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Post by Vida on Mar 11, 2003 14:09:02 GMT -5
Just called and left a message for the vet that it's time to put Augie down. Since hubby and I are fighting about it, he can be the deciding vote but I'll do it anyway. I've cancelled his euthanization 3 times already over this past year because he's so damn peppy everytime D day gets close and this time I need your help to go through with it. Augie's life here has added to many. He's helped 2 little girls get through some of their fears, helped another young girl tremendously (the one that doesn't speak) to become more confident and get over many of her fears, he's shown us a different humane side to our other horses in the way that they take care of him and look out for him and help him along. He's also made alot of human friends that come to visit him specifically. So his stay here has not been in vain and had great purpose. But it's time to let him go from his unwilling body and I need the guts to go through with it and not cancel again. So please harass me not to back out again (but nicely!) as Augie has a huge place in my heart and this is a tough decision as he helps so many kids and in turn their families as the kids become more confident in themselves.
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Post by adcooper on Mar 11, 2003 14:14:24 GMT -5
Vida, you sound clear as a bell. You can do this hard but kind thing, and do it lovingly. I know you can. I'm sorry for the loss, but I celebrate Augie's good life with you, too. I'll be thinking of you all.
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Post by Bara on Mar 11, 2003 14:33:01 GMT -5
Is he tired? Is he in pain? I have a theory that animals are blessed because they have no perception of age or death. (Of danger - yes, of fear ... yes) But that's from Day 1.
I feel that Augie can't tell you - but that you can judge for him.
I, for one, would miss him. But if you think he's ready to go - then it's not your choice, but his. If you think that he is 'just inconvenienced and impatient' with his problems - then what's the difference between him and a young horse with a pulled tendon? Hang in there.
Only YOU know your horse - only you can make the decision for him - he can't.
Whatever you decide will be the best for Augie - if not the best for you. Personally - I would be grateful to know that that sort of loving choice was available for humans... (and I'm OLD!)
I'm so sorry for this dreadful decision time for you. But it will come to all of us. That - or the horrendous injury/illness decision. None of us can escape it.
Very best wishes.
B
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Post by helend on Mar 11, 2003 14:47:51 GMT -5
Vida,
You're an excellent horsie mom, you cancelled the other times *because* you had the guts to cancel. You saw Augie was doing better and it wasn't his time to go yet. Now, you've done all you can for him and if he's giving you the message that he's ready to go, you've got the strength to help him cross over. Listen to your heart and to Augie just like you have been doing. You've done so much to make his life better and I'm sure he is grateful to you. Helping our friends cross over is very hard, emotional and you question if what you're doing is the right thing, but I truly believe that you'd be doing what's best for Augie in letting him go if you feel it's time. Remember, we're here for you to talk to.
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Post by Amy on Mar 11, 2003 14:52:43 GMT -5
You can only do what you feel is right...but is he more uncomfortable than he is comfortable these days? I think it's absolutely okay to let one of our furry loved ones go on a good day. It leaves them with their dignity (I know that thought is probably more for the human than the animal, though).
What a great life he's lived with you, to think he has touched so many! I feel your pain and will be supportive no matter what you decide. Like Bara mentions, trust Augie to tell you and trust yourself to know...and it sounds like he already has. Best wishes.
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Post by Luci on Mar 11, 2003 15:11:49 GMT -5
We get sooo attached. I just hate letting go. But, so much better for Augie to be able to finally get to rest in the comfort of those he loves. It sounds like he's added much to many lives and if he is suffering, he deserves to go out in style. Many hugs to you.
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Post by Skye Pilot on Mar 11, 2003 15:25:25 GMT -5
A hug for you Vida.  I know this is going to be hard for you. Augie has had a good life and you have made his brighter. |
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Post by BriscoMomma on Mar 11, 2003 15:54:06 GMT -5
I've only ever had to make this decision for one animal, my kitty Sherpa, last May. I went through a year knowing that I was probably going to have to make the decision myself, but secretly (and kind of feeling guilty and very selfish) wished that he would just pass away quietly on his own when he was ready, because I'd never be certain that I made the right decision if/when it came to that. Even had one trip to the vet to have it done and backed out (with the vet's blessing and advice actually) during his 'final' examination. I ended up having to make the decision for him in the end and all I can say is that after a year of wondering many, many times if "it was time", when the actual time came, there was no doubt whatsoever that it was what needed to be done and what was right for Sherpa, and no doubt what he wanted. I wasn't unsure at all at the time, or afterwards. Don't know if this helps much or not, but whatever you decide you know that we'll all stand behind you. You are the only one here who knows Augie and what is best for him. It's an awful position to be in and I don't envy you a bit.  |
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Post by niaru on Mar 11, 2003 16:13:27 GMT -5
Oh Vida...I wish I could help, but as everybody has stated, you are the only one who knows Augie. If you think in your heart he's at the end of his rope, if he's in pain...but whatever you do, my heart goes out to you. ((hugs)).
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Post by Lynne on Mar 11, 2003 16:29:28 GMT -5
Oh, Vida, I know how hard that decision is. You are so good with your animals and I know that you will make the right decision. And you know that we are behind you in whatever you do, one hundred percent.
I can tell you that the guilt of losing Glenna through struggle instead of putting her down will bring tears to my eyes and shame to my heart within a minute of thinking about it. I wish that when I had the vet come out to do it I had not let him talk me out of it. I wish so much that I could have let her leave with more dignity and security than sturggling alone to stand and dieing from the effort. I I can't undo it but I would give just about anything if I could. It really is my most embarrassing moment, and I cry for her still, more because of how she went than that she is gone. Her struggle clouds what should be happy memories with guilt and pain.
That probably doesn't help you a lot either, but for what it's worth. Good luck. I really want Auggie to be "fine" but I know that he isn't and like everyone said, only you know him well enough. Peace to both of you....
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Post by chrisnstar on Mar 11, 2003 18:37:19 GMT -5
Oh Vida... you have the best feel for how Augie is doing. All I can tell you is that I have never regretted a decision to have an animal euthanized. It was sad, tears were shed, but I know in my heart it was the right thing for the animal.. I think that we often keep an animal alive for US not for them... hang in there and give your husband a hug.. he's not ready to let go yet, but you and Augie are. You've fought a valliant fight... chris
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Post by Einstein on Mar 11, 2003 21:07:28 GMT -5
Lynne, don't you EVER feel guilty about Glenna!! You went above and beyond and I know what you did was right. If you had just euthanized her at the start, you (I think) would have always regretted it. I was so amazed at your persistance and courage to do all you could for her. I hate how it ended, but I think you're wonderful for all you love and compasion for her!!
Vida, I agree with everyone here, I wish you could treat him medically, but that's just the vet tech in my. Give him a hug from me. He touched my heart, when you wrote what he told the animal communicator.
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Post by Kat on Mar 11, 2003 22:28:20 GMT -5
they give us soo much, and ask for so little. It sounds like you know in your heart what the right desision is, but know that whatever you deside, we are hear for you :-) God bless you.
Kat
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Post by jenarby on Mar 11, 2003 22:57:58 GMT -5
Vida,
I work in a place where these decision have to be made quite frequently. I have to tell you that it never gets any easier to see it. I'll share something with you though. People alwys ask me how I can work at a veterinary hospital when we have to put so many animals down. How can I stand to be there? Well, I have the most trouble watching the owners, not their beloved animals. They go through so many emotions, fear, guilt, lose, love...all of the above. I have trouble looking at their faces. So I focus on that animal. I see how pain turns to relief. I see how suffering goes away. I see how one kind jester from a loving owner can set an animal free. That's what you are doing, a kind jester for a being that can't help themselves. Augie has done his job, played his part, and now he deserves a rest. You need to remember what he brought to your life and how much he loved you, showed you in his very own special ways. You need to rememebr how he helped others, he had more than earned his place. So don't feel guilty, don't feel like you took (or are taking) something from him. You aren't. You are giving him something so precious....wings.......
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Post by Crooked Horse on Mar 11, 2003 23:20:40 GMT -5
Vida,
My thoughts are with you and Augie!
I am putting my old guy down tomorrow morning...I can really feel your anguish! But you will know when it is truly time - when it is best for HIM (you will know in your heart).
Good luck :horsie:
Ginger
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I know this is going to be hard for you. Augie has had a good life and you have made his brighter. 
