Hi there me again. I posted a note in October regarding our beloved horse Raspberry who died at that time. She was my daughter Laurie's horse.
I would really appreciate some help from some fellow horse parents in regards to this. My daughter has of course been grieving. Me too as I get attached to everything horsey and most animals in general. However, I've noticed some changes in my daughter that concerned me and she wrote me a note today. Its sad and it seems she's blaming herself and saying that because she decided to euthanize Ras she now feels she killed her. I was so upset when I read this. It will be three months tomorrow as she wrote in her note to me and she also said she's wondering if she should give up riding. She's 14 1'2 and a freshman in HS. I know it is proper to allow her to grieve. But blaming herself for doing something kind, loving and humane when there was absolutely NO other humane option other than that- (the mare suffering even more and longer) is of great concern. She is a compassionate loving kid, who LOVES AND BREATHES horses. If she quits I'm afraid I'll lose her emotionally. She is so deeply hurt. I'm at a loss as how to help her thru this. We can't afford to replace the quality of horse she had at this time either. And, unfortunately, I think that would help her heal. I don't know what to do...She does have another horse but was told she is too small for what she does now (Laurie is almost 5'8" and Dolly is 13'3). That was another disappointment for her. Her other horse Sassy is 24, has arthritis, was her 1st horse given to her, and is retired. Dolly was given to her by my older daughter when she went to college. So Raspberry was special-her very own young-grow together companion. She still takes excellent care of these two but she's not the same anymore. She's slowly fading. Any of you parents or perople that as kids maybe went thru this have some suggestions, comments ideas?? I love my daughter and it greives me more that she feels this way. She misses her Raspberry who had a very special personality. You know, they were a match! Thanks for listening! kathie
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