Knowing when
Almost every owner asks the same question, and almost every owner asks it too late rather than too early: how will I know?
Usually you already do. The horse who no longer comes to the gate, who doesn't finish his feed, who lies down more and gets up harder, who has stopped doing the small things that made him himself — that horse is telling you something, and you have probably been listening for a while before you let yourself hear it.
We can help you weigh it up. A quality of life assessment is a proper conversation, not a form: what he still enjoys, what he struggles with, what treatment would realistically buy and at what cost to him. Sometimes the answer is that there is more we can do. Sometimes it is that a good day now is better than a bad week later.
Asking the question early costs nothing and commits you to nothing. Most owners tell us afterwards they wish they had asked sooner.
The Atticus Equine Commitment. Our three promises
2
We will not let you carry on just because it's easier to keep treating. Welfare comes before business
1
We will not tell you it is too soon when it isn't. You know your horse better than us
3
We will be honest in every conversation. Even when that's painful. We are your horse's advocate.
What happens on the day
People are often frightened of what they don't know. This is what it actually involves.
We agree a time that suits you, and where in the yard it will happen. You choose who is there. Some people want the whole family; some want to be alone; some would rather not be present at all, and that is entirely reasonable.
BEFOREHAND
SEDATION
Your loved one will be sedated first, so that he or she is calm, drowsy and unafraid. This part is unhurried and we will leave you in peace. You can hold them, talk to them, say thank you for all their love
Usually by injection, which is quick. He will go down if not already down. This part can be startling if you are not expecting it, which is why we tell you beforehand. He is already unconscious when it happens.
THE MOMENT ITSELF
AFTERWARDS
We check, and we tell you clearly when he has gone. Then we give you time. There is no rush from us, and no next appointment we are hurrying to. Your feelings will be respected.
COLLECTION
We can put you in touch with a respectful and considerate casualty collection professional. Obviously, we'll be available to support you at this time.
The questions people ask
"Can it happen at home?"
Yes, and it usually should. Your horse in his own field, with people he knows, is a better last hour than a lorry journey.
"Should his field companion see?"
Often yes. Horses left behind frequently settle better having seen and understood, rather than simply finding a friend gone.
"Can I keep something?"
Mane or tail hair, or a shoe. Just say — on the day or beforehand. Nobody ever regrets asking, and plenty regret not.
"Should I be there"
Whatever you can manage. Being present helps some people enormously and haunts others. Neither choice is a betrayal.
"What are the options afterwards
Individual cremation with ashes returned, communal cremation, or collection. We'll explain the process plainly and without pressure.
"What about insurance?"
Some policies require notification beforehand. Tell us and we'll help you get it right, so a claim isn't lost on a technicality.
What we do
Before the decision
Help thinking it through, whenever you want it.
-
Quality of life assessment
-
Honest discussion of treatment options
-
Pain management for horses still enjoying life
-
Veteran health review
-
Planning ahead, so nothing is decided in a panic
On the day and afterwards
Everything arranged, so you only have to be there.
-
Euthanasia at home, with sedation
-
Emergency euthanasia, any hour
-
Keepsakes — mane, tail, shoes
-
Passport and paperwork handled
-
Insurance and claim support
A thought from Gareth, one of our founders.
When I lost my beloved animal companion, my background in psychology gave me no shielding whatsoever from the grief I felt, and I ended up having to take time off work. Do not underestimate your grief, or allow anyone to minimise it. Our animals give us their entire life, and it is perfectly understandable and reasonable for us to suffer when we lose them. I am ALWAYS available on the end of a phone for someone afraid of losing their beloved companion, or are struggling to cope with the loss. Pick up the phone.
If you have made that decision, and are double guessing yourself I offer this sole thought. Our animals are a chapter in our life, but we are their entire book. They give us a lifetime of unconditional love, and all they ask is that, when their time comes, we treat them with dignity and care. Our grief is a badge of honour. It is a reflection of the magnitude of the love we felt, and will always feel. By making the most painful decision, we take all of their pain and discomfort away, and we shoulder that pain ourselves. What better demonstration of love could there be.
