Funny how your views change...

Queenbee

Queenbee

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Its five and a half months since I had Ebony put down... before that I would occasionally see the odd thread on here about giving others permission to make decisions about euthanasia etc in owners absence. Whilst good practice, the thought used to leave me cold and I never really thought about it much if I went abroad... I would have responsible people look after my horses, but never really tackled the 'what if' issue.

Well Im just about to go abroad for a week, and even though my YO hasn't asked, I found myself writting a small document and even having it witnessed giving permission for my YO to act on my behalf and on the reccomendations of my vets if anything serious happens, and they can't contact me, also stipulating my wishes for methods used if god forbid Ben needs to be euthanased whilst I am away.

Awful subject to contemplate, but having faced the loss of ebony and being driven by the sole priority of doing at all times what is best for her, I found myself wanting to put this in writing for ben and approaching the matter in quite a calm and matter of fact way, the document stipulates that it is only valid for the period of time that I am away this month, as that is what I am most comfortable with. I just thought i'd share, I can't believe how much I see this in a different light since having Ebony PTS.
 
I'm so sorry about Ebony. Somehow I missed that she had been PTS :( My contract has a clause covering this very thing, which owners sign. So we all know that we're on the same page.
 
Spring Feather said:
I'm so sorry about Ebony. Somehow I missed that she had been PTS :( My contract has a clause covering this very thing, which owners sign. So we all know that we're on the same page.
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SF, Im sorry you didn't know, you were so supportive of her x We tested for and tried every possible solvable/fixable/treatable cause but in the end we narrowed it down to Malabsorption syndrome... by which time, she had stopped eating and suddenly lost another load of weight and energy over a few days... It was time to say goodbye. :( Miss her lots, but absolutely no regrets and no what ifs. She is burried on the farm next to the cows :D I then moved ben to a new yard for a fresh start...

But I digress...

amymay said:
I've always done this QB.
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SF & AM
Yes its always seemed to me a sensible thing, although I have never been asked to do it, although I have always left contact details for my family in my absence. But it feels right to do it now, even if it hasn't been requested. I believe it offers the YO some security and peace of mind if something should happen and such decisions need to be made, but the peace of mind I feel, knowing that he would not suffer for a moment longer than necesarry is significant. I shall probably be talking to the YO about keeping this in place on my return. At then end of the day, its all about my boy. It used to feel so uncomfortable a topic, and the thought of allowing someone else to make such a decision was something that turned my stomach... as I said, I have a completely different perspective now, it also helps that I trust and have a fantastic relationship with the practice too, they know my feelings and views and what I would and wouldn't want, what my horses mean to me.
 
Five and a half months, gosh. I often think about your posts and how clear it was how much you loved Ebony. I know what you mean about how things change. I keep thinking I should put something in writing to make sure my horses are properly cared for if anything happens to me.
 
Mine are with OH and his fathers horses. Both know that if there was a problem, vet or hunt would be called first and me second, if vet and hunt were going to take a while both have permission themselves to do the deed. I'd always rather it happen too soon than too late with pain. I'd always want to be there, but again I wouldn't prolong it if I would be there after vet/hunt.

Also have a livery who has requested that if it is a clear case of pts that we do so before contacting her, so she doesn't drive like a nutter to get there putting herself and others at risk.
 
yes its the issue of unnecesary pain and suffering that has driven me to do this. I have basically covered the following points:

My details and description of Horse

• I grant YO Name/Address full authority to make any decisions regarding the welfare of Horse Name during the period from the start date through to the Finish date

• I agree that in my absence YO Name has my permission to authorise euthanasia, if such a course of action is recommended by any Vet employed by Named Pactice.

• Should euthanasia be necessary it is my expressed wish that euthanasia is to be carried out by injection, by Named Practice.

• Should Horses name need medical attention of any description or form, I give my permission for YO Name to call my vets out to attend him, without notification to me.

• I give YO Name authority to agree to any form of treatment recommended by my Vets, on my behalf during the stated period.

• It is my expectation that an attempt be made to contact me if any major surgery or euthanasia decision needs to be made. Should such attempt to contact me fail and surgery or euthanasia is recommended as being in the interest of Horse Name, YO Name has my authority to sanction any action the vet recommends.

• Should YO Name disagree with the course of action the vet recommends, she has my authority to hold off on any recommended treatment until contact has been made with me.


I think that covers any eventuality that may arise, and actually by putting this in place, even though I am in essence handing over responsibility and control for his welfare during this period, ironically it makes me feel a lot more responsible and in control.
 
Something also worth considering is what would happen if you were suddenly ill or (god forbid) worse.
My husband is non horsey but can do the basics but he has two numbers saved in his phone of people that could help him with their care or even help him sell the ponies should anything happen to me, ditto with the chickens (we have 200 and some are rare)

Another horrible thought but a necessary precaution
 
WelshD said:
Something also worth considering is what would happen if you were suddenly ill or (god forbid) worse.
My husband is non horsey but can do the basics but he has two numbers saved in his phone of people that could help him with their care or even help him sell the ponies should anything happen to me, ditto with the chickens (we have 200 and some are rare)

Another horrible thought but a necessary precaution
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I absolutely agree, awful to contemplate, but a necesarry plan to have in place. I know what will happen with Ben, this is already sorted. As I said peace of mind, and its all about the best possible care for my animals.
 
Queenbee said:
SF, Im sorry you didn't know, you were so supportive of her x We tested for and tried every possible solvable/fixable/treatable cause but in the end we narrowed it down to Malabsorption syndrome... by which time, she had stopped eating and suddenly lost another load of weight and energy over a few days... It was time to say goodbye. :( Miss her lots, but absolutely no regrets and no what ifs. She is burried on the farm next to the cows :D I then moved ben to a new yard for a fresh start...
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Yes you must miss her terribly :( It always came across in your writing how much you loved her. Here's to the future and great memories xx
 
My parent (horsey people) would see to this is I was unable.

I don't keep my horses on livery yards so no YO but I also have a very close friend who if parents and I weren't about she would make the call.
 
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