[stainlessbanner]

Our 34yr old appaloosa just passed on - very sad, but we took care of her til the end. What a grand old horse! I know a woman who takes in old and lame horses when ppl do not want them any longer - she is such a caring woman and just loves every single one.

Similarly, I just read an article about bird owners who tire of their pets. It's a big problem - horses live 20-30yrs, some birds live 70+ years and people just don't want the "burden" of care. Being a horse owner is a big commitment, but as you know, one of the most rewarding!

[HairOfTheDog]

My old Bay is 22 this year and has Navicular Syndrome. In his younger years he endurance raced on 50 and 100 mile races... His feet are now feeling the effects of that.

With corrective shoeing and meds he is doing better, and can hopefully be kept comfortable. My vet dreaded telling me he had Navicular because so often he sees the diagnosis followed by a big dose of Bute and a quick sale to some other schmuck down the road. Bay is safe with me.

[HairOfTheDog]

Our 34yr old appaloosa just passed on - very sad,

I am sorry for your loss of your old mare... I am so appreciative for the way she went! 34 years was a good run. Well done.

[najida]

Similarly, I just read an article about bird owners who tire of their pets. It's a big problem - horses live 20-30yrs, some birds live 70+ years and people just don't want the "burden" of care.

And because people see them as just 'animals' they mistreat them in ways that cause them to self mutilate or show other signs of disturbed behavior. It breaks my heart and enrages me all at once. I REALLY discourage folks from getting birds as pets unless I have seen that they raised other animals long term. These birds are NOT animals to be taken lightly as pets.

I love my FIDS and when I got them, I understood that they wouuld be with me until I die. One being a wild caught Moluccan who spent 15 years in a windowless room, with no toys and no interaction after his breeding mate's death. When I got him, I couldn't touch him, now he is my best cuddle buddy and a wonderful, funny bird.

Caring for an animal is a commitment; to yourself, to the animal and (if you so believe) to God...to care for them and treat them in a decent manner, so befitting proper stewardship.

Like others have said, while some animals have been raised, bred and deemed as 'food' animals, I can't see that being done to animals like the parrots, cats, dogs or horses....