09/19/2023
It's OK to euthanize.
Once in a while, a theme in life will keep reappearing as if it's tied to a season, or a trend, or maybe a sign that certain sensitive subjects deserve earnest discussion. It gives society the opportunity to evaluate moral norms and consider the choices we have for the animals in our care.
This month, we've received many calls from people wanting to surrender their 25+ year old horses. The stories are all pretty similar. The horse has been with the owner for many years, is not rideable, may have chronic diseases that require expensive maintenance, and some are barely handleable by your average person.
We all know that losing a beloved pet can be extremely painful. The many years we've fed, vetted, bonded with, and generally cared for our animals can make the loss, in some circumstances, as excruciating as losing a human friend. What we need to ask ourselves in these situations, is what is good for our pets, and to set our own needs aside as good stewards of these wonderful animals.
Consider the economy and the market for senior horses. In Alaska, feed and farrier care alone is a big expense, especially considering the rising costs associated with inflation. Add to this, good supplements, regular veterinary maintenance, and the added expenses that elder horses tend to accumulate with daily pills, pastes, blankets, dietary needs, etc.
Ask yourself if the stress of uprooting your longtime partner is a net benefit in the off chance you could find an appropriate home, with no guarantees that the new owner would treat your pet the way you want them to. Too often we've seen well meaning but ignorant new owners, give a senior horse a home thinking they had much more time and far fewer health issues. These horses usually spend their last days forgotten, or deemed not worthy enough to spend thousands on needed vet, hoof, and specialty care. Let's be honest, old horses are expensive to keep, and more often than not, have a lot less usability.
Ask yourself: If I cannot commit, or don't have the resources to afford a pet I've had for years, what are the odds that someone else will, especially when missing the many years of bonding and memories that came from that prior ownership?
What does it mean to be a good steward and how does one know when to make that difficult decision? This is pretty subjective, but above all, the well being of the animal in question should take center stage and the pain and loss you're sure to feel should just be a footnote and not the basis for your decision. It's OK to euthanize. There are worse things than death, as all of us here at AER can attest, and we want you to know that we are here if you need help during this process. Our Helping Hand Program can help cover the cost of euthanasia, removal/disposal, or in cases where the animal has a future, advertising and assistance with proper placement. Reach out to us. You are not alone.
