I have decided that enough is enough, its time to say goodbye.

This is so sad but well done you are being so brave about it. Am i right in thinking you posted some photos when you went to the beach in Nov? Somehow I remember them and I think it was such a kind thing for you to do for her xxxxx
 
How sad, lots of hugs.
If your sure nothing can be done, then maybe its the best thing, with regards to her skin do you think she has an allergy to something in her feed, id also want another opinion from another vet.
I had my old cob who'm id have since a young child put down from laminitis 4 years ago, i still think of him every day, he was put to sleep by injection, he just layed down and went very quickly, i could of never have had him shot, as ive seen a vet miss before.
What ever you do make sure you explore every single thing before putting her to sleep as id wished id had more time with my old cob, but at the end of the day your horse must be put first. good luck.
 
I'm trying my best to hold the tears back here but to no avail, everyone in the office thinks i'm wierd again and my brand new Austin Reed suit is getting a soaking!
I have the biggest respect for anybody who can deal with this kind of thing the way you are. It is brilliant to know that there are plenty of people out there who put their animals first.
I can only echo what everyone else has already said.
Sadly there is no quick fix to losing one of our best friends. My lovely St Bernard was taken from me in January and the pain and tears are still only a heartbeat away at all times, but i am happy in the knowledge that he did not suffer and if i had needed to make the decision (he died unexpectedly in his sleep) you are having to make i would have done.
I hope everything goes to plan. Take care xx
 
All I can say is that little pony has the most wonderful and caring owner any pony could wish for. Cherish your time with her and I think you are doing the right thing in the way she is going.

We spread Cairo's ashes in the summer paddock and he went into the grass which has now been eaten by Farra and Chancer so a bit of him lives on in them - plus he had the last laugh, the wind blew back when we did this so OH and I also got a mouthful of him.

Cairo's liver failure for us was a blessing. We knew he was aging rapidly and making the decision you have was something we were struggling to come to terms with, so I really admire you for being strong enough to do this before she suffers.
 
So very very sorry. If its any consolation I think that you are being very brave and putting your ponies needs before your own.You will suffer not her.All the best.
 
Trying not to cry in the office again.. I was doing okay until BoF mentioned keeping a tail snip under your pillow so you can smell them, what a wonderful idea.

You have clearly thought all this through - your pony couldn't wish for a more dedicated owner.

I remember some lovely photos of a pony in hand on the beach - was that you? If so it just proves even more how much you love your girl.

Hope you have a wonderful last few days with her - I have the greatest amount of respect and sympathy for you.

C x
 
your story made me cry...twice!! I dont know how i would cope I was put in that situation. you are doing the kindest thing. enjoy these days with her, and much respect, you are a fantastic mummy to her xxxxx
 
Thank you all - I too am now sitting here in the office with tears running down my face - I hope no-one looks at me!

Yes it was me who posted with the beach pictures, she was so happy that day, just in case anyone is interested here is the link - http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/forums/sh...t=1#Post3724585

moomin21 - I rang the makers of all the feeds she is on (has been on the same thing for the last 6 years and never had a prob) to find if they had changed any ingredients/suppliers and they hadn't. Honestly I have tried everything I can and its not just her skin - there is the arthritis too and the Cushings. Thank you for your reply, I understand where you are coming from but I really do think this is what is best for her.

Thank you for your replies - they really do mean a lot to me.
 
Well done for making a selfless decision. You are doing the best for your pony and it is not the easy option but it is the right one. You know her best. The last few days are so very hard and echo the advice above - the night before do something to take your mind off things.
Afterwards allow yourself to grieve. It is so hard but it does get better and you will get so much support from people on here. I hope we will be as brave for our old girl when the time comesx I am crying as I write this x (((HUGS)))
 
I'm crying too.....
frown.gif

You are sooooo brave. It's the hardest thing you'll ever have to do, but better whilst she's still comfortable than suffering - she's an absolute credit to you in the beach pictures..
We had our old boy shot two years ago, and it was instant. The vet didn't want to inject him because his circulation wasn't brilliant due to his age and he agreed it was far more humane. I really feel for you, but as the other post's confirm, we're all with you and fully support your bravery and responsibility.
You will have happy memories forever, and it will get easier in time.
xxx
 
Sorry to hear that you have had to make this decision, but as already said its better too earlt than too late. She is a very lucky pony to have such a caring and considerate owner as you.
 
I think you are doing an incredibly kind thing, too many people, motivated purely by themselves, keep horses alive for too long.

You are being a true friend and utterly selfless. xx
 
Have been in your position and took the decision to have my old girl pts (she was shot) before her quality of life deteriorated too much. I could maybe have had a little longer with her but I know now that it was the very best thing for her. It will get easier, but it takes time. Enjoy your next 10 days with her, she is a very lucky pony. Sending you hugs, will be thinking of you on April 3rd .x
 
You've made me cry twice, reading your post and then looking at the photos.

You are absolutely making the right decision, it's the last thing we can do for our animal friends...........but so hard for you.

Haven't had to face this yet with horses, but my old girl is 25 (had her for 19 yrs) and know that one day I will have to make that decision.

Lots of hugs to you and your pony.............
 
If only all horses and ponies could have such a well thought out end and an owner that obviously loves them and is putting the welfare of the pony first.

Hope your girl goes peacefully at the end.
x
 
You are the type of owner that every horses wishes they had. Someone who thinks about their well being, even after the ridden work is done.

Will be thinking about you on the third.

You have made a brave, honest and unselfish decision.

Sending you loads of hugs. Get loads of people to look after you, spend so much time with her and as someone else said, take photos that are unneccesary.

Jenny
x
 
I applaud you for making this very very hard decision. It is a lot for a pony to contend with, and if you feel the time is right, then it is.

Huge hugs to you.
frown.gif
 
It is a horrible decision to make whenever it comes but it sounds like you are doing exactly the right thing for her. It sounds like she has had a great winter and that the summer would not be enjoyable for her. I'll be thinking of you both on the 3rd.
 
I had to make a similar decision just a month ago. Although I'm obviously upset, I have never once thought that I made the decision too soon. You know in your heart that it's right and hope that you find the strength to get you through it for her sake. I was sent a poem by someone on this forum that I have found great comfort in and hope you do too....

"I'll lend you for a little while, my Grandest Foal." God said,
"For you to love while she's alive and mourn for when she's dead.
It may be one, or twenty years, or days or months, you see.
But will you 'till I take her back, take care of her for me?

She'll bring you charms to gladden you, and should her stay be brief,
You'll have those treasured memories as solace for your grief.
I cannot promise she will stay, since all from earth return.
But there are lessons taught on earth I want this foal to learn.

I've looked the whole world over in my search for teachers true
And from the throngs that crowd life's lanes with trust I've selected you.
Now, will you give her all your love, nor think the labour vain,
Nor hate me when I come to take her home again?

I know you'll give her tenderness, and love will bloom each day,
And for the happiness you've known, you will forever grateful stay.
But should I come and call for her much sooner than you planned,
You'll brave the bitter grief that comes, and maybe understand."
 
Oh gosh so many people having a said time right now. I'm so sorry.
frown.gif
I hope you have a wonderful few last days with her. I think you are doing the right thing, if it helps any.
 
Top