The worst decision

Pearlsasinger said:
It is not a shotgun that the knackerman uses. The animal doesn't register the sound, it dies too quickly.
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Oh yeah I know it's not that way with horses just meant with my friend's dog and anyone that has to have shotgun method for animals the sound haunts me before I've heard it.
 
Please don't worry, whatever you choose your horse will be fine. There's no "best way" losing an old friend will be painful but for your pony it won't be. I've attended all methods, for my own horses and for friends, I've never felt uncomfortable with what I've seen. As others have said, don't stay to see him taken away, I've always chosen to stay for the euthanasia but that's because I wanted them to feel my presence but if that's not how you want to do it, don't feel pressurised. I think as owners, we know when the time has come. Thinking of you.
 
Thank you everyone for all your comments and recommendations. It's such a hard thing to go through and I want it to be as easy as possible for him. Having a big bowl of sugary fees would make his day!
This is the worst part of horse (or any animal really) ownership and it's hard to not be selfish about it. He's had a lovely life even with all the difficulties and I've done so much with I owe it to him to give him a proper send off :)
 
Chippers1 said:
Thank you everyone for all your comments and recommendations. It's such a hard thing to go through and I want it to be as easy as possible for him. Having a big bowl of sugary fees would make his day!
This is the worst part of horse (or any animal really) ownership and it's hard to not be selfish about it. He's had a lovely life even with all the difficulties and I've done so much with I owe it to him to give him a proper send off :)
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You will. That you know it's time to start thinking about the worst decision and asking all these horrible questions despite what the answers might be says he'll be lucky to drop off peacefully and with dignity no matter what. You'll be OK :)
 
JillA said:
I've had numerous PTS by injection over the years and never had an adverse reaction, but I do know they happen. Not sure what the stats show as the likelihood, your vet might know. For me, captive bolt or even shooting is just too violent but that's personal preference. I suspect you will get advocates of both on here which won't help with your decision, but for me it is injection every time - that does mean you have to cremate. When they are shot the carcase can be used for hounds, which is a lot cheaper, I don't know if cost is a factor. YOur vet will know someone who cremates, or there are people licensed to destroy and remove, again, ask your vet
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This^^^ and I am so sorry, sending you hugs. I am one for always having the injection like Jilla but we were able to bury our horses on our own land.
 
Chippers1 said:
Thank you everyone for all your comments and recommendations. It's such a hard thing to go through and I want it to be as easy as possible for him. Having a big bowl of sugary fees would make his day!
This is the worst part of horse (or any animal really) ownership and it's hard to not be selfish about it. He's had a lovely life even with all the difficulties and I've done so much with I owe it to him to give him a proper send off :)
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They don't have the hangups that we have. My lovely old mare couldn't have been clearer asking to be let go, she had had enough. I look on it as the last gift we can give them, that release from pain and struggle.
 
It's been booked for the 4th of Septemebr, he's going to be turned out in a field for the day which hasn't happened in 7 years! Then he'll get a huge bucket of feed then go.
I'm incredibly sad and feel so guilty but I know that it's right and he can't keep going on being lame all the time. I can enjoy the next 2 weeks with him :)
 
Chippers1 said:
It's been booked for the 4th of Septemebr, he's going to be turned out in a field for the day which hasn't happened in 7 years! Then he'll get a huge bucket of feed then go.
I'm incredibly sad and feel so guilty but I know that it's right and he can't keep going on being lame all the time. I can enjoy the next 2 weeks with him :)
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Tough to make the decision in advance like that - I have mostly pretty much responded to emergency situations. Just regard it as that last way of caring for him
 
I think having a day planned makes it easier for me to process, if I just left it I would never get round to it :) it is horrible to plan though :(
 
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