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Max’s Surgery & Recovery

I’ve been meaning to share an update about Max for over a week now, but we’ve been super busy. Max had surgery a few days ago to have a large tumor removed from his right hip. He was supposed to have surgery weeks ago but it was rescheduled to a date TBD by UF. The tumor was getting larger and Max was becoming pretty uncomfortable – we felt that Max simply couldn’t wait any longer. Thankfully, Dr. Schirmer at West End Animal Hospital in Newberry, took on Max’s case.

Surgery lasted almost two hours, but Dr. Schirmer and his staff did a great job. Max stayed at the hospital for a couple of days and came home this past Friday.

He wasn’t able to get up or walk at first, but he’s gradually getting better. We help him get up by supporting him with a sling in order to put him into Hope’s wheelchair.

His eyes are bright again and today, he barked at someone going down the road for the first time since he’s been home!

Max has watched over this herd for the last 10+ years and deserves to stick around as long as he is comfortable. He’s more comfortable now than he was before surgery and he should have many more years with us. He watches over the farm every night and alerts us to anything amiss. He’s awesome and we all love him dearly. I’ll update more about his progress whenever I can.

If you would like to forward a donation to assist with the cost of Max’s surgery, please click the button below and be sure to designate your donation to ‘Max.’ All donations are tax deductible and no amount is ever too small.

Thank you, all, so very much!

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Aaleyah Belle, A Beauty’s Haven Miracle

“Life is about determination. Don’t give up because of the obstacles… Regardless of what obstacles face you, just keep going! Go through, go around, jump over – but never give up!”

A registered Thoroughbred mare named ‘Currently Sue,’ foaled during the early morning hours of May 3, 2008. Her filly was born with a condition known as wry nose syndrome which prevented the foal from nursing and receiving the vital colostrum that she needed after birth, thus making her chance of survival extremely slim.

That very same day, Theresa received a phone call from an individual expressing concern about the filly and her Momma, as they were in imminent danger of being shot that afternoon. Theresa immediately, contacted the owner to see if they would surrender Momma and baby to Beauty’s Haven and they were more than happy to oblige – it would save them the time and energy of having to dig a grave. Without delay, Theresa went to pick up Momma and her filly and transport them to the rescue.

Time was of the essence – the baby was several hours old and hadn’t received any nourishment or colostrum – she could not nurse due to her wry nose. Momma had obviously, given her baby all the nourishment she could in utero, as she, herself, was merely skin on bones and simply had no milk to offer her baby.

Both were promptly vetted and the filly received plasma and colostrum. Momma, who we lovingly, called ‘Momma Sue,’ was put on a re-feeding program. There are no words to describe how blessed we felt as we watched the look of worry and hunger in Momma’s Sue’s eyes morph into a look of gratefulness, comfort, and relief. It was obvious that she adored her baby girl.

On this very same day, Eight Belles, a determined and kind, steel-gray 3 year-old filly, ran in the Kentucky Derby against 19 colts. Against the odds, Eight Belles finished second on the 1 1/4 mile track, following the winner, Big Brown. Sadly, within seconds of crossing the finish line, Eight Belles broke down and had to be euthanized.

In Eight Belles’s memory, we named Momma Sue’s determined little filly, ‘Aaleyah Belle,’ who would have to overcome immeasurable odds in order to survive.

Aaleyah Belle, thankfully, was able to drink from a bottle. As soon as she was stable and stronger, she needed to have surgery at the University of Florida to correct her wry nose which would forever, improve her quality of life. A few weeks later, Aaleyah Belle, accompanied by her beloved Momma, was transported to UF where her nose would be surgically corrected, as much as possible, thus allowing her to run and play with all the other horses.

Her recovery was successful, and as she grew stronger and her breathing became easier, our sweet little girl started kicking up her heels. She showed the world and all those who loved her, a very special ‘Cricket Dance.’ Aaleyah became a dancer of joy, a spirited young girl with a full life ahead of her. Aaleyah Belle was born with an innate beauty, a beauty that encompasses the true meaning of grace, happiness, and love. Aaleyah is yet another, Beauty’s Haven miracle.

In Honor of Aaleyah’s 12th Birthday, a wonderful Auntie has come forth and is offering a Match Game whereby all donations up to $300 will be matched dollar for dollar, which will be applied to this week’s Hay Run.

If you would like to forward a donation in Honor of Aaleyah’s birthday, you may do so here on our website or via PayPalMe. If donating via PayPal, please designate your donation to ‘Aaleyah’s Birthday.’ If you select the tab, ‘Send Money to Friends or Family,’ no fees will be deducted from your contribution. All donations are tax deductible and no amount is ever too small.

Thank you, all, so very much!

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Poor Niña!

Niña truly gave us a scare today. She apparently got spooked by a sprinkler and took off running, then sadly, she slipped and fell and was unable to get up. We immediately ran some fluids and gave meds as per the vet’s instructions while we awaited his arrival.

Our poor girl was truly headed in the wrong direction but got a much-needed boost with some DMSO thanks to Dr. Becker, coupled with the power of prayer.

Niña is now resting comfortably and is tucked in for the night.

God is good. Believe.

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Cricket Has Her Wings

In Loving Memory

On Monday afternoon, the vet was called out to the farm to treat our precious Cricket for colic. After doing all that could be done and being unsuccessful with clearing her impaction, and surgery not an option, it was decided that we could no longer let her suffer. She was simply in too much pain. Cricket was such a wise and brave little mare to the very end and she even enjoyed some time with her dear friend, Tilly. The vet returned last evening and Cricket was peacefully transitioned to Rainbow Bridge at 9:00pm, surrounded by all who loved her so dearly.

We know in our hearts that her beloved Jiminy was awaiting her arrival, and both, with youth restored and free of pain, crossed the Rainbow Bridge together.

We love you, sweet Cricket, forever & always.

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Reunited

Hi Everyone,

Thank you, all, for your messages of condolence during this most difficult time. Cricket was so very blessed to have experienced such an inordinate amount of love and joy in recent years. She was truly, a very wise old soul and I am certain that she had many stories to tell during the course of her thirty-five years here on earth. We do find comfort with the knowledge that Cricket has been reunited with her beloved companion, Jiminy, who went to Rainbow Bridge just a few months ago.

While the vet was here to care for Cricket, bloodwork was also done on Bria, and we are currently, awaiting the results.

While we never like to ask for funds, especially during this time of heartbreak and sorrow, we do need assistance for Bria’s testing as well as for both visits from the vet yesterday.

The first to help resolve Crickets’s colic, and the second, an evening emergency visit, to assist with her peaceful transition to Rainbow Bridge. We also are asking for assistance to cover Cricket’s burial fees.

If you would like to assist with these fees, which we estimate to be in the range of $600, you may forward your donation via various means here on our secure website or via PayPalMe. If donating via PayPal, please designate your donation to ‘Bria’ and/or ‘Cricket.’ If you select the tab, ‘Send Money to Friends or Family,’ no fees will be deducted from your contribution. All donations are tax deductible and no amount is ever too small.

Lastly, please keep Beauty in your prayers.

Thank you all, so very much, for your love and support.

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Niña, Penny & Bria all fixed up!

Niña

Niña is looking much better. When she lays down now, she’s strong enough to get up on her own. Niña recently, managed to injure her lip, but she was such a good girl and great patient when getting her wound cleaned and treated.

Penny’s Happy Mouth

Dr. Bess Darrow (Tune Ups Veterinary Equine Dentistry and Services) worked on Penny’s teeth last week. Penny had recently started to quid. Penny is a blind 30+ year old Belgian. Elyza Rose is her seeing eye pony and BFF.

Bria’s Happy Feet

“Got treats?”

Bria is holding her own and is most comfortable in her SoftRides boots. Take them off and it’s a different story – she has thin soles and some rotation in both front feet. But you can sometimes see her sprinting around looking for Little E or Cricket.

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Niña – A Sudden Scare!

We were a bit worried about Niña during her first 48 hours here at the rescue. We learned that she had access to a tub of grain on her transport here and we didn’t know how much, if any, she had consumed. She went down the morning after she arrived and couldn’t get up. We had to roll her over in order to help her stand.

After receiving some fluids, Niña started to perk up a bit. She gets a warm soupy mash several times a day which she seems to enjoy. Her blood test results indicated highs and lows – typical values for a malnourished horse. Her immune system is quite compromised, she likely has ulcers, her kidneys are a bit stressed, she has a high parasite load, she’s pretty anemic, etc. Appropriate supplements have been been identified that we are adding to her re-feeding program.

Perking Up

Feeling Proud

Watching

 

Yesterday, we put a blanket on Niña – I don’t know if she’s ever worn one before, but I believe that she felt very special. She looked like a different horse in the blanket. She held her head high and it appeared that she was very very proud!

Niña watches the other horses all of the time. She hasn’t been with another horse in at least 16 years and I have to wonder what she’s thinking. When she is stronger, and the time is right, she’ll be introduced to another.

A wonderful friend and supporter has come forth to offer a Match Game to assist with the initial and ongoing care of sweet Niña. All donations up to $150, will thereby, be matched dollar for dollar.

Niña does not have any monthly sponsors thus far, so if you would like to be her ‘Angel’ for a few months or longer, you can sign up for as little as five dollars per month via our Website. If you would prefer to make a one time donation, you can do so here on our website, or via PayPal.me. If donating via PayPal, please designate your contribution to ‘Match Game.’ Please know that all contributions are so greatly appreciated and no amount is ever too small.

We would also like to thank everyone who has assisted with Niña’s expenses thus far. We are forever grateful for your extremely generous contributions, loving prayers and most thoughtful well-wishes. And we know that this sweet girl is truly, feeling your love as well!

Wishing everyone a lovely weekend!

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Niña

We’re calling this precious mare, Niña. She settled in well overnight and made new friends from a couple of fence lines away. Yesterday, she made new human friends who really liked her.

Gail held Niña while Dr. Julia did an exam on her and she was very cooperative. She’s underweight, has a heart murmur, her temperature was a bit low, and her teeth need attention by Dr. Bess. Niña also has a couple of summer sores that we’ve started treating and we’re so very thankful that we have a pair of Silver Whinnys (SoxForHorses) on hand that fit her. Dr. Julia estimates her to be at least 30 years young. We will know more when the blood test results come back, hopefully, tomorrow.

Many thanks to those who have donated to help this grand older gal! She’s going to need ongoing support so if you’re interested in signing up to become a monthly sponsor for her (no matter what the amount is – lots of little bits add up to make good things happen), you may do so here on our website.

Donate Now

You can also forward a donation via PayPalMe. If donating via PayPal, please designate your contribution to ‘Niña.’ If you select the tab, ‘Send Money to Friends or Family,’ no fees will be deducted from your contribution. All donations are tax deductible and no amount is ever too small.

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Thank you, all, so very much!

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A Lonely Life

We were contacted about a mare that has lived alone for many, many years. She needs everything – an initial vet exam with bloodwork, dental and farrier work, as well as assistance with her aftercare. Bringing a horse in is just the beginning. Dr. Julia is scheduled for Monday to pull Coggins on some of the horses and I’d like to get this mare here before then so she can be vetted. If anyone would like to assist in helping with the initial and ongoing expenses of this sweet mare or contribute toward the Coggins tests (total $395) on our other ‘Velvet Nosers,’ it would be so greatly appreciated.

Donations may be forwarded via various means here on our secure website. If you wish, you can also sign up to make an automatic monthly donation of any amount which may be discontinued at any time.

Donate Now

You can also forward a donation via PayPalMe. If donating via PayPal, please designate your contribution to ‘Lonely Mare’ and/or ‘Coggins.’ If you select the tab, ‘Send Money to Friends or Family,’ no fees will be deducted from your contribution. All donations are tax deductible and no amount is ever too small. If you’re not in a position to donate at this time, we completely understand, but you can still help by sharing this need via social media or amongst family and friends (see links at the bottom of this post).

Thank you!

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Tilly & Warrior

Tilly settled right in upon her arrival, almost like she’s been here before. She’s just as sweet as she can be and very vocal. She has a rather large lump on her right side – likely a hernia. Her feet needed attention, so on Sunday, she got a hooficure by Laura while Judy and Millie lovingly, pampered her.

Tilly has a great appetite, but she does quid – she wants to eat, but it must be very uncomfortable to chew because as she starts to eat, she then suddenly, just stops. Her teeth have likely been neglected. Tilly’s very thin which will change, I’m sure, once her teeth issues are addressed. Dr. Bess Darrow, our Equine Dentist, will work Tilly into her schedule as soon as she can.

Yesterday, Tilly was examined by Dr. Julia Simonson. The lump on Tilly’s side is believed to be a hernia but additional diagnostics are needed. She’s emaciated with a Body Condition Score of ‘2.’ Her respiration and heart rates were normal, but there is an issue with her lungs which also requires additional diagnostics. We hope to have her blood test results by the end of the day.

If anyone would like to become a sponsor for this little girl or help with her initial expenses and ongoing needs, which will not be inexpensive, it would be so greatly appreciated. Donations are tax deductible and can be made here on our website’s secure donation form, where you can also sign up to make an automatic monthly donation of any amount which may be discontinued at any time. You can also forward a donation via PayPalMe. If donating via PayPal, please designate your donation to ‘Mini Mare.’ If you select the tab, ‘Send Money to Friends or Family,’ no fees will be deducted from your contribution. All donations are tax deductible and no amount is ever too small. And please share this need amongst family and friends – perhaps others would like to help as well. Without your assistance, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do.

While Dr. Julia was here to examine Tilly, we asked her to look at Warrior’s eyes as well. Warrior’s right eye has been weepy – I thought perhaps, that his tear duct may be clogged, but at times, there’s a yellowish/greenish discharge which makes me think the issue may be allergies. Dr. Julia also listened to Warrior’s lungs and detected something which requires additional diagnostics. He is an on and off non-sweater and at times, he experiences breathing issues during the spring/summer months. Warrior has allergies to no-see-ums and flies and had a terrible time with sores in his ears two summers ago. It took us quite awhile to get the sores to heal, so since then, he wears a mask with ears to help prevent further issues.

Dr. Julia believes that Warrior’s current issue could very well be summer sores in the corners of both eyes. She will be consulting with Dr. Mangan, our Equine Ophthalmologist, who is scheduled to come out later in the week. In the meantime, Warrior’s eyes will be stained to rule out possible ulceration and, if there is no stain uptake, we will be applying neo-poly-dex ointment to his eyes 3x’s a day. I’m hoping the issue is not summer sores but something else that can be treated and healed much more quickly.

I love to schedule the vet whenever we have volunteers here who are learning about the way in which to care for horses. Education combined with hands-on experience can prove to be very valuable for future horse owners. I am so very grateful to our experienced volunteers who are always happy and willing to guide them each step of the way!

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