How are we to know if someone (animal or human) is suffering, and how much
is too much? They don't always tell us, and sometimes when they do, their
perception (or ours) isn't always accurate. I have plenty of patients
(human) who are old, skinny and so arthritic that it takes them quite a
while to get moving in the morning, who are fiercely opposed to the "Right
to Die" legislation in Washington state. Some people that you would think
were suffering alot and were ready to die, aren't. Some other patients, who
you would think have every reason to live, want to die and we in the ER, of
course can't let them. This issue has become so grey, that the only way I
feel I can be sure my old Granny Peach (36 this year) is ready to go is when
she stops enjoying her feed, stops playing with the foals, basking in the
rare winter sunshine and/or just lays down and doesn't even try to get up?
Every winter I think is going to be her last, and she still keeps going.
Five years ago, I bought her a really nice, expensive winter blanket because
I was sure she was dying. I changed jobs, moved to a warmer climate, have a
new vet, different feed, and this year she's fatter, and more sleek and
shiny than ever. Who Knows????
Happy Trails,
Patty and The Roan
Rainbow Paso Fino Ranch
4331 Garden Spot Rd.
Clayton, WA 99110