Good Bye My Friend

[Ashley]

Some of you may remember years ago when I got my riding horse. I picked him up at a sale, skinny and old. I was told he was 25 but when I had his teeth done he was guessed at more like 30.

I havent been able to get out to the barn in the last few weeks since having Mya so have had Lori doing the feedings. I was finally able to make it out this weekend. This spring I knew his time was limited. I tried all summer to put weight on him, however with no luck. In the past month he has developed black very watery diarrhea. When I checked him this weekend it was very clear that he has lost even more weight despite all the grain, free choice hay and winter blanket. I can feel every rib, backbone and hollow hips.

It was then that I decided that it was time to let my friend go. He was my confidence booster, and trusty stead for Emma to ride. It will be hard without him, as my replacement riding horse I bought isnt working out so essentially I will have no horse. Emma wont have a riding horse anymore either. However, I refuse to watch him basically starve to death for my own selfishness. Its hard because he is still so full of life, but his body just doesnt match his spirit. It would be so much easier if they could talk, or go in their sleep. He will be burried in the back pasture.

So after 4 years, at the age of somewhere between 29-33 I say Good Bye My Fried................The vet will be here with in the hour to let him go

 

[StarRidgeAcres]

So sorry Ashley. I know it's so very hard. Please find peace in knowing you are doing the right thing and he will soon be forever pain free, happy and never know anything else but happiness. Hugs to you.

 

[Genie]

It's always such a hard thing to deal with but there is a lot to be said for "quality of life".

I wouldn't want to be wasting away with no chance for recovery, and suffering all the way.

 

[Hosscrazy]

It's such a tough decision to make, but bless you for helping your friend to the other side...

Liz N.

 

[Taylor Richelle]

I'm so sorry Ashley, I know it's a tough decision, but in the end it will be better for him. You have been a wonderful mommy to him for these last few years of his life.

Godspeed handsome boy

((Hugs)) to you.

 

[targetsmom]

I am so sorry. I just went through the same thing with my "best friend", Target 4 weeks ago. In his case I had a blood test done and two vets felt there was nothing to be done for him, which is likely the case in your horse too. Sometimes letting them go is the best decision, despite how much it hurts.

 

[AnnaC]

I'm so sorry Ashley, I remember him from pictures you have posted in the past.

I'm sure he would have thanked you for finding the courage to make such a difficult decision on his behalf without thought for your own feelings. He knew how much you loved and cared for him.

Sending you ((((HUGS))))

 

[Bluebell]

That is a real heart ache. Been there too. But you are doing the best thing for your old friend. Sorry.

 

[Ashley]

Lokey is now gone and burried in the pasture. The vet was great, and he went down good and quick so that was nice. Shortly after he was gone my hole digger showed up and got him burried for me. The vet offered to put him down on her own so I didnt have to watch, but I told her I couldnt leave him to die alone.

The mares watched from a few feet away. Once we left they went up to sniff him. The boss mare stood over him, not leaving until the guys went out to dig the hole, then she went back to eat a bit of hay but turned and watched them put him in the ground. It was a sad sight, but I am at peace with my decision.

 

[Raine Ranch Minis]

I am so sorry. I just went through the same thing with my "best friend", Target 4 weeks ago. In his case I had a blood test done and two vets felt there was nothing to be done for him, which is likely the case in your horse too. Sometimes letting them go is the best decision, despite how much it hurts.

I am so sorry Ashley!!! That is so sad!

Targetsmom, I did not see/hear where Target had died. I am so very sorry.

 

[SampleMM]

Oh Ashley, I'm so very sorry. I know that had to be a tough decision but you know in your heart it was for the best. Godspeed Lokey.

 

[REO]

The final act of love. I'm so sorry your boy is gone.

{{{Hugs}}}

 

[Mona]

I am so sorry Ashley, but I know you made the right choice for him, no matter how hard it was for you.

 

[Jill]

So sorry, Ashley

 

[eagles ring farm]

I'm so sorry. It must have been a very hard but very loving decision for you to make.

 

[alongman]

I'm so sorry Ashley. You gave him a wonderful last few years...... big hugs!

 

[Ashley]

I was doing well with it until I got the card in the mail from the vet today. I knew it was coming as I had a horse put down a few years ago and they sent one. However this one hit harder. Even though I can look out our patio and see where he was buried it’s still harder than I thought it would be. It’s weird going outside and not hearing him talk to me; it’s a different type of quiet. The older mare is still acting a bit off, standing out alone, on long the tree/brush line a lot, which is weird to me as she didn’t particularly like him, but has been with him for the last 4 years.

The night I put him down, Lori had a dream about him. He was younger, and with my uncle who passed this summer so I can only hope that is the truth.

 

[Tab]

My heart really goes out to you. Just having a baby and then having to make this decision. That happened recently to another friend of mine, but with her dog. Life sure is tough sometimes. Cyber hugs.

 

[Ashley]

Our toddler realized that he was gone last night. We had told her that he had died but being little she didn’t get it. Last night she asked where he was so she could say good bye. We explained that he was already buried and she lost it. Now I need to find her a new riding horse/pony. She always rode Lokey as he was the only one that was really safe for her to be on.

 

[Marty]

Ashley, You went the extra mile for your horse since the day you brought him home. You never stopped working with him and trying to improve his quality in life and fussed over him to no end and always in such a loving way. You gave him the best last years any horse could ever want and then you let him go with the dignity and respect he very much deserved. Hugs to you Ashley. Big hugs.