Made the awful decision to have my girl put down

[Annie&Amy]

She has unfortunately now developed bad laminitis in her back leg which she has also got arthritis in. This leaves her with only one laminitic free foot and i won't put her through anymore box rest when there is very little chance of her going on to lead a good quality of life. She came to me at 19 to have a nice retirement with the odd hack and up to three months ago she was living out 24/7 with my friends pony, grazing, rolling, eating and having fun (she is a ex riding school horse). She has spent the last three months stuck in a stable and the vet feels that she would prob only ever to be able to have very very limited grazing at best as she has developed insulin resistance, this in my view is not a life for her as she lives to be with her mates and it has to be said to eat. We have done everything we can for her with imprint shoes to support her feet and founderguard etc and i have followed the vets advice to the letter plus called the laminitis clinic and done so much research on the net but for amy it's not to be.

At the moment she is comfortable with her foot bandaged to support it and on bute and she will be put down on wed's with her pony friend by her side and all her human friends with her. She has been such a great friend and a privelige to know as she is a great character and i love her so much but that is why i've got to let her go, she needs to go to heaven where she can eat grass and roll and play out in the open without it causing pain to her feet. I am crying writing this but i've got to be strong for my amybear xxxx

 

[Horseyscot]

So sorry. It must be one of the hardest decisions to make but you are doing the right thing.

(((Hugs)))

 

[Keltic]

Im so sorry to hear this, but think you have made a brave decision for her (and you) ((hugs))

 

[sueandtoto]

Youv'e made a brave but right decision , my heart goes out to you **hugs** x

 

[DBrasnett]

**hugs**

 

[the watcher]

What a horrible time for you. Take comfort in knowing that she has no idea of what is coming and will just enjoy the fuss and attention - sometime doing the right thing is so hard.

 

[Twinkletoes]

I am so sorry for you, going through such a rough time and having to make that horrible decision. You have done everything you could have done. Hugs, and support. x

 

[H's mum]

That's so sad - I'm sending you a huge cyberhug ((((((hugs))))))
This is definitely the worst part of horse ownership - the decision is the best one for your horse and you should feel proud that you have faced the decision with courage

It will be the hardest day of all on Weds and the tears will last a long time - but time is a great healer and there will be a day where you can look fondly at a photo of Amy without crying...
Kate xx

 

[Nari]

(((Hugs)))

 

[squirtlysmum]

It is 3 years today that I had my girl PTS and it still hurts but I know I made the right decision and my heart goes out to you knowing what you are going through. Big hugs!!

 

[Llwyncwn]

Your post has touched me so much. I know that you are giving Amybear the best possible farewell gift that anyone could give. The strong bond you have can never be broken and Im sure she knows the length you have gone to to get her right. This is her time now and Im sending you all the positive vibes I can muster to give you strength. I also want to send you this poem which I only send when I feel it is needed, hope it helps (it helps me) ...

"I'll lend you for a little while, my Grandest Foal." God said,
"For you to love while he's alive, and mourn for when he's dead.
It may be one, or twenty years.
Or days or months, you see.
But will you 'till I take him back,
take care of him for me?
He'll bring you charms to gladden you,
and should his stay be brief,
You'll have those treasured memories
as solace for your grief.
I cannot promise he 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 him all your love,
nor think the labour vain,
Nor hate me when I come
to take him home again?
I know you'll give him 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 him
much sooner than you planned,
You'll brave the bitter grief that comes,
and maybe understand."

 

[dsophiea]

aww im so sorry for you, you are doing the right thing and its such a hard decision for you
thinking of you and big hugs x

 

[jewel]

thinking of you, big hugs

 

[fredthoroughbred]

I think you are doing the right thing by your horse!! It is never an easy decision but you took her on as a golden oldie and she will apprecieate everything you have done for her!!
I have never done a big hugs before but ((((((((((hugs)))))))))))) I feel that you deserve it

 

[cellie]

Your doing the bravest and kindest thing you can do .She has had good quality time with you and that is the best thing you can offer.Hugs

 

[PapaFrita]

How sad for you

I do think you're making the right choice though.

 

[piebaldsparkle]

Horrible decision to have to make, but does sound like you have made the right one.

 

[angiebaby]

Thinking of you, I know how hard its been for you both.
(((((((hugs)))))))) for you and Amybear

 

[jen1]

So sorry for you but you are doing the right thing for her. Thinking of you x x

 

[TicTac]

It's the right decision for Amybear. She'll be free to run again xx

 

[dieseldog]

Very sorry to hear this

 

[slingo1uk]

Bless you and Amy stay strong for your girl
((((( HUGS)))))
My heart goes out to you , this is the kindest thing you can do
((((HUGS))))

 

[cruiseline]

It is one of the hardest decisions a horse owner ever has to make, but I admire the fact that you have acknowledged the responsibility you must give to the horses in your care.

It is the right decision, though never easy.

((((hugs))))))

 

[horsemadmandy]

Hi - I do not know you but still want to give u a great big hug- I am very near this time with my 21 year old- take it day by day . If I was in your position I would have no choice but to make the decision for a horse who needs the decision to be made- you are being a true owner and friend x

 

[Annie&Amy]

Thanks for all your lovely thoughts and messages. We had a lovely day together today just having hugs and cuddles, her old owners came to say goodbye and she spent some time with her friends in the field. I will continue doing this till wednesday. I am feeling constantly sick about it but i know i'm doing the right thing for her, i have no doubts in my mind it's just i don't want to say that final goodbye xxxx

 

[Flame_]

Sorry to hear this. I've been following your case and it never nice when you don't get a happy ending.

I know its not my place and I do respect your decision but I'm concerned for this pony that more could be done. What drugs have you tried to get the laminitis under control? Is there severe irreparable movement of her pedal bones? If the vet thinks she's insulin resistant, unless she's in agony or her feet are knackered, they should be trying different medications.

I apologise if there is no alternative and you are sure you are doing the best thing.

 

[Annie&Amy]

I want her to go while she isn't in too much pain, her pedal bones have dropped in her front and back foot which is obviously very painful for her, she also has very bad arthritis in the back one and for a combination of reasons i don't want her to go through anymore. She is so miserable being away from her friends and hates being shut up in a stable, she doesn't scream and shout but she is very withdrawn. I had already said to myself that if she got laminitis again then i would call it a day. I would rather she go now while she isn't suffering too much with the pain than wait till she is on three legs or isn't able to stand. I'm a small animal vet nurse (for 16 years) and i've seen so many animals left until they're in agony and i personally wouldn't do that to my own. Everyone knows when it is the right time for there own pets and i can see it in her face, she's so tired and confused as to why she isn't out with her friends enjoying her retirement in the field xxxx

 

[gothdolly]

Im so sorry, I know you have done all you can. As the owner of an IR horse and a cushings horse I really understand what you have gone through and personally think you are doing the right thing.

(((HUGS)))
Cassandra

 

[carthorse]

So sorry we all dread the day we have to make this hard decision but you know when she has had enough and you love her.Hugs

 

[Eaglestone]

<<<<< Hugs >>>>>

Will be thinking of you all on Wednesday