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[RC] Euthanasia: Horses/pets & firearms - cynthia hamberg

Hi folks:
It has been just over 3 weeks since I had to make the difficult
decision to euthanize one of my horses, Slick-A-Roo.  However,
I have to agree with those of you in the 'back woods' who do not
have veterinary access like I do...Allowing an animial to suffer is
unfair and ultimately selfish...Yes, I could have put Slick through
"chemo," excised his eyelid tumor with possible blindness as a result,
and run many more histological exams...He probably would have
dropped 200 lbs., and the end result would have ultimately been the same...
Postponing the loss does not make it easier for the animal, which
is what we as owners have taken the responsibility of--quality of
life for our horses, dogs, cats, etc....Upon seeing "Roo" trot out with my son, 
Kurtis (Roo's champion 4H kid), Dr. Smith said, "Cindy--he's lame on both front 
legs..." 
(This indicated my worst fear: A metastasized mast cell tumor & 
resulting cancer to the forelimbs...We had already eliminated forelimb 
arthritis with Adequan,
and I had done the cytology lab exams that indicated the mast cell tumor...).  
I then quietly said, "It's time, isn't it?"  Dr. Smith
said, "Yes, it's time..."  It didn't make it any easier.  And, yes, veterinary
confirmation is nice to have...But, at times, I do believe that it is impossible
to get a vet out in time to give you that final "ok" regarding your decision
to euthanize.  My husband grew up on a farm in a remote area of Sweden where 
they, like 
many of you, had to use their guns to end the suffering of an animal.  It 
wasn't any easier on them, but when the time comes--you know what is right:
Keeping the welfare of the horse/animal in mind.  Slick died fat & happy...May 
we all.
Take Care,
Cindy Hamberg (PS)

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