Friday, February 17th, 2017

Emma is feeling better this evening. I was concerned about her yesterday as she refused her breakfast and didn’t lay down for a nap which was quite unusual as she generally does so a few times throughout the day. She ate some of her lunch and all of her dinner. Then the coughing began. Her temperature was normal and she was drinking normally. When her  bandages were changed yesterday, she wasn’t as cooperative as she normally is – I think she may have been uncomfortable. Perhaps she had strained her knee in the early morning hours.

Last night, Emma didn’t lay down. This morning, she ate breakfast and later laid down for a nap. And nap she did – she snored!  It made me feel better. The way she was laying looked quite uncomfortable to me, but when she awoke, she looked so much better.

Emma Nap1

The way she was laying looked quite uncomfortable to me, but when she awoke, she looked so much better.

Emma Refreshed

Emma coughed approximately four times throughout the day. She ate her lunch and dinner. Tonight, as I was taking Cookie out of the barn, I saw Emma from the corner of my eye, two hooves in the air – she looked like she was doing the “Hi Ho Silver” move! I kept walking and as I got halfway to the gate to turn out Cookie, I heard a big bang. Then I heard the sound of rushing water! Emma kicked the wall hard enough to break a water pipe! I couldn’t help but smile – she’s feeling better! But then I thought, “Oh gosh, she could have hurt herself!” She, thankfully, seems fine and her appetite is great tonight.

Emma K Tape

Emma drooled more today than usual due to facial nerve paralysis. Time will tell how this resolves. Here is a excerpt (quote) from her hospital report:

“The facial nerve might get better with time but it is unknown. I removed a bullet fragment close to the nerve in the hope that it will help. The nerve paralysis is secondary to damage done to the nerve by the bullet.” There are multiple bullet fragments and debris embedded in soft tissue structures in different areas of her body. It may do more harm than good trying to remove them.”

Emma Skull1

The reward funds for information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of the person(s) responsible for shooting Emma are now up to $7000. We are so very grateful to the HSUS as well as to Diane and Kathy for assisting us with this. Please share this news in hope that justice will be served.

Emma Dep W

We are very grateful to the Levy County Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Wells (AG Deputy) has been out a couple of times to check on Emma. It’s quite unusual to get this kind of support, but now that the county has an AG Deputy, I do believe support for horses and livestock has taken a turn for the better! Deputy Wells really cares and I’m looking forward to working with him on future cases, albeit I wish there were none. The County is very limited in resources when it comes to abuse/neglect cases, but with help from the community, perhaps we can help to change that!

#justiceforfillyemma #rewardoffered #hsus #bhfer #lcso

February 16th, 2017

Emma – the 3 year old filly that was shot.  She has undergone surgery to remove bullets and fragments and is currently recuperating back at the rescue.

Emma Eye

Emma is really good for her bandage changes as well as taking her medications. So far, all looks good. The swelling in her knee has actually gone down a little. She’s such a good girl!

Emma Bandage Change 1

Dr. Julia Simonson came to do accupuncture on Emma yesterday, but Emma is still too sore. We didn’t want to stress her, so we opted to wait another week. But Dr. Julia did use Kinesiology tape. Sometimes, the physical therapist uses it on me and it really does help.

Emma Tape

Emma loves to stretch! She does her daily stretches and she stretches each time her bandages are changed!

Emma Stretch 1

Emma was great for her interview with WJCB’s Kelly Gonzalez yesterday. Please click here to watch the interview.

Emma News Interview

Emma now has her own Facebook page!  We hope you join us there for updates and photos. Help us spread the word that there’s a $2000 reward offered for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) who assaulted Emma.

Emma Banner

If anyone would like to make a donation to help Emma or other horses here our PayPal is bhfer@earthlink.net.  There are other ways to donate via our website.  No amount is too small and all donations are greatly appreciated.  Thank you.

#justiceforfillyemma #rewardoffered #bhfer #share

February 14th, 2017

When I said we’ve been busy working on finding a path to justice for Emma, I meant it. This little filly suffered and it wasn’t shotgun pellets that got her – it was bullets. When I met with the surgeon, read his report, and saw the evidence – I was overwhelmed with sadness and anger. I had to step back for a bit and regroup. But Emma is healing and it’s time to move forward.

We want to thank Deputy “Bubba” Wells of the Levy County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) for his time and effort in working this case. And a huge “Thank You!” goes out to the LCSO for not closing the door on this case – they are doing the right thing and we commend them. We are a small, rural community and resources are scarce – we are very grateful that they are standing behind Emma and pursuing the case. I know it’s not likely the person(s) that did this to Emma will be identified but I also know it’s not impossible. I choose to believe that we will.

We also want to thank Dr. Sausville for reaching out to us to help Emma – she’s a very special little filly. He saw that she wasn’t going to give in or give up. She’s not “just a horse” and he gets it.

A reward in the amount of $1200 is offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction person(s) involved in shooting Emma. We are offering $1000 and a donor is chipping in $200. However, by the end of the week we expect the reward to be increased to $6200. What happened to her was cruel and totally inhumane. If you have any information regarding this incident please call the LCSO or Deputy Wells at 352-486-5111.

I’m going to start sharing some of the issues that Emma had to live with for almost a month before coming to us. We will be publishing a Facebook page just for Emma and everyone is invited. I’ll post a link when it is ready which, hopefully, will be tomorrow.

I’ll never forget when I saw Emma in the first photo – lazy ear (due to nerve damage) and head down. To see her now, head held high with bright eyes, it’s just a wonderful feeling! Believe…

Emma Down Up

If anyone would like to make a donation to add to the reward amount please contact us. #justiceforfillyemma #believe #bhfer #horsesareheros #eaglerarelife

February 7th, 2017

Leaving Emma at the Ocala Equine Medical Hospital on Monday afternoon was one of the hardest things ever, even though I knew that their veterinarians and staff are absolutely wonderful and would do a great job.

Emma at Hospital

Her surgery was in the morning and took quite awhile.  Here they are sewing up the front leg and proceeding to work on the back leg.

Stitching Her Up

After surgery, Emma settled back in her stall. It’s going to be quite a long journey to recovery but she’s on the healing path now. And she’s a tough little girl.

Emma Post Surgery

The “Mom take me home!” look she gave me melted my heart.  She’s a very brave girl.

Emma Take Me Home

Emma was munching on hay when I left her after a change in her bandages. Since Betsy Rose insisted that Joe Camel go along with Emma to keep her company, I knew that she would not be lonely during her stay. It’s going to be a long haul for her – only some of the issues were addressed during surgery.

Emma Joe Camel

We were very disturbed to learn the severity of the injuries after her surgery. Injuries that include a fractured splint bone, a bullet on the knee that fractured bone and possible contamination of the knee, multiple bullet fragments in her head, a bullet that fractured her first cervical vertebrae (C1), and more.

Humans did this to her and I feel terrible about it. I wish we could take back everything that was, or wasn’t, done to and for her but I can’t. We can only promise to make all of her tomorrows the best that they can be. She’s young and so very sweet. I know she appreciates everything that we are doing to help her.

February 8th

Emma is on her way home!  Please keep the prayers coming – she’s got a long road of healing ahead of her.  Helping Emma would not be possible without help from our wonderful village. Thank you, all, so very much.

Emma On Way Home

#prayersforemma #bhfer #believe #justiceforfillyemma #donate #nonprofit

 

February 7th, 2017

“Mommy Theresa I’m ready for this! I’m a little scared but Dr. Lugo says I’ll be asleep the whole time. And you’ll be there, right? He says he’s going to take away the things in my legs that are making them hurt and that once it all heals, I’ll feel much better! It’s a beautiful day – please go tell him I’m ready, ok? I believe it’s all good!”

Emma Believes

I’m with Emma – I believe!

She’s going to be ok. She will get through the surgery just fine and overcome infection. She will. Please keep her in your prayers. I’ll update as I can. Thank you all.

#prayersforemma #justiceforfillyemma #bhfer #believe #nonprofit #equinemedicalcenterocala #shesabravegirl #imwithemma #quarterhorse #filly #shot

February 6th, 2017

Our attempt to pick up the filly yesterday evening was unsuccessful. She wasn’t bearing weight on her left front and when we were told that she had not received her pain medication for the past two days.  We made sure that she received it before we left. Since she was too uncomfortable to load onto the trailer, and we ran out of daylight, we decided that it would be in the filly’s best interest to try again in the morning. When we returned on Sunday morning, this sweet girl loaded, with a little support and encouragement, in less than ten minutes. Believe…..

Emma Loaded

Finally home! Upon our arrival at Beauty’s Haven, Emma unloaded, looked around, walked to her stall, and proceeded to introduce herself to everyone. She’s a talker and is absolutely precious!

Emma Arrives

February 7th

Our sleeping beauty this morning. We are getting ready to go to the hospital.

Sleeping Beauty - Emma

For those who don’t know her story – Emma, was shot with a shotgun while out grazing and sustained multiple injuries. A pellet hit her upper jaw. She took a pellet to the cheek that shattered inside and lodged in the roots/sinus area. There’s a pellet behind her right ear that is right on top of the spinal column. A pellet grazed her just below the eye. A pellet lodged in her distal cannon just above the fetlock on her left hind and there are others in the front. Her front left splint bone is fractured. Her left front knee joint has an infection along with fractures from a pellet that is still lodged in the joint. I know it sounds bad, but her vet, Dr. Sausville, and the surgeon, Dr. Lugo, both feel she has a really good chance of recovering from her multiple wounds. She is bright eyed and sweet. She’s not running a temperature and her appetite is great.

Emma Stall

We are taking her to Ocala Equine Hospital today where Dr. Lugo will perform her surgery on Tuesday. We’ll keep everyone updated as we can. We’re still very busy here – Magic is still getting eye meds several times a day and, now, Cookie has an ulcer in her left eye. With so many special needs horses here, well, there’s just never a planned day – but we love them all anyway!

We would like everyone to give a big shout out to Dr. Sausville for all he’s done for Emma – we appreciate him very much! We would also like to give a huge shout out to our amazing village of supporters for joining together to help us, help Emma! Thank you, all, for sharing Emma’s story and offering kind words of encouragement. Thank you, too, to our wonderful Match Game sponsors and to everyone who contributed to our fundraiser, making it a complete success.

Please continue to send Emma good thoughts and keep her in your prayers. We believe that she will be okay. We invite you, to ‘Believe,’ too.

Emma Believe

UPDATE 02/07/17:  It was learned during surgery that Emma was shot with bullets, not buckshot.

February 5th, 2017

A vet contacted us about a three year old Quarter Horse filly that was shot – he does not want to euthanize her and we are her last hope. She has multiple buckshot fragments lodged in her.  The vet found her with blood from her nose and mouth from the wound over the upper jaw.  The wound on the cheek shattered the inside – the pellet lodged in the upper cheek molar roots/sinus area possibly may need to be removed. There is a pellet wound behind her ear – that pellet is right on top of the atlas of the vertebral column.  There’s a wound where a pellet grazed just below her eye.  A pellet is lodged into the distal cannon above the fetlock on the left hind along with ones in the left front and there are other leg wounds.  The split bone is shattered.  A big concern is infection and the damage done to her knee which is pretty swollen.

FILLY SHOT WHILE GRAZING

The filly needs constant oversight and care, medications, and a stall which she presently, doesn’t have. She’s turned out on many acres with other horses which puts her at risk for more injury and infection.  And she needs surgery ASAP.

We had a surgeon look at her x-rays today and he feels that she’s got a good chance of recovering – surgery can be done this coming week. But we need your help to make this happen. We need $2500 to $3,000 for her immediate needs/surgery. We don’t know how much aftercare will cost but we do know she needs help now if she has a chance. We were not planning to take in any additional horses until some here are adopted out – we are maxed – but I’ve met this filly and she’s determined to overcome.  She’s full of life and deserves a chance. When the vet says, “You’re her last chance,” and you see the life in her eyes, well, we just can’t walk away.

A wonderful friend and supporter has offered a Match Game to help with the surgical/medical needs of this sweet girl so all donations up to $500 will be matched! Donations are tax deductible and can be made via various means on our website at website or via our PayPal address: bhfer@earthlink.net. If donating via PayPal, please designate your donation for ‘QH Filly.’ If you select the tab for ‘Friends or Family,’ no fees will be deducted from your contribution.

Please help us give this girl a chance. We want to get her here ASAP in order to provide her with the care that she so desperately needs.

Thank you, as always, for your continued love and support.

* * * * * * * * * *

Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue Inc. is a 501(c)(3) grassroots Non-Profit Organization registered in the state of Florida (EIN: 20-4783950). We are not funded by Local, State, or Federal funds. We operate totally from donations from the public. Please consider making a one time or recurring donation to help the horses. No amount is too small and all donations are very much appreciated. Donations are tax deductible.

Beauty’s Haven was awarded Verified status by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) in 2012. GFAS is the only globally recognized organization that provides standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries. Awarded November 2014 Equine Hero. A Guidestar Exchange Silver Participant and a GreatNonprofits Top Rated Non-Profit 2014, 2015, and 2016.

January 13th, 2017

Yesterday was not a good day for Magic but he knows that it will get better. He has an issue with his right eye which needs to be treated for several days. Yesterday, he learned that a flymask wouldn’t gobble him up. He’s such a brave boy!

For those who don’t know Magic, he’s a 17 year old Arabian stud that had been used in the Mexican “sport” of horse tripping. Magic was lucky to have survived, but it left him emotionally scarred which made him a good candidate for being sent to slaughter as humans considered him to be crazy, unmanageable and even dangerous. He’s untrusting of humans which is truly understandable. I’m certain that the nightmares he endured will never be erased from his memories.

There are some that strongly feel that Magic should be molded into a “normal” horse. I’ve spent countless hours with him and I understand him. Just imagine the pain, anxiety and fear he survived. He doesn’t care for ropes – scars he wears tell a story. I refuse to make him endure anything that he is uncomfortable with. He accepts me – I do what I need to do to address any medical issues that may arise and I’m grateful to him for that. I know this horse inside and out – Arabians are very intelligent and communicative. We can’t take away his past but we can ensure that all of his tomorrows are happy and carefree. And that’s what we intend to do. Magic is a happy horse that will live out the rest of his life on his terms. We promised him that.MagicEye1Magic has come a long way. He often approaches other humans now and may even ask for scratches. But humans are not allowed to walk after or chase him. If he walks away, and he often does, that’s his prerogative. He’s a very special horse. Oh, and I taught him to give kisses a few years ago!

I believe in Magic and I’m very proud of him! Now, let’s hope he tolerates the treatments to his eye. Prayers and positive thoughts would be so very appreciated!

Magic also needs sponsors – his medications are not inexpensive. Our PayPal address is bhfer@earthlink.net. Donations can also be made via our website. All donations are tax deductible and no amount is too small.

Thank you all, for your continued love and support.

#magic #believe #bhfer #trippinghorsesurvivor #horsesareheros #ibelieveinmagic

December 31st, 2016

We have wonderful news! Dr. Mangan saw Tinsel last weekend and her eye is much better! She’s only on one eye medication now!  As he was examining Tinsel, little Betsy Rose let it be known that she was not at all happy that Tinsel was standing in her place in the aisle-way. Dr. Mangan was truly amazed at Betsy’s remarkable spunk!
DrManganBetsyVisit

Dr. Bess found a lose tooth when she worked on Tinsel last week. Tinsel surely did need to have some work done.

TinselDental1

Tinsel should feel a lot better now that her lose tooth has been extracted!
TinselDental2

January 7th, 2017

Dr. Ted Specht came out yesterday and removed Tinsel’s lavage!  Tinsel will finally get to be turned out now which is going to make her very happy! She’s will soon start to put on some muscle tone together with additional weight.
6f2894f0-ea4d-4b4f-9584-ea6b35a74b7a

Tinsel will finally get to be turned out now which is going to make her very happy! She’s will soon start to put on some muscle tone together with additional weight.
TinselSpecht

January 8th, 2017

Tinsel had a wonderful time exploring the farm today!
TINSELOUT

Happy New Year

May your New Year be full of love and many blessings!  Thank you for your continued support!

Sincerely,
Theresa, Bob, Barbara, Jeanne, Elizabeth
And All of the Horses