This is worth all the days of trying to keep Mishka comfortable while working through abscesses in both front feet. There’s about 2000 lbs of horse on those feet! The stocks helped tremendously.
Our gentle giant made a new friend while he stayed in a different paddock closer to the barn – Valley Girl. Today they were turned out together in one of the larger paddocks. They loved it, and we loved watching them!
Thank you to all who contributed toward the stocks, you truly made a difference!
Mishka, which means “Big Teddy Bear,” arrived at Beauty’s Haven at the end of October, 2014. He was on his way to auction when we intercepted him.
A beautiful black Percheron, Mishka was very thin upon arrival, weighing in at just 1430 pounds. He had very little muscle tone, no mane, a very short, docked tail, and a body covered with numerous sores. His ears had no hair and were swollen and raw. But despite all he had endured, Mishka was, and continues to be, a very sweet and gentle soul.
Mishka has been diagnosed with EPSM (equine polysaccharide storage myopathy) which is being addressed through a special diet and a variety of supplements. Sadly, he recently has also been experiencing some hoof issues with rotation in his front right together with worsening side bones on both feet. Mishka has thankfully been gifted with shoeing stocks which will hopefully make a great difference in addressing his issues.
Mishka, a permanent resident of our Sanctuary herd, brings such an innate amount of joy to all who meet him. Our big teddy bear has a huge personality and when one speaks to him, he vigorously moves his lips as if he is truly engaged in a deep conversation! He is an amazing presence and such a joy to behold.
And it is because of each and every one of you that horses like Mishka have been granted a second chance at life, a life filled with comfort and joy, a life where they will be forever safe and loved.
Thank you.
And now, for your Friday afternoon smile: watch the above video of Candace doing what she was meant to do – she was “Born to Run!” There are simply no words needed but please watch the video to the end, Frodo is absolutely precious!
Candace was exhausted after her adventure and she almost fell asleep while I was picking her feet after taking her and her momma, Lady Sophia, back to their paddock.
Our Baby Candace is growing up so quickly!
This is what five weeks of TLC can accomplish thanks to the love and support of our amazing little village of supporters. It is because of each and every one of you that this little miracle and her momma are with us today. We are so truly blessed.
Sincerely,
Theresa
Thanks to our wonderful Aunties & Uncles, all my friends and I now have “Happy Feet!” But now, we are almost out of hay and shavings, and we would be forever grateful if you could help us fill up the hay cart and line the stalls with soft shavings.
All donations are greatly appreciated and no amount is ever too small. Just click on the “Donate” button below! Thank You!
Love,
CaryLou
Candace was barely holding on the day we picked her up together with her momma, Sophia, (who has since asked that her name be changed to “Lady Sophia” so, “Lady Sophia” it is!). Both were in very poor condition, but they pulled through and I truly believe that they are going to be just fine. Both are happy and healthier and Candace is growing stronger by the day. Lady Sophia is simply stunning and is truly one of the sweetest mares I’ve ever met.
And now, for a guaranteed smile-maker: Click on the image above to view a video of Candace, and be certain that you watch until the end! Candace is a survivor, just like her momma and she is having a blast discovering just what her long legs can do!
This is what three short weeks of TLC can accomplish thanks to the love and support of our amazing little village.
It is because of each and every one of you that this little miracle and her momma are with us today.
Dr. Wyman examined Jo last Tuesday. Blood tests were done and based upon the results, it appears that Jo (35 years old) is having age related kidney issues. We will be constantly monitoring Jo and modifying her diet and supplements. She’s such a very sweet mare. If anyone would like to help Jo with her recent vet bill and needed supplements (about $400), it would be so greatly appreciated. All contributions are tax deductible and no amount is ever too small. Thank you!
Who is this masked bandit?!
So very blessed to be a part of Candace and Sophia’s life. They are improving by the day. How this filly pulled through with such great odds stacked against her was nothing short of a miracle. They arrived just two weeks ago today! Please click on Candace’s photo to view a video which will truly make your heart sing!
Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!
Sincerely,
Theresa
Thank you all for your love and support!
Sincerely,
Theresa
Our farriers are scheduled every four to six weeks as the needs of each horse varies. If you would like to help sponsor a hooficure for which the average cost is $35, we would be forever grateful. You may forward your contribution via the ‘Donate’ button below. If donating via PayPal, please designate your contribution to “Happy Feet.”
Candace here! Look how tall I’m standing now! I’m still really skinny but I’m better than I was and I’m going to keep getting better! Please click on my picture to the left to see a video of me standing tall while talking to my new friends!
Isn’t Sophia stunning? She is on her way to becoming the proud girl that she once was, thanks to the love and support from our amazing little village of friends and supporters!
PHOTO: Sophia on the track in her former life as a racehorse.
Click the above image to view a precious video of Candace!
“Did you know that I didn’t have a name until Mommy Theresa brought me and my mommy to the rescue? But now, I do have a name and it’s Candace! Mommy Theresa said every baby deserves a name. And guess what?!? My mommy has a name too – it’s Sophia! Isn’t that a pretty name? Both my mommy and I are feeling better. She really loves the alfalfa we get here. It’s nice to have good hay and to not have to eat weeds and leaves anymore. I do have a big surprise to share! Are you ready? Is it okay if we go back to the beginning of me and my mommy’s story – before we came here?
Before we came to Beauty’s Haven, we lived in a place where there wasn’t any grass so me and my mommy were hungry a lot. There were some trees for shade and we had water – we loved the water! Mommy would put her nose in it and swish it all around. I can’t remember what happened first – if I was too tired to nudge my mommy’s udders to get milk or if she was too hungry to even make milk for me. I just know the milk bar stopped working and I was so hungry and my mommy looked frustrated. I tried eating leaves but they weren’t good, and by the time I finished one, my energy was all gone. At some point, I lost my appetite even though my tummy was empty. My tummy was kind of big and puffy, even though you could see my ribs. I had sores and cuts all over me and my coat was missing hair in some places, but you know, I didn’t really feel any pain from them. But I seemed to get more tired each day. I wasn’t feeling very good, but I promised my mommy that I’d be a big girl and try to stay strong.
Then, a human came and started giving us hay and something called sweet feed each day! But my tummy started feeling not so good and I could hear my mommy’s tummy starting to make a lot of strange noises. Then guess what? It’s kind of embarrassing, but my poops got watery! A couple of days later, a man came who had a shiny gold star on his shirt. I heard him say that we needed a vet to examine us. The next day, another human came (Mommy Theresa) and she promised she’d be back to pick us up as soon as she got permission, and take us to a place called the rescue. She said that once we got there, we’d see a vet who would check us out and do tests to see what we needed to help us feel better. She said we’d never be hungry again! The very next day, she came back with a trailer. It seemed like it took forever for us to walk to it. I was just so tired. We had to stop a few times, but we finally made it and my mommy walked right on, but I needed help – I had run out of energy. We were only in the trailer a short time and when we got to the rescue, we saw green grass, hay, a shelter, and a big fan! We didn’t have a shelter or fan thing where we were living, so this was all new to me. There were humans at the farm who welcomed us and there were lots of horses that looked really happy. Even little itty bitty ones!
The vet poked us with needles and used something to listen to our hearts and tummies. The vet’s name was Dr. Emily and she had another nice person with her named Mandi. Dr. Emily gave me and my mommy something she said was good for us through what they called IV tubes. I heard everyone talking about how we needed lots of protein and good food. Since my mommy’s milk bar wasn’t working, they came up with a feeding plan so I could get stronger. Oh, I also have something called a three finger hernia under my tummy that needs to be fixed when my body is stronger. Mommy Theresa had already taken some of our poop and put it in a glove to see how much sand settled in the fingertips. Dr. Emily said it was a good amount. She took some more of my poop and some of my mom’s poop to test for what she said were parasites. Mommy Theresa told her that me and my mommy are Thoroughbreds and that my mommy once raced and had even won a couple of races! My mommy was a race horse! After they left, I nibbled on a little hay and then I laid down and slept. I slept really good – I was so tired. When I woke up, I could tell my mommy was more at ease which made me feel so much better.
A couple of days later after test results came back, Dr. Emily returned and reviewed with Mommy Theresa what we needed. She said my mommy has lots of strongyles, whatever that is, and she had given them to me through her milk because I had a lot too. It helped explain why, combined with not getting nutrition, our tummies look so big even though we are very underweight, and why my eyes are glassy, my coat is rough, I don’t have any muscle, I probably have ulcers, and why I feel so weak. They talked about how I wasn’t able to get milk from my mommy and what I should be fed. We need lots of good protein to help give us energy. Oh, and we have to take supplements. Some don’t taste good, but I take them anyway. I want to get strong and run around and play. Mommy Theresa and others here may not have seen me every time, but I did try the milk bar many times each day, but it was just broken.
Over the next couple of days, I met new aunties and they all love us! They said I’m very cute but way too skinny. Everyday, I kept trying to help myself to my mommy’s milk bar but it still wasn’t working. I did see Mommy Theresa get the milk bar to work a few times but I just couldn’t do it myself. But, I wasn’t going to give up. Over the last few days, I’ve been feeling better and now, I’m a bit stronger. I kept trying the milk bar and guess what????? I’m able to get milk from my mommy now! That’s right – the milk bar is working! That’s my surprise!
Thank you all so much for caring about me and my mommy! We promise to make you proud!”
Love,
Candace
Momma and baby seem to be adjusting very well to their new environment. Candace has taken some nice long naps, her little body is very weak and the rest will do her good. Sophia has also laid flat on her side for some good REM sleep a few times. They are drinking well and enjoying their hay. Both girls like to stay under their shaded shelter where there is usually a breeze that comes through the side windows. We monitor their temperatures, manure (which is much better formed, albeit there is still evidence of sweet feed passing through their systems), how much they eat, the baby’s joints to see if there is any heat, water intake, etc. So far, their body temps have been normal or pretty close to it. However, they were somewhat elevated this evening.
It truly is amazing that Candace survived in this condition, she wouldn’t have lasted much longer, that’s for certain. It says a lot about her will to live but she is far from out of the woods. Foals can crash pretty fast so we will be regrouping with Dr. Emily in the morning.
Some have asked if we know how to feed and care for horses that are in such poor condition and if we have any experience doing so. We have noticed many new names following our efforts – we welcome new friends and followers as well as their questions! We invite you all to peruse the other posts on our blog and read about many of the horses we’ve helped since we established of Beauty’s Haven in 2006.
Our re-feeding program is based on the UC Davis Refeeding Program and yes, we do have many years of experience doing this. It’s a group effort and we truly are blessed to have an awesome, experienced, compassionate, and committed care team. Our vets, farriers, equine dentist, and volunteers are all key players. And we couldn’t do what we do without support from others – we appreciate all of you.
Please keep these precious girls in your prayers. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Theresa
Belle Star finally got out of quarantine! She enjoyed venturing out in the main paddock and meeting others. Enjoy the video above of Belle on her very first adventure, which will truly make your heart sing!
Sincerely,
Theresa
P.S. A dose of cuteness for you – I hope you love watching watching these kids as much as I do. They’re like little jumping beans! Remi would be very entertained too, I’m sure!
We hope that everyone had a safe and wonderful holiday weekend. As we batten down the hatches and place safety collars on each member of our beloved herd in preparation for Hurricane Elsa, I just wanted to give you all a quick update about our most recent rescues, Belle Star and Ace.
Belle Star has put on quite a bit of much needed weight and her coat now shines! She was having an issue with her right eye last week but Dr. Giuliana Marie Templeton fixed her right up by flushing her tear duct.
On Friday morning, however, Belle didn’t greet me at the gate as she normally does, a sure sign that something wasn’t right. I found her in the corner of the shelter with her head down and her respiration up – it was obvious she didn’t feel well.
Her temperature was high (103.7) and she refused her breakfast. Blood tests indicated that Belle was fighting an infection (of unknown origin). She’s been started on antibiotics and is also getting non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication. By Sunday, however, I am happy to report that Belle was better. She was not quite 100% yet as she still had a slight temperature but, thankfully, her eye was much better. Belle is truly such a very sweet mare.
While she was at the farm, Dr. Templeton injected Ace‘s knee which is quite bad. We hope and pray that it brings him some relief.
Lastly, we still have a few horses that need sponsors for their “hooficures,” so if anyone would like to donate it will be so greatly appreciated. Thank you, all, and please stay safe!
Sincerely,
Theresa
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P.S. We watched a goat across the street give birth to two babies on Friday while we were awaiting the arrival of Dr. Bess. The babies are simply precious!