By Rita Thompson-Tinsley
Talking about death is not the end of the world. It’s just the end of the trail. And though this situation means different things to different people, it’s something that everyone needs to ponder. Yes, it’s painful to imagine the demise, the mortality of this animal you cherish, but it could be more painful if a plan is neglected.
Why can’t our best friends live forever? The adult in us would say: Grow up! They do not live forever, and it’s selfish if you think they should go on and linger in a state that reflects pure misery and the worst discomfort so that they can continue their weary companionship.
Today there are methods that will humanely bring peace and comfort to your beloved animal…at their favor. It’s up to you to come to terms with the inevitable and relent to your own level of peace.
Ginny Jablonski of Heart of the Horse (heartofthehorse.us), a Human and Animal Soul Whisperer and animal communicator, shares an astute viewpoint regarding our animals’ end of life experience. She explains, from the human perspective, that we don’t want to lose all the loving elements including unconditional love that we receive from our animals.
Ginny says, “We don’t want to be responsible for another being’s suffering. We have a fear of death. Animals don’t fear death,” explains Jablonski. “When we set them free from their suffering, we are honoring them.”
How do you know when it’s your horse’s time to go? My elderly palomino, Sundance, had been suffering over the years with bone spurs and arthritis, hobbling along, yet he still roared for his food at mealtime and enjoyed being with his herd mates. Then one day, my once mighty steed did not roar and did not eat. He preceded to walk in small circles and dead-end into my belly where he stopped and rested his head.
I could see his pain, and it was unbearable. He did this same pattern several times, and it was clear that he was asking for release. I made the call to the vet who did her due diligence with utmost care and professionality. Sundance and I said our goodbyes as I saw him succumb to peace.
The act of euthanasia is not a terrible thing. The absence of my beloved animal was sad, but there was peace in knowing that I did the right thing. I answered his call.
Carrie Singer, founder of Animal Guardian Network at Healing River Ranch is familiar with animal death in her rescue’s hospice care. Regarding senior animals she advises, “Our most important responsibility is evaluating quality of life and making the heartbreaking decision to help them pass.
“We make these decisions with our hearts, which often causes us to prolong the decision. When the end is in sight, let them take all the love you have shown them, and what little bit of life they have left with them. Allow them to age gracefully and pass with dignity.”
Gaia White lost two middle-aged horses only a couple of months apart. The thought of having to put down your beloved equines, as each separately struggled in colic pain, is nothing any of us want to experience. But, though young, Gaia knew she had to do the right thing for Kona and Deal, who will be sorely missed.
Veterinarian Patty Zahorecz, DVM explains euthanasia by injection is a humane procedure that usually involves two steps to make it easier for the horse and everyone involved. The first step is a deep sedation followed by the euthanasia solution which puts the horse to final rest.
I asked Dr. Zahorecz what she does to prepare horse owners for the euthanasia process.
“Veterinarians cannot fully prepare an owner for the emotions involved in this decision.” She continues, “It can be even more difficult when the decision must be made suddenly, as can happen in severe colic situations. We can provide understanding, comfort, and information to help an owner in these circumstances.”
Eileen Groom wasn’t sure what to do when her older horse Cisco went into a bad colic. She called Dr. Dickinson, who came and thoroughly went through the procedures to treat Cisco. Later that day, his condition came back with a vengeance, and Dr. Dickinson was called to return.
After hearing the options to further treat Cisco, none with a guarantee, including surgery which he had endured years before, Eileen made the difficult decision to let Cisco go.
Groom recently shared, “I dreamt the other night we were cantering. He told me he had just been taking a break.”
She continues, “I heard that when dogs look at us, they are giving us hugs with their eyes. It made me think how when horses look at us, they are giving us the world.”
Heavenly Hoof Beats to Happier Trails.
