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My Mare is going to be euthanized

3K views 21 replies 18 participants last post by  MissingStar 
#1 ·
I'm so upset about this. I have written before about my mare. She has heaves and has had some back to back bouts of flare ups recently. The vet feels she has reached a new baseline and will have continual recurrent attacks. She is losing weight. She is abdominal breathing at a stand still and huffs and puffs with a stroll across the pasture even after meds. I have made the decision to euthanize her and it is killing me too! I feel so guilty. She is boarded and I have done all I could to change her environement but it is not so easy when I have no control. I have looked at other places to board her but there is really no better situation out there. I just can't believe in a few days I'll be holding her lead rope and looking at her cuteness for the last time. I feel like I am going to chicken out but I don't want her to suffer anymore either. If only I knew there was a horse heaven. I don't really believe in that. But it would make things so much easier.
 
#2 ·
Oh please don't feel guilty - you are doing what a responsible horse owner would do. I'm really sorry that you are going through this, thoughts are with you :(
 
#7 ·
This was one of the hardest decisions I ever had to make. And I'm facing it again with my 26 year old and her arthritis. It's definitely the hardest thing an animal owner has to face - it ultimately comes down to putting the animal's needs before our own, as hard as that is. Being selfless is painful in these situations.
I'm really sorry to hear this, but I believe you're doing right by her.
 
#8 ·
My heart goes out to you. Think of it this way, animals don't think in terms of a tomorrow. They don't say "Well tomorrow I am going to wake up, have my hay and hopefully I can go on a ride with my human". They pretty much live minute by minute. She will have no regrets and will not be suffering any longer. You will have the peace of mind that you did the brave and noble thing by helping your best friend find comfort and peace in, yes, horsey heaven. My best to you and your beloved.
 
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#11 ·
It has been said over and over but we have a responsibility to the animals we care about so much whether they are horses, dogs, cats.....

When the time comes that they can no longer live a fairly comfortable life we have the responsibility to let them go and end their pain. We wouldn't want a human to suffer needlessly..why would we do the same for our animals?

Know that you have made the right decision and being there with her at the end will ease her into sleep. She will be comforted and loved.

My deepest condolences though...making that decision is extremely difficult but know the pain will ease and the good memories will follow.
 
#12 ·
I'm so very very sorry!
Been there and it's so hard... Huge hugs, once she is free of her suffering she will be thanking you from above.
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#13 ·
Oh no... I had to go through this about two years ago with my first mare, and I know that others have said it, but you're doing the right thing. She knows how much you love her, and she'll always be watching over you.

Peace to you and your mare from me and mine...
 
#15 ·
I am so sorry that you've had to make that hard decision. I had to make the same decision due to loss of quality of life for my 3 year old. It's hard, but its the right thing. You've done everything you can to try and help her, but you've realized that its not fair to her, and that's a HUGE thing, and something any animal owner needs to be able to do, yet so many don't. Huge hugs to you in this hard time, and yes, she'll be running free in heaven!
 
#17 ·
When my dog had to be put down last year, someone recited this to me. I dare you to read it without crying. even just glancing over it made me tear up:
Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown.
 
#18 ·
I put Kola down last month. Had had him for 12-13 years or better. Had to be done.

And for what it is worth, I do firmly believe there is a Heaven, if you will, for animals and the creatures that pass.

I have read what Mary Ann Winkowski wrote about just that thing, and know many who can "feel" a pet that has gone on at various times.

If there is any one species that does NOT deserve a Heaven...it is us, for the cruelties we do to the creatures of this earth, and for the things we do to the Earth.
 
#19 ·
Oh how it tears our hearts out, but she is lucky to have you to make sure her best interest is the top priority. She will thank you as she sees and feels you staying by her side until the last moment. I am very sorry that you have to go through this but hopefully wonderful memories will eventually give you some solace.
 
#20 ·
Yesterday was the day. She is now at peace and a weight has been lifted. It was so hard to do it but i know now it was the obvious and most sensible thing to do. She had such a good heart and taught me a lot. She was an excellent mother too. Such a nice mare. Although i will have another, she is irreplacable.
 
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