Another sad day on the farm

[DbltreeBelgians]

Jill found Jake down in the barn tonight when she went out to do chores. Called the vet to get some assistance and we had 8 people trying to get him up but the poor boy just didn't have the strength to get up. Vet checked his heart rate and said it was cranking @ 100 just laying there. Should be around 30 which told us he was hurting inside. I had to make one of the hardest decisions a person makes but I couldn't stand to see my boy suffer. Pretty much broke my heart but I know he's not in pain anymore and he's not lonely anymore and back with his buddy Jed that we lost in June. They both gave us so much joy over the years working on the farm and showing at the county fair. They both will be sadly missed.
RIP Jake   :'(


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Brent

[doc henderson]

I am sure they were part of the family.  I am sorry for your loss and the pain you are feeling.

[Southside]

Dbltree - He sure was one good looking horse.  I am terribly sorry to hear that you lost him.  

[SawyerTed]

I'm sorry for your loss.  Our animals do become like family and are a big part our lives. 

[olcowhand]

Brent,
As someone who has also lost horses, I feel your pain. My condolences.
Steve

[Magicman]

Such sad news Brent.  I know that you and Jill were expecting it, but not ready for it.  Never ready because there is never the right time.  Remember the Joy.

[samandothers]

This I know hurts and saddens the family.  I am sorry for your loss of such a long time friend.

[WDH]

Oh no!  Such a sad loss.  My heart goes out to you and your family.

[Bruno of NH]

Sorry for your loss.
My heart is sad for you and your wife.

[thecfarm]

I could not look at that second picture long. Sad to hear.

[Jeff]

As I sit here with a dog at my feet and one by my side I know how much an animal can mean. So sorry for your loss.

[barbender]

Aw man, losing animals is so hard. Sorry for your loss😕

[chevytaHOE5674]

I've lost a few horses (and special cows) and know how it feels. Though they may not live at your side like a dog they are every bit a piece of you and your family. It's a sad day for sure.

[WV Sawmiller]

   Sorry for your loss. We've got one old mule and one older half Belgian half Tennessee walking horse. Just hay burners but we will sure miss them when they are gone. The first thing my 3 y/o grandson wants to do every day when he is visiting is to go help Grandpa feed them.

[Nebraska]

Sorry, it really sucks been there too many times.

[Brad_bb]

Real sorry to hear that.  Very painful. I hate to think of the day I'll have to do that.  I'll be bawling my eyes out.

[DbltreeBelgians]

 


Thanks to everyone for the kind words. I can say I definitely shed a few tears. I always thought big boys don't cry but it hit me pretty hard. Guess it just shows we're human and have feelings and heart.
Here's a few more picks of my boy. First one is the first day he was on the farm after I bought him at the Topeka Draft Horse Sale. Jed is on the left and Jake on the right.




And here's a picture of Jill taking Jake for a joy ride in the pasture.



 

Brent

[DPatton]

They were certainly beautiful creatures, sorry for your loss.

[Bandmill Bandit]

The toughest thing in the life of a farmer of any kind is the moment of standing/kneeling in a barn stall beside a long time loyal companion and friend knowing you either call the vet to do the deed or you walk the 100 ish yards to the house to get the Rifle. Very few understand just how hard that is and some cant even comprehend how urgent the motivation to do it can be.

I feel your pain! I have been there too often but to ignore that reality of the farm life is irresponsible and cruel. 

I stand in silence with you and remember the days I had to do the same. It is what a good 2 legged friend does for a good 4 legged friend whne the time comes!

[Firewoodjoe]

Sorry to hear that. We had a horse go down years ago. Would lay in his belly all comfy looking and ate hay grain everything just like normal. But would not stand. We used hoist to get him up and his legs just wouldn't work. It always sucks when it's there time. 

[dgdrls]

So very sorry Brent.
A beautiful team.

D 

[scsmith42]

Gorgeous horses!

There is just something about a Belgian.  All of the ones that we've had have been very gentle and intelligent.

My heart goes out to you.

Scott

[terrifictimbersllc]

Sorry to hear, my sympathy to you.

[Tom King]

So sorry for the loss of your friend!!

We've been here for 40 years, with horses, dogs, and cats.  We have quite a graveyard.

I don't own an excavator, and used to have to go rent one for the job.  We do have a strong front end loader.

I've found the process much easier, and gets it over with so much quicker, to already have holes dug.  The big ones have ramps out, so deer, or small critters, can get out if they fall in.  We don't need one every year, or few, so when I rent an excavator for other things, I clean the holes out again.

I buy short towing, or lifting straps, and when the time is near for a horse, they wear one around their girth, before they go down.

Sorry if it seems so graphic, but it really does ease the process, if you have a strong front end loader.

[moodnacreek]

The honest love and the will to work seems unequaled in the work horse. Why do you have to pay the price?