September 2013

Warning – there are graphic photos of Spirit’s injuries in this update starting with the 3rd photo below.

I thought I would share a couple recent pictures of Spirit – a blind mare that we adopted out in November last year.  Spirit settled well into her adoptive home where there is another blind mare.  She is loved, very much.

Spirit grazing with her friend in her adoptive home.

Some history.  We received a call about a herd of horses that needed help.  We went to see them – mares, babies, and studs of all ages living together that were pretty much unhandled.  The owner was trying to sell them – he walked the pasture with us to show us the horses and I noticed one horse he skipped over.  I asked about her and he said “You wouldn’t want her – she can’t see very well.”  So, I had to go meet her.  This picture of Spirit was taken after we cleaned her up the day we brought her to the rescue.

What I found was appalling – the mare had open wounds from nose to tail.  There was a huge gaping wound in her chest as if she had impaled herself on something and there was another horrible injury to her face.

She had bite and kick marks all over.  Her life had to have been a dark and scary living hell.

I asked how long she’d had the face and chest injuries and was told something must have happened overnight – she wasn’t like that yesterday.  Yeah, right.  I followed her for a bit and got to see how she interacted with some of the herd.  She pretty much stayed away from the others – but as they moved to graze, she followed.  There was a stud that was pushy with her.

I told the owner we’d take her.  He said we’d have to give him a couple of days to catch her.  He would have to lure her up to a small stall near his home.  A couple of days later, he called and said he had caught her and she was in a stall.

This was taken the day we picked Spirit up.  She was battered and bleeding in several places.  I gently put a halter on her and she walked into the trailer.

Spirit was a gem for her daily wound treatments – she would just stand and let us do what we had to her.  It took several weeks but her injuries healed nicely.  This was Spirit a few months later – the day she went to her adoptive home.

Spirit – we love you! Elizabeth thank you for opening your heart and home to Spirit!

Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Website: https://www.bhfer.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bhfer.tb

September 9th – 10th, 2013

It’s with a heavy heart that I share that Pebbles has crossed Rainbow Bridge. Pebbles was a mini mare that we took in 2+ years ago, in June 2011 – she had been attacked by her owner’s dog. Skinny, untreated puncture (bite) wounds, and just plain neglected…. She went to live with a wonderful human family not far from us after her rehab. I’m so glad she had her own family these last couple of years. Her best friend was Weegie and I’m sure he misses her a lot. We love you Pebbles – always!

The first picture was taken when she first arrived at the rescue.

This is Pebbles with Weegie.

Our little Betsy Rose is feeling better! “Mommy Theresa it really is time for more treats!”

I’d like to ask everyone to say a prayer for Bouie. He is having a bout with laminitis. We caught it early – he has foundered in the past.

Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Website: https://www.bhfer.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bhfer.tb

The Adventures of Betsy Rose & Freckles Continues

We got to the barn early this morning and heard some chatter going on. Thinking Betsy Rose was talking in her sleep, we peeked into her stall window and guess what we saw? Betsy Rose talking to Raggedy Ann’s twin sister JoAnn, and her brother, Andy, who made a surprise visit during the night!!

"Freckles! Guess how JoAnn and Andy got here?? They rode in a balloon all the way from Wisconsin! What a long ride! I bet they are hungry – let’s share our cookies with them!"

"I hope y’all like the cookies – we all LOVE them!"

"But you should only have one for now – we don’t want you getting a tummy ache. That’s what Mommy Theresa tells us! Raggedy Ann, come on down and have a cookie with us!"

Betsy Rose was such a good girl – she shared with everyone! And she promised more cookies and adventures tomorrow!

"Look what we brought as a gift for Betsy Rose! Her very own picture of Cloud the Stallion!"

Good Night, Everyone.

Love,
Betsy Rose & Freckles

Someone asked for a picture of Lucy a couple of days ago – this was taken today. Lucy is a 3 year old mini that has Big Head Disease. Several months ago Lucy was dropped off at Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary by her owner. Kari Bagnall (Founder/CEO of Jungle Friends) welcomed Lucy even though she was a horse and not a primate. Not long after, Kari took Lucy to a hospital because she was having several issues.

A few weeks later, after undergoing an tracheotomy and other procedures, the recommendation by vets was that Lucy be euthanized. She couldn’t chew or swallow and her liver was significantly damaged. Kari called me and asked if we could help – all other options had been exhausted. One rescue that Kari contacted responded to her plea for help by stating they would help Lucy by giving her a good funeral! What kind of rescue does that? We were happy to help. Lucy is doing great – we all love Lucy!

It was a big day for the boys – they got to run and play in a big green paddock! They did a lot of exploring and tuckered out.

Wally taking a nap – they all wore themselves out!

No story tale tonight. The boys tucked themselves in! LOL

Sincerely,
Theresa

Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Website: https://www.bhfer.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bhfer.tb

My morning started with you know who impatiently asking for breakfast. Gotta love her!

"I know you’re in there Mommy Theresa! Breakfast was supposed to be five minutes ago – can’t you hear my tummy growling?"

"I can come help make it if you want me to!"

Princess got her bath today! Thank you, Sherry!

Betsy Rose loves the new alfalfa. Lynn and Bob got it unloaded just before the downpours.

The three boys tucked in from the storms. Goodnight, boys.

Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Website: https://www.bhfer.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bhfer.tb

I’m not sure why I didn’t get this published last weekend – sorry about that. Update from a week ago!

Betsy Rose went on a walk with me around the house last evening. She was exploring!

The weekend really started out well for Daisy and Boo! Shade and grass and lots of TLC!

Bob and I went to visit Momma Daisy and Baby Boo today! The area around Daisy’s eye is still very swollen but she nevertheless, seems very comfortable. They both stuck their noses up for kisses. Love those long ears!

Love those long ears!

Our beautiful Magic. I am so very proud of this boy and the progress he has made in trusting people.

The three boys. CaryLou, Harvey, and Wally. Weaning for Harvey has begun. Gracie is just on the other side of the fence.

Saturday Morning siesta.

Sleeping beauties.

Sincerely,

Theresa

Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Website: https://www.bhfer.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bhfer.tb

September 5th, 2013

Beautifully carved Mother of Pearl shell catches the sun’s rays bringing iridescent splendor to the natural canary yellow background. 58 x 50 mm.
Matching earrings!

It is time for a new fundraiser! We are in need of many things, but this fundraiser is for a ton of O&A hay.

For each $10 donation, you will be entered for a chance to win a lovely necklace created by Lynda O’ Toole.
Once we have received $550 in donations, a name will be drawn!

Donations can be made via our PayPal address: theresa or
via our website donate page at: https://www.bhfer.org/oldsite/donate.cfm.

Please make certain to designate your donation as ‘September Hay Fundraiser.’

Thank you for your continued love and support!

Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Website: https://www.bhfer.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bhfer.tb

Wed pm:
Betsy Rose perked up a little once the sun started to go down. She’s drinking which is very good but she has very little appetite. I’m still often asked if she will be ok, if her time of caution past, etc. and I continue to answer – I don…’t know. Many of our past starvation cases hit a bump like this at the 6 – 8 week rehab mark. The healing process can’t be pushed – her body is adjusting in many ways. Her muscles are starting to build – there are changes in chemistry, metabolism, etc. It’s a delicate balance and takes a lot of attention to detail. Some asked a couple of questions tonight about what she is getting – yes, she has been treated for ulcers since the day she arrived and she gets milk thistle for liver function which is so very important. She still gets the StressPak. Betsy Rose is far from out of the woods. It could take years for the effects of the severe starvation and neglect that she endured to be known. I’m happy with small baby steps and each moment she is with us is a blessing to be cherished.

I apologize once again for not responding to emails, PM’s, etc. and not publishing pictures I keep intending to. Once again, the day has been very busy and it’s about over. I’m tired and headed to bed. Please keep Betsy Rose in prayers. She knows she is loved, always. Thank you all for caring about this special little mare.

Betsy Rose did graze for a little bit this evening. You can see she isn’t feeling well. The good news is that her HR is better. It was 120+ the day she came to us and has maintained around 56. Today was the best it’s been – 44 BPM.

Wed am:
Sneaking food from another’s bowl this morning! This is good!

Sincerely,

Theresa
Beautys Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Website: https://www.bhfer.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bhfer.tb

We had LOTS of help yesterday and so many horses got much needed baths including Bouie, Frodo, and Peggy Sue!

Hay delivery!!! And the price was very good!

We found a new little mascot yesterday – a tiny baby mouse. So cute!

Sierra – one of our adopted horses – she’s looking great!

Solace

Bella

Sisco is so handsome!

Little E and Gentleman – both are in their 30’s.

Lacey, Sisco, and Chloe. Sunset at the farm is always beautiful. You can’t really see Morgan but she is on the other side of Lacey.

Sherry-Kenny Luzader and Chloe giving Ruby some attention.

Betsy Rose and Freckles have new friends! Raggedy Ann and Camel!

"Hee hee! Camel look at me! You look so small down there! Betsy Rose please be sure not to step on Camel, ok? I’ve always wanted a pony for a friend!"

No worries! Freckles is always close by! Sometimes she entertains the baby boys. Betsy Rose’s appetite is back and she’s feeling better. I think she over extended herself getting up and down and the heat got to her too.

Today, Tuesday

Double rainbow over the rescue this am!

Betsy Rose wasn’t interested in food again today and looked like she just didn’t feel well so I called Dr. Julia out. She is doing some blood tests and we hope to have results this evening. Maybe I’m a worry wart but better safe than sorry.

All of the boys were good today for their hooficures. That’s Pamela Zarem holding them for the farrier.

The 3 baby boys got a good grooming today after their hooficures.

Deborah and Wally.

Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Website: https://www.bhfer.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bhfer.tb

September 1st, 2013

Betsy Rose did eat some today – more so if I’d hold her food or sit next to her. Her temp is fine and she is drinking. In fact, her urine looks better than ever. She is munching on alfalfa too. If she gets worse, the vet will be called out. Otherwise, when Dr. Julia comes out on Tuesday, we’ll have her examine Betsy Rose too and do some blood work.

Another thing – Betsy Rose may be sore. These past few days, she’s used muscles she hasn’t used in a long time in the process of getting up and down.

This morning, she laid down in her stall, blind side up, and we have always had to help her get up when she goes down on that side. Well, she waited for me to get there and when I did, I told her to relax for help was on the way (waiting for Bob). She gave me that look (step back and just watch me!) and whinnied and the next thing I know, she’s on her front knees with her butt in the air and then she hopped her front end up! She shook herself off and seemed to beam! So – another major milestone today!

Betsy Rose

Sincerely,
Theresa

Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Website: https://www.bhfer.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bhfer.tb