Auntie Mel sent her a beautiful halter – made just for a donkey and it sure looks beautiful on her!

“Dora STOP! Stop grazing and look at me (as she stomps her foot)! I know you can see from behind that flymask thingy! Look what Auntie Mel sent to me!”

Dora is likely very happy Domino has her own halter now because she’s been sharing hers which is now worn and torn with Domino. Doran’s never fit Domino right but the new halter fits Domino perfectly with a little room to grow in.

And the color looks great on her – our darling little donkey Domino is growing up!

“Thank you Auntie Mel! Look at my ears – SURPRISE!!! I’m not growing into them anymore – they are growing with me! LOL!!”

Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
www.bhfer.org

Starbuck is doing better each day. His legs are becoming stronger as are his whinnies! We’re still treating his belly button to help to prevent infection he has what is called Patent Urachus. He is still on antibiotics. His mom, Bella, isn’t producing much milk but he has come to like milk replacer. While he was pretty calm the first few days he was here (he was a preemie and his knees were pretty unsteady) he now would love to get out of his stall to play but that won’t be happening for a few more days – we’re following Drs. orders. We’re all amazed at how he is progressing but we won’t let our guard down – he has a ways to go.

His mom, Bella, had her teeth done over the weekend – which she needed. Dr. Bess says she is about 20 years young. Bella is a very sweet mare that loves her baby to no end.

Starbuck and his mom are still in need of sponsors. They use a lot of shavings and his milk replacer is pretty expensive. He will be on antibiotics for a few more days. Donations are greatly appreciated and donations are tax deductible. No amount is too small! Thank you!

Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
www.bhfer.org

Spirit is doing very well. Dr. Bess worked on her teeth over the weekend and she was a very good girl. She’s just that way – she has really settled in nicely.

Spirit is becoming more vocal and animated – she really is a doll. Dr. Porter will be out tomorrow afternoon to ultrasound her to look at the back of her left eye. Dr. Ryan thinks Spirit can see a very small sliver of light through that eye and we’re praying there is something that can be done to help her regain some sight in it.

What a beautiful face – don’t you agree?

Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
www.bhfer.org

 
Hillsborough County deputy arrested for allegedly starving
One horse died. On July 3, Belo surrendered her four miniature horses..  

http://www.examiner.com/article/hillsborough-county-deputy-arrested-for-allegedly-starving-miniature-horses

Jeanne

Some much needed good news – Warrior’s previous owner has been arrested! Here is a link to the story.

http://www.abcactionnews.com/dpp/news/region_hillsborough/hillsborough-county-deputy-arrested-for-allegedly-starving-miniature-horses

In the few days that Warrior was with he won over all of our hearts. This one of our volunteers, Janis, sitting with Warrior while he spent a few minutes in his sling.

Now, we pray justice is served.

Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
www.bhfer.org

Dr. Ryan examined Starbuck and the diagnosis is Patent Urachus. We will stay on top of this – we don’t want there to be any infection. Starbuck has been on antibiotics and his blood work is ok. Here is a link so you can read about it – treatment, prognosis, etc. http://www.acvs.org/AnimalOwners/HealthConditions/LargeAnimalEquineTopics/PatentUrachusinFoals/.

Dr. Ryan also stained Starbuck’s eye today – it’s been itching him and it’s been teary – we don’t want to take any chances. There are no ulcerations – whew! Starbuck seems to be standing taller – his legs a bit stronger. He’s eating milk replacer pellets and drinking water – he still nurses some off of his momma but she just isn’t making much milk.

I’m feeling better with Starbuck’s progress – today he was more animated. And him and his momma are both more vocal each day.

Thank you all for caring. I’m sorry the update is so short but I’m beat. Please continue to keep them in your prayers.

Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
www.bhfer.org

I have some bittersweet news to share. Our Legacy has found his own human – Jan B.!! Jan has been a supporter of the rescue for a long, long time. She’s kept up with Legacy since the day he arrived. She’s visited with him and it felt really good – for both of them.

For everyone that has kept up with this wonderful horse – thank you for caring. For those that don’t know his story – we picked him up on November 16th, 2009. His mom had died the day before from untreated cancer. He was only a couple of weeks old. He had some serious health issues for several weeks. There were 3 distinct times we thought we were going to lose him. But he never gave up. He beat the odds – his story starts here in our Daily Blog. Once on the Daily Blog page you’ll have to start at the bottom of the page and scroll up to follow his story. He’s our miracle boy.

Legacy was a very sick baby.

But with lots of TLC he’s grown to be a strong young horse and he is ready for his own family. We’ve always been proud of him – we always will be!

Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
www.bhfer.org

Starbuck has had a little set back – his urine is leaking into his abdomen. We have been concerned about infection in the umbilical stump which we have been treating since the day he arrived. Infection can weaken the urachal wall and cause leakage of urine into the abdomen. Prematurity, failure of passive transfer, and sepsis may predispose a foal to bladder rupture. Sometimes this condition requires surgery. The vet will be out tomorrow or sooner.

The effects of improper diet and care can be long lasting and may not be known for some time – neither Bella or Starbuck are out of the woods yet. Bella isn’t feeling well herself but she is very patient with Starbuck when he tries to nurse. He isn’t getting much milk so we’re supplementing with milk replacer. Lacey isn’t cooperating in donating any – she’s ready for Dora to be weaned. The baby does have little spurts of energy now and then but it doesn’t last long.

Please continue to keep these two in your prayers. Thank you.

Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
www.bhfer.org

Our little Starbuck…

“Hi – I’m Spirit! I understand that some have been asking about me? That makes me feel special! Well, I’m doing much better! My deep chest injury is healing as are my others. The bite and kick marks all over my body are almost gone – you can see some scars but for the most part they are no longer sore. The injury to my face is better but you can still see bone so it still has a ways to go. I’ve gained some weight. I’m learning to use my hearing better to navigate! I’m blind but as you can see I turn my head a little to the side – I’m actually tuning in my ears to better listen to what is going on around me. I’m very cautious around humans – I don’t want to accidentally run into anyone. Everyone is so good to me – I really am enjoying life and I thank everyone that helped give this opportunity to me. I hope I make you proud!”

On the left – Sprit’s chest injury that went all the way to her sternum bone on June 28th – the day we picked her up. And on the right – the injury on July 11th.

On the left – Sprit’s face on June 28th – the day we picked her up. And on the right – July 9th. Wow – you can almost imagine the injury in the shape of a heart.

Spirit is a perfect name for this blind but kind, gentle, and trusting mare. Before we brought her to the rescue she was out on about 30 acres with many other horses – including studs, mares, and babies. She was pretty beat up and had injuries from nose to tail. I observed her one day for quite awhile and she was tense – never knowing if she was going to get picked upon or what she was about to run in to. Now, she enjoys her life – thank you all for helping us to help her!

Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
www.bhfer.org

Bella Update

Thankfully, after Theresa administered medication, Bella had a bowel movement and has been passing gas, so hopefully, the crisis has passed!

Little Starbuck had a ‘waterfall’ type bowel movement so he is feeling much better to say the least – the oil has finally made its way through!
He feels better – he even attempted to kick up his heels, but alas, his little legs are not quite ready for that and he wiped out.
It’s hard to discourage a baby that apparently feels better to not run around and to follow doctor’s orders. Running around is not good for his front legs.
Thank you all for your good thoughts and prayers. Theresa will update again tomorrow.
Wishing everyone a great weekend!

Jeanne