What to do... UPDATE- post 37

[jetsmom]

This is eye-opening for me. I never considered that you wouldn't be able to find a vet to humanely euth a 32 year old horse. I see criticism all the time of people who ship to auction "instead of spending $300 to put them down", but if you don't have money to keep a horse any longer, and can't find a vet to euth, what do you do?

It pisses me off especially since the AVMA is pro slaughter, and has no problem with shipping one off on a long trip, with numerous auctions, poor transport conditions, and the problems inherent in a mass slaughter type facility, yet they can't be ok with humane euthanasia. Hypocrites.

[avezan]

If YOU think your young one is in pain, then he probably is. You are the best judge of his quality of life. I might push harder with your vet or find a vet who would euthanize him. The old guy who is healthy and sound is a different issue. I agree with the person who said you don't need much of an emergency fund for him. Just a euth fund. If you can find a cheaper place to keep him, or someone close by to keep him so that you can still visit, that would be ideal. Good for you for taking such good care of these guys and wanting the best for them. And congratulations on the new addition to your family! My sister had her first baby while in medical school, her second during internship and her third during residency. It was tough, but doable. Banks are very willing to give loans to those in medical school because of the security of getting paid back by an MD.

[Nezzy]

Find a vet who will humanely euthanize them. OR find a farmer who would be willing to put them down for you. It's a terrible decision, but if you cannot afford them, it's probably better than hoping someone would care for them the way they need it. I have been let down by people so many times in this type of situation, i never hesitate to euthanize rather than find out the horse is suffering later. Good luck to you. i know how difficult this is.

[Isabeau Z Solace]

This situation brings up a good point. I wonder if you contacted the AVMA directly if they would be able to provide you with contact for a vet near to you willing to do euthanasia at the owner's request. Seems to me like this is something they ought to be willing to help with.

I'm opinionated. I'll email them myself and ask.

[Isabeau Z Solace]

I emailed the NYSVMS. We'll see what they say.

[LauraKY]

I am by no means anti-euthanasia.
In fact, it will be written into my will that any horses I have when I die will be euthed.
The only horsey friends I have now are older than me!
Better dead than to an uncertain future.

But have you considered donating the older horse to a college riding program?

No, no, no. Have you seen what happens to horses at some programs? And, if they're not suitable for the program, they are sold, given away or sent to auction.

[JLMet]

SarEQ, if you're interested in information to work from home I can possibly help you with that. I'm employeed with two incredible WAH companies and I wouldn't change it for the world. One has just started hiring again for some different projects. I don't know if it's still open but it's worth filling out an application for them. Send me a pm if you want.

I'm incredibly sorry for the position you're in. I wouldn't blame you for putting them down either because you're being realistic and you know the odds of them finding a good home with their age and soundness being a factor. You want to know they are safe or will be safe. This is not an easy choice. We are paycheck to paycheck but I won't give up my gang. We make it work while we're tight. We have arrangments made with our current vet so if something happens that's too expensive for us right now we can make smaller payments. They know we're good for it, we're just in a tight spot right now...slowly working our way out. Hoping you find something to help you.

[SarEQ]

JLMet, I sent you a message.

Thanks for the advice and encouragement everyone. I posted at a really low point. I'm still stressed and heartbroken about this, but I know there is a way I can do what is best for these boys.

I hope I can at least talk a vet into euthanizing my 'youngster'. I am terrified he'll fall in the snow this winter and be unable to rise... depending on when it happened, it could be hours before someone found him! (They're in a large paddock and not all parts are visible from all parts of the farm).

The old man is another story. I don't think I can rehome him- at least not to a riding home since he's rather particular about his riders. I've asked a friend whose horse is lame if she needs a trail buddy for the time being, but if that doesn't work, I'll consider other options. It sounds so bad when I think it, but if I didn't have to worry about my younger horse I would feel like I could have an emergency fund (even just for emergency euthanasia or a few months board) for AAA (ancient a-hole arab) which would make me feel so much better.

Thanks again for all the advice!

[sketcher]

However.... I watched someone not do it well. A mare broke her leg in pasture, the vet was two or more hours away, the neighbor was a policeman who said he knew how to kill humanely... it was awful.

Yes, I learned as well never to let a cop shoot a horse. Going through that experience has always made me wonder that we allow cops have guns at all.

It's a crappy position to be in. Can you explain your situation to your vet or to another vet in the area? I can't believe one of them couldn't understand your reasoning that it is better for them then worrying what will happen to them if you are forced to rehome them. I can't believe vets don't get it - an owner in a real desperate situation would almost have no choice but to drop them at auction and I don't understand how a vet could think that a better ending.

[Concordia]

JLMet, I sent you a message.

Thanks for the advice and encouragement everyone. I posted at a really low point. I'm still stressed and heartbroken about this, but I know there is a way I can do what is best for these boys.

I hope I can at least talk a vet into euthanizing my 'youngster'. I am terrified he'll fall in the snow this winter and be unable to rise... depending on when it happened, it could be hours before someone found him! (They're in a large paddock and not all parts are visible from all parts of the farm).

The old man is another story. I don't think I can rehome him- at least not to a riding home since he's rather particular about his riders. I've asked a friend whose horse is lame if she needs a trail buddy for the time being, but if that doesn't work, I'll consider other options. It sounds so bad when I think it, but if I didn't have to worry about my younger horse I would feel like I could have an emergency fund (even just for emergency euthanasia or a few months board) for AAA (ancient a-hole arab) which would make me feel so much better.

Thanks again for all the advice!

I don't think that sounds bad at all..... This sounds like a reasonable plan.

I wish I could help.... I recently had to make some hard choices for my "older" ISR gelding. He is only 17 but had arthritis that made him unable to be competitive anymore. He is also as you say MY horsey soul mate and I couldn't bare to sell him to an uncertain future - because you are right, once they leave your hands, you have no control over the next stage of their lives.... their new owner does and they could turn around and sell them again at anytime.

Just when I felt euth. was my last and only answer I got a phone call that changed my life. Miracles do happen. Stevey now is on a permanent lease and loves his job of being a friend to special needs kids. He also was a hot, non beginner horse but thrives in his new job.

Something will work it's way out for you too, I have faith. Good luck

[carolprudm]

Not to be harsh, or mean or cold in anyway, shape form or fashion, but do you know anyone skilled that could put them down with one shot? That is knowlegable in how to do it? Have a nice day with them, brush them, hand graze them, scratch them in their favorite places, give them their favorite treats and then have him put them down.

I have a vet the same way, but I think if I really pressed him, explained that there is no where for them to go, and that death isn't the worst thing that can happen to them as I would not have control of their care once gone from me, he would put them down.

You might find a "farm" vet is more likely to be willing to euth a horse for economic reasons than an equine specialist.

Also if you have a fox hunt in the area they might take the horse to feed to the hounds, there is one in this area that will do this.

I am sorry you are in this situation, education expenses are unreal

[belleellis]

I do not know how to put this kindly but I do know that zoos will take horses to euth and feed to the cats.

I am sorry that you are facing such hard decisions. We have an older horse that is still usable and a nut job pony that would both be hard to re-home. Due to the economy we have already made the decision if things get were we can not afford them both will be put down.

[jeano]

Around here the local guy who takes downer cows and such to the rendering plant will come and take care of your horse for abot a hundred bucks. He does cows and horses all the time, knows where to put the bullet, quick and humane. There might be a guy like that in your area and people who can attest to his skill.

I'm just grateful that so far, nobody on this thread has lectured you for having no business owning horses since you dont have a trust fund for their perpetual care and on and on. S**t happens. Best of luck and understand that your horses will know you have always done your best for them.

[Miss J]

The problem is neither of them is worth a thing. One is 32 (still rideable, but NOT a beginner suitable horse) and the other is 17 and crippled. But the kicker is both are healthy, and none of the vets in my area would ever consider euthanizing for financial reasons. No one out there wants a 32 year old hot head or a crippled 17 year old.

Wow I feel sorry about this predicament! I literally had the same horses you have now, 32 yr old arab pony and 23 yr old sore TB gelding. Both were healthy but getting on in years and I made the decision to put them down before winter. I'm so glad I did because it had gotten to -51 celcius!!!(I couln't live with myself if I had found one of them frozen)

I am sorry no vets in your area will do euthanasia.....I know there would be no way I would want anyone else having my old boys, just like you.

I really do wish you good luck in finding that perfect solution. I would take your old guy as I have room for one horse right now, and I have a very soft spot for fiesty old arabs!

Congrats on your baby I hope you get things figured out...

[Miss J]

aw you are in the usa i'm in Alberta Canada.... good luck again! ps...you should post some pics!

[Equilibrium]

It pisses me off especially since the AVMA is pro slaughter, and has no problem with shipping one off on a long trip, with numerous auctions, poor transport conditions, and the problems inherent in a mass slaughter type facility, yet they can't be ok with humane euthanasia. Hypocrites.

This irkes me as well. I feel OP is being responsible in considering euthanasia. Both horses probably would not find the appropriate homes equipped to deal with their situations. She's not trying to clog up rescues so a younger sound horse might not get a home.

Shit happens in life. One day you're financially sound and the next you're not. This happens to responsible people so why do they have to feel guilty when deciding to euthanize a horse? Horses know quality of life not quantity. Just because a horse might be sound doesn't mean they deserve to stand in a muddy field freezing in the winter waiting for some scrap of hay to arrive. No, not suggesting this is OP's situation, but if she were to give them away this coud be the alternative because a vet wouldn't put a healthy one down and so you are forced to make decisions not in the best interest of the horse.

I really think vets need to change their attitudes on euthanasia. People aren't going to use it as a way to clean up bad breeding practices or as a way of getting rid of too many because of the cost. Those people will choose auctions and slaughter every time. But a responsible owner will be abe to do right by their horses without feeling guilty. I'm sorry I'd much rather put one down in a situation like this then think of the alternatives. These horses have had a long happy life and OP has done right by them.

Terri

[Miss J]

a responsible owner will be abe to do right by their horses without feeling guilty. I'm sorry I'd much rather put one down in a situation like this then think of the alternatives. These horses have had a long happy life and OP has done right by them.

Terri

Very well said that statement is personal to myself, as I just put down my forever boys down last year, I couldn't bare the thought of someone else owning them or one dying in the dead of a cold frozen night. I know they could have gone on a couple, few years more, but had noticed thier quality of life starting to go down, I didn't want it worse for them in the winter just because I couldn't bare to see them go.

And yes it was terribly sad but both friends crossed the bridge together peacefully

Sorry to get a little sideways OP it's just that I see some simalarities between the both of us.

[SarEQ]

Thanks again for all the advice everyone. And I was a little surprised as well not to be flamed for having horses when I'm in a financial crunch.

I feel badly I wasn't more prepared... but I feel like there were so many unexpected things! My first mistake was thinking it'd be easy to find a well paying job right out of college (hahaha- I was dumb) so we have less in our savings than we'd like. Then DH ended up attending a medical school in an area where it was almost impossible to find a job (I succeeded, but again, not high paying). Then we ended up in an extremely depressed economic area and now have a baby on the way. It's disheartening.

DH and I and the barn owner have had a lot of looooong talks over the past few days. There won't be word right away, but there may be a miracle situation for the younger boy. I have to look into it, because it sounds way too good to be true, and I've been involved in rescue far too long to trust that things will be ok. If the situation isn't as perfect as it sounds, the barn owner will help me lean on the vet to have him euthanized. There may be a girl interested in half-leasing the older boy this fall, which would be a huge help. It'd keep him exercised and half of his expenses would be covered.

DH is also going to look into the Navy again- they recruit docs while they're still in school and pay a stipend and cover loans. That would be amazing. I applied for several work from home jobs recommended by a pp, hopefully those will come through. And we'll continue to be frugal of course (goodwill and coupons are my best friends). With a few phone calls we managed to half our cell and internet bills (we need to keep the cells, we have no home phone). We're already living on a very tight budget, but it was nice to find a few more areas we could cut back in.

I feel like if we can get back into putting money into savings so that we have enough in case of a 'god forbid' for either human, dog, or horse, I'll be more comfortable.

I can't believe that this mess, which seemed so overwhelming a few days ago, may turn out to be ok.

I can't thank you all enough, and I will update once I know what is going on for sure. I've heard the horror stories (and seen them) so I'll be super paranoid about both the lease and this possible miracle situation for the younger horse, don't worry.

And I will also talk to the local vets about their attitude about euthanasia- perhaps even just to get them to think about allowing so-called 'convenience' euthanasia in certain circumstances.

[Drive NJ]

Freecycle is your friend

Especially with kids, setting up a new house, etc.

Check out www.freecycle.com and look at your local freecycle to see if you can find free what you need.

Based on one man's trash is another's treasure, you can post things you don't want any more and others do the same. If you need/want those items, you reply to poster and ask if they'd pick you to have their stuff

Amazing things on here... loads of things for kids as they outgrow things long before they are worn... toys, books etc too. Furniture, household items you name it.

Give it a try.

Glad things are looking a bit better on the horse front and best luck in this tough time for you. You have the right attitude which always will help you come out the other side in better shape.

[Arcadien]

Seconding Freecycle (most of the stuff I see offered here is for kids! But I've benefited too, got a sofa set, and recently some bookshelves that others were ready to throw out but that worked nicely for me)

OP, you are totally in the right place with your thinking, I'm sure you'll do the right thing by your guys - thank you for having the courage to do right by them instead of shrinking from the responsibility - I'm sure you future kid will benefit from your strong character!

Hugs & well wishes