Your Honest Opinion Please

With all the distraction of George's boo boo I haven't mentioned much about Hubba lately. I'm still trying to make a decision about what is best for him.

My vet had a look at him and (without taking xrays) suspects that the ankle had a break that did not heal properly. The size of his ankle seems to be growing. My boyfriend even noticed it and said something. I have tried him on bute which did absolutely nothing. The ankle is very sore for him, he very rarely bears weight on it and will pull away from you if you try to touch it.

After a discussion with the vet there doesn't seem like many options aside from spending oodles on money on surgery if that would even help.

The other 3 pick on him and chase him from the food/shelter. I feel awful for him but I'm seriously considering having him put to sleep before winter sets in.

If he were your horse, what would you do? I am willing to give him to a home as a companion but it would have to be with only one other horse. I am so nervous about this though knowing that he might be shuffled along and end up in a bad situation. Even with a buy back contract you can't really enforce it. One the horse is gone, it's gone.

If anyone knows someone looking for a sweet horse that adores being loved on please let me know.

OK, here is my honest opinion. My biggest concern would be his pain level and quality of life. I wouldn't be comfortable letting him go to another home as a companion for the same reasons that you stated. One of the greatest gifts we can give our horses is the freedom from pain. I think that if I was in a situation similar to yours I would have him put down before winter hit. I'm sure lots of people won't agree with me But I'm giving you my honest opinion.

Ohh SD what an awful decision, if you let him go to somebody else you cannot be sure the new owner will treat him as well as you do, and any other horse might have the same reaction to him. and if he is in a lot of pain it might be kinder to let him go to sleep..... but it is NOT an easy decision and you will make it with love in your heart for him !!!!!!!! will be thinking of you !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My Honest opinion...is put him down. Once the horse is out of your hands you have no control on what happens to him, even with a buy back, or a lease agreement. You know this and I know this.

If he was my horse and knowing that the surgery most likely would not help - putting him down really is the kindness thing you can do for him.

Most certainly a very hard decision to make but knowing that winter is setting in sometime soon, knowing that he will have a hard time in the winter I would do it.

Hugs to you...

I know this is a really hard decision but I agree with Charlo. I personally think that would be the best decision because giving him to someone as a companion horse is not going to stop his pain

I think if Hubba is physically showing you he is in discomfort his actions are speaking louder than words. If he had a break it is most likely that arthritis has set in and even if surgery were a sure thing the trauma he has suffered has most likely already taken it's toll. Although you love him and I am sure that a new family would as well, the end result is the same.....he is in ongoing pain. Although it is heartbreaking, I think, for his sake, the kindest thing you could do for him is to lay him to rest. Just my opinion, will be thinking of you.

Quote :

One of the greatest gifts we can give our horses is the freedom from pain.

Az.. I agree putting him down is the kindess act. You will feel so much better knowing you did the right thing and that he's not suffering or in the hands of someone who doesn't give a care.
I know one person who let her horse go because she was dangerous to people and had a lot of issues.. Health wise she seemed fine, the horse died 4 months later, why is unknown but I'm sure it wasn't an easy death. Would have been better to have her put to sleep without any suffering.
and Girl you always make the right decisions when it comes to your babies.. so whatever you decide it will be the right decision.

There is no doubt in my mind you are agonizing over this cindyrelly......but you do know in your heart what is best for him......you just have to allow it to happen. my thoughts are with you...........and I sure would like to be with you to give you a couple of shots of liquor to help ease your sorrow. :hug.gif:

Thank you for your honesty ladies. I too know it is the best thing for him. That still doesn't mean I don't feel guilty though. Some people in my life don't understand that it is kinder to let them go and I guess their words are making me second guess what I know is right.

Azure.......you are the ONLY ONE who hears that little voice in your head......

SexyDexy wrote:

Thank you for your honesty ladies. I too know it is the best thing for him. That still doesn't mean I don't feel guilty though. Some people in my life don't understand that it is kinder to let them go and I guess their words are making me second guess what I know is right.

Honey Don't feel guilty, the only reason you should feel guilty if you hold onto him longer then you should. That is cruel. As to the nay sayer that are around you they mustn't be horse people or even animal people, the ones who actually care about their animals will understand why you are doing and will support you all the way through it.

maybe you could print this thread off and show it to them.

Also please do not second guess yourself, you really are doing the most kindness thing for the horse. You are giving him a great end to his life, an end with dignity, and end that will make him painfree, and end where he can finally run in green pastures as a whole horse. :hug.gif:

Ohhh Azure don't feel guilty, you will do what you do through love no other reason, and it is such a hard thing but doing it for the right reasons makes it easier to bear !!!! i would come too with JJ if she does not mind and we can help ease your pain !!!!!!