4 years old. I feel for you it is always a hard decision to make.
papbouv
It's tough. Twenty five isn't a bad run. We do what we can for our furkids, whether they have hooves or paws. Like you said, Barbaro's bill must have come to literally hundreds of thousands of dollars, and, in the end, it still didn't save him. I'm sure if there was a 100% guarantee that any work on Sassy would be successful, you'd do what you have to do. Unfortunately, in life, few things are guaranteed, and, as humans, we have to analyze everything as a cost/benefit analysis. The surgery is a risky proposition, even if cost was no object. Ultimately, like Barbaro's owners, you'll have to make that decision for Sassy. Your definitely not letting her down.
Yes I'm with the others you will make the right decsision, Sassy has had you to look after her best intrests till now. So I think you know we are here for you if and when the time comes.
Roberta
What a hard decision to have to make......but you are doing the right thing for her. When your quality of life is gone, what is the point? And when you are in constant pain that makes it much worse. You have loved her and she has had a good life. Hugs to you Patty.
You have my empathy. Cooper, my border collie/lab mix was put to sleep last August at age six after developing inoperable liver cancer. What a heartbreaker. I saw two sayings in a catalogue: "Heaven is where all the dogs you ever owned greet you." And my favorite: "I want to be the person my dog thinks I am." Hope one day Sassy is there, nickering for you to come and nuzzle. (I don't know - do you get to bring treats with you to heaven?) :comfort: :comfort: :heart:
I'm so sorry to hear this Patty. I didn't realize she was this old. My thoughts are with you both.
This is sad news, indeed, but you're doing the right thing for Sassy. :comfort:
Oh Patty, what can one say. My thoughts are with you. Your decision is the right one.
Hugs, Annie