The Merciful Hand
You often hear "how do you know when it's time?" in relation to putting down a horse.
Well, today's the day when we knew it was time for Miss Rose. Her initial recovery from her choke episode last Tuesday was short-lived. Despite daily veterinary treatment and the best nursing we could muster, she didn't regain ability to eat and drink, and by this morning was shutting down and in mortal pain.
We now suspect she may have been in the first phases of some kind of internal distress when she choked, and that something beyond the choke itself may have been the issue. But regardless of underlying reason, there comes a time when the need to ease suffering trumps medical second-guessing.
A merciful hand, therefore, has opened the gate for Miss Rose to canter off up to Horse Heaven. I'm sure the Tankman, who got there back in February, already has her rounded up and in his herd.
I trimmed a lock from her white mane and tail, covered up her until the backhoe driver can get here to bury her in the pasture, and arranged a vase of flowers in her honor.
R.I.P, little Miss Rose. You were loved when you ran out that gate.
posted by Juli Thorson @ 2:11 PM
18 comments
18 Comments:
*holds breath*
I'm so sorry Juli, this is some concentrated sadness for you in a short period of time.
Thank you, Holly.
This is part of the reality in choosing to own and keep old horses. Their days are numbered, and you end up being the one to ease them out of this world in some way.
I grew up in a horse family whose ethos was to sell horses before their 10 birthdays. This was much more commonplace in earlier generations, so fewer people had to face the final moment and its heart-wrenching decisions. We only had one horse who was ever allowed to just get old and die on the place.
Lately, I seem to be making up for that earlier lack of experience in what eventually happens with an old horse.
But I wouldn't have missed the experience of having them, either. We have now said the ultimate goodbye to Rebel, Ace, Najah, Tank, and Miss Rose. All were over 20, some at or close to 30. They had the best last years that Ed and I could give them, and they gave back to us in spades.
Still, I won't lie to you. Any day that one of your horses dies is a sad and damn hard day.
I'm sorry for your loss, Juli. Thank you for taking care of the old ones until their time & giving them a peaceful goodbye. I'll add a "virtual" flower to your vase.
It is sad whether you had them for years or for hours. My heart goes out to you and your herd.
*sniff*
Sorry Juli for your family's loss. Knowing she is no longer in pain, is your only solace.
I'm so sorry for your loss Juli. I feel it is better to have loved them and lose them to not have loved at all. I have lost my horses at an old age and at a much too young age and it is never easy. Thank you for being one of the special people to just love horses for the beautiful creatures they are and willing to provide for them in their generic years. You are a special woman.
Michle
My condolences to you and Ed. I'm so sorry to hear that Rose has crossed that bridge.
But I'd also like to say that you and Ed are both such kind people to give your old guys the best last days. (years)
oh, that is so sad! I'm so very sorry for your loss. It is hard to keep an old horse, and so hard to let them go. I know it must feel so empty right now. Feeding time always gets to me... I automatically go to feed that animal for weeks, sometimes months. It's so sad. Hug Ed and the critters and know you did the right thing and helped her along to greener pastures.
Sorry for your loss, Juli. It's part of the reality of keeping any animals, and no easier whether they are large or small.
I'm sorry for your loss, Juli. You made a merciful decision and took away her pain. Kudos to you.
Juli,
So sorry for your loss, I too have lost a friend not to long ago, so i know the feeling. She was a good ole mare and at 40 something, she lived a good life, had many babies and gave many "pony" rides. But you know that it is for the best. So hat's off to those that keep their old one's!!!
Peace be with you...
Sincerely,
Mike aka Garlic Man
Dakota Miss Jabber and I are so sad to read of the loss of Miss Rose.
You put it so elegantly:"A merciful hand, therefore, has opened the gate for Miss Rose to canter off up to Horse Heaven."
We will keep you and yours in our prayers.
Jane&Dakota MissJabberr
Even though you try to be ready for whatever happens when they are older, nothing can truly make you ready for their passing. Our thoughts are with you Juli and Ed.
I'm so sorry for your loss Juli. It's never easy, but hopefully you can find peace in knowing that Miss Rose is in a better place and is free from fear or pain now.
Bless you.
Happy Trails to you and Rose Julie.
I'm sorry about your mare - but glad she spent her last days with you. I wish all senior horses could be so loved and cared for in their last days as your senior horses....
So heartbreaking .... You are a wonderful person for giving that horse such great care. May your heart heal in time and your memories comfort you at this difficult time,
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