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Bria Update

A quick update on Bria, a 30 year old National Show Horse (Saddlebred / Arabian).

Bria was quite thin and had issues when she came to us, which included Cushings disease and degenerative suspensory ligament disease (DSLD). Unfortunately, there is no cure for DSLD – it progressively gets worse and, at some point, the horse’s quality of life declines to a point where the most humane thing is euthanasia.

Most of Bria’s days are pretty good – she hangs out with Little E. Sometimes she’ll prance over for a meal – she has a beautiful gait. But over the past couple of weeks, she became a bit more lame. We had x-rays done a few days ago and the findings weren’t a total surprise, but we’d hoped for better news. She has thin soles and coffin bone rotation in both front feet (the right being the worst) which isn’t new – this has been going on for quite awhile.

Bria gets supplements to help with her issues and comfort level. She wears Soft Ride boots which help quite a bit. We don’t know how long she will be with us, but hopefully, it will be for quite some time.

Please keep Bria in your prayers.

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Jo’s Long Awaited Update

I apologize for taking so long to post this update. The daily chores/needs we tackle here each day are many and there is little extra time. Those of you who have been with us for a long time, know I used to post often throughout the days/nights. Now, I try to post at least a couple of times a week when I am able to make time before calling it a day. Hopefully, soon, I’ll be able to post more routinely again.
And now, for Jo’s long awaited update

Jo’s kidneys and liver are stressed and she’s fighting infection. She has a heart murmur, severe muscle atrophy, and is about 300 pounds underweight. She has a poor coat and patches of skin without hair. Her coat, thankfully, is actually looking slightly better already. Her appetite is good and she’s drinking and getting the supplements that she needs. She’s also being treated for ulcers. As I mentioned in my update yesterday, Jo’s feet needed attention, too, but they were taken care of the day after we brought her to the rescue.


Like most horses, Jo walked right into the stall in Dr. Bess’ dental trailer. She was an absolute angel the entire time.

Most of Jo’s issues came about due to the condition of her teeth. Dr. Bess Darrow (Tune Ups Veterinary Equine Dentistry) found ulcers in Jo’s cheeks, gums, tongue, and soft palate due to sharp points. One sharp point put the palatine artery at significant risk of being cut which could have caused Jo to bleed out.

There were large ramps and her front teeth are on a slant due to misalignment which physically obstructed the motion she needed to properly chew. Because Jo couldn’t chew, it decreased the ability of her digestive system to extract much needed nutrients from any food she did manage to get down. It also put her at risk for choke and colic.

Most horse owners know this, but for those who don’t, when a horse chews, it is a grinding motion that, over time, wears down the tooth surface. Sharp hooks and points form. Teeth wear unevenly which causes the mouth to close improperly which can lead to chronic colic, weight loss, quidding, bad behavior, and other issues. Quidding is when food gets rolled into balls which fall out of the horses mouth and drop to the ground. Sometimes, rather than chew with a painful mouth, a horse will try to swallow food before chewing is complete which can cause choke, colic, and weight loss. Jo was quidding. Sometimes, a horse will pack food on the side of its mouth (when they are unable to chew on that side) which can cause gum disease and tooth loss.

When a horse is younger, uneven wear can be corrected. Left unattended, the issue progresses and becomes severe as in Jo’s case. Horses’ teeth erupt and wear over their lifetime. As a horse ages, the eruption rate slows and teeth get shorter. With an older horse, there might not be any tooth left below the gum to keep erupting and teeth may start to fall out. When a horse loses a tooth, the tooth above or below it, doesn’t have anything to grind against. The teeth on each side of the empty space start moving toward each other and feed can get packed there which can cause issues that would need veterinary attention.

As a horse ages, the digestive tract becomes less efficient at absorbing and processing nutrients. Reduction in the ability to mechanically break down food (through grinding of the teeth) lowers digestibility. It’s important to ensure a horse’s diet is tailored to suit their particular needs. Senior horses like Jo, and Little E, need a complete senior feed that is easy to chew and is highly digestible. This feed can be soaked and made into a soupy mash which helps prevent choke. The increased water intake also helps reduce digestive issues. These horses benefit from smaller portioned meals that are offered more frequently throughout the day.

The day after Dr. Bess did Jo’s teeth, it felt good to know Jo could finally use her mouth without the pain and discomfort that she had been feeling for quite some time. And Jo actually looked brighter and happier!

Providing proper dental care for the entire lifetime of a horse is very important to its well-being. Routine dental care can help a horse live a longer and healthy life by preventing issues and unnecessary pain and suffering. Every horse owner has an obligation to provide this to their horse.

Jo’s previous owner said they were feeding her two meals a day, and I do believe them. After Jo arrived, she passed manure and there was grain in it. We were told that Jo’s teeth were floated about 1 1/2 years ago by a farrier. Whoa – red flag! This is a good example of why it’s important to have an equine dentist, or veterinarian skilled in equine dentistry, like Dr. Bess, to properly diagnose, correct, and treat dental problems as well as administer sedation (if needed).

We’re thankful that Jo’s previous owner finally reached out for help before it was too late, allowing us the opportunity to make a significant difference in Jo’s life. She wouldn’t have lasted much longer. Recovery may take awhile – many things happen to a body when it has been deprived of proper nutrition. But Jo has a bright attitude and we have the means (thanks to our supporters) to provide what she needs to help her through this time.

We thank all of you for caring!

Dr. Darrow is a veterinarian and is International Association of Equine Dentistry certified. She specializes in equine dentistry. Her dental trailer is awesome and most horses walk right into the padded stall. She uses a full mouth speculum and bright light, a drencher, power and manual tools, a soft chin rest and/or a head suspension system, mirrors, other instruments, and sedation (when needed). She provides a dental record and chart of the horse’s mouth which describes the work she did and also shows diagrams of the teeth. It’s obvious to us that she understands the whole horse and cares about her patients. She has been treating our horses for years!

Dr. Darrow’s website is Tune Ups Veterinary Equine Dentistry and she can also be found on Facebook. We truly appreciate everything she does for the horses, not just here, but everywhere! She spearheaded Houses4Horses, a non-profit organization that began with efforts to aid horses following Hurricane Michael in 2018 in Florida’s panhandle. Houses4Horses is also helping to provide vet care, hay and feed for horses and livestock remaining on Grand Bahama Island in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian.

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Jo, All Settled In!

It was a beautiful day at the rescue last Sunday – the weather was nice and there were no “surprises.” Jo greeted us in the morning with bright eyes and a whinny to start the day. Jenny arrived and gave her a much-needed bath and spa treatment. Jo seemed to hold her head a little higher after her bath so I’m thinking she really enjoyed it. Her sores were treated and her mane and tail were brushed out. She’s very beautiful.


Happy Feet

Jo had a happy hooficure day on Monday – she truly needed it and I am sure she felt much better afterwards!


A Visit with Dr. Julia

The vet also came on Monday to do an exam on Jo, including blood tests. We were told that she is 35 years old but I’m not sure if that is correct. There’s probably a combination of things contributing to her being so thin, but I do believe that with proper care, she has the desire, and ability, to overcome. Jo is very vocal, alert, and interested in everything that goes on around her. She’s a very kind soul.


Hope

After examining Jo, Dr. Julia visited with Hope.


A Visit with Dr. Bess

Dr. Bess came on Wednesday to do Jo’s teeth. She aged Jo to be 28 years young. I will be sharing a comprehensive update with some pretty incredible photos as to the vet and equine dentist’s findings, within the next few days.

We truly appreciate everyone’s support for sweet Jo.

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SWEET MARE IN DIRE NEED

We posted on Facebook earlier this afternoon that we were seeking sponsors to help us help a sweet Quarter Horse mare. Although we did not garner a sufficient number of sponsors, time was of the essence and she was transported to Beauty’s Haven earlier this evening. Her name is Jo and she is still in need of sponsors. Jo will need a complete exam including bloodwork, as well as have her teeth and feet done. When she is strong enough, she will then need vaccinations etc. Jo’s initial expenses will be great, and we will need assistance with her ongoing and long term care expenses as well, however long that may be. Ideally, we would like to receive enough commitments from our supporters to sponsor her care for several months. Lots of little bits add up!

Would anyone like to make a one time donation or sign up to be a monthly sponsor for Jo’s care? Donations are tax-deductible and no amount is ever too small. There are many ways in which to donate. You may donate via various means here on our website or via PayPalMe. Please note that your donation is for “Jo.”

Thank you, all, for your love & support. Please keep sweet Jo in your prayers.

Donate Now

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The Story of Baby Hope – Chapter 3

Hi Everybody!

“It’s true that I’m a little slower at many things than most calves my age, but I finally have Chapter 3 of my life story ready to share! In Chapter 2, I told you about my Dynasplints and Silver Whinnys’ Sox. The splints helped my legs to not criss-cross so much and I can walk better. We’ve been doing a lot of PT which helps me learn better balance and coordination.

After my splints came, we did PT everyday but even after a short walk, I’d get tired and want to rest on my knees or lay on my bed. Did I tell you about my bed? I think I did. Well, I still love my bed but it’s getting a bit worn out. It’s comfy and it’s my home base. When we do PT and I walk, someone puts my bed on the ground where I’m supposed to walk to and that’s where I try to go. But at first, on most days, it was so hot – all I really wanted to do was lay on my bed in the grass on the little hill by the barn. But in the evenings, when it was cooler, we did a bit more PT and it wasn’t as bad, but I’d still get tired.

Hope Learns About Betsy Rose

Volunteers and visitors came to visit with me each day and Kitty Cat still hung out with me. Freckles and Jerry told me stories about Betsy Rose almost nightly. Did you know that we have a lot in common? Like the sling – let me tell you about the sling! Freckles said Betsy liked her sling and did you know she lived in it, around the clock, for two months before she was strong enough to walk on her own? Freckles said, sometimes, after Betsy was strong enough to walk on her own, she would walk to her sling and look at mommy Theresa and, somehow, mommy Theresa knew Betsy wanted to get in it. Betsy Rose liked it because she could get good REM sleep, whatever that is, without worrying about falling down. It helped mommy Theresa to worry less – she didn’t want to take any risks with Betsy Rose – she loved her to the moon and back! Sometimes, when Betsy would nap in her sling, she’d go into REM sleep, and her little legs would run like she was running a race and she’d make cute little noises like she was having a blast. I’ll ask mommy Theresa to share a video of it – she tried to show it to me one day when it was raining and we were bored in my suite but I couldn’t see it very well. Anyway, Betsy’s sling was a bit big for me, even though she was a little pony, so I got my own smaller sling, but I still didn’t care for it – it just didn’t fit my body right – I’m shaped a little different than most baby cows. Whenever I was in the sling, my front legs wanted to go straight out in front of me and Jerry said I looked like a cow getting ready to jump over the moon!

Hope’s Walkin’ Wheels

Dr. Julia kept doing acupuncture and Raindrop Therapy on me and sometimes, mommy Theresa used a red light thing on my knees. Humans still helped me up much of the time, and I tried to walk, but I still wasn’t very good at it and I got tired easily. Every now and then, mostly at night, I’d get up on my own and go walking. It would freak mommy Theresa out on mornings when she’d go to the barn and I wasn’t where I was supposed to be!

To help me stay up longer and walk further, and to help my coordination, I got my very own wheelchair! The humans wouldn’t leave me in it very long – when I got tired we’d head towards my bed and I’d get to rest but we tried to increase the amount of time I was in it by a little each day. One day, when I was in my wheelchair, I dozed off and can you guess what happened? The back straps popped off and I ended up sitting on my butt and my front legs were pointing up in the air – they were still kind of strapped in! Jerry said I looked like a cow getting ready to jump over the moon again and that the look on mommy Theresa’s face was priceless! After that, I didn’t get strapped in anymore. Instead, humans put the wheelchair around me, like I was in it but without the support straps, and they nudged me from behind to get me to move forward. It worked ok, but I still didn’t have much energy. We tried to do a little more walking at night and I got a little bit stronger.

And then one day, guess who I met? Uncle Andrew! He’s pretty cool and he gives me hooficures! He says if he took me home, the Mrs. would take me in the house because I’m way too cute! He trimmed all four of my feet a little bit and it didn’t hurt at all. He says its important that my feet stay balanced to help me walk better.

Another Visit with Dr. Sonday

Mommy Theresa was worried about me being tired so much and called Dr. Sonday to come out to see me. I was happy to see Dr. Sonday again – we’re good friends! She listened to my heart and lungs and my tummy and said they were normal and that I was bright and alert. She was glad to see that my legs were a little better. I was laying down when she got here, but then I stood up for her, all on my own, so she could see that I can do it. But I only walked a few feet and got on my knees – it was very hot that day and I was really tired. Dr. Sonday went to her truck to get something, so I laid down. When she got back, she did that “poke me in the neck thing” that Dr. Bullock did to me to do blood tests. She said she’d find out if I needed more vitamins and minerals or if there was something else going on. Just before Dr. Sonday left, she gave me a shot of something which didn’t feel good, but it was something she said I needed, so it was ok. A few days later, Dr. Sonday called mommy Theresa and gave her some instructions which included giving me B12 injections.

Pretty in Pink

Over the next few days, I started to feel better. I felt so much better that mommy Theresa added a challenge to my PT routine. She started putting my meals in a dish that was a little bit high off the ground so that I had to stand up to be able to eat! A couple of weeks later, did you know that I got a pretty pink halter? I didn’t really like to wear it at first, but I got used to it. And then I learned a game called “follow the feed tub” and it seems like the walk to the tub gets longer and longer!

By then it was almost June and one day aunt Becky brought me the coolest gift but I’m going to save that story for the next chapter – I’ve got to get back to PT! I’ll ask mommy Theresa to post some photos and video, ok?

Everyone take care and stay tuned for Chapter 4!”

Love,

Hope

When the world says, “Give up,” Hope whispers “Try it one more time.”

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The Story of Baby Hope – Chapter 2

Hi Everybody!

I’ve been working on Chapter Two of my story a little bit here and there. I tried to keep it shorter than Chapter One, but there is so much to tell!

I settled in here at the rescue and met so many great people. Freckles told me that some of the people are volunteers and they come to help because they have good hearts and want to make a difference. They make sure I have hay and fresh water all day long. I also had my very own little salt block – I’d never had one of those before. I was offered milk, too, but I didn’t like it – it didn’t taste like my mommy’s.

The humans became worried about me getting dehydrated, and not getting enough nutrition, so Mommy Theresa took me back to Dr. Bullock’s so he could give me electrolytes and other stuff through a tube. Oh, he gave me a shot of something too, but thankfully, it didn’t hurt much. I was so happy when I heard Dr. Bullock say to Mommy Theresa, “This calf should make it. I think she’ll be just fine, but I think it’s just going to take some time.” Mommy Theresa then got me a different kind of milk which tasted much better and when I drank it all up, that made me and my humans very happy!

I stayed out in the grass under a big shady tree by the barn except for when it rained and then I’d go to my suite in the barn. Kitty Cat came to visit me a lot and at night Max (he’s a big dog) was always close by to make sure we were all safe and that everything was okay.

Hope’s Care Team

Did you know that I have my very own care team? Well, I do! I met more vets that are on on my team – Dr. Sonday, Dr. Simonson, and Dr. Mangan. They’re all super! Dr. Sonday is awesome and she listens to my heart and lungs and makes sure that I’m happy and healthy – she loves me to pieces! Dr. Simonson (we call her Dr. Julia) treats me often with acupuncture and Raindrop Therapy which I really like. Dr. Mangan is really cool and when he checked out my eyes we found out why I couldn’t see – I have cataracts and something called iris hypoplasia. But did you know that as I grow, my eyes will get a little bigger than the cataracts, and I might be able to see better?

When my care team met to come up with a plan for me, I learned about some of the things that make me special. A couple of the words I heard were “Dwarfism” and “neurological.” I’ll try to explain some of the things as best as I can without the big words, okay?

Perfectly Imperfect

I’ve always had a hard time getting up from laying down and, once up, when I’d try to walk, my legs would get tangled up and I’d fall down. I had contracted tendons but there was more to it that I couldn’t explain to my humans because they don’t speak baby cow language – I wanted to tell them that I didn’t really know where my legs were or what they were doing. But now we know that my movements are a bit challenging, not just because of contracted tendons, but also because there’s something wrong with my sense of movement and effort – it’s called proprioception. It’s supposed to tell me where my body is in space but it doesn’t work right for me. Sometimes, when I’d fall down, I’d be so disoriented that I didn’t know what was up or what was down and I’d have trouble righting myself. But it never scared me – I knew I had to be somewhere. My eyes also sometimes roll downward and sometimes I’d look up like I was star gazing but I wasn’t because I couldn’t see anything but darkness. Sometimes, I’d suddenly jump without thinking about it or my muscles would twitch. My short legs aren’t exactly straight and my bones and muscles don’t look like those on most cows. I’m small and weigh much less than other calves my age. I’ve only grown three inches longer, and taller, since I’ve been here at the rescue.

But you know what’s kinda cool? Mommy Theresa told me that she had a spinal cord injury years ago and that she has no proprioception below her neck. She doesn’t know where her legs are either so she knows kind of what it’s like for me! She said doctors told her she’d never walk again but she believed she could, and she did! It took her time to learn how to walk, and do normal things again, but she did it! She also said that she believes in me and for me to never give up. That’s what my mommy used to say! I miss my mommy a lot. But, I now know if I had of stayed where me and my mommy lived, I would have been sent to Rainbow Bridge or been sold to a neighbor who wanted my hide. How could humans do that? My humans did check in on my mommy and said she’s okay. I’ll bet that she misses me, too.

I’m not made perfectly, but I’m perfectly loved and have been very blessed. Did you know most baby calves born with issues like mine are born dead, or don’t live long after they are born, or they are sent to Rainbow Bridge? There must be a reason that I lived, and for everything that’s happened to me. I really am special and I’m going to work hard to be the best that I can can be – I’m not going to give up! My care team is thankful that I’m not in pain, and that I have a positive attitude, which they said helps a lot. They believe I have a good chance of being able to live a good life!

Cuddle Buddies

Each day, humans helped me get up to do short walks but I wouldn’t stay up long. I’d get tired and lay down – it was just so hot that all I wanted to do was lay down and feel a breeze (I had my own fan). And when I laid down, humans would straighten my legs out and give me hay and water. Boo boos on my knees and chest, from before I came to the rescue, got treated and I’d get brushed which would put me to sleep! Jerry the Giraffe always kept me company and we even got a radio so we could listen to music! When it rained, I’d stay in my suite on a big, soft bed that I still really love.

Dynasplints & Silver Whinnys

One day, Mommy Theresa took me to meet another vet named Dr. Lugo. He was at a hospital where x-rays were done of my legs to see if something called Dynasplints would help me. After looking at my x-rays, Dr. Lugo said they might help! I also heard him say that if my knee needed help, sometime in the future, he could likely fix it!

A few days later, my Dynasplints arrived! Each day, boo boos on my knees got treated, my legs got wrapped with gauze and vet wrap, and then my splints were put on. It was strange at first – I had to learn how to walk in them. Mommy Theresa would pick up my front foot and put it out in front of me and say “walk”, and then she’d pick up the other front foot and put it out in front of me and say “walk”, and this made me want to move my back legs forward, too, and it worked! I was taking baby steps but I was walking and not falling down! It took me a bit to figure out how to lay down with the splints on, but I did it! I practiced walking each day but it was just so hot – I didn’t want to stay up long and I tired easily. But the days are getting cooler and that will help. I’ve got a lot of what my care team calls “physical therapy” to do but I believe I can do it! If you click on the picture above, you can see a video of me walking in my new Dynasplints!

One day, another package came with my name on it, from, “Sox for Horses.” I didn’t know why anyone would send me something for horses but I was excited! The package contained special socks from Uncle Raymond that I would wear under my braces. They kept my legs protected from the splints, helped the sores on my knees heal, and kept flies off my legs. It takes a lot less time for them to be put on than the wraps. They’re called “Silver Whinnys” and they’re awesome!

Selfie Time

Did you know mommy Theresa likes to take selfies with me? She says she’s not very good at it though. Whatever selfies are, they must be funny because she always laughs and says that someday, she’ll get the hang of it.

I’m going to end this chapter now. I’ll be working on Chapter Three over the next few days and you’ll learn all about my wheels and how they helped me to get MOOOVING!

Love,
Hope

When the world says, “Give up,” Hope whispers, “Try it one more time.”

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My Story – By Baby Hope

Hi Everybody!

I’m a baby cow and I want to tell you my life story.  I’m only about four months old but I have a lot to tell and maybe it will help another baby cow! But I’m going to tell just a little at a time, ok?

Being born was a pretty wild adventure, but me and my mommy did it! I wasn’t sure where I was after I was born but there were new smells and noises I’d never heard before. I couldn’t see but I knew my mommy was there because she started licking me all over. Then she nudged me to help me get up, and I eventually did, but it wasn’t easy! She nudged me again and I found out what the breakfast bar was! I got a full tummy before I had to lay down again.  After awhile, Mommy nudged me to get back up and I did it, but when I tried to move my legs, my legs would get tangled up and I’d fall. We went through this a lot of times – my legs just wouldn’t work right. My mommy told me to keep trying and to never give up!

My mommy stayed with me for a couple of days, but on the third day, she asked me to try extra hard to walk because she needed to go away to graze.  As usual, I’d take a couple of steps and my legs would get tangled up and I’d fall down. She told me not to worry, she’d go without me, but she said she wouldn’t go very far and would be back soon. I did start to worry after she had been gone awhile – I’d never been totally alone before and I was starting to get hungry. But then I heard my mommy and the next thing I knew, she was licking me again! She was happy to be back and nudged me to the milk bar. She told me that she needs to go off to drink water and graze because she couldn’t feed me if she didn’t get nourishment. She said there were other cows that grazed too and sometimes she’d have to go far to find good grass.

I think I can…

Everyday my mommy went to graze and get water, but she’d always come back and nudge me to the milk bar. She knew that while she was gone I’d try to make my legs work – I wasn’t going to give up! But most of the time, I laid on the ground, even when it rained and when the hot sun was out.  As the days passed, my mommy seemed to get sad or maybe she was just tired. Maybe it was too hard on her to come and go because it was so hot – even at night it was really hot!

I learned to eat the grass around where I was laying, but it didn’t last long. Each time I tried to walk, I’d move a little before falling down in a different spot. But when I landed, I would find a little bit of new grass! And then guess what? One day I didn’t fall all the way down – I landed on my knees which gave me an idea and I decided to master getting around on my knees! I was excited and couldn’t wait to show my mommy – maybe I’d be able to go with her the next day! That evening, I showed her and she said she was very proud of me and that made me happy! I wanted to go with her the next day but she said it would be too hard for me. She said that I was a very special little girl and she didn’t want the other cows to bother me.

Waiting on Mommy

One day after my mommy left, I heard something that sounded like the owner’s truck and then I heard two different human voices but neither was our owner. I was nervous without my mommy, but I stayed brave! The humans said they were afraid coyotes would get me or I’d get sick from laying on the ground in the storms or I’d overheat because I couldn’t get to water. I wanted to tell them that my mommy wouldn’t let coyotes get me but they didn’t understand baby cow language!  The humans must have been watching for a few days because one of them said she was worried that I’d get dehydrated, or something like that, because my mommy was leaving me for longer periods of time.  She put something up to my nose and I stuck my tongue out and moved it around to see if I could taste anything and one of the humans laughed – she said I splashed water in her face! I learned what water was!  The humans agreed to take turns bringing me water every day which meant I’d have water and visitors!

When my mommy came back that evening, I told her about the humans and when I said they were going to bring me water each day, I could tell it made her happy. She said it made her feel much better knowing I’d get water because I couldn’t live without it and she couldn’t bring it to me. She said when I’m about 6 or 7 months old, I’ll have to be able to graze and get water on my own.  I asked her, since I was still little and working on the grazing part and humans were going to bring me water each day, if life was going to be ok. She nuzzled me and reminded me to never give up, or lose hope, and then she nudged me to the milk bar.

When my mommy was gone, I looked forward to getting water each day from the humans. Sometimes, both of them would come. One day, I heard one say that she was going to visit my owner to talk about me. Then the next time they came, I heard them talking and one of them said my owner didn’t want their help because my legs would get better over time. But days and more days went by, and my legs weren’t getting better.

A New Adventure

When the humans came again, I showed them how I could get around on my knees. One of them said I was mostly going around in circles which, I learned later, is why I wasn’t getting anywhere! They said they were going to talk to my owner again to tell him that my mommy was away for longer periods of time and that I needed help.  They wanted to take me somewhere so I could get help for my legs! I thought “Wow! They’re going to fix my legs so I’ll be able to walk and go with my mommy every day to graze on good grass instead of going around in circles on my knees!” I got excited at the thought of surprising my mommy someday by running up behind her and then joining her to go graze! When she got back later that evening, I told her what the human said and I could hear a happiness in her voice and that made me feel good!

The next morning, my mommy said that she was proud of me and would always love me.  She said I was a determined little girl and she wanted me to promise to keep my “never give up” attitude and to always have hope!  She said I’m special and that God isn’t done with me yet.  She nuzzled me more than usual, and I sensed something was different when she left, but I didn’t know what it was – maybe it was my imagination. Then the humans came and gave me water and I heard one of them say, “She’s only 5 minutes away.” Then I realized it was happening – I was going to get help for my legs! One of the humans said they’d come back that evening to check on my mommy and that made me feel better, but I still wished she was there to see me off.

Then someone else arrived and guess what? Well, did you know that a baby cow can have TWO mommy’s? That’s right! One of the humans introduced me to another human and said she was “Mommy Theresa!” She hugged me and told me everything would be ok. She stuck her finger in the top of my mouth for some reason – nobody had ever done that before! She said she was checking to see if I had a cleft something but I didn’t and she said that was good. The humans picked me up and airlifted me into the back of what they called a SUV. Mommy Theresa sat beside me for a bit with the back door open and told the other humans that she couldn’t wait to snuggle with me. I didn’t know what that was but it sounded like it might be fun. Mommy Theresa asked one of the humans if they’d be sure to check on my mommy every day and they said they would. I think they care about my mommy too and that made me feel better. I hoped I wouldn’t be gone too very long. They said they hoped I’d be walking in no time and that’s when they decided I should have a name. Can you believe it? My mommy told often, including this morning, to always have hope and now these humans wanted to name me Hope! So, I’m a baby cow named Hope that’s going to get help getting my legs fixed so I can walk!

Did you know that I went on my first car ride that day? It was so cool! Really! The air in the SUV thing was cool and the sun wasn’t frying me! Mommy Theresa talked the whole time. She said we were going to see the vet and explained that he’s a human that helps animals. She said he needed to do tests on me to make sure I’m healthy and that I would feel a sharp sting for a second in my neck and then it would be over and we’d go to the rescue. I had no clue what she was talking about but I was about to find out! When we got to the vet, Mommy Theresa sat next to me and said she couldn’t help it – she just had to snuggle with me. I liked snuggling! When the vet came out, Mommy Theresa had to move so someone else could hold me, but it wasn’t like a snuggle. I found out what a sharp sting was and I didn’t like it!

All Settled In

When we got to the rescue, I heard noises I hadn’t heard before and more humans greeted me. And get this – they airlifted me to a place they said was inside the barn where I had my very own suite! I didn’t know what a barn or suite was but I had my very own suite! And guess what?? After they put me down in my suite, I felt something next to me that was soft. Mommy Theresa said it was Jerry, the stuffed giraffe, and that he’d stay there to keep me company. She said someone named Freckles was there too, but that she was also stuffed, and small, and had to stay up high so the dogs and ponies wouldn’t get her. She said Freckles was wise and very special and would always prove to be a true and loyal friend. So, a stuffed Jerry giraffe, suite, barn, Freckles, horses, dogs, and ponies – this was all so new to me!

I had so many questions but I was tired and that’s when I realized I was laying on something soft and dry and there was a cool breeze and I liked it! Mommy Theresa gave me milk that I didn’t like but I drank some anyway because my tummy felt empty. I drank some water too.

I drifted off to sleep and when I woke up the humans were gone and it was quiet. I thought about my mommy and wondered how she was and if she was thinking about me too. I wanted to go home. Then I heard someone say “You’re right where you’re supposed to be for now and everything will be ok.”  It wasn’t mommy Theresa’s voice and how did the voice know what I was thinking? I knew it wasn’t Jerry the Giraffe because he was beside me and he never said anything. Then Freckles introduced herself! After she spoke, Jerry the Giraffe introduced himself!  The stuffed thingy’s can talk!

Freckles said stuffed toys don’t talk when humans are around. I didn’t know what a stuffed toy was so I just kept listening. She told me about a special pony named Betsy Rose who, like me, couldn’t walk when she was brought to the rescue.  And since she couldn’t walk, she had to depend on humans to give her water and food, just like me! She would try to walk, but she would fall down, just like me!  She said Betsy Rose was skin on bones and was so weak that she couldn’t even hold her head up when she came here. That’s so sad! Why would a human let that happen? Freckles said a vet suggested that Betsy Rose be helped to go to Rainbow Bridge because she was in such poor shape and it was unlikely she would recover.  But Mommy Theresa told the vet that Betsy Rose wasn’t ready to give up and neither was she!  Mommy Theresa made sure that she, or another human, was with Betsy Rose around the clock for many weeks.  If Betsy Rose were to go Rainbow Bridge, she wouldn’t be alone when it was time. But Betsy Rose did get better and, after a few weeks, Freckles arrived to always stay with Betsy and be her loyal friend.

I asked Freckles what Rainbow Bridge was and she told me.  All of a sudden it hit me – I think I knew why my mommy had been sad before the humans said they would take me to get help!  Maybe my legs wouldn’t get better and there wasn’t anything she could do about it and when I’d get too old for the breakfast bar, I wouldn’t be able to graze or get water on my own and our owner would send me to Rainbow Bridge. I REALLY needed help and that’s why my mommy was happy when I told her the humans said they were taking me to get help!  She knew what would happen to me – she’s the best mommy in the world!

Sleepy Head

I’m getting sleepy now so I am going to end my story here for now but I’m looking forward to telling more. But next time it won’t be so long, ok? This was my first time doing this and I didn’t know it would take so many words! I hope you’ll like my story and will be on the lookout for the next chapter!

Love,
Hope

When the world says, “Give up.”, Hope whispers “Try it one more time.”

#NeverGiveUp #believe #bhfer #follow #share 

#WhereThereIsLoveThereIsHope 

#CalfNamedHope

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When It Rains, It Pours, And Kittens Galore!


A Surprise at the Store!

When Theresa went to the store on Tuesday to get supplies for the rescue, a kitten approached her and wrapped herself around Theresa’s legs.  Theresa picked her up and walked back into the store thinking perhaps someone left their car window open and she had escaped.  Store personnel were surprised that Theresa was holding the kitten.  Someone said they had been trying to catch her, and her babies, for a few weeks and that sometimes they put cans of food out for them but they hadn’t seen the babies in a few days.  Someone had dumped the mother cat some time ago and she had been living under the trash dumpster where she had a litter of five kittens.  That’s so sad!  Momma Cat is just a kitten herself!

Theresa knew Momma Cat had no milk and that the store personnel were putting food out for the others, so she decided to take Momma Cat to the rescue and return to try to catch her babies.  Momma Cat needed to be spayed – she definitely did not need to have another litter of kittens!  Theresa put her in the car and went back to the curb to get the shopping bags.  While walking back to the car, two little eyes peeked out at her from beneath the bushes after which she heard a tiny ‘Meow’ and another smaller kitten that looked just like Momma Cat walked up to Theresa and looked up at her as if to say “Take me too!”

Theresa scooped the baby up and went back into the store to advise them that she had one of the babies too.  Before leaving, she searched the area for the other babies but didn’t see any of them.  The manager of the store, however, said they would continue to be on the lookout for the remaining kittens and promised that they would leave out food for them.

Safely Home!

Once back at the rescue, Momma Cat and her baby settled in.  Even though Theresa is allergic to cats, she couldn’t help but to hug on both of them.  It was nice to watch them come to life after getting proper nourishment.  Momma Cat is thin and has no milk whatsoever but baby still tries to nurse.  The baby was comfortable enough to start playing with toys, seemingly, without a care in the world.  Momma Cat, however, was not feeling as well which is understandable with everything she has been through and trying to sustain her babies.  She looks like a baby herself.

Throughout the night, Theresa could not stop thinking about the other kittens. She called the store manager the next morning who stated that they would attempt to catch the four remaining kittens and that three were already spoken for which left one unwanted baby. Beauty’s Haven would, of course, take the remaining kitten if need be. Theresa did not hear back from the manager, so she decided to return to the store, with Momma Cat in hand, to see if the kittens would respond to her ‘Meows.’  Theresa saw and tried to catch three of the kittens – she did not, however, see a fourth.  The kittens were playful and in fairly good condition.  They came within three feet of Theresa, but did not want to be touched nor were they the slightest bit interested in Momma Cat.  They were eating on their own and exploring – just busy, carefree little kittens!  If only they could understand that bad things could happen and that they needed to be caught. Not only are they at high risk of being run over by cars entering and leaving the parking lot of the store, the danger that would befall them should they innocently wander into the busy highway is beyond unthinkable.

A Visit to the Vet

Momma Cat and baby were vetted on Wednesday and were found to be underweight and full of parasites and fleas. We, sadly, learned that Momma Cat is likely pregnant again and is only about ten months old – she’s still just a baby herself.  Baby Boy is four months old which means his siblings are the same age so if any of the remaining kittens are females, it is possible that they, too, may become pregnant.  This is yet another reason why it is imperative that the remaining kittens be caught as soon as possible.

Many thanks to those who are helping us to help these precious little ones. If you would like to sponsor a kitten or contribute to their care, donations can be made on our website. CLICK HERE TO DONATE.  Please note in the comments section that your donation is for the ‘Kittens.’  Please be assured that no amount is ever too small and all donations are so greatly appreciated.

If anyone is interested in adopting either or both kittens, please contact us.

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend!

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Hope Wheelin’ Right Along!

We know Hope has dwarfism characteristics, contracted tendons, cataracts and neurological deficits.  But, she also has a bright spirit and a determination that we can’t, and won’t, ignore. She’s a precious and wonderful living being who deserves a chance.

We have seen an improvement in her tendons due to the Dynasplints, but she still has not been very active.  Her muscles need to be put to work – she needs to do weight bearing exercises and build stamina.  We had to find a way for her to get moving on her own as part of a good rehabilitation program in order for her to become more self sufficient.

Remember – Hope laid on the ground, almost 24 hours a day, every day for more than a month.  We plan to take one step at a time, through support and physical therapy.  Yes, it will take a great deal of our time, but since I have been in a somewhat similar situation due to a spinal cord injury (I was a quadriplegic), I can attest to the fact, that with the right tools, therapists, tons of determination, a wonderful support system, and much faith, I did overcome the odds and am able to use my limbs again (although I’m an incomplete quad with no feeling or proprioception below my neck).  I am not saying that Hope will do so as well, but unless we give her a chance, we will never know.

We did some research and found a wheelchair from Walkin’ Wheels that is absolutely perfect!  The wheelchair isn’t meant to be a permanent solution, but rather, a tool.

As we pray for a good outcome for Hope, if it turns out it is not meant to be, we will find peace with the knowledge that we gave her the chance that she so justly deserves and she will leave this world knowing that she was very much loved – she will be surrounded by those who love her and she won’t die alone in a field. Miracles do happen and we have borne witness to many.

This VIDEO was taken last night after I removed Hope’s Dynasplints in order to clean them, prior to tucking her in.  Hope’s back legs were not supported in the wheelchair but her front legs were – but she used them to move herself forward which is a very good thing!


As I mentioned in our last update, a majority of our horses are scheduled for hooficures this week so we need to raise $820. In addition, the arthritis in Chloe’s knees has worsened to the point where she needed injections. Dr. Cardona was here this week to take x-rays and administer the injections. We currently need $400 for Chloe’s veterinary fees. We also need to make a Hay Run this weekend, for three large compressed bales of hay at a cost of $330, plus a ton of three string orchard hay bales at cost of $610 for a total of $940.

Any help for these needs would be so greatly appreciated. Donations can be made via various means on our secure DONATION PAGE. Please note in the comments section that your donation is for ‘Happy Feet,’ ‘Chloe’ or ‘Hay.’ All donations are tax deductible and please be assured, that no amount is ever too small.

Thank you to our wonderful friends and supporters who have already donated!

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend!

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Chloe, Happy Feet, Hay & our Beloved Hope

We have been so focused upon helping Hope that many things have crept up on us. A majority of our horses are scheduled for “hooficures” this week and we need to raise $820. Would anyone like to help?

Contributions can be made via various secure means on our WEBSITE or via PAYPAL. If you donate via PayPal, please select the option, ‘Send money to family and friends’ and no fees will be deducted from your contribution. Please note that your donation is for ‘Happy Feet.’ All donations are tax deductible and please be assured that no amount is ever too small.

In addition, the arthritis in Chloe’s knees has worsened to the point where she needs injections. Dr. Cardona is here today to administer her injections. If anyone wishes to help our beautiful girl, please designate your contribution for ‘Chloe.’

Once again, we must make another Hay Run in the upcoming days. We are in need of three large compressed bales of hay at a cost of $330, plus a ton of three string orchard hay bales at cost of $610 for a total of $940. If you wish to help with this need, please note that your donation is for ‘Hay.’

Lastly, I had a bad fall last night and I just returned after being seen by the doctor. Thankfully, I didn’t need stitches. My head sure hurts like heck and I do have quite a shiner! I guess it’s a good thing that I’m hard headed!

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


 

Please click on Hope’s image to view her latest video.
Hope Believes!

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