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Post by haggisnli on Nov 7, 2017 12:02:16 GMT
well said Mrs nelson have to say i feel your pain , but do take heart from the fact you are doing the correct thing ,and do keep a memento, just think of the lovely life they have had with you many years ago i do had to PTS my old show pony i had him from being 4 and i was 10 and he died at the ripe old age of 25, but it was his time , he too had a lovely summer ( when there was sun) and the vet came and he was PTS in the field- boy did i cry , but my vet told me that its far better to be maybe a day too soon rather than a day late be brave, we all have gone through it, and do PM Mrs Nelson very practical person and a lifetime of knowledge xx
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Post by daisycutter on Nov 7, 2017 12:17:13 GMT
doubt.....I see you still giving comments on this poor lady's situation, who are you ? , why comment on this subject when you are just giving out negative rubbish, would you like to be in this person's shoes ?, I think not.
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Post by sad days on Nov 7, 2017 12:33:14 GMT
How lovely to see responses of positivity, a delightful change. Please don't fall into the trap of responding to the troll as they are like drains and will change the flow of this interchange if you allow that to happen My heart goes out to the OP, but it sounds like you are taking absolute correct action for you horses. Take care x
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Post by CarolineNelson on Nov 7, 2017 13:29:28 GMT
Beautifully written, Whataday (on page 1) and so many other supportive people. SarahP, Catkin, Haggis - and many lovely others. Please don't listen to the negative comments. They are not walking in your shoes.
When those of us (all people who have 'been there' with their own livestock and who are already BHS Welfare Officers) BHS "friends at the end" attended the initial training, a large part of the training and counselling was presented by a lovely lady, herself a Practicing Vet. With daughters. One of whom had, at that time, recently said goodbye to her own pony.
This most kindly, helpful and remarkable person had also undertaken probably heart-breaking Veterinary work at Battersea Dogs' Home. We had serious 'personal' grilling to ensure that we were ok for the role - but, we were given the best advice possible to pass on and so help other people.
So, as Whataday and so many caring others above have so sensibly said, whether it's a scrapbook, a memory board, keeping the tack (even the passport!) - lovely photos on the wall - pics on your phone - a screensaver - you will always have a record. And, a place in your heart.
You will know that you have done the kindest thing for your trusted four legged friend/s and you don't have the awful worry of - 'I wonder where they are? if they are ok? being fed, loved and cared for as I did?
Broken-hearted. Don't be. you are a brave and selfless person.
I know - and cope with, people who don't have that courage. They wait - wait until the animal (putting it bluntly) becomes so ill that it eventually dies. That is cruel, selfish and heartless.
So, all credit to your thoughtfulness and care, both in the past and now.
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Post by Rockstar on Nov 7, 2017 13:33:04 GMT
Another hug heading your way and a well done for being so brave and conscientious. Depending where you are I would be happy to help out x
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Post by chloesmum on Nov 7, 2017 13:58:27 GMT
We were in this position early September as the old pony where we keep 2 of ours had to be pts. Bless him he was 32 and had a quick reprieve for a couple of weeks as his swollen leg got better but then his breathing was strange and the vet felt he might have kidney issues. His owner was on holiday but had left instructions and when we contacted her she was adamant that he was not to be 'hung on to' until she returned, and again didn't want us to wait until he was in real pain so it fell to us to carry out her instructions. I have to say the vet who had seen him was also very clear that he would not allow us to try and keep him going even for a few days for her return if he felt it was not in the ponies best interests, he definately put the animals welfare above any personal emotion which we all felt was how it should be. Anyway it was a beautiful sunny day, he spent the morning in the paddock with his friend with the sun on his back, happily picking at grass and was allowed his lick so his grey nose was very brown!! The vet who attended was wonderful, explaining the procedure and the owners choice was injection so he was sedated and then Chloe led him out to the field where it had been arranged he would be buried. Bless him he went so quickly and peacefully and the lovely vet said he was a 'tired pony'. The others were all in their stables in the barn and she did suggest we could bring them out to say goodbye but we felt that was not the right thing to do. They were very quiet, even our very noisy banging 4 year old didn't bang on his door! It was totally the right time and thing to do, Chloe took a beautiful picture of him in the morning, walking away up the field his little ears pricked and the sun shining on him and sent it to the owner. We haven't had to make this decision yet for one of ours as our beloved Snippy broke his leg in the field so the decision was out of our hands, actually it was the same vet who put him to sleep who came out for little Charlie and it was Mandy (Charlie's owner) who held Snip for me after I had said goodbye (Chloe was in India) so we had no qualms about fulfilling her wishes with Charlie. I hope you have a friend who can be with you at this sad time and sending you our love.
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Post by Ididtwo on Nov 7, 2017 15:54:28 GMT
Remember to take a snip of each mane..these can be made into bracelets etc if you wish ❤
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sarahp
Happy to help
Posts: 9,510
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Post by sarahp on Nov 7, 2017 16:01:25 GMT
Chloesmum - it does help those left behind to understand and accept what has happened if they are allowed to see the body, and any very close to the departed one will not then pine for it. I have had a couple of mares who have lost their foals, one at foaling and the other found dead in the field at six weeks old or so. In both cases the mares were left with their foals until they lost interest in it and wandered off, but they didn't look or yell for it after that, they knew what had happened. Very touchingly, my stallion, who was running out with the mares at the time, stayed with the mare and the dead 6 week old foal until she left it herself.
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Post by CarolineNelson on Nov 7, 2017 16:21:34 GMT
SarahP - That is herd instinct at it's very best.
Without that, they look to us to provide it. I believe that the OP is doing so in this instance. x
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Post by fatcob on Nov 7, 2017 18:05:38 GMT
Well done to you for being so brave and for your concern about getting it right. Lucky horses to have been owned and loved by you. Bravo.
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Post by lucynlizzysmum on Nov 7, 2017 20:13:41 GMT
I would just like to offer my support, it cannot have been an easy decision but I admire you for being prepared to do what is best for them, not what is best for you.
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Post by Heartbroken on Nov 8, 2017 15:36:51 GMT
Wow. Just wow.
I'm overwhelmed by all of your support! It's unbelievable and so so kind of you. Thank you.
These horses aren't my only horses. I do have a few others and I therefore have the privilege of my own small yard. We don't however have direct access for a wagon to get into the ménage so a lot of thought is going to have to happen about the planning of the day.
I am going to take the offer of pm'ing those that have offered. Although it may be the weekend As I've a busy week with work.
Thank you all once again. And thank you for understanding I am only thinking of my horses best interests, I've never had a horse pts not have I sold one! Thank you. Thank you. Thank you xxx
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Post by CarolineNelson on Nov 8, 2017 16:08:41 GMT
Wow. Just wow. I'm overwhelmed by all of your support! It's unbelievable and so so kind of you. Thank you. These horses aren't my only horses. I do have a few others and I therefore have the privilege of my own small yard. We don't however have direct access for a wagon to get into the ménage so a lot of thought is going to have to happen about the planning of the day. I am going to take the offer of pm'ing those that have offered. Although it may be the weekend As I've a busy week with work. Thank you all once again. And thank you for understanding I am only thinking of my horses best interests, I've never had a horse pts not have I sold one! Thank you. Thank you. Thank you xxx It's a simple fact that all young things eventually become older things. With livestock, we, their 'carer' have to take full responsibility for their wellbeing and welfare. You are being so sensible and to be honest, your concern and common sense has touched a few heartstrings. Absolutely so well done for being so brave and sensible. And yes, do send PM's. Please. It's good to hear that you have a small yard, by the way. This may enable you to despatch the five with more fluency, as some can be back in stables away from the wagon. Regarding vehicle access and logistics, I've been in situations where the 'lorry driver' has taken a walk round and made his own assessment as to what and where will suit him best. He will dispatch one at a time and load him or her. That way the next one sees nothing untoward. A practical word of advice, for when you do go ahead. Use old head-collars which are easy to remove (leave the buckle 'not-tucked-in') - and, for whoever is holding them, use a long safe lead rope or even a lunge-rein to allow a safe distance. I know it sounds harsh to mention it, but, safety is paramount for all concerned. To add - if you feel the need to use a bit as well as a headcollar, just use a Bridoon headpiece which is easy to undo. Big hugs coming from here. So well done for bravely confronting the situation - and what a lovely post you wrote. x
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Post by Philippa on Nov 8, 2017 17:24:40 GMT
My friend uses a bucket of feed. She lets the horse put its head in and eat then job done. Quick & quietly. Any that may be nervous are sedated for everyone’s safety. They know nothing about what’s happening.
So many wise words posted on this thread and hopefully they will help anyone who faces a similar situation.
This is the most responsible part of being an animal owner. So very easy to keep going for selfish reasons but so wrong to do so in the long run.
OP - if I were nearer I would definately have come over to help you. You’ve helped me in the past 😉. I will be thinking of you though xxx
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Post by aguest on Nov 23, 2017 13:49:47 GMT
I very much admire you for the strength it must have taken to make this decision. In this day and age I think it is the kindest thing to do rather than pass them on to an unknown fate its is totally selfless of you and I send you big hugs xx Old horses when you send them to the big green pastures in the sky where they will be eternally grateful for the love and care you gave them for many years and the kindest hardest decision you made believe me they will be grateful.I just wish more owners were as responsible as you are being. You do the right thing.And my heart goes out to you you are good horseperson.
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