Tag Archive for: Little E

I apologize for taking so long to explain what happened with Little E. I haven’t been adjusting very well to the new normal here without him. He was the first horse we’d look for each morning before breakfast and the last we’d see each night, for his 11pm feeding. And in between breakfast and the last meal of the day, he received four additional soft mushy meals. His teeth had been worn down to next to nothing before he came to us.

You could tell the time of day here because Little E would show up and let you know it was time for his next meal – he was quite the character.

Often, you could find him standing alongside Magic’s fence line, even during the hottest and sunniest of days, or standing beneath the Friendship Tree. He’d also show up under the tree on Frosty’s Knoll when it was time to be fed. Sometimes, when you’d walk with him, he’d “chit chat” with a deep whinny that vibrated throughout the air. I miss him, and that deep grumbling whinny, so very much.

After Little E had a seizure last Saturday afternoon, he improved and stabilized. On Sunday morning, he looked good and he ate breakfast. A couple of hours later, he took a turn for the worse and it started again – aimlessly walking and spinning, muscle tremors, and sweating.

I contacted Dr. Templeton right away and asked her to come out. There’s not much you can safely do to help a horse when the horse is having a seizure, especially if they are spinning in circles and unsteady on their feet. But we were able to halter Little E and we stood with him for awhile. Then he started walking and slowly spinning again – he was exhausted and finally went down and he did so pretty gently, thankfully. While waiting for the vet to arrive, I checked his vitals. I also checked his eyes and there was no menace response, my heart was very heavy. I stayed with him, holding his head while talking to him, and prayed for a miracle.

When Dr. Templeton arrived, we reviewed blood test results from the day before – everything was pretty much normal. As we talked about options, prognosis, etc., I was still holding onto Little E, watching and listening for any sign of hope from him, but it never came. Quality of life is so very important and doing what is in the best interest of each horse, after consulting with our care team and considering all options, is the path we take.

We loved Little E enough to let him leave this world as a proud Arabian with grace and dignity, while surrounded by a whole lot of love. It was the last and greatest gift we could give to him.

Bob and I were thankful that our daughter, Katie, and our son, Joshua, were home and got to say their farewells along with Jenny and Kathy. I’m sure Little E knew we were all there and that he was loved, so very much. I never let go of him and, as he transitioned to Rainbow Bridge, I told him how much he was loved and that he’d soon be with his old friends Jake, Gentleman, Solace, Point to Ponder, Hope, Princess, Granny Jewels, Abby, Matilda, Momma Sue, Cookie, Betsy Rose, and so many others, in a place where there would be no suffering, hunger, or pain. Little E went very peacefully to Rainbow Bridge. He was buried next to his very good friend, Bria.

Little E had been with us since August 2007, a year after Beauty’s Haven officially began. He became entwined in our hearts and lives and was part of the very soul of this rescue. He quickly became a self appointed Ambassador, our “meeter and greeter,” for anyone that showed up at the gate, be it human, horse, or other four-legged animal.

When new horses arrived, after being in quarantine, they would sometimes live with Little E on the two acres around our house and up on Frosty’s Knoll for awhile. They were free to wander about and had access to a number of paddocks where they had shelter if they wanted it. I loved watching them everyday. From orphan babies like Buttercup, to seniors like Bria, Little E was there for them. And for many, most recently, Bria and Nina, he was with them to the very end. The Friendship Tree will never be the same. In my mind’s eye, I still see him there.

Little E was a wise old soul and, for many humans, he was very therapeutic. He would listen as they shared their thoughts and stories with him and he’d make faces like he knew what they were saying – he simply made you feel good. He loved his mushy meals and Ginger Snaps but he didn’t care for his fly mask. We are very grateful for the time we had with him. It was a true blessing.

We appreciate everyone’s good thoughts and prayers – your support means a lot. We also appreciate Dr. Templeton’s support, very much, and our awesome volunteers who are also feeling the loss of a beloved soul.

Over the weekend, I hope to be able to sit and read the many lovely messages we have received. I’ve tried a couple of times but ended up in tears and had to walk away. Letting any horse go is so very difficult but I continue to hold on to the belief that someday, we’ll see our loved ones again. Little E may be gone but he will be with me always – he’s forever in my heart.

Sincerely,
Theresa

It is with a heavy heart to inform you that our precious Little E has transitioned to Rainbow Bridge. Please keep our little man and all who loved him in your prayers.

Thank you, all, so very much.

Sincerely,
Theresa

Earlier this afternoon, we believed that Little E may have suffered a stroke. The vet was called out and while we were awaiting her arrival, the rains came. Little E tried to get up but was much too weak. After giving himself a few minutes, he tried again, thankfully, with success, and we slowly, made our way to the shelter.

Once the vet arrived, she gave Little E DMSO, vitamins, and fluids. Bloodwork was also done. It’s possible he had a mini stroke or it may be EPM. By late afternoon, Little E was thankfully, doing better.

Little E slurped up his meals this evening (he gets soft mashes). Whatever happened today wasn’t good but we are very thankful that it wasn’t worse. It could have had a much different ending which would have completely crushed so many hearts.

Many thanks to Pam and Pat for their help today – they are very much appreciated. I called Jenny after Little E went down and she came out, too. This tough little senior Arabian gelding is loved, so very much.

We truly appreciate everyone’s prayers and support. We will be keeping a close watch over Little E and we hope that it was a one time thing. We’re praying for a calm night.

Please keep our precious Little E in your prayers. Thank you.

Sincerely,
Theresa

Hi Everyone! It’s me, Little E! It’s time for another Hay Run so I asked Mommy Theresa if I could come here and try to help. She said, ‘Of course, Little E!’ She told me we need to raise $635 for one ton of Orchard Hay, so if anyone would like to help, it would make me and all my horsey friends so very happy! Just click on the Donate button below and note your donation is for Hay!

Thank you! Gotta go now!

Love,
Little E

Donate Now

$
Dedicate this Donation

Honoree Details

Select Payment Method
Personal Info

Credit Card Info
This is a secure SSL encrypted payment.
Billing Details

Donation Total: $50 One Time

 

In mid-November we received a call about three horses that had been abandoned on foreclosed property. We had just taken in Dancer and Jo and had no plans to bring in more horses for the cold season – resources were very tight. But we had to do something so we went to work reaching out to others to see if we could find help for them. We were very blessed to find a great home for two of the horses.

The third horse, a mare named Bria who was almost 30 years old, would need special care so we decided she would live out her sunset years here at the rescue.

We promised Bria that we would do everything we could to make her comfortable for as long as possible. We also promised her that when she got to a point where her quality of life was not good, and there was nothing more we could do to help her, we would love her enough to let her go. She was quite thin and she had Cushing’s Disease along with 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 to do is euthanasia. Bria’s coat was terribly unhealthy and her mane and tail hadn’t been brushed in years. Her teeth needed attention as well, as she had sharp points and waves. Her front feet were a mess – she had thin soles and coffin bone rotation (with bone loss) in both.

Fortunately, Bria was comfortable in Soft Ride boots. She wore them 24/7 and, at times, she could even be seen trotting around. She was a beautiful mare and had a way of communicating very well – I’m sure in her younger days she could be very opinionated, sassy, and a fireball of energy. Little E became Bria’s best friend and they could usually be found hanging out together under the Friendship Tree by our house or wandering about, grazing. Bria made other friends, too – Peggy Sue, Cricket, Tilly, Lucy, and even Nina would hang out with her. She also made friends with many humans – all of the volunteers truly loved her.

Over the last couple of weeks, Bria had been less active as were some of the other horses – we’d had some pretty high temps and humidity. But this past Friday morning, Bria didn’t want to move when I took breakfast to her.

She gave me a look that clearly said she needed help and she was resting her back left leg in an odd way. I can’t feel anything with my hands (due to my spinal cord injury) so I couldn’t tell if there was heat in her back foot and/or leg. I gave Bria pain meds and waited to see how she would respond. When she tried to walk, it was obvious that her back leg/foot had issues so we called the vet to come out to the farm.

Dr. Rigby found heat (increased pulses) not only in Bria’s back foot but also in both front feet. Bria was a horse trying to walk on one good foot and that is just not possible. Dr. Rigby advised the most humane thing to do would be to help Bria go to Rainbow Bridge.

Little E had stayed close to Bria all morning – I’m sure he knew what was happening. We let them have time together as Dr. Rigby got meds ready that would release Bria from her pain.

As much as it broke our hearts, we kept our promise to Bria to let her go when the time came. I prayed for a smooth transition and she did go peacefully – I stayed with her the entire time.

After awhile, I left Little E alone with Bria so he could have time to process what had happened. He’s up there in years (37) and sadly, he has had to say good-bye to many of his friends – I do worry about him.

I’m sure Cricket, Nina, and Bria met up at Rainbow Bridge where they now frolic in green grass free of pain. They will always be in my heart and I know we’ll meet them again someday. They were all loved and we were blessed to have them with us for as long as we did.

Thank you all for caring.

Sincerely,
Theresa


Hey Everyone!

Bria and Little E here letting you all know that the farrier will be coming to the farm this week to make certain that we all have “Happy Feet!” We are estimating the farrier fee to be approximately $615. It is also time for another Hay Run and this week’s list consists of one ton of Orchard Hay ($635), eight bales of Coastal ($64) and four bales of Alfalfa ($160) for a total of $859.

We would be forever grateful if you could help the horses of Beauty’s Haven during this time of uncertainty, when so many others are also in great need.

If you would like to forward a donation to assist with the cost of these needs, please click the Donate Now button below and be sure to designate your contribution to “Hay and/or Happy Feet.” All donations are tax deductible and no amount is ever too small. If you are unable to donate at this time, we truly understand, but you can still help by sharing this need amongst family and friends!

$
Dedicate this Donation

Honoree Details

Select Payment Method
Personal Info

Credit Card Info
This is a secure SSL encrypted payment.
Billing Details

Donation Total: $50 One Time

Lastly, if anyone would like to offer a Match Game to help promote our Hay and Farrier needs, that would simply make our hearts sing!

Thank you, all, so very much! Please stay safe!

Love,
Bria & E

02/18/20

A quick update on Bria – we’re very happy to report that she’s making progress! She came to us thin and with Cushings, DSLD, her teeth were a horrible mess which made it painful for her to even try to eat, she had foundered, and she could be grouchy at times.

At intake, a total exam was done (including bloodwork). Our care team established a rehab plan (we make adjustments over time, as needed). Bria’s dental and farrier needs were taken care of. She was put on a feeding schedule – she gets 5 smaller meals a day. She gets supplements, wears SoftRide boots, and she’s been getting Reiki which helps. We use Benefab QuickWraps on her sometimes and she uses a SmartScrim which she totally enjoys. After the scrim is on her for just a couple of minutes, she relaxes, really relaxes, which helps her in many ways. Her demeanor is much better, she’s a happier, and healthier, horse. We truly appreciate the support we’ve received from Benefab!

Bria hangs out mostly with Little E. She used to follow him around but now, many times, he has to catch up to her!

Golf Cart and Fibre Beet


JoJo Golf CartIt seems as if we are constantly asking for help and that isn’t easy for me. But we are a charity which operates solely from donations and grants and we must depend upon help from others in order to make a difference in the lives of our horses.

Our golf cart batteries have unfortunately, died – and we do properly maintain our tools and equipment. I must admit that it truly, was no fun getting towed back to the barn in the darkness of night! The estimated cost of the batteries is at least $900 (for all 6). We will be purchasing from a different source this time – the batteries that have failed only lasted about 2.5 years. We plan to purchase Trojans with a life expectancy of 6 to 10 years which will bring us much peace of mind.


Betsy Rose Birthday PlainWe are also in need of a pallet (50 bags) of Fibre-Beet from Emerald Valley. We are down to our last bag and are borrowing a bag from a friend until we can get our pallet. Buying it by the pallet, which usually lasts a year, is the most economical way in which to purchase Fibre-Beet (even with the cost of shipping). Betsy Rose, Little E and the other special needs horses that comprise our beloved little herd are fed this along with a ration balancer and needed supplements. Betsy Rose and E are fed five times a day (smaller portions) – they are hard keepers. Betsy Rose has Cushings and a history of choke so she has to be fed a soft diet. Little E has teeth, but they are so worn down, that he, too, must have a soft diet and when the weather is like it is now, he gets gas colic quite often unless he’s on Fibre-Beet. When we have colicky horses, this is a great way in which to keep them hydrated. Fibre-Beet is excellent for horses that have, or are at risk for, laminitis, ulcers, and Cushing’s. A bag retails for $41 but we get a good discount and while we do have some funds already set aside, we still need help as the estimated cost is $1100.


little-e-bio-photoWe were truly blessed to learn on Friday that two wonderful supporters have come forth to offer a most generous Match Game, whereby, all donations up to $1500 will be matched dollar for dollar to assist with the cost of the replacement batteries as well as a pallet of Fibre-Beet. If you would like to play the Match Game, you may do so via various means here on our website or via our PayPal address: bhfer@earthlink.net. If donating via PayPal, please designate your donation to, ‘Golf Cart/Feed Match Game.’ If you select the tab for ‘Friends or Family,’ no fees will be deducted from your contribution. Please be assured that all donations are greatly appreciated and no amount is ever considered as being too small.

On behalf of all the ‘Velvet Nosers’ at Beauty’s Haven, thank you so very much for your love and support!


Theresa_Beauty_EagleRareLifePlease remember to cast your daily vote in the Eagle Rare Life contest by clicking here and please share amongst family and friends as well.

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


[button type=”churchope_button” url=”https://bhfer.org/donate/” target=”” button_color=”#002c8b” ]DONATE NOW[/button]

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

Beauty’s Haven was awarded Verified status by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) in 2012. GFAS is the only globally recognized organization that provides standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries. Awarded November 2014 Equine Hero and 2017 Eagle Rare Life Award for Heroism. A Guidestar Exchange Silver Participant and a GreatNonprofits Top Rated Non-Profit in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017.

08/23/2017
Little E is an Arabian gelding that is our senior resident here at the rescue.  Recently I noticed him laying down and when he got up he seemed a bit odd.  He had a strange look on his face and his breathing seemed different.  After he stood for a minute he walked off and seemed fine.  However, I took his temperature which was normal.  I listened to his heart and, well, it just didn’t sound normal.
We were concerned enough to have a physical examination done on him and it was determined that he has a diastolic heart murmur which is not uncommon in aged horses.  We want to help Little E stay as healthy as possible and for as long as possible – is dearly loved.  He is 34 years old and needs more support for his GI, cardio-vascular, and immune systems.
E Collage Olden
Would anyone like to help Little E by making a donation toward the purchase of a Panacur Power Pack, ABC Liquid Probi, Dr. Raemaker.s Equine Pellet Mix, and/or Succeed Horse Supplement?  All donations are tax deductible and no amount is ever considered as being too small. Donations can be made via our website at www.bhfer.org. Our PayPal address is bhfer@earthlink.net. Please designate your donation for “Little E.”
Thank you all, for your continued love and support!
#littlee #arabianrescue #bhfer #sanctuaryhorse #hesjustprecious #sponsorsneeded #equinerescue

05/18/17

I heard it. The sound of the door knob jiggling which really caught my attention – Sawyer used to do this often.  But then I remembered – Sawyer is gone.  The jiggling continues.  I open the door and what do I see?  A precious little donkey face looking at me!

JoJo Workshop

“It’s me, Mommy Theresa! I used to see Sawyer do this so I thought I’d try it and see what happens. A few little jiggles and there you are! Am I in trouble?”  I don’t think I could ever get upset with this little one – JoJo makes my heart smile!

Our Kami Comet has gained some weight and is looking like herself again!

Kami Comet

05/24/17

Tinsel usually wears a fly mask, but since it was a rainy day and she did not need it, I took a few pictures so everyone could  see her beautiful face. Tinsel is also ready for a new home!

Tinsel Before and After

Our most senior horse – a much loved Arabian gelding named Little E.

Little E

Emma managed to go on a field trip!  Please click here to see a her explore the main paddock for the first time – it’s a link to a video that will make your heart truly sing!

EmmaPlay1

Emma never gave up after being shot multiple times. Her knee took a bullet but it’s doing well.  However, she is still trying to work through some neurological issues.  There is a $7000 reward offered for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) that shot Emma. Contact Deputy Wells at the Levy County Sheriff’s Office if you have any information.  352-486-5111.

CaryLou and Lucy heading to the barn for breakfast. CaryLou always has to be first!

CaryLou Me First

Please consider a donation for CaryLou, Lucy and the other members of the Beauty’s Haven herd. We are in need of donations for veterinary care, farrier services, hay and grain, dental work, equipment maintenance, and so much more.  All donations are tax deductible and can be forwarded via PayPal at bhfer@earthlink.net or by clicking on the Donate Now button below. If donating via PayPal, please select the tab for ‘Friends or Family,’ and no fees will be deducted from your contribution. Thank you!