oppinions needed on a sad and graghic question

[A1 Steak Sauce]

Make sure she's home, she can either watch or not, her choice. But do what's best for YOUR horse before listening to an emotional, irrational 12 year old on the subject (I'm not meaning that as a snotty comment, but I know that's a really tough age when hormones go nuts is what I'm trying to say... I remember being that age.) If the horse is ready to go and obviously going downhill, it's time to say goodbye. Your daughter will understand that sooner or later, and if she doesn't, well that's for her to deal with in her own mind. Losing a horse hurts like heck, I'll be the first to say that, but when it's time, it's time. By twelve she's old enough to understand death and that it's nicer to put the mare out of her misery than make her suffer forever just so she (dd) can be happy to still have the horse around. That's just my opinion, I'm not good at wording things, but I tried lol. Really sorry about your mare, I know that's a tough decision.

 

[ams3651]

just my 2 cents but also speaking form my experience as a child, I would tell her it is going to be done "in then next couple days" and tell her to go say her good byes and spend some time with the horse. then when she is in school have it done.

 

[Camelot Farms]

Quote:
I have super sensitive 9 yr old DD who would literally make herself crazy wondering every day if this was going to be the day. She wouldnt be able to concentrate on her school work if she was constantly wondering if when she got home, would the horse be gone.

I think you have to tell her and give her a short amount of time to decide what she would like to do for her own peace of mind.

 

[Sunny the Hippie Chick]

I was younger than that when I stayed with my pet when he was put down. It was sad, very sad. But it helped with the process of knowing he was gone. But would live in my heart. To know that he was no longer in pain. I think I did right by being there to comfort my best friend. To keep him calm and from being scared by stangers with a needle.

 

[goobhen]

I believe that you should tell your daughter what your plans are. I also believe that we owe to our beloved animals to be with them when they die. I have been with all my animals when they have died. I would have it no other way. God bless you, theresa
ps: I know how hard it is to come to this decision is to make.

 

[cluckcluck42]

I was a little younger than your daughter when our beloved cat had to be put down. I did not want it to happen, but I trusted my mom to do what is best for her and she did. Your daughter should have a chance to say goodbye.

 

[hickerbillies]

My daughter is 12 and I asked her, if we were in your shoes what should we do? She wouldn't want her friend in pain and would want to be apart of things. However she wouldn't want to see the end (the injection or the burial). She would want to be able to say goodbye in her own way, by preparing her friend for whats to come. Brushing, cleaning and loving him, and then to hand him over to person that will then be in charge (her dad because she trust him most). Now as her mother I will be prepared with scrapbooks & photo albums. I would take my DD away from the action and go inside and honor our friend & greve our loss together.
This will be a very difficult time for you both, but the way you handle it can be one of the best experiences for your continued relationship with your DD. Best of luck to your family...