Think it's time to say goodbye to Ted

T

Thistle

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Think it's time to say goodbye to Ted, he is approaching 40 and has used up all his nine lives.

He has come down with yet another bout of laminitis (cushing related, he is skinny and has hardly any turnout, none if it's frosty).
His feet are distorted and my farrier struggled to replace his 'slippers' 2 weeks ago, he had to place the nail holes so low that a shoe has now slipped and it's hurting. Bloody farrier is moving house today so can't come out!.

He can't cope without front shoes at all so the slipped shoe is offering more protection than removing it would.

I talked to the vet on Tues who feels that his cushings has caught up with him, we just didn't expect it to be so fast.

I have him full of bute and in a nice bedded box, he is still lively and a pain in the backside, not feeling too miserable.

I shall try to get him through the weekend so we can all say goodbye to him.

I really feel awful, it is 4 weeks today that my beloved lurcher, Zak was unexpectedly taken ill and PTS whilst I was on holiday.

I always hate this time of year, now I know why.
 
Poor you and Ted
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so sorry to hear this:(
sounds like you know what is best, and its very brave to make that decision, try to enjoy the weekend with him

lot of hugs((((((()))))))
 
thistle
poor you, i know how you feel. my horse is also on bute with navicular and although i havent got to make the decision yet i know i will one day and i hate thinking about it.
enjoy him for the weekend and let him go with dignity. you will hate yourself forever if you let him get worse and then do it.
you know you are making the right choice, hard as it is.
good luck
 
Poor Ted he does sound like a right character.

Have you tried Farriers Formula? Friend had a old lamanitic pony with 'slippers' and after 6 months on FF the pony apparently had amazing feet and has never had laminitis again
 
It's hard to do the right thing. It sounds like that would be best for him tho, tbh especially if it's starting to get difficult to keep him comfortable. How awful, especially with your poor dog as well
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{{{{hugs}}}}
 
i'm so sorry to hear that. but sounds like you've made a decision based on what you know, and you're not being selfish about it.

its years next week since my old pony was pts aged 46. he was fine in his mind and wanted to keep on, but something had happened in the field (we still don't know what) and he was really lame on his near hock, even after a week box rest and bute.

we decided it was time, and took him to the hunt kennels - he tried to canter up the trailer ramp on 3 legs, thinking he was going hunting. it was heart-wrenching. still haven't got over it.

but i think you know when its time, and you have to let them go with dignity don't you?
 
oh dear huge {{hugs}} for you and Ted. It sounds like you have made up your mind, enjoy the weekend, and this way you will always remember him happy and full of mischief instead of watching him decline. What an amazing age to reach as well.
 
Poor you, decisions like this are horrible to make, but it sounds like you are doing the caring thing. I hope Ted has a lovely last weekend being pampered. Big hugs for you (and for Ted as well).

40 is an AMAZING age.
 
I am so sorry for you and poor Ted. Take comfort in the knowledge that Ted has a caring owner who knows the decision to let him go is the right thing to do. This must be the hardest thing in the world for you but like the others said, enjoy him and remember the good times.
 
I don't think anyone would expect a pony of 40 to cope with his problems any longer but it is sad for you all who have known and loved him. I personally think it's best to let them go while they still have that spark in them, any longer and the spark goes out and you know you waited too long for him.
Thoughts are with you, it's never easy.
 
[ QUOTE ]
Poor Ted he does sound like a right character.

Have you tried Farriers Formula? Friend had a old lamanitic pony with 'slippers' and after 6 months on FF the pony apparently had amazing feet and has never had laminitis again

[/ QUOTE ]

Believe me, we have tried everything, so much so when any pony locally gets lami, everyone comes to talk to me.

We have had a couple of 'near misses' with him, but this time I think it's real. he won't have any quality of life if I have to restrict his grazing any further, his cushings will just deterioate and his teeth are not great either!

He has been a wonderful pony, taught both my two to ride and jump off the LR, then went on to teach a whole bunch of PC kids the same, in a series of loan homes. This pony has had so much love in his life!

he came home 18 months ago to retire as he had not wintered well. I made him better and the little lad next door who had cancer learnt to ride on him. Harry has recovered and is now at school. I retired Ted in June as he was tripping a bit, quite honestly he has been bored to death not working and has become a very naughty pony, always on the look out for trouble and mischeif.
 
It's so sad when decisions like this have to be made but it's so much better to send them off when they still have that spark. It sounds like he has had a full and happy life and made so many people happy.

Hoping you can have a good and quiet weekend with him to say your goodbyes.
 
Wow, what a grand age. I admire you for having such a level head about this when most of us wouldnt. I too have been through something similar with my old pony and more recently my dog, both of whom were my life. You know you are doing the right thing and i can promise you, if you think now is the right time then it is, and you wont regret making that decision. Have a lovely weekend with the old boy and spoil him rotten x
 
Somebody sent me this poem when Malic my dog was PTS. I know its for a dog but you get the picture
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If it should be that I grow weak,
and pain should keep me from my sleep;
Then you must do what must be done,
for this last battle can't be won.

You will be sad, I understand;
but don't let grief then stay your hand.
For this day more than all the rest,
your love for me must stand the test.

We've had so many happy years;
what is to come can hold no fears.
You don't want me to suffer so...
the time has come, please let me go.
Take me where my needs they'll tend,
but please stay with me 'til the end.
To hold me close and speak to me,
until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time you will agree,
it was a kindness done for me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
from pain and suffering I am saved.

Please do not grieve that it was you
who had this painful thing to do.
We've been so close, we two, these years;
don't let your heart hold any tears
 
If you think hard enough you will find the 3rd one, a goldfish, bird in the garden, housefly possibly?

Actually thinking about it, my old chicken died last week (shhhhhhhhhhhhhhh it wasn't bird flu) so that makes it 4.
 
You have to do what you know is right. I was sent the poem Snowbomb has posted when I had my dog put to sleep and I think it speaks for all the animals we love.
He sounds like he has had an amazing life, with more love than many animals get in a lifetime. Its the hardest thing in the world to do, but he has had one hell of an innings and now its time to show him you love him one last time.
Thinking of you.
 
[ QUOTE ]
I don't think anyone would expect a pony of 40 to cope with his problems any longer but it is sad for you all who have known and loved him. I personally think it's best to let them go while they still have that spark in them, any longer and the spark goes out and you know you waited too long for him.
Thoughts are with you, it's never easy.

[/ QUOTE ]

I so agree with this - once the spark goes you have definitely left it too long and you'd be left with memories of a sad, frail horse instead of a feisty, cantankerous and much loved character. It's a hard decision, but once made and carried out is the best you can do for any animal. The fact that he's made it to 40 is testament to how well he's been cared for by you.

Big, big hugs to you and Ted.
 
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