How the hell do you choose a day to PTS?

I'm so sorry, i can only imagine how hard it is for you. With both of mine I couldn't plan the decision had to be made immediately. Just wanted to send a ((((hug))) and you are doing the best thing for your boy x
 
I am so sorry for you, went through it this time last year.
Agree if you can arrange mutual time to suit you and YO. My YO rang the necessary people as i wasn't strong enough to ask them.
Be with him on his final walk- he knows nothing and will have no stress- its the final act of kindness we can give them after all they give us. If you don't feel strong enough to hold him in the end get a trusted friend who he knows to do it.
Do leave when the body is being removed- that's not the memory you want.
Try and book it for a day when u have a few days off after and ideally don't be alone straight after it happens- my YO takes us to house and we have tea and cake to celebrate them, and chat about the good times. It helps.
Don't be afraid to give extra danilon i gave my boy 3 packets a day for last week as i wanted him to be as pain free as possible, spoil him rotten but don't leave it too long. Its better to do it before the winter really sets in.
 
to be honest had to have my dog pts on monday, so upset haven't even been able to tell anyone.
But once i thought the deed was to be done, i cried everytine I saw him, my god I am a grown up logical women, but it is really hard.dont think I could have gone on for a while like that.
your horse is lovely and i understand totally how you are feeling. hugs
 
Last edited:
Spring Feather said:
If I know I have time to choose the day then I look at the weather forecast. I prefer them to go on a nice day. It makes logistics easier. Sorry for you :(
Click to expand...

I tried to do this and that afternoon afterwards the deed, it hammered down rain(but we did get our sunshine). I always wanted mine to go out with sun on back. No day is a good day. It is truely an awful decision and booking it is hell. I balled my eyes out to the poor vet nurse to get the words out. Get it done whilst your horse is still up. Your vet sounds wonderful to consider this. My horrid vet wanted mine down unable to get up/wanted horsepital etc. You dont want to find your horse distressed down and I think thats the way to look at it. Let your horse go out feeling good. But I agree I tried to look at the weather and in the end one morning I went to see him and could see the arthritis and bute was not working as well as before so I rang and it was done that lunch time. Forget christmas its irrelevant every day is the same to a horse. So easy giving advice, I do feel so sorry for you. I spent two years + dithering with mine. But he went off to sleep so well and definitely didnt know what was about to happen, he was eating apples. Your vet will tell you how to arrange it and advise you. ie hunt you can do anytime and they will take away and do it all, so simple. I booked vet(injection) and then organised a collection service who came 45 mins later(you can ask them to wait up road so horse is not aware of extra activity going on around). But vet gave me all the info as to what to do.Its their job.
 
A stunning picture of your horse, and how sad for you. Guessing I agree with many of the other posts - try to go for a nice day, a day when he has some sun on his back, and he has lovely thoughts at the end. We are probably in for a dire wet winter, so if it is a nice day when he goes, then you will not have to think about him standing in a rain soaked paddock.
Really sad, seeing that lovely picure has brought a lump to my throat as well - he is so noble xx
 
The last one we had done was a mini with awful arthritus.
We gave him a good summer, and the week before we were due a cold snap we booked it.
He went off on a sunny sept morning with a belly full of food and a scritch.
 
So sorry to hear the sad news about your lovely boy. It's never an easy decision although I think you'll know when the time is right. Somehow they sort of let you know particularly, when they have an ongoing condition that isn't going to improve.

If you think he is unhappy and starting to suffer then that's the time to let him go.

((((hugs))))
 
Mary Poppins I am so sorry for you. What a stunning boy he is, thank you for sharing the pic. I haven't ever had to go through this so cant give advice but had to send hugs and best wishes, to think they can bring us such joy and then such heartache. Thinking of you xx
 
if you can be flexible with regards to day and time, phone the vets tell them you want it done sooner rather than later and ask them to name a day and time within a time frame to suit you and your horses health.

if he is being pts by injection and then collected for cremation the vets should be able to arrange the collection to coincide with the pts, so you should not have to do all the calling round and arranging. its what we do at work anyway as many people find the arranging distressing

in your shoes many people want it done asap due to the stress and emotion the waiting creates-i hope i have the strength to make a decision before they suffer if it comes to that
[[[[HUGS]]]]

historically at our yard there is a large bottle of something strong a couple of days later to remember them
 
I'm so, so sorry,he's a very handsome boy and from the photo you & family will have lovely memories to share. Give him a cuddle & a groom/tickle/scratch from me..I've had to have 3 go, all sudden, but one I knew in my heart that morning..took long tail clippings from each & treasure them. I've made all into jewellery but kept a lock of each too. be strong for him & be proud that you care enough to do him proud.Its very hard & you'll need to be very brave, but you'll feel peace & acceptance when you don't expect it. Enjoy him & know you've done your very best.huge hugs xxx
 
I lost my boy last June. It was a book ahead one, he said he was done.
I gave us a week together, and I booked for a Friday and had the day off.
I organised everything myself, because I'm stubborn, and the week leading up to it was very bittersweet. I told him what was going to happen, and he got lots of treats and loves. Once I'd booked it I was relieved in a way, it's before the booking that was so hard! I did let the other owners know what was happening, and most made sure to come that morning or the evening before to say their goodbyes. I had my best mate with me that day, for before and after.
It is the final act of kindness, and you are doing the right thing, and he knows that too.
Big hugs for you, and apples for your boy xxx
 
Oh hunny. Huge hugs to you. A beautiful lad.

Others have given wise words. I'll just say to have a good friend with you, to deal with having his body removed. I've done that bit for others and others have done it for me. Also, dependent on how it's been arranged, you'll need the cash on the day for the removal people.

It's rubbish :( But knowing that once he's gone he's no longer in pain really does ease it. When we said goodbye to Little Lad in the summer, there was immeasurable relief of knowing that he wasn't hurting or in danger of being hurt any more.
 
If it helps, when Bob was pts last year he trotted over & whinnied to the Vet when he arrived. That was something he never did unless you were carrying a food bowl. I suppose I'm being daft, but I'm sure he knew & was saying he was ready to go.
There won't be a "good" day, only a least bad day from your point of view. As others have suggested pick a day that doesn't have happy associations if you can & try to have a couple of days after where you don't have to do anything important or make any big decisions. It has helped me to arrange collection for an hour or so after the deed so I could just spend that last little bit of time saying goodbye. For me PTS then taken straight away was too sudden but for other people the waiting around might be the awful bit. Think about that, it might influence your choice between Vet/Hunt/other. After the deed it won't make any difference to him but you need to make the day itself as least horrid for yourself as you can. What works is different for everybody, but the one thing I would recommend to anybody is don't be there for loading onto the lorry afterwards - get YO/a friend to do that, hide yourself away or go home & just sob your heart out knowing you have done the last kind thing you can.
 
You are very very brave, many would wait until he was really struggling, but then that is keeping him here for you, and not doing the best for him.

If you are looking at the short term, why do you not ask your vet if he can have a few really pain free days... maybe give him 2 danilon?

Love him loads and let him go in the kindess way that suits you and your horse.

You will be strong, and brave enough to see it through.

Your vet sounds wonderful too - may would be peddling drugs to keep him going for just another month or so - but old bones ache in the cold and wind, and if we have a bad winter and he has to stand in, then its harder to get those old bones moving again.

God bless
GW
 
So sorry to hear this. For all horse owners this is our last responsibility, and last kindness - to take the pain away in a place of security and calmness. It's never easy, but when a vet advises it you can be sure that you have been brave did the right thing.

Paula
 
You have all been so kind with your words of support, thankyou so much.

It has all been arranged now, he is going to sleep Thursday 9am.

We have all been in tears, and it's hard knowing the kids are upset, but I have explained about his knees and they know why I am doing it. To be honest, now it is booked, I feel kind of relieved, and I am going to be with him till the very end.

I don't normally encourage treats to my horses, but Jimmy has been totally spoilt this week and he's loving all the extra attention. I still have spontaneous bursts of tears, and I just tell the kids that my eyes are leaking!

I think from last week, we have finally accepted what is going to happen and I am taking great comfort that my old horse who I had pts 3 years ago is pacing the gate at Rainbow Bridge waiting for his mate too arrive - not long now Sonny, soon you'll both be together again.

xx
 
Mary Poppins said:
You have all been so kind with your words of support, thankyou so much.

It has all been arranged now, he is going to sleep Thursday 9am.

We have all been in tears, and it's hard knowing the kids are upset, but I have explained about his knees and they know why I am doing it. To be honest, now it is booked, I feel kind of relieved, and I am going to be with him till the very end.

I don't normally encourage treats to my horses, but Jimmy has been totally spoilt this week and he's loving all the extra attention. I still have spontaneous bursts of tears, and I just tell the kids that my eyes are leaking!

I think from last week, we have finally accepted what is going to happen and I am taking great comfort that my old horse who I had pts 3 years ago is pacing the gate at Rainbow Bridge waiting for his mate too arrive - not long now Sonny, soon you'll both be together again.

xx
Click to expand...

I wish Jimmy all the best for his last few days. Spoil him rotten, think of the good times and stay strong. He will be waiting for you too. Hugs xx
 
Mary Poppins said:
You have all been so kind with your words of support, thankyou so much.

It has all been arranged now, he is going to sleep Thursday 9am.

We have all been in tears, and it's hard knowing the kids are upset, but I have explained about his knees and they know why I am doing it. To be honest, now it is booked, I feel kind of relieved, and I am going to be with him till the very end.

I don't normally encourage treats to my horses, but Jimmy has been totally spoilt this week and he's loving all the extra attention. I still have spontaneous bursts of tears, and I just tell the kids that my eyes are leaking!

I think from last week, we have finally accepted what is going to happen and I am taking great comfort that my old horse who I had pts 3 years ago is pacing the gate at Rainbow Bridge waiting for his mate too arrive - not long now Sonny, soon you'll both be together again.

xx
Click to expand...

It's a huge weight off, isn't it?

Will be thinking of you on thursday xx
 
So sorry to hear what you're going through, he is a gorgeous boy! But you've done the right thing arranging it sooner rather than later. That was what my advice was going to be. Once we know we have to let them go, it's best to put matters in motion. These few days will be the worst for you, I lost my home bred 24 year old mare about 8 weeks ago, so I know exactly what you're going through. Arthritis with her as well. Lots of TLC, cuddles, polos etc for the next few days. And tears for you, but that's a natural feeling, let it out and cry on any shoulder that is offered. Its hard to keep it together when you have kids as well (mine are 2 and 5!). All the best, Thursday will be a difficult day, but soon your big fella will be pain free and grazing in that big field in the sky with all his pals gone in the past. I got some lovely pictures of my old girl with my daughter the day before she left me, and I cherish that (now sitting in tears myself!) Take care. xx
 
Mary Poppins said:
You have all been so kind with your words of support, thankyou so much.

It has all been arranged now, he is going to sleep Thursday 9am.

We have all been in tears, and it's hard knowing the kids are upset, but I have explained about his knees and they know why I am doing it. To be honest, now it is booked, I feel kind of relieved, and I am going to be with him till the very end.

I don't normally encourage treats to my horses, but Jimmy has been totally spoilt this week and he's loving all the extra attention. I still have spontaneous bursts of tears, and I just tell the kids that my eyes are leaking!

I think from last week, we have finally accepted what is going to happen and I am taking great comfort that my old horse who I had pts 3 years ago is pacing the gate at Rainbow Bridge waiting for his mate too arrive - not long now Sonny, soon you'll both be together again.

xx
Click to expand...



My girl went last Tuesday. I only had two wants - a dry day and before the fireworks set in. I asked the vet and the crem to pencil her in for Wednesday then watched the 5 day weather forecast on Sunday night. Tuesday looked better so I brought it all forward. The vet was lovely, took time and trouble to explain every stage (although I knew exactly what the procedure was) - I was glad it wasn't one of her regular vets though as its such a short straw for them. She had a lovely breakfast with no nasty drugs except a big dose of painkiller (which she always found palatable) and all the sweet things she couldn't have any more thanks to the Cushings. I had her sedated just by the field gate so that she wouldn't think she was going to just walk off to her friends, then she wobbled in just beyond the mud and the final injection was given. At this exact moment a ray of sun shone down on her head - even the vet commented on it. I held her (very low) head in my arms until she started to collapse then held on to what had for years been her shy ear and stroked her neck until the vet told me her heart had stopped. From the moment she went down there was absolutely no movement from her and it was the gentle and dignified end that she completely deserved. The centre of my universe has been torn out but I have no regrets about my decision.
 
My friend sent me this when I had by beloved dog PTS last month - and I thought I would share it.

The Last Battle

If it should be that I grow frail and weak,
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this last battle, can't be won.

You will be sad I understand,
But don't let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.

We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn't want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.

Take me to where to my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me till the end
And hold me firm and speak to me,
Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time you will agree,
It is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.

Don't grieve that it must be you,
Who has to decide this thing to do;
We've been so close,we two, these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.
 
Mary Poppins said:
I think from last week, we have finally accepted what is going to happen and I am taking great comfort that my old horse who I had pts 3 years ago is pacing the gate at Rainbow Bridge waiting for his mate too arrive - not long now Sonny, soon you'll both be together again.

xx
Click to expand...

Probably a silly question... but was Sonny smaller and brown? xx
 
Will be thinking of you. Don't forget to take lots of photos this week it is comforting to look at them in later times and as others have said keep some mane / tail hair. I love looking at my two oldies hair intertwined in my jewellery box. Hope all goes off peacefully for your special chap xxxx
 
Mary Poppins said:
Just had the vet out to do my boys Cortisone injections. He has arthritis in his knees. However, the vet has advised he is PTS as although he is not in alot of pain, he has danilon daily, he is finding it hard to support himself.

I know what needs to be done, and I will do it, but how the hell do you choose a day to have your beloved horse put to sleep?

Feeling very sad and tearful right now. :'''(
Click to expand...

I would get a second opinion. If he isn't in allot of pain .

One our the liveries here has had cortizone and it has made allot of difference to him
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top