03/09/2023
Better to euthanize a month too soon than a minute too late. ❤️🩹
The word euthanasia is derived from the the Greek word euthanatos, eu = good and thanatos = death, so it literally means "Good Death." Euthanasia is our last gesture of mercy and kindness toward animals that are in the midst of or at risk of suffering.
Yesterday we transported two 28yo senior mares to their new home but unfortunately only one was able to see it. Both were examined by a veterinarian just days prior, got their coggins up to date and were cleared for travel. Unfortunately one of the mare's time came during travel and when we opened the trailer to unload she was no longer with us. We were upset, the new family was upset and the previous owner was upset. It was just an upsetting situation all around. Today we transported her to Mahan Farm and we paid for her burial.
We get calls often about elderly animals needing new homes. We understand life circumstances are sometimes simply beyond our control. While I can try and even probably find a home for that animal, moving causes stress, change causes stress, stress on the elderly is risky. They may adjust and thrive but they may not. More often than not, in these situations, I try to compassionately counsel owner to euthanize their elderly pet. Give them one last selfless gift of mercy and kindness in the safety of the arms or location they have felt safe and loved and alleviate any future stress or suffering.
As we are walking our own daughter, on home hospice, toward death we have to remind ourselves, "we value quality over quantity." Yesterday reminded me what a veterinarian I love told me, "Better to euthanize a month too soon than a minute to late." ❤️🩹
