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What are the Chances?

When I received a call about a little pony that had been down since early morning and saw a picture of her, I knew I had to take immediate action. Memories of Betsy Rose came flooding back. Jessica was at the farm so we gathered up some things and went to see if we could help her. She was still down when we arrived. It wasn’t colic but she was extremely weak and couldn’t get up. We were told she was about 30 years old.

I called the vet and she came out to evaluate the situation and run fluids. Since it was dark and the pony was dehydrated, finding a vein proved to be quite challenging. The situation was not good and time was of the essence. We opted to roll the mare over onto a tarp and pull her into the trailer to get her back to the rescue where we had more resources. I sat by her side soothing her as we headed back to Beauty’s Haven, which was less than five minutes away.

Once at the rescue, we shaved her neck and the vet was able to hit a vein in order to start running IV fluids, but then, her vein collapsed. My husband, Bob, had gotten the sling together in a stall so we moved her to the stall and gently rolled her over into the sling and secured her in it.

The vet advised that her prognosis wasn’t good at that point, but I could sense Rosie’s desire to keep going and I believed good nutrition, and time, might help.

We opted for the vet to go ahead and run an IV cocktail via another vein. I named the little pony, ‘Rosalita’ – ‘Rosie’ for short.

When the fluids were almost finished, Rosie started perking up. The vet drew some blood in order to perform tests. – we will have those results tomorrow. We offered Rosie a small amount of senior grain in warm water as a mash and that really motivated her. She was so hungry! It made me so sad to see how hungry she was. After she finished her mash, and having given her some time to collect herself, we lowered the sling and prayed she would make it on her own. She stood for a few minutes and I held my breath as she took her first wobbly steps. But she did it! She looked exhausted, but relieved. Rosie will be getting small mashes every few hours.

Rosie has a thick coat (likely Cushing’s Disease), but she is quite thin. Her teeth are really sharp which makes it painful for her to eat. She can’t grind food in order to properly digest it so her body has just been wasting away. She has diminished vision in at least, her right eye. She is drinking and becoming more vocal. She’s had several bowel movements and has urinated a few times. She certainly hasn’t given up.

Her odds are a bit better today – at this point about 50/50 but getting through the next few days is very important. I know she’s very fragile and she could take a dive at any moment, but I truly feel that she deserves a chance.

Many people think it’s normal for an older horse to be thin but that is far from the truth. While there may be some medical reason(s) why an aged horse is thin, most aged horses can keep weight on if fed the right diet with the correct frequency. Our aged horses get an annual physical, with blood work, in order to identify and address any potential issues. They also get their teeth done by an equine dentist (not by a farrier or anyone but a DVM dentist) at least annually. The older they get, the more worn their teeth get. Many have to be fed many smaller (soaked) meals a day. If not, they drop weight which can lead to being in the condition Rosie is in. They also should be fed while separated from other horses that could take their food.

And, I have to say this: if an owner is not in a position to provide an aged horse multiple smaller, mushy meals a day and provide for an individual horse’s needs, humane euthanasia should be considered. No living being should ever be starved to death. It’s inhumane!

If anyone would like to help with Rosie’s medical bills, it would be greatly appreciated. Prayers and/or good thoughts for her recovery are also appreciated, very much.

Sincerely,
Theresa

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Our Christmas Save

As you all know, we didn’t have a Thanksgiving save this year which I felt absolutely terrible about, especially since we had many calls from others wanting to surrender their horses. At the time, however, we were focused upon Beauty who was very sick and in the hospital. I am still adjusting to her being gone and I miss her so very much.

In honor of Beauty, we took in an aged mule that needed help as our Christmas save. Her name is Elka.

Just because one is old, doesn’t mean they should be neglected or sent to slaughter – every life is precious and every life matters. Elka will now only know love and proper care – this is our promise to her as it is to every sentient being that enters through our gates.

Elka would very much love to have sponsors to assist with her daily expenses, so if anyone would like to sign up to do so, it would be so greatly appreciated. Just click on the ‘DONATE’ button below, where you may sign up to become a monthly recurring sponsor, or if you prefer to make a one-time donation, there are a variety of ways in which to do so. All donations are so greatly appreciated and no amount is ever too small.

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Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah!

Sincerely,
Theresa

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We have named her Amira

Our latest arrival, a 30-year-old Arabian mare, had a much needed bath on Saturday. It all seemed new to her, even just being fly sprayed. But it didn’t take long to show her there was nothing to be afraid of. Her sores were treated accordingly and her mane was brushed out. I applied de-tangler to her tail which was much like a baseball bat, which in turn, made it much easier for Jenny to comb out on Sunday. Thankfully, she can now use her tail to help swat away flies. We have named her Amira.

Amira received a bit more pampering on Sunday. Her skin will take some time to heal. The skin is the largest organ of the body and hers is definitely unhealthy. It’s obvious she wasn’t receiving proper nutrition or even getting routine grooming.

She was covered with flies when she arrived. Fly bites are quite painful and cause inflammation and irritation. She tries to scratch them which causes the sores to open up, which in turn, sets her up for bacterial and fungal infections as well as allergies. We are working diligently to resolve this, and will hopefully soon receive the results of her blood tests soon.

Amira’s left ear is filled with sores and the hair within that ear is completely gone. It has a ‘cauliflower ear’ appearance and will likely, never again, be normal. Since there are many gnats in this area, she may be allergic to their saliva. When gnats bite, it causes her to become very itchy. She tries to find something to scratch on to help bring relief, but again, this causes her sores to open up. Amira also must have her dental and farrier needs addressed, but since she doesn’t want to hold her feet up, we will slowly work on this issue as well.

I’ve discovered Amira to be uncomfortable about some things, which leads me to believe that she simply received little to no hands-on care. But she’s quickly learning to trust and is a very good girl.

If you would like to help us help Amira, please click on the ‘DONATE’ button below where you can donate in a variety of ways. All contributions are greatly appreciated and no amount is ever too small.

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Thank you for helping us grant yet another precious soul a second chance at life.

Sincerely,
Theresa

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Life Begins Again for Elderly, Neglected Mare

In memory of three precious Arabians we lost over this past year – Nadia, Venus, and Oasis – we felt the need to help this 30-year-old Arabian mare. She deserves green pastures to live out her sunset years. Upon her arrival yesterday, she immediately put her head down to graze… you could almost feel her excitement! After getting a mouthful of grass, she raised her head and whinnied back and forth with others here. I’m sure they all welcomed her.

This senior mare’s needs have been neglected for quite some time. She has open sores and scabs all over her body, even in her ears. Her tail is so tangled, it’s like a baseball bat. There is scarring in both of her eyes, especially the left. But she seemed very grateful last evening and I saw a glimmer of light in her eyes.

If you would like to help us help this sweet mare, please click the donation button below where you can contribute in a variety of ways. All contributions are greatly appreciated and no amount is ever too small.

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Thank you, all, for helping us grant yet another precious soul a second chance at life.

Beauty’s Haven Farm and Equine Rescue, Inc.,
A place where ‘Life Begins Again!’

Sincerely,
Theresa

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In Honor of Minnie

As many of you know, we recently lost Minnie, a mule that had worked her whole life for humans. But when she became unable to keep the pace, she was repaid by having her basic needs go neglected. She arrived skin-on-bones, her body had sores all over from burrs buried beneath her coat, and she was up there in age. Minnie loved her soupy mashes and was simply as sweet as could be. She was very grateful to have humans around her that were kind to her but her body had wasted away to almost nothing and her heart was tired. Sadly, we only had a couple of days with Minnie. But she went to Rainbow Bridge knowing she was loved.

We haven’t stopped thinking about Minnie, and in her honor, we would like to help two other mules that have also given their lives to helping humans.

We have funds remaining from donations that came in for Minnie to cover initial dental, vet, and farrier expenses for one but we need help covering the other. Also, they both need monthly sponsors to help with their ongoing care. We are sure that Minnie would be grateful if we are able to help them.

If anyone can help us to help these precious mules with any amount of a one-time, or monthly ongoing donation, please click the Donate Now button below and note it’s for “MULES”. No amount is too small and all donations are tax deductible.

Gratefully,
Theresa

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Newly Rescued Mule Fighting for Life

We brought in this poor sweet mule last night who is barely hanging on. After settling in nicely, then munching on some alfalfa and drinking water upon arrival, she laid down to rest. This morning, we found her unable to get up.

She is in severely emaciated condition, just skin draped over bones. We don’t know her age, but I’d say she’s a senior who probably gave her life working for humans. We have named her Molly.

We called our vet who came out right away and put Molly on fluids after examining her. Then we waited, giving her some time to see if she would get up on her own. And then we waited some more.

We rolled her over to see if that would help, but the truth is Molly was just too weak to get up on her own. She has no muscle and has basically wasted away to almost nothing.

But Molly is bright and alert… and hungry, which are positive signs. We have given her mashes and she has passed some poop. Dr. Madera took Molly’s blood samples back to the hospital for tests; hopefully we’ll receive the results tomorrow.

Finally, as the day was waning, we prepared the sling and tractor and got her up. (SEE VIDEO). Though she may be hanging on by a thread, Molly is one determined girl!

We were planning to take some time after losing Peggy Sue, Venus, and Ruby to heal our broken hearts but this girl needed help, and our hearts need to move on.

Can you help us help this sweet girl? If you can, please click the ‘DONATE’ button below. All contributions are greatly appreciated and no amount is ever too small.

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Thank you, and please do keep this precious girl in your prayers.

Sincerely,
Theresa


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Mindi, a discarded mule in need

She gave 15+ years of service to her humans. Once she was too old to keep up the pace, they showed their gratitude by discarding her. Sadly, this happens a lot. She’s thin. Her skin is very unhealthy. She has scars from the heavy tack she wore while working. I’m sure her teeth are also in need of attention. We have named her Mindi.

We were a bit concerned about Mindi by mid-afternoon after we brought her in. She hadn’t passed any poop and wasn’t drinking nearly enough but she wasn’t dehydrated. She did seem a bit uncomfortable. Her temperature was normal but her respiration was high. We gave her some electrolytes and Ulcergard. She looked totally exhausted and finally laid down and took a late afternoon nap. When she woke up she looked better which made me feel better. She finally went poop which made us all feel better.

After her nap, she got a good grooming. I wanted to give her a bath but she’s in quarantine for a couple of weeks. Her skin is pretty unhealthy but this will improve. She obviously hasn’t been getting good nutrition. The vet will be out in the morning and I’ll update when I can.

We are requesting donations to help to address Mindi’s initial needs: an examination, bloodwork, fecal testing, dental, quality hay, etc. She also needs monthly sponsors for her ongoing care. Contributions may be made here on our website, or on our Facebook fundraiser for Mindi, just click the buttons below.

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Please keep Mindi in your prayers, and thank you in advance for enabling us to grant yet another precious soul a second chance at life.

Sincerely,
Theresa

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Introducing Misti, senior mini in honor of Betty White

Thank you, all, for your love and most thoughtful generosity to Beauty’s Haven during the course of the #BettyWhiteChallenge, in celebration of this very special lady’s 100th Birthday.

In Loving Memory of Betty, we thought that it would be a most fitting tribute to add a sweet little soul to our beloved little herd, a 30 year-old mini mare we’ve named Misti, who was in need of a safe place to land. We are most certain that Betty will approve.

If anyone would like to sponsor Misti, please click the button below, where you can opt to donate monthly. (Please note that it’s for Misti.)

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Sincerely,
Theresa

YOU ALL DID IT!

Thank you to everyone who voted daily and responded to our last minute plea to rally the troops! We are so very blessed to have such an amazing little village of supporters! You all rock!

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Welcoming Gabriel, a gelding in need

Gabriel is a sweet gelding we brought in on Monday, whose owners could no longer give him the care he needs while dealing with their own serious health issues. We were told he’s 20 years old and that he had lived with them for 17 of those years; he had another equine pal until 8 years ago when that horse went to Rainbow Bridge, and the poor boy has been alone since. I don’t think he’s a Quarter Horse or a Thoroughbred, perhaps a Saddlebred cross based on his physical characteristics and demeanor (the vet agreed). Though his owners weren’t able to physically do much for him, they made sure he had hay and got grain twice a day.

Gabriel is quite the looker despite arriving with a snotty nose, elevated temperature, and labored breathing. We gave him Banamine but opted to hold off on antibiotics until our vet examined him.

When the time came to be checked out, he was a true gentleman. His temperature was normal, but some crackling was heard in his lungs so he got his first dose of Excede. He’s a bit underweight; his appetite has been okay but could improve after getting dental work. Hopefully Dr. Bess can work him into her busy schedule soon. When she comes, we’ll be able to confirm his age.



Gabe took a good nap after the vet left and wasn’t sure if he wanted to get up for his “hooficure”. We finally coaxed him up and he was great for the farrier. He’s got a good size crack that runs almost to the coronary band in one of his front feet that we will be monitoring, fortunately it wasn’t painful upon palpation.

When we get the blood test results back, we will post an update.

We estimate initial expenses for Gabriel to be at least $600, and would appreciate sponsors to cover them as well as his follow-up and routine expenses. 

Thank you for your compassion and support!
Theresa

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Or, visit our Donations page for a variety of giving options at https://bhfer.org/donate/.

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Faith is the light that guides the way

As we near the end of 2021, we have so much for which to be thankful.

We are thankful to our wonderful village of supporters as well as our amazing team of volunteers, who worked tirelessly to afford us the opportunity of granting a second chance at life to these 21 precious souls who have brought us such an inordinate amount of happiness and joy: Valley Girl, Buckshot, Remi, a precious newborn donkey; Allie, our mischievous Marmalade Tabby; Simba; Elvis and Ford; Miles, who without a doubt was sent to us through the intervention of our beloved Penny; Scooter; Kiah, the sweet little pup who was found scared and alone in the middle of the night with a badly injured paw; Ace, our beautiful Selle Francais; Belle Star; Lady Sophia and Candace; Piper, our sweet little dumpster kitten; three precious bunnies; our Christmas saves, Lennie and Michele; and lastly, Shai, our final rescue of 2021.

But as in the Circle of Life, our joy was tinged with sadness when our beloved Penny, Ace, Nash, Haley, Jasmin and Cleo, a precious newborn kitten, transitioned to Rainbow Bridge, where we know deep in our hearts, that they are all now happily romping about with the Heavenly Herd.

Beauty’s Haven unfortunately had a number of horses returned to the rescue this year, through no fault of their own. We are thankful that they are home with us and we have promised them that they will always be forever safe and loved.

We are so truly honored by your love and support which enables us to be the voice of those sweet and innocent souls who are unable to speak for themselves. And for that, we remain eternally grateful.

Wishing everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year.
Theresa

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