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BabsR
Platinum Member
England
2790 Posts |
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jillandlomond
Platinum Member
Scotland
3586 Posts |
 Posted - 15 Mar 2009 : 6:48:18 PM
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That is a wonderful poem Hug Bug Thanks for posting it
p.s. That photo of your dog Murphy in your signature is GORGEOUS! |
    
Borders, Scotland |
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sazzlepants71
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
3536 Posts |
Posted - 16 Mar 2009 : 12:21:38 PM
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Bridie - we are looking for a home for our retired gelding
he has been living out for 4 years so far so this is not a 'quick ' decision!
he currently shares a field with our arabs so used to their behaviour!
He is unshod , and upto date with all vaccs - if you would like to see pictures ( he is 15.2 TB) and more info let me know
i would prefer him to go to arab home even though he is not one!
he CANNOT be ridden under any circumstances though
i have PM'ed you - i hope that this post is not inappropriate
kind regards
sazzle |
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lisa rachel
Gold Member
Wales
831 Posts |
Posted - 17 Mar 2009 : 08:52:16 AM
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It is heartsinking the effect of the economic situation on horses' welfare, our local , small, Horse and Pony Sanctuary are turning away 2 a week and a Thoroughbred breeder client of mine who sends his top class mares to Ireland for covering, tells me that there is a 3 week waiting list for horses at the knackers over there and that a Russian business man is setting up a pet food factory... this is just hearsay but its indicative of the times we are living in.
I agree that with older horses it is often kinder to put them to sleep at home with dignity than to cast their fortunes to the wind, providing absolutely every other possible solution has been explored.
Regarding vets who 'refuse' to put down a healthy horse... sorry everyone, but vets are also human beings with consciences, our oath is to ensure the 'welfare of animals under our care' not to carry out the whim of anyone who pays us.
While I AGREE that a responsible owner may due to circumstances be in a position where they have to make the sad decision to euthanase a healthy horse rather than risk an uncertain future of neglect and markets. I would of course support that owner and do my best to make the situation as painless and stress free as possible for the owner and horse. However equally I feel that as a person I have the right in other circumstances to refuse to euthanase a horse who I feel has a future, I have done this on several occasions and every time have found a new home for the horse and monitored it's future myself. We often joke in our practice that we act more as a welfare charity than a vet clinic!
Also regarding knackers vs vets, if the horse is very needle shy, shooting may well be a better option but is not always a nice option, I have seen a horse galloping away from an experienced knackerman with part of his head blown off. In our practice we take the job of euthanasia very very seriously, we take our time, sedate the horses and allow them to settle and use an excellent drug combination which results in a peaceful end which I would be quite happy to have myself when my time comes!
Cheers
Lisa
PS just thought, its not just horses, many vets I know, and their friends and family, (including my own) have pet dogs and cats who were ' brought in to be out down'! |
lisa |
Edited by - lisa rachel on 17 Mar 2009 09:17:13 AM |
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Goldenmane
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
4964 Posts |
Posted - 17 Mar 2009 : 09:45:06 AM
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| I feel terrible because I have had 4 horses put down by a bullet, one of the vets in the practise now will only use a needle. I thought I was doing the best for my beloved horses. Have to add they were all at the end of their days and I stayed with them. |
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Zan
Platinum Member
Scotland
3213 Posts |
Posted - 17 Mar 2009 : 09:45:24 AM
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An excellent post from Lisa Rachel putting my thoughts in a nutshell and expressing them better.
Earlier posts make it sound as if there are two options---euthanazia or sending off to market/any old home that comes along. In my case, and that of many others, there would always be a third way---to scrimp and save in every possible way so that my horses could continue to have the quality of life with me they have always had. My first horse lived to be 40, and was unrideable for her last years. I couldn't for a long time afford to keep two horses, but I would never have dreamt of destroying her so that I could have a horse to ride. As long as she was fit and healthy and enjoying life I cared for her, and we had a very close and rewarding relationship in her retirement years.
I would have to be in dire straits indeed to part with my horses now---but I do realise many people are in dire straits in the current economic climate. Though I certainly wouldn't send them off to auction or any other uncertain fate, I would not leave any stone unturned to ensure a good future for them before I would resort to euthanasia.It would be like killing part of myself.
I have now had 4 horse euthanased over the years by injection. Two different vets, but both very experienced and I agree with Lisa Rchel---I wish I could choose to go like that when my time comes. No one will ever shoot any horse of mine.
ETA---Goldenmane I have just seen your post--we must have posted at the same time and I certainly wasn't replying to you. You were doing the best for your horses with all the information and expertise you had available at the time, so don't feel bad. Things change and methods improve all the time. |
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Edited by - Zan on 17 Mar 2009 09:54:50 AM |
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Goldenmane
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
4964 Posts |
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lisa rachel
Gold Member
Wales
831 Posts |
Posted - 17 Mar 2009 : 10:23:32 AM
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Zan, I agree I would never personally pts a horse of mine to 'make room' for another, they are family to me.
Golden mane, God I hope I haven't made you feel bad. I know from your posts you are a kind and caring horsewoman. I have shot horses myself where circumstances dictate eg ponies on the mountain with broken legs where the carcass is inaccessible to vehilcles and foxes, buzzards and kites may eat the carrion or when the horse's heart is very compromised and slow circulation could prejudice the effects of the drugs. I was just commenting that there are pros and cons and in my experience, with the drugs that we use death comes rapidly and peacefully and would be my choice.
I am sincerely sorry if I made you feel bad... there is no need to.
Lisa x |
lisa |
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Montikka
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
2653 Posts |
Posted - 17 Mar 2009 : 10:38:00 AM
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Goldenmane, I had my beloved pony shot on the advice of my vet!! That was a few years ago and the general feeling was that they could 'fight' the drugs and panic, so shooting was better.
Lisa has highlighted that euthasnasia by drugs has improved over the years, and now, if I had the choice, I'd choose injection.
So, like you, I feel I was brutal but with the best possible intentions. It was very quick.
I know how you're feeling |
   
Louise, Warwickshire |
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lulu
Gold Member
763 Posts |
Posted - 17 Mar 2009 : 8:26:00 PM
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Just been reading this thread, am feeling a little low at present as yesterday had to have my lovely old mare PTS due to a twisted gut. We have in the past always used our local knacker man who is brilliant but this time as she had been given drugs already we asked the vet to do the job. She was already laying down and he knelt by her side and she passed away with me, the sun, bird song and her much loved field companion by her side. Couldn't wish for a better myself.
Linda |
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Vera
Membership Moderator
United Kingdom
8652 Posts |
Posted - 17 Mar 2009 : 9:48:35 PM
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| Linda, it may not feel like it now but it really is a beautiful thing you have done for yout old girl. Soon the memory of her passing will fade and you will smile when you think of her and your adventures together. |
    
Hampshire |
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Roseanne
Moderator
United Kingdom
6708 Posts |
Posted - 17 Mar 2009 : 9:56:25 PM
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| Sorry you have had to make such a dreadful decision but as Vera says, it was the kindest thing to do. xx |
Roseanne |
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Montikka
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
2653 Posts |
Posted - 18 Mar 2009 : 12:24:56 PM
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| Very sorry for your loss Linda x |
Louise, Warwickshire |
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rosie
Platinum Member
England
3662 Posts |
Posted - 18 Mar 2009 : 1:32:49 PM
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| so sorry for your loss Linda. |
     
Last picture courtesy of Sweet Photography |
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shah
Gold Member
England
1356 Posts |
Posted - 18 Mar 2009 : 2:05:10 PM
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| Hopefully Terry will pass on our sympathies - lots of [[HUGS]] from us xxx |
West Sussex |
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amanda
New Member
8 Posts |
Posted - 19 Mar 2009 : 1:49:42 PM
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Hi - can I just put a plea that there are people out here who do want to take on old horses and give them good homes.
I know as I have now done it twice!
My first was a 24 yearold arab who had been loaned to the riding school I used to ride at. When they heard I was moving away I was asked to take her with me. She arrived a little thin and fed up but 6 months later the vet asked me if she was the same horse. I had a wonderful 8 years with her.
Just before I lost her I started looking again and was after another arab and also another oldie. Thanks to arabian lines I got myself a 16 year old. He is with me on the same promise - he is with me until he has had enough.
I will then do the same again. Why? 'cos I love the arab breed, I dont want to do more than a little light hacking and therefore an older horse that can often be overlooked fits the bill perfectly
Amanda |
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lulu
Gold Member
763 Posts |
Posted - 19 Mar 2009 : 7:19:54 PM
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Yes I agree, Thea was 17 when I took her on and only this last winter did she start to look old but the day before she was PTS she charged round the village trying to catch up every horse in sight.
Shah thanks so much Terry did pass on your best wishes. Many thanks.
Linda |
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kathleen
Platinum Member
England
1835 Posts |
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