[feldar]

I think i need to start to face the fact my old boy is on the downward slide now. He has Cushings disease and he is deteriorating a lot faster than i thought he would. He was diagnosed last Autumn and we have had a good summer with him but predictably as the days start to shorten he has swollen eyes and ears and now a bad bout of laminitus.
I feel really sorry for him and i know soon i will have to make the kindest decision and have him put to sleep. But that is a very hard call to make, he has been a very big part of my life for so long, he is 29 and i bought him when he was 6 from a Welsh farmer.
Still i will not let him suffer
God i wonder why i have pets they bring so much joy but isn't hard when you have to say goodbye.

[cairnhill]

Sounds like he has had a great long life and has been lucky to spent most of it with you.  Now it is up to you to do what is best for him and you will know when the time is right. 
Best wishes

[egglady]

oh feldar, i have been there so very recently with my beloved Benson.  It is the hardest decision you'll ever make but it is also the kindest...for them.  At the end of the day, we want them to end their lives when they still have some quality left and we can remember them that way.  Too many horses are left till they are just in such a sorry state.....only becuase their owner couldn't be brave and do what needed to be done.

You'll do it when the time is right and my heart will be with you....x

[feldar]

Thanks for you good wishes   Yes i will do the right thing for him. A pony near to us was left until he fell down twice in his field and could barely walk, I was so close to calling the RSPCA but then he was put down. I don't like to interfere in others peoples business, i'm not that kind of person but i felt she had left this pony too long. I wont let that happen to mine

[sabrina]

So sad for you, its horrible but it is the last act of love 

[SallyintNorth]

It is the hardest decision and at the same time, when the time comes and you know it, the decision is made.

We all know that we owe this to them, and we do it.  But it is so hard and so so sad. 

And feldar, you know that we are all here for you when the time comes, and any time before or after that you just want to talk, or vent, or cry.   

[white-blazes]

Very sad for you, but he's had a good long life with you, it's the final act of kindness you can give him, and you will know when the time is right.

I've had to put two young geldings to sleep before they reached their 2nd birthdays, through accidents.  I'm dreading when my mares (18 and 19) get to old age and having to make that decision, but it will be done if it has to.

[NLL]

its a difficult time but choose a sunny day then you will remember him going with the sun on his back.it does help.

[feldar]

Thankyou everyone there will be plenty of crying i know that, even my tough old farmer hubby adores this pony and he doesn't get emotional over animals generally.
Still i am keeping him in at the moment, got farrier out tomorrow to check for pedal bone drop. He seems quite happy thinks of his belly all the time!! and just noticed we are getting the curly coat across the top of his back coming through. Vet is always around so pain relief is no problem. I cant do much more except cuddle him lots and wait it out and hope he gets over the laminitus.
Thanks for all your support