So I have been thinking about this post for a while. First let me say it is not about a horse of mine, just about horses in general and 1 in particular that I know of . I had started to write about the tough decisions facing horse owners when our critters become old ,ill or injured. But honestly I have written about that before. The long and short of my philosophy is simple. we are to be good stewards of our animals , and that includes caring for them through their lives. Providing boundaries, and healthy environment , and yes at the end ,quite simply loving them enough to let them go.
Is it easy? nope, and it doesn't get any easier. My sister commented about all of the difficult decisions I have faced over the years, and sharing those insights might be of help to others. Maybe but each of us face those issues with our own set of feelings, I am no better , stronger or wiser than any other in similar situation. It is hard, and as I said doesn't get easier.
The comment " I am not ready " has come up from time to time with folk facing that tough call. Not to be cold, but it is not about you being ready , it is about the animal. After all at the end of their lives we need to realize as hard as it is we will get past it, they won't.
I was going to talk about a few cases in my horse career that might show some insight , but really as long ago or as recently as they are, they are scars I am not sure I want to reopen. I think this poem ,written a few years ago(it is in my first book) states my feelings clearly enough.
Give me a horse
Give
me a horse
With
good heart and mind
Yes
give me a horse
And
I’ll find the time
Give
me the knowledge
To
manage his care
To
teach and to train
In
a manner that’s fair
Give
me the space
And
days in the sun
To
first learn to walk,
Then learn to run
Give
me the push
To
do what I need
To earn both our keep
And
pay for his feed
Give
me the courage,
When
he’s done his best
When
his time is done
To
put him to rest
Leave
me the horse
In
my mind and heart
The
joy and the memories
Right
from the start
Yes
give me a horse
And
I‘ll do the rest
As
he does for me
I’ll
give him my best
A bit of a downer post I guess, but its been on my mind .
Stay safe my friends
16 comments:
I couldn't agree more Sherry. Nothing makes me angrier than people letting an animal suffer because 'they' are not ready. Grow up, grow a set and stop being selfish!!
Not really a downer in a way - death is a part of life, as is aging. All of life, even its end, is to be celebrated - and it's wonderful that we can be there for our good steeds at the end and make sure that they don't suffer and have as good an end as we can give them. Love your poem - captures the spirit exactly.
I think this post is beautiful. I love your poem! Saying goodbye is part of life, one of the very hardest...we wouldn't have felt joy in our lives otherwise.
Thank you ~ we just faced this decision on 10/28 with our 26 year young grey mare (appy) ~ you are correct it isn't easy.
Making that decision is part of good stewardship, as you said. I will always be sad for the times I've had to do that, especially the most recent one- and her grandma- two that were so near and dear to me- but it's our duty to do what is in their best interests, even if we don't want to let go.
One of my favorite of your poems.
Sherry, This is a very 'close to my heart' subject. I also have a BIG problem with the people that have the "I'm not ready" thing going on, NONE of us is ever 'ready', but when the time comes, be it old age, injury, or whatever, then we need to 'ante up', 'cowboy up', ( whatever phrase you use) and make the right choice!!
It is not right that an animal should have to suffer, just because 'we' cannot do this.
This is one of my favourite poems, of yours.
This problem is not solely for horse owners, it involves ANYONE that holds the care of any ANIMAL DEAR TO THEIR HEART
And as I work in Long Term Care, with Humans, DON'T get me started on that!!!
I love this poem and it helped me get through some of those cases you mentioned you didn't want to open. I thank you for that although I was ready and I agree that all animals that we love and cherish deserve this dignity. Someone at work had to make the decision today to put her dog down so if it is okay I would like to give her your poem.
Not a downer at all, it's reality we probably all face if we've ever had an animal. Loved the poem.
As I keep trying to heal Sassy, and wondering if I am doing the right thing, these words hit me harder than you will ever know.
Oh Cindy! I did not intend to hurt or upset you , I know how hard you have worked on Sassy, she is in good weight and you are managing her pain,I know you will do the right thing for her if it can no longer be managed
Thanks all I was unsure what to say, but I knew I wanted to say it.
You did not hurt me or upset, but just verbalized the thoughts I already have. I watch her and wonder if she is happy and pain free. I watch my poor old guy Danny who seems to have more and more trouble with mobility, and I watch my old dog Butch who struggles with lupus and the side effects of the medication for that. All these things with these animals weigh's heavy on my mind and I know that soon I am going to have to make the decision's, and then follow through with it.
It sucks, especially since more money could probably help Sassy, or even Butch, but it is money I don't have and eventually I am going to have to draw the line.
Thank you for this post. It is a good one, and the timing is just right.
Nothing you write could ever be a "downer", girl. Thank you for your honest, clear-eyed view of what needs to be done, if we are to own ANY animal.
" Not to be cold, but it is not about you being ready, it is about the animal."
Exactly.
A very timely Post. We've had to make this decision in the past and just a few days ago the conversation has risen with a horse we rescued last year. The time is coming - once again. :(
I really didn't need to cry this early this morning. What a wonderful and touching poem.
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