I'm so sad today. We had to help my beautiful TN Walking Horse (my avitar) over the Rainbow Bridge. He had COPD for a number of years, but despite meds, he was getting worse. I know we didn't have a choice but to stop his pain, but my heart hurts. Our animals are all so very special to us. I miss him already! I know all of you wonderful Cuties understand my pain and tears.

I'll just send you lots of hugs. I lost my horse Peaches in a similar way. My heart hurts for you.

I am so sorry!! It is hard , whether it is a dog , cat or horse., they are family!! I have been blessed to have special animals my whole life and each loss has been a sad time. I think now about the special one that took years to move on. I will not see an animal pet in terrible pain when I know there is a better place for them. Love you , Kay

What you did was the best thing for your horse. It's really hard, I've been there. Just be thankful for the privilege you had of being a part of his life.

You're an angel in his eyes too.

My dear Marion......there is nothing I can say that has not already been said. The Rainbow Bridge is filled with so many of beautiful beloved animals that is has to be the most fabulous place to go!!
"Until one has loved an animal, part of their soul remains unawakened"

Dear Marion - my thoughts are with you at this very sad time. Words won't ease the grief and sense of loss but today's sadness will become tomorrow's wonderful memories and you'll be able to remember the years of loyalty and friendship that your friend has given you; you'll remember the joy and fun that you shared together and you will know that, in taking this step, you have acted wisely and with true love.
Much love -
AlmaG.

Marion dear, my heart goes out to you. I understand very well. You have lost a close family member....a son in a fur coat? I pray that your happy memories will help ease your pain. Please know how much I care. I'm sending you a great big hug and a heart full of love. ~ Marjorie in Kansas

OH Marion, my heart does cry for you. I didn't realize how horses have such individual personalities until Ben was in a therapeutic riding program and I got to know the special ones he rode. I'm so sorry for your loss. He was a beautiful guy, and I know you'll miss him incredibly. I wish my hugs could take your pain away.
Love, Jan

Marion, so sorry to hear of your loss. We get so attached to our pets, but we can't let them suffer. You did the right thing. I'm sure you will remember all those special moments with him. Hugs Yvonne

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by catsnhorses 26 Nov 2011

Love the kitty and so appreciate your kind words, Yvonne. Thank you
Marion

Oh Marion, I feel so sad for you, Praying for the strength you need at this time. Hugs & Prayers, Judy

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by catsnhorses 26 Nov 2011

Thank you, Judy! I so appreciate everyone's understanding.
Marion

Horses are probsably my first love of animals. I hurt for you. I have not been able to have horses since leaving North Carolina, but at times I do miss them. I am sorry for your loss.

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by catsnhorses 26 Nov 2011

Thank you for understanding and for your kind words. I am touched by your kindness.
Marion

Awww-i understand your heartache and sadness :( sending you a virtual Big Hug x

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by catsnhorses 26 Nov 2011

Thank you for the hug. It so helps!

Marion thinking of you. Just remember the great times over the years you were together

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by catsnhorses 26 Nov 2011

Yes, it is hard but you're right that remembering our many years together helps. He'll really always be with me. thank you for caring.

Our animals are loved so much and they are family. God bless you.

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by catsnhorses 26 Nov 2011

Thank you. Yes, our animals are all very loved, no matter whether horse, dog, cat, or whatever. We love them as family members. Thank you for understanding and sharing your feelings with me.
Marion

Sorrry to hear of this news but it needs to be done at times to help our friends.

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by catsnhorses 26 Nov 2011

You are very right that it sometimes needs to be done. Helping them over the Rainbow Bridge is our last gift of love to them for their years of love and devotion to us. Thank you for caring.
Marion

Dear Marion,

I'm so sorry to read that you had to put your beloved horse down. My heart aches for your loss but I know that you have wonderful memories to cherish. May St. Francis of Assisi look after him forever.

Love and blessings Chri

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by catsnhorses 26 Nov 2011

What a beautiful picture and thought of St. Francis caring for my beloved friend now. Thank you.
Marion

So sorry you had to take this hard decision. But we know , we don't want to have them suffer.you are in my thoughts, and here's a hug for you.

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by catsnhorses 26 Nov 2011

I see his hoofprints in the sand too. Thank you for your kindness and understanding.
Marion

I'm so sorry. I grew up with TN Walkers and I know how hard it is to give them up. I am also from KY.
Hugs, Judy

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by catsnhorses 26 Nov 2011

Thank you, Judy. Knowing I have such understanding Cute friends helps a great deal.

I am so sorry. I wish there was more I could say that would ease your pain.

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by catsnhorses 26 Nov 2011

Thank you for caring. Just knowing that you care means so much to me!
Marion

I am so sorry to hear of your sad loss. I pray for you to remember all the wonderful memories you shared and hope your pain will ease.
Sending you an Angel of the Animals to help guide his way.
Hugs and love, Meganne

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by catsnhorses 26 Nov 2011

Meganne - Thank you. What a beautiful angel to accompany my long time friend on his journey. Your caring means a great deal to me!
Marion

It is always terrible when we have to have our beautiful pets put down. My heart aches for you knowing what it is like to have a horse put down. My youngest daughter has horses and I have witnessed what she goes through when it is time for them to go. I do not think that there is a Cutie here that does not know what you are going through. Hugs Sarah.

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by catsnhorses 26 Nov 2011

Thank you, Sarah. You are right -- Cuties are all very caring and loving people, so understand my pain. I guess that is why I'm very comforted by the collective hugs. Thank you for caring and for the hug. I need it.
Marion

So sorry to read about your pain, but we have to do what is right, thank you for making the right decision, hugs S*

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by catsnhorses 26 Nov 2011

Thank you for caring, and for writing to say that I made the right decision. Even though we know it's for the best, it is hard to put our feelings aside to give our beloved animals a final gift. Thank you. Marion

the tears are flowing just reading this having been there with my animals..............soozie

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by catsnhorses 26 Nov 2011

Thank you, Soozie, for understanding and for the lovely gift of sharing. I find great comfort in your words. Thank you.

I feel your sadness. I love animals and hate losing any of them.

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by catsnhorses 26 Nov 2011

Thank you so much for your kind words. Knowing that all of my Cute friends understand and care means a great deal to me. Your friendship is what will help us through the difficult times.
Marion

Marion, it's always hard to take that decision about our beloved animals. We had four dogs over 20 years. When the last one was old and suffering so much that I couldn't bear to see him in that conditions, I took that decision. I'm crying even now, typing. It happened five yeas ago but I still remember him fondly. You will suffer for a while but he has stopped suffering already, and that is a big consolation!

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by lidiad 25 Nov 2011

Hugs !!!! Lidia

by catsnhorses 26 Nov 2011

Lidia - Thank you for understanding and for loving animals so much. You are right that it is painful for me, but I know that his pain has stopped. He's now galloping free with his pasture buddies of long ago. Thank you for your kind words. Marion

Praying for you now and will keep doing so! It does so hurt, and no matter how many animals have been in your life, when they have been summoned to their creator, they all are missed here so very much! God bless and keep you and ease the ache in your heart. Hugging you from here;>)

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by catsnhorses 26 Nov 2011

Thank you for understanding and for the hug. I needed it! You are a special person to care so much about someone else. Thank you!

Sending you thoughts of peace with the courageous decision you had to make knowing he is no longer suffering.

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by catsnhorses 26 Nov 2011

I find great comfort in your words. Thank you!

Bless you for making the decision and now your beautiful baby gallops free of pain in the wonderful world across the rainbow bridge. May your pain subside and your memories of your beloved horse become treaures in you heart. hugs Helen

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by catsnhorses 26 Nov 2011

Helen - Thank you for caring. Your understanding is a great comfort to me at this difficult time. You are right that he is now pain free and galloping across the fields with pasture friends who crossed before him. Thank you. Marion

So sorry to here about your loss. I feel for your pain and tears. Rachel

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by catsnhorses 26 Nov 2011

Thank you, Rachel. I appreciate your kind words. Marion

Never easy to make this kind of decision. Our heart brakes every time we have to let go of our 4 legged buddies. Hugs to you. Angie

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by catsnhorses 26 Nov 2011

Thank you, Angie. I truly appreciate your words and for caring so much. Marion

Marion, I am so sorry for you. I know exactly how you feel as I have had to make this same decision regarding a horse we had on our farm for 10 years..She was 30. I feel your heart pain and I'm shedding tears with you !
Your friend,
Jo

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by catsnhorses 26 Nov 2011

Jo -You are right that it is a difficult decision to make. Even when we know it's the kindest thing to do, our pain goes on. But knowing that you understand and care helps so much. Thank you. Marion

I'm so sorry love love of an animal can never be matched always there for you no matter what!!!! I have been breeding poodles for a lot of years and could never get rid of them after breeding and have done rescue as well so now most my kids are old! i have 3 I need to help as well and have lost 8 others in the last 4 years including the best big guy i have ever had!!( and that is a lot) he was an abused rescue and still loved every one. One thing iI do know they will waiting for me on the other side. God bless Viki

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by catsnhorses 26 Nov 2011

Viki - I am sure you will be strong when it is your friends' time, just as you've been strong for them over the years. Thank you for understanding and for the comforting words. Marion

Marion, so sorry for you loss - when we love - we love.

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by catsnhorses 26 Nov 2011

Thanks so much, Shirlene. Love is always there for our dear friends, isn't it? I appreciate your kind words. Marion

i'm very sorry to hear your loss, there's not much else to say.

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by catsnhorses 26 Nov 2011

Your words mean a lot, for your kindness and understanding show through in them. Thank you!

I am so sorry for your loss of a precious pet.. my heart hurts for you..

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by catsnhorses 26 Nov 2011

Thank you for your understanding and kind words! They help to ease the pain. Marion

So sorry, Marion! I feel your loss and pain! My pets are like family members, so special and give more than they receive! Bless you; some decisions are tough, but necessary!
Hugs,
Angel

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by catsnhorses 26 Nov 2011

Thank you, Angel! It is comforting to you know that you understand and care.

Hugs for you. *

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by catsnhorses 26 Nov 2011

Thank you. I need them during this difficult time! I so appreciate your caring. Marion

I understand your pain. Sending comforting hugs your way.

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by catsnhorses 26 Nov 2011

I appreciate your kind words and understanding. I can feel the hug easing away some of the pain. Thank you. Marion

I am so sorry to hear this. It is truly awful when we lose our pets. But it is true we need to consider the pain that they are in. I have had to make this decision with two of my cats. It was sad for me but utterly devastating for my husband. Is COPD chronic obstructive pulmonary disease? I thought only people got that, but I am a people nurse not a vet.

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by catsnhorses 26 Nov 2011

Thank you for your kind words, Fanny. Yes, COPD in horses is about the same as in people. In the 'old days' vets used to call the disease 'heaves' but it's COPD by just another name. Horses inhale dust from many sources, including their hay and the land on which they live. They can't expel it so they cough and cough, losing weight the whole time because they often cough when they're eating so expel their food. It's so sad and painful for them. Thank you for caring.
Marion

My thoughts are with you Marion.We become extremely attached to all our animals and it is really hard to say goodbye even when we know it has to be. I know you will have many lovely photos and wonderful memories of your beautiful horse to help you get through the trying days ahead.LOL Barb

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by catsnhorses 26 Nov 2011

Thank you, Barb. You're right that it will take awhile but my memories of Suthun will always be with me. Thank you for caring.

I'm feeling with you. It is such a hard decision to let a beloved one go...
Hugs to you
Bettina

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by catsnhorses 26 Nov 2011

Bettina - Thank you for understanding and for caring so much. Your kindness means a great deal during this difficult time. Thank you. Marion

Sorry to hear about this. Sending you hugs and prayers. DeVon

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by catsnhorses 26 Nov 2011

DeVon, Thank you for the kind words, prayers and the hug. I need all of them and take comfort in knowing others understand and care. Marion

It is always painful to make the decision, but knowing he is painfree is a blessing. Debbie

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by catsnhorses 26 Nov 2011

Thank you, Debbie. I take comfort in your kind words.