Pts - how soon is too soon?

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wiglet

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I've already discussed pts with my vet and due to my mares diagnosis, we have decided to give her the summer and let her go in the Autumn.
Obviously I'm in bits but, I've had a while to come to terms with it now and my vet is on board with the decision and is supportive. She's a veteran mare btw and I can she the decline in her but, overall she's got weight on and looks well. she isn't ridden due to her diagnosis but is happy being a field ornament.

The issue I have is, the yard is in the process of being sold. We may be able to stay but a lot of liveries are moving off due to the uncertainty. Good livery yards are few and far between where I am so I do want to stick it out here but, if everyone else leaves, I can't leave my mare alone but equally, I don't think it fair to uproot her to a new place for the sake of 1-2months.

So the question I have is - would it be dreadful of me to pts early, say August if it became necessary?
Please be gentle, it's causing me many sleepless nights.
 
It would be the opposite of dreadful. You would be sacrificing your last few months with her for the sake of her happiness; her last memory will be in a place she knows with friends she knows around her. Completely selfless ❤

I'm so sorry it's a choice you're having to make
 
Wiglet, my thoughts go out to you.
Your mare will not know whether she goes next week, next month or 3 months time. Obviously you have her very best interests at heart as you wouldn't be posting here. I agree that I wouldn't be moving her, just give her the time you and she need, but be ready to bring the goodbye day forward so she isn't left without her friends xx
 
Not too soon at all. I put my old mare down when the property was sold and my vet and I decided better to let her go rather that put her through a move. She had health issues and any move would have been tough for her. OP, no way would I move your horse and then pts one or two months later. Let her go in familiar surroundings with less stress for both of you. Hugs to you xxx
 
smolmaus said:
It would be the opposite of dreadful. You would be sacrificing your last few months with her for the sake of her happiness; her last memory will be in a place she knows with friends she knows around her. Completely selfless ❤

I'm so sorry it's a choice you're having to make
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This above 100%

When I retired and moved coblet off his livery yard in April to live out as a companion on grass livery I had the conversation with the owner of the field that this indeed will be his "last place" as I wont move him again. His current state of soundness/lameness remains precarious and if he were to deteriorate I'd have him PTS sooner rather than later. The owner brings hers into an open barn set-up for the winter and if that doesn't suit him (he's a bit of an arse in confined spaces with other horses) then we'll be making a call also as I don't want to move him from there.
It's horrible isn't it playing God.
 
I was in this situation 2yrs ago when there was no further possible treatment to help my old horse. He was lame but comfortable on pain meds. He wasn't going to be comfortable in winter though and I didnt want to find him down in the field unable to get up so I completely understand your dilemma. I would let him go then and I'm pretty sure everyone will agree with you that you are doing the right thing for your horse in letting him go. I let my boy go 2yrs ago in August. It was the hardest decision and I was literally in bits beforehand. My last goodbyes were heart wrenching but I knew it was the right choice for him.
 
I think sooner is absolutely fine too. Much better in her home she knows, than having to move.

I’m in a similar situation with a young horse. For me, if mine needs to be put to sleep, he will be put to sleep once the vet says so (as I myself can’t mentally deal with the waiting knowing the outcome. My view would be different if he was a teenage retiree).

So what I’m trying to get at here, but badly, is don’t feel guilty. You have to do what is right for you and your mare.
 
I think that, once you’ve decided what the future looks like for your beloved horse, there isn’t really a “too soon”. I don’t mean that waiting is wrong either, btw.
Given the upcoming changes, I think what you have planned is very reasonable and kind.
I’m very sorry that you are in this position, your horse is lucky to have you ❤️
 
I was in this position with my last oldie about 7 years ago.

The yard was up for sale - we knew that - but suddenly it was 'sold' and we were given only 3 weeks to get out.

I decided my boy with health issues and aged 28 and being a bit 'special needs' in regard to care was not suitable to move and took the decision to have him PTS rather than move him. His problems were summer related so I'd decided to have him PTS in the spring but the yard sale pushed things up.

I found it harder to cope with as I felt I had to PTS in a 'rush' rather than choosing my time.

If you do decide to stay where you are be aware that a sale could result in needing a PTS decision in a hurry. Also I found the yard emptying out over a few months very sad and isolating.
 
smolmaus said:
It would be the opposite of dreadful. You would be sacrificing your last few months with her for the sake of her happiness; her last memory will be in a place she knows with friends she knows around her. Completely selfless ❤

I'm so sorry it's a choice you're having to make
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Nothing to add to this except my admiration for your strength and my condolences.
 
I'm sorry this is something you're having to face, but for what it's worth I agree I wouldn't be moving her for the sake of a short time if it's possible for her to go happy and settled. I agree with others, your horse is very lucky to have you as her owner.

I personally don't subscribe to the one last summer thing, and if knowing the day will be coming is hanging over you there is again absolutely nothing wrong with bringing your planned date forward for that reason, if that is what you need for yourself.
 
smolmaus said:
It would be the opposite of dreadful. You would be sacrificing your last few months with her for the sake of her happiness; her last memory will be in a place she knows with friends she knows around her. Completely selfless ❤

I'm so sorry it's a choice you're having to make
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So beautifully put 💞
 
As above it’s never too soon but I’d say especially in your situation. It would be far kinder to pts in the home she knows rather than move her very short term then say good bye.
My lovely TB is enjoying his last summer too, I’ve never done that before and it’s sad but take the time to stuff her with carrots and love.
 
I am facing this on Monday my 27 yr old was very bad last Saturday after the rain,she has perked up now but I have made the decision to say goodbye as better a day too early than finding her down and not able to get up. These last few days are hard but I am spoiling her rotten.
 
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