End of life decisions.....

While not what we call a Miracle, I thought it might be appropriate to share this one. Sometimes the Miracle doesn't quite happen the way we want it to, and sometimes we need to make the final decision. It's always a difficult one, whether sudden or expected, but it's a good idea to have a plan in place. There's more to think about outside of "when" as well - especially if you do not have your horse on your own land. And not just euthanasia - what if you suddenly realise a year or two down the track that you aren't cut out for horse ownership? It's nothing to be ashamed of, it's a huge task to take on, and few first-time owners truly understand this commitment before they embark on it. What if you lose your job and can no longer pay the bills? Quite possible in today's climate. Don't forget - that also means that horses are not selling as well as they used to. So what will you do if you cannot keep him, but cannot sell him?

Dusk to Dawn - AKA Niketa. My first experience of losing a horse, she was 9 years old.

I don't think many people actually think about this when they first buy a horse, I know I didn't, but I think it's something that needs to be encouraged. Sadly, putting a horse to sleep and taking care of his remains costs - both financially and emotionally, and I wonder how many of our Miracle horses might not have ended up in their situations had their owners considered what to do if it all fell apart, before it actually did. I have met plenty of horses (and other animals) who were ready, well and truly, for that final journey, yet their owners were too emotional and selfish to see it. "Oh but I love him so much......I can't bear to lose him" doesn't cut it when the horse is clearly in pain. It's the old saying, if you love him, set him free.

San Miguel - colicked at 25, in work and no signs of old age. His owner was on the other side of the world, and could not be there to say goodbye.

World Horse Welfare (formerly ILPH) has set up a new campaign to encourage people to plan ahead. Read the story here:
http://www.horsetalk.co.nz/news/2010/09/060.shtml

So do you have a plan? How will you decide when it's "time" - are you in tune enough with your horse to understand when he has had enough? Some horses may be elderly at 15, others live well into their 30's - so there is no set timeframe to guide you. Or you may be unlucky like me, and have to make the decision for your younger horse. Remember, whatever the situation, it's that final gift of love, the last reward for all the years of service he has given. It's no more than they deserve.

And what will you do if you can't keep the horse anymore, for whatever reason? See my post on Smoke, the forgotten horse, if this applies to you or someone you know. This is an equally difficult situation, but one that can be solved.

So where's the Miracle in all of this? Being able to give them that final gift is the Miracle. So no matter how difficult it may be, let them go in peace, give them their wings and let them cross the Rainbow Bridge.