Create living will for your horses and pets

After 30 years of equine medicine and surgery focusing on young performance horses, reproduction and neonatology, I relocated to Sisters.

My practice is now delightfully diverse, including a large number of geriatric horses. Most are well cared-for and many have been long-time members of the family. Few have earnings, buckles, trophies or ribbons to show. All are characters with great stories to tell. Mostly they taught the kids, friends and grandkids to ride. They taught respect, responsibility and humility. They tolerated western, English, Australian and endurance saddles. They've been in parades and carried rodeo princesses. They have treated families and friends to the high desert and the backcountry. They have provided sights, sounds and smells never to be forgotten.

Like us, ailments minor and significant have crept up on them. Through the years, arthritis from a life well-lived, obesity, from overfeeding and lack of exercise become management issues. Gastrointestinal system decay causes malnutrition and emaciation. Winter thermoregulation becomes challenging.

Geriatric patients are friends. I admire them. Most are characters having tall tales to tell. They have won the race. I am proud of them.

I am frequently asked for advice in determining when to say goodbye to a treasured old partner. I understand the weight of the decision and am honored to be consulted. The goals of owners, the time, expense and facilities required to manage them should be assessed. Honest tough decisions are required, often urgently.

I urge my clients to create a living will for all their horses and pets. Done over a cup of coffee before a crisis occurs. Responsible rational decisions can be made and shared with caregivers when they are traveling. A document should be produced, signed, and shared with horsesitters and barn managers of boarded horses. Provide all your contact phone numbers.

Mine says, "I, Scott Weems, DVM authorize medical and surgical treatment for the mare Frontpage, not to exceed $$$. If there is not a reasonable chance to alleviate pain and suffering, I authorize euthanasia and disposal of the remains as follows."

The best horse I've ever owned is 28 ornery years old this year. I witnessed her birth. A cutting horse early in life, she would still turn inside out to stop a cow. Neither one of us would be able to walk the next day. She's been a great partner, teacher and friend for most of my adult life. She is retired with a 33-year-old friend.

For the rest of my life I won't be able to think of her without smiling. I know her time is coming. I owe Frontpage reasonable care. Mostly I feel the need to preserve her dignity.

Despite 30 years of veterinary medical practice I have never gotten comfortable with euthanasia. I am proud my profession allows our patients to die with dignity. Prepare a living will for your horses and pets. While you're at it make one for yourself.