Euthanasia?

Question

last night i had to put my 31 yo arab mare to sleep. i want everyone to know sham was my best friend i was with her for 18 years and the pain is horrific, i keep feeling i should have done more, she had been losing weight steadily for a year and despite worming and extra feeds nothing helped. i wish i'd had her teeth checked sooner as it turns out the left side was sharp and the right side too smooth, i know elderly horses need them checking every 6 months. in fact yesterday morning i had called the vet to come and see her, that morning she had looked fine,even cantered across the field so i was shocked too find her collapsed on the floor at 7pm, she was a lovely kind mare who never hurt anyone, my kids used to swing on her tail and a two year old could lead her. she was feisty funny brave and loving .as every horse owner says, she was simply the best, treasure yours always be kind and love them as unconditionally as she loved me. r.i.p my beautiful lady ,sham.x

Answer 1

you poor thing, thus will undoubtedly be hard to come to terms with, but you did all you could for her and I'm sure you gave her an amazing life.  You have my condolences.

Answer 2

I know the pain is unbearable.. You did your best. She is still here..listen

I stood  outside your window last night, I came to have a peep.

I could see that you were crying, you found it hard to sleep.

I snorted  to you softly as you brushed away a tear,

"It's me, I haven't left you, I'm well, I'm fine, I'm here."

I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea

You were thinking of the many times your hands reached out to me.

I was with you at my grave today, you tend it with such care.

I want to re-assure you, that I'm not lying there.

I walked with you towards the house as you fumbled for your key.

I gently put my nose on you, I smiled and said, "It's me."

You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair

I tried so hard to let you know that I was standing there, outside the window

It's possible for me to be so near you every day

To say to you with certainty, "I never went away."

You sat there very quietly, then smiled; I think you knew...

In the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you.

The day is over... I smile and watch you yawning

And say "good-night, God bless, I'll see you in the morning."

And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide,I'll rush across the pasture to greet you and we'll stand, side by side.

I have so many things to show you, there is so much for you to see.

Be patient, live your journey out... then come home to be with me

Answer 3

Please accept my condolences on your loss.  You have to stop blaming yourself.  She was a very elderly horse and as much as we would want to we just can't keep them forever.  Every living thing dies eventually.  I know it is hard, I've lost loved ones too, both four and two legged.

Answer 4

That must be so hard. I am so sorry. She will always be in your heart though. Although I have never lost a horse I have lost other loved pets. It takes a long time to get over it...even though you never really get over it. Know she is in a better place. Pray for her. :(

Answer 5

You have my deepest sympathies, I am so sorry for your loss. I am sure you did everything you could for your old friend, she was indeed very fortunate to enjoy such a long life with someone who loved her as you so obviously do. Keep that picture of her cantering across the field on her last day deep in your heart, and know she will always be there. God Bless.

Answer 6

I'm really sorry that you had to do that.  Having said that, it sounds like she had a great life with you and you with her.  Try to remember the good times and how she lived and not how she died.  My deepest sympathy.

Answer 7

I'm sorry to hear of your loss. It sounds like Sham was very lucky to have you as an owner, and she was lucky to have such a lovely life.

Thanks for sharing this with us, I hope you feel stronger soon - hugs going across the waves to you  :)

Answer 8

I know how hard this time is for you. I lost my best horse a few months ago. He also had to be put down.

I think your horse was very very lucky to have someone as loving as you and as responsible as you to have owned her. It's so sad to see people with old horses that put no effort to the extra care they require. You obviously took care of her and wanted what was best for her and not what was best for yourself.

Time will help you feel better, but you will always have the loss.

Answer 9

I am so sorry to here this and you will also get my condolences as well.

Answer 10

I'm sorry to hear of your loss.  It sounds like you will have wonderful memories of her, and those you won't lose.

Answer 11

You did the right thing for her! She was in pain and that was her best way to go! Don't be mad at yourself for doing what was right! Everyone makes mistakes and I know that she loves you! Try to think of all of the happy times and Good Luck to you!

Answer 12

thats so sad!

Answer 13

You did everything you possibly could have done for Sham, so don't beat yourself up over something that was inevitable. Horses do age and 31 is pretty advanced years for a horse. They do develop health issues and no matter how good the care they get is, they all eventually pass on. While you're greiving you always wonder about things that you could have done that might have made a difference. Maybe having her teeth checked sooner might have helped her live a bit longer, but there's no way to know for sure. She was very old and it's not at all unusual for a horse to suddenly go downhill very quickly towards the end.

Just cherish the time that you had with Sham and keep her memory in your heart.

Answer 14

she's really dead right? If she is just dying than I would have her euthanized by a vet.

Answer 15

Gretchen Jackson,  Barbaro's owner said, "Grief is the price we all pay for love."

Knowing that, we still commit to love.  Maybe that's our best quality.  God Bless