06 March 2009

Pondering the Imponderables

I've been doing lots and lots of thinking this week about what is the best thing for Wanda.

I'm still waiting for my vet, the orthopedic specialist, to go over the results with me so please understand I'm still debating options at this point without all the information...

Points factoring into my upcoming decision are:

How much pain is Wanda in? Can we manage that pain effectively? What would that management entail? Can I trust someone else to know when that pain is too much? If she is in pain now, what kind of pain will she have in two years? five? ten? Can I find someone to give her a good home for the rest of her life (remember she's eight)? Is it fair to put her in a position where someone may try to ride her at some point? Can I find a good situation for her in this market? How do you weigh her quality of life vs. quantity of life? Is it fair to have her live the rest of her life in pain just so that I feel better? Would it be fair to breed her? Can she be someone's broodmare? What am I willing to do for her? How much time am I willing to invest in a horse I cannot ride, long-term? Ultimately, what is the best possible decision I can make for Wanda and for myself that I can live with?

2 comments:

  1. Oh My...I have been in a coma it seems...sooo much has gone on while I got kicked out of my stable. I am surviving..but You and Wanda. Oh Jill, this is very sad news. Poor Wanda! Poor YOU! I am so heart broken for you. Not good.
    {Please know I am praying for your resolve and heart and Wanda.'Kac

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  2. This is the ultimate awful decision quandary regarding a horse you love but cannot use. My heart goes out to you. The only thing I'd say is: it is not the time for anyone to be breeding more horses, so if someone wants her for a broodmare I question their judgement.

    I am a strong supporter of euthanasia, actually for humans and all other animals. I think a painless death is not an evil thing, when circumstances indicate it would be a blessing.

    Hugs and prayers to you in this rough time; it feels so lonely to be the one responsible.

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