The Hardest Decision, Euthananasia & "Saabs Jameel" Options

[cwgrlsrck]

Jameel was my 24 year old Arab/T-bred horse. I've had her since the day she was born. Yesterday I made the hardest decision of my life and that was to euthanise her. She had colicked the night before and had twisted her large intestine. This meant that without surgery, she would die because she couldn't pass solid waste. At the time of taking her to the vet, we did not realize the severity of her condition. The vet kept her overnight and gave us postings throughout the night. At 10:00am he called to tell me that she was getting worse and that he was having a hard time keeping her comfortable. I so wanted to tell him to do the surgery, but who was I doing it for? Jameel or myself? I decided that I couldn't put her through that surgery at her age only to watch her suffer more. It hasn't even been 24 hours and I miss her so much. I keep asking myself, "Did I do the right thing?" I can't seem to stop crying. Everywhere I look or go, I am reminded of her. I went out to feed tonight and stood waiting for her to come around the corner of the barn until I realized that she was never going to again. I feel so lost and lonely. I feel as if I'll never get over this.

[Nanpacific]

I am so sorry about Jameel. I know it is a hard decision, but I think you were right to let her go. I had to do the same for my dog, Sasha who had cancer. It has been two weeks and I still feel very sad. I am glad you had so many great years with her.

I am sorry about the pain - I do know how you feel. I am thinking of you in your time of loss.

Nancy (Sasha's Mom)