Brief Update
I just spoke with Theresa who is totally exhausted and is going to bed as we speak.
She wanted me to let you all know that when she left UF this afternoon,
Ambrosia was happily munching her hay and drinking her water.
Theresa will provide a more detailed update tomorrow.
Please continue to keep Ambrosia in your Prayers.
jeanne
I found Ambrosia munching on hay when I arrived this morning. She was bright eyed and comfortable – being greeted by her little whinny was a great way to start the day! She had a good night. Her heart rate went significantly down from what it had been and her temperature was normal. They took her off of IV fluids because she was drinking fine on her own.
She was quite a bit more animated today getting positioned into the stocks for the ultrasound. There was some accumulation of fluid but we were not alarmed by this. Almost 17 lbs. was drained yesterday – her condition didn’t get this way overnight. Her needs were neglected for quite some time which I think is very, very sad. When I think about the hot and humid summer we’ve had I can only imagine how very tough it’s been on her.
She is eating – she adores her meals! She does, however, drop food quite a bit and she moves her head in a way that could indicate she needs dental work which would not be surprising. This will be addressed at UF tomorrow.
Ambrosia needed some things from the rescue which Jenny rounded up and brought to the hospital. Cara stopped by for awhile too for a visit.
Until cultures are finished she is on a couple of different antibiotics. Once we know what bacteria she is fighting the antibiotics may be changed. We pray that antibiotics start to kill the bacteria and that her immune system improves and helps the healing process. However, we have to keep in mind that she is far from being out of the woods and we will take this day by day. I’ve heard many times over the last few days that it is truly amazing that she managed to survive as she did and that her attitude is inspiring – she is a fighter. She isn’t ready to give up. Something we heard from a few people at the hospital today: “Ambrosia is quite the mare!” Well, I just smiled and agreed.
We do need donations to help with her care. We needed to purchase many tubes of Gastroguard which runs about $31 a tube. She needed an ultrasound today and will likely have another tomorrow. She needs dental work. Her medications are expensive. But please keep in mind if you donate – we do not know what her future holds. I believe in miracles and the power of prayer but sometimes God has other plans. No matter how much we love Ambrosia and how deeply she has worked her way into so many hearts – should she be uncomfortable with no relief in sight or her quality of life isn’t good – we will love her enough to let her go. Until then, we do what we can, we keep the faith, we hope, and we pray.
Why do we ask for help when there are many unknowns and no guarantees? It’s simple. We are a non-profit organization with a mission to help horses such as Ambrosia and we operate totally from donations. We are not funded by the government and if there are any government grants that would help us in our mission someone please tell me because we have yet to be able to find any. We do what we do because of our love for these precious animals that have no voice – and we believe they all deserve a chance. Humans domesticated them and it’s up to humans to responsibly care for them. And I know that those of you that give – be it money, time, goods, prayers, etc. – you do so out of love too. Some very bad cases find their way to us – we don’t go looking for them. It’s our opinion that every horse deserves a dignified life as well as a dignified crossing. None deserve to die alone, hungry, cold, or afraid. Once they are with us, no matter if it is for a day, a month, a year, or longer – when they leave this earth to join the heavenly herd, they know they are respected and loved.
We are very blessed to be able to do what we do and we are proud of our accomplishments. And it’s only because of help from all of you that we are able to help the horses. Some may not see the value in a life such as Ambrosia’s in the same way we do – that is up to each and every one of you. Those that choose to help this lovely mare, or to help any of our horses, do so of free will. God bless Ambrosia and all of you – please continue to keep her in your prayers. I have to call it a day. I’ll be back at UF in the morning.
Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Make a tax deductible donation to help Ambrosia: https://www.bhfer.org/donate.html
I just spoke with the Dr. at UF. Ambrosia did well last night. She is drinking and munching happily on her hay. Her heart rate has gone down a little which is a good thing. They will be doing an ultrasound on her this morning – I’m getting ready to leave. Please keep her in your prayers.
We’re staying positive – no room for anything negative! It’s going to be a wonderful day!
And our prayers continue for those affected by Isaac.
Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
www.bhfer.org
Today a large amount of fluid was drained off both sides of Ambrosia’s chest and she was started on a different antibiotic. Tomorrow they may or may not have to drain fluid off again. I will be going back to the hospital in the morning and will update when I can. The update I got tonight is that she will not have to have fluids run through the night. She is drinking very well on her own accord – she’s quite the mare!
I apologize for any emails, messages, or phone calls that I have not responded to – the day has been very busy and tomorrow will be another one. Please know that we truly appreciate everyone’s concern and caring about Ambrosia. She is quite the mare and I admire her courage, determination, and obvious love for life – the doctors and hospital staff were amazed at her. There light in those precious eyes of hers.
Bob and I both agree that the barn seems so very different tonight without her in it. We miss her. Her presence and love for life makes us all smile. And her little whinny is something that would move mountains, IMO. She’s quite the mare!
I have to say it was hard leaving her there today. But it is very good to know that she felt better after the fluids were drained today – now, we pray that they don’t come back. God bless and have a wonderful night everyone. I think I’m going to be asleep before my head hits the pillow tonight!
PS – Have I mentioned that she’s quite the mare? LOL – she really is!
Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
www.bhfer.org
August 28th, 2012 8:45 pm
I will be taking Ambrosia to the University of Florida in the morning. They will be inserting a drain tube to remove the fluid. Cultures will be done, ultrasounds, etc. She will be in the hospital for a few days and likely on antibiotics for quite awhile. I will have my cell phone with me tomorrow and update when I can.
Something that was a little surprising was that her blood work results were fairly normal which is a good thing. She continues to eat and drink. She rests quite a bit which is to be expected. She absolutely loves attention. She really is a sweet girl – very trusting and appreciative. Her body may be very thin but her heart is full of love.
She has hope and a determination now that will be needed to get her through this. In three days she went from looking like she’d given up to this – clearly there is light in her eyes.
Thank you for the prayers, emails, posts, and donations for Ambrosia. We have a jewelry fundraiser coming up to help with her expenses. Her treatment and hospital stay won’t be inexpensive. We’re going to take it day by day – baby steps. I can’t help but to cry as I type this – concerned of what tomorrow may bring. Ambrosia was dealt a really bad hand by humans – starved and bounced from home to home and then set out on the street homeless – she was wandering the neighborhood and nobody wanted to help her. I’m very appreciative of the one person that took it upon themselves to walk her to their home when they saw she was sick and call us for help. Ambrosia would have died alone and with no home or human.
I think that where there is faith, miraculous things can happen – I have witnessed it. And I believe that there is strength in numbers – please continue to pray for Ambrosia. So, tomorrow I will let go and let God.
I believe…
Sincerely,
Theresa
Donations for Ambrosia: https://www.bhfer.org/donate.html
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
www.bhfer.org
Dr. Ryan is here. Ultrasound showed almost 2/3rds of her lungs have fluid. She is very sick. Dr. Ryan says he’s never seen one this sick that is still standing and is as bright eyed as she is. She must have a strong will to live. We are working on a plan on where to go from here. Please pray for her.
Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
www.bhfer.org
Her temperature is low and she is sweating. She just does not feel well.
Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
www.bhfer.org
Ambrosia had a fairly good night. She is eating her soupy mashes and takes her medication well. She is drinking quite a bit which is a very good thing. She even let out a very faint whinny today. There is a little light in her eyes that we hope will grow stronger each day.
We are waiting for the blood work results to come back – once I have them in hand Dr. Ryan will come out and we’ll review her care plan.
Please keep Ambrosia in your prayers. Her odds of overcoming are not great but I think they are better than they were two days ago.
Thank you all for caring about this lovely girl. She deserves a chance and, because of help from others, we are able to give her that chance. God bless and thank you all!
Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
www.bhfer.org
Welcome Ambrosia!
The Mare has arrived at Beauty’s Haven! A vet met Theresa and Barbara at the location where the mare was living and upon examination, it was determined that the Mare has Pleurisy. She had a toxic gum line and foul odor coming from her mouth. She was weak and didn’t want to budge. She was sweating and her temperature was 102. She hung her head, never lifting it. She appeared to be in pain. The vet stated that her prognosis was poor and suggested that she be euthanized. Theresa would not agree to this without giving the mare a chance.
The vet pulled blood, a catheter was inserted, and medications were given. The Mare was loaded onto the trailer which took some time due to the her weakened state. Theresa and Barbara noted that once on the trailer, the Mare, who Theresa has named ‘Ambrosia,’ seemed to exhibit a sense of relief. Upon their arrival at Beauty’s Haven, Ambrosia unloaded beautifully and walked with some determination to her stall in the barn. Ambrosia is currently receiving IV fluids and antibiotics and it appears that her eyes are brighter and her ears are now erect. Ambrosia is a flea bitten TB mare and is approximately thirteen years old. Dr. Ryan will be out tomorrow or Tuesday to examine Ambrosia again. She is very thin and we do not know how affected her organs are. She tried to pass urine but did not. She has a long road to recovery ahead of her. If she doesn’t make it, we know we did our best – and she will have known that we tried and that she matters and is loved.
Ambrosia getting ready for the catheter to be inserted at her former home.
Ambrosia enjoying her hay and mash at Beauty’s Haven.
Thank you to everyone for your Pledges, Prayers, Candles and Bumps.
Pledges may be forwarded at this time. http://www.beautysequinerescue.org/donate.html
Please continue to keep Ambrosia in your thoughts and prayers.
Jeanne
