Putting down an old goat

Oh okay, that's what you meant by keep the horns.

I can see why it would be a hard decision, but I am with you on not waiting for him to deteriorate to the point of being miserable. Glad to hear that he is so well taken care of. I think if it were me in the same situation, I would just shoot the ol' boy in the comforts of his shed, in the midst of eating special meal. It would be better than him living in the shed for weeks, waiting for him to deteriorate further or passing on his own. Just my opinion.

Took one wether goat to the vet to be put down...not knowing I could have saved the guy easily with thiamine and Vit B complex....grrrr. He relaxed him, but had to give the inj into the heart. Cost $45.00

Have had to put down two other wethers and chose the shotgun /"sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do to prevent suffering as a livestock owner" . That was distressing even though it ended each goat's life in an instant- no pain. First time and the goat's head wasn't left fully intact and upset my deer hunter son becasue it was a sweet pet goat...and a bit messy although the goat didn't suffer at all. Second time- you'd never known he'd been shot except for a tiny hole...not even any blood. My long time goat breeder - awesome medical info mentor's always suggest at the back of the head aiming down thru the mouth. I do see the horn dilemma! Those are gorgeous scimitar horns. First goat was delt with by a deer processor for disposal. Second goat years later, was not full of meds so we opted to lay his body in a deep ravine and let nature take care of the rest as it was 100 degrees outside and he was a very big goat. We just made sure the ravine was not anywhere near home so one of our dogs wouldn't come home with some parts of my beloved boy.

It's not an easy task...it about crushed me for days as I so love my goats, but I feel ~if ~ we can, that I like to see us take care of the deed. I just don't get the $200.00 is that body disposal? It may be your best option...I feel for you. You certainly did something very right, for a very long time, for him to grow to 14-15 yrs old WOW.

it is $120 for the house call and $80 for the medication.

I don't know how the drugs they use to put down animals affect the environment. If I bury him it will be a pretty big hole...

My understanding is that from the front doesn't do more than stun unless you use a very powerful gun as the skull is made for slamming into other skulls. The spine at the base of the skull is how I was told to do it and have never had it be anything but instantaneous. Usually, if an animal doesn't go fairly quickly with the vet medicine, there is an issue other than age. My dog had cancer (very fast spreading and huge tumors popped up in less than a week) and he had one of the bad ones I'm crying now remembering... The vet was crying, too.

I would do the gun, maybe send dad to the movies for the afternoon, don't even say it's not the vet coming out, just have the job done before he gets home?

Also meant to add you have my sympathy and my respect. It's tough either way.

Wishing you peace in your decidion. Just wanted to add, he sure is a pretty goat. I am sure he's had it pretty good to be this ripe old age.

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Personally, I'd get someone who is adapt in processing goats for meat to shoot him - sedation in some animals isn't as easy at it is with dogs and cats. . .i.e. a llama and alpaca. . not pretty - a bullet might be your best bet.

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I'm sorry you have to make this decision but better a week early than a day late.

Here's a sticky with a good photo of where to shoot. Maybe have a second gun ready if you .22 is a single shot.

Reposting Home Butchering Article + new Photos

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Your post made me cry. I have a 12 yr old Nubian buck I love very much. He is showing his age too, although he did manage to breed his 2 does last fall.

I feel so for you. I would be right there holding his head, singing to him and stroking him for as long as I could; however, it would take its toll on me. I suggest you consider yourself too in what you decide to do.

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So if you stick him into the car and drive him to the vet you save 120 bucks.

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I'm so sorry you're going through this. It's a decision that, as animal caregivers, we all face from time to time.

$200 is a lot of money. I'm astounded at the cost!

There are many sites that have good instructions on where to shoot. I'd use hollow-points for quick kill.

Again, my deep sympathy. It never gets any easier.

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A trip to the vet would probably be pretty darned traumatic for the old guy. How in the world would you fit those horns in?

When it was time to send Buster the Wonder Dog on to the Rainbow Bridge, we opted to shoot him instead of dragging him to the vet - a place that he hated with every fiber of his being.

The hardest part of shooting is the noise. That loud bang is just so violent... but maybe that's a good thing. I don't know...

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I am so sorry your having to go through this. He's a beautiful old man & has lived a very good life. This is the toughest part of animal ownership. We have had to put down 2 goats in our years with them & thankgoodness for dh, he shoots them while I hide out in the house, usually crying! I always try to rmember they had a good life & we always try to do what's best for our animals.
I guess it's just part of being a responsible pet/animal owner but for most of us I think it's still so hard.

My heart goes out to you & your dad.

What a lovely old fellow! We've been through this, not with goats but with our pets & it is so hard. My husband shot our 13 yr old dog when he could no longer get up without pain. Death was instant & Husband was pretty traumatized but at least the dog didn't have to go to vet (all our animals have hated going to vet). Others have been taken to the vet & it is horrible too. One of my old cats cried out and had to have two injections as her heart was still beating. There is no easy way out--I always wish they would go in their sleep but our vet told me this rarely happens.

Try to remember that he's had a long good life & been loved. God bless you in this hard time.
Wanda

Hey guys just to let you know in the end I decided to follow Susie M's suggestion and save myself some money by driving him to the vet. We are fortunate to have a couple of real nice vets that are willing to treat goats - they used to be mobile only, but recently got their own clinic. I feel good about supporting them in their new business, especially since it is hard to find a vet that will deal with goats in the first place.
The old man was a perfect gentleman in the back of the station wagon and didn't give the vet a moment of trouble.
We buried him next to a baby oak tree.

It is a sad day, but I really feel it was the right thing to do, I didn't want to put it on anyone in the household's shoulders that they were the one to kill the majestic old goat.
Thanks for the kind words. ~ali

Awww, hugs to you all. SO glad it all went smoothly. ((hugs)). I was thinking of you all.

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Becky

Thank you for the update. I'm sorry for your loss I think you did the right thing all around...for your dad and helping support the vets. Sounds like grandpa goat went peacefully and with dignity.

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Sending hugs for you, your dad & the family! I am so sorry for your loss but your old gentleman goat had a very wonderful life it sounds like & under a baby oak that's going to grow big & strong would be just where he'd want to be.

I am glad to hear it went well.

I'm going to have to put down my sweet sweet Sammy soon enough.
She's of indeterminate age, but older rather than younger.

(((hugs)))


Yah bless.