PTS - Am I doing the right thing

I had to have my lovely boy PTS this month after another bout of laminitis and other issues.

There were posts that spoke of rather a day too soon than too late. While I was deciding
if it was his time he improved for a day or two and I decided to wait until my daughter came home to see him an then make up my mind.
His last day was in severe pain that masses of Danilon did not touch. I really regret not acting sooner.
 
We care for our horses all their lives, and the last caring thing that we can do for our very special friends is too make sure that they do not suffer. It takes a very brave person to do this as hard as it is. It is not going to get any easier for her and she will find it hard again when the weather changes, you are doing the right thing for your mare, my heart goes out to you at this very hard time.
 
Personally, I wouldn't do it. Give her a chance. I would only be able to PTS whilst a horse was actually suffering. I don't mean letting a horse go on and on, but I would have to be able to see that PTS was a release.
 
I am firmly in the rather to soon than too late camp I saw too many oldies in extreme suffering when an welfare officer to ever risk it for my own.
 
I think if she is going to definitely get worse once the cold weather and hard ground comes and will be suffering, then pts is the kindest thing to do. But if she's ok now and she may be ok once the cold weather etc is here then maybe postpone it. I agree with pp's talk to your vet and see what their opinion is.
 
Alec is right you have to do right by the animal,not what you want.I did right with Angel and she is longer in pain with trying to itch herself raw with sweet itch, sometimes I think we forget about the animal and their wants and just think about what we want or need.:(:(:(:(
 
Thank you to everyone who responded and for the kind words at a difficult time.

I just wanted to say that I had my mare PTS on Friday and whilst it was the most hardest thing in the world it was the most beautiful and dignified way she could have ever gone.

Thursday the weather was horrible but I gave her what I thought would be her last groom and a chance to take some rather gloomy photos in the menage with grey cloud. She had retired to the field a few years ago but I gave her the night in the stable. A really thick bed for her to lay down on, a jam packed haynet and a yummy big feed and tucked her up for the night ready to say goodbye in the morning. Whilst I had decided not to be there when my vet turnt up, my husband was going to hand her over before coming away, I wanted to see her that morning and say my personal goodbyes.

Friday morning came and it was bright blue sky. I gave her a nice big breakfast and groomed her again. She loved it and hung her head down low in appreciation. She kept asking me to scratch her bottom, something which she always enjoyed. I decided to take a few more pictures in the menage of blue sky rather than dark and gloomy. It was like she was young again and put her tail in the air and ran round and round just like she was having fun and for a moment she looked like she wasn't in any pain. We had an hour to go so I turnt her out into a paddock which had some grass left in it and took her rugs off. I managed to take some lovely pictures of her in the field, rugs off and the sun on her back. She had two big rolls which she loved without her rugs on and she seemed happy. I left her be until my vet came. I hadn't wanted to be there to hand over my beloved mare but somehow, on the day, it seemed like the right thing to do and I found strength from within. She walked up to me when I went to get her and she behaved like she almost knew what was about to happen and it seemed like she was saying goodbye to me, coming close for a head rub. I remained with her until it was time. I said my goodbyes and left. I never watched her go to Rainbow Bridge.

I lost my friend that day of 15 years but I couldn't have asked for a more peaceful and dignified way for my friend to go. It was almost like someone was looking down on her.

Saturday we had torrential rain. Somehow, and if not I want to think it was true, that it was meant to be sunny that day and that over Rainbow Bridge she'll now be with all her friends in her life that have passed away in sunshine.

RIP my darling angel!
 
Condolences for the loss of your lovely mare. It sounds as if she had n especially enjoyable last few hours, with the sun shining down. Best wishes. Gx
 
that was a lovely tribute to your old friend It takes courage and love to let go before an animal suffers great pain I see too many people who leave it far to late even in some cases so called rescue centers.
You are a great horseman to know what is right and take your responsibility to the bitter end and make the decisions that are kindness to your pony
 
windand rain said:
that was a lovely tribute to your old friend It takes courage and love to let go before an animal suffers great pain I see too many people who leave it far to late even in some cases so called rescue centers.
You are a great horseman to know what is right and take your responsibility to the bitter end and make the decisions that are kindness to your pony
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I agree with these sentiments and it does take a good kind owner to make this hard decision rather than delay. But glad it went ok. You did the right thing. RIPx.
 
The best right decisions in life are usually the hardest and this is at the forefront of my mind at the moment as myself and the livery YO are having to be with two lovely Tb's this week when they go over to Rainbow Bridge. Their owner has, like you, taken selfishness out of the equation and put horse before human.

My hats off to you and I wish you all the very best. Don't prevent yourself from grieving properly either...our animals really get under our skin and we must grieve their loss properly.

God bless x
 
Sorry that you had to make the decision, memories are so important, and how lovely that you can have good ones for the last day.

You know it was the right decision and you can now remember her good life and know there is no more pain and nothing else can happen to her.
 
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