April 2014 – Beauty's Haven Farm and Equine Rescue Inc.

Horse Updates, Rainbow Bridge, Veterinary Care

Our Beloved Wally Has Crossed Rainbow Bridge

Sunday, April 27th

Wally is not feeling well this morning. Kathy Breakall held him so I could clip him in the tack room where it’s cool. We just finished. We will be keeping him in a stall today with a fan and will be closely monitoring him. If he gets worse, I need to call the vet back.

I wished and prayed with all my might that he would feel better.

Waiting on the vet. Wally is resting. Please say prayers for him. I’m sitting right here with him.

The vet examined and oiled Wally. Now we wait and pray for poop. Grandma Bea and Auntie Ruth are babysitting Wally for a little while.

Wally is on his way to the hospital with likely an impaction colic. He will be at Peterson & Smith Equine Hospital in Ocala. He’s just a year old. Please pray for him.

Wally is being treated for an impaction colic. They are starting iv fluids. I’ll update in the morning. Thank you all for your prayers.

Monday, April 28th

Wally’s heart rate is climbing and despite oiling and fluids, he does not appear any better. No worse, except for the HR which is not a good thing. We were presented with two options – to continue to medically treat Wally or surgically remove the impaction since it does not appear to be moving. Wally’s blood work is fine and he does not appear to be uncomfortable. The vet can schedule surgery for later today, but up until that time, we decided that fluids continue to be run. I did some T-Touch Wally’s anal area and by doing so, he did pass a small amount of poop as well as gas. Last night at the rescue, I also used T-Touch with no results. I’m hand walking Wally too which will hopefully, get ‘things moving.’ I have also requested that Wally be given an enema. We are trying everything possible, up until the moment of surgery, in hope that Wally’s issue can and will resolve on its own. Please continue to keep little Wally in your prayers.

By late afternoon, it was decided that Wally needed surgery. I kissed his little nose and promised him I’d be there when he woke up. Dr. Lynch said it wouldn’t take much more than an hour.

Despite all of our prayers we lost Wally this afternoon. I try to always be there for any surgery. As I watched them start to prepare Wally, when he was given anesthesia, he had an adverse reaction and he was gone. In the blink of an eye our Wally went to Rainbow Bridge. I had promised him I’d be there when he woke up but he didn’t wake up. I’m in shock.

I had taken Wally for a walk before surgery – he wanted to play in the water hose. Silly Wally, he loved the water. Our three boys – Wally, CaryLou, and Harvey. It will never be the same and I will always see him when I see the others. And I know I will feel him – I feel him now. I’m so sorry little guy – so very sorry. Fly with angel wings baby – I love you, always. I know you were met by Solace and others that we dearly love, that’s the only consolation I have.

Thank all of you for your support and for caring about our little Wally. My heart hurts – I can’t believe it happened but I was there and saw it with my own eyes. I never want to experience anything like that again, ever. I was helpless to change what I was witnessing and it was horrible. I likely will be off the grid for a day or so but please know that I do appreciate all of you. I have to believe that God needed Wally more than we did.

Wally and me right before surgery. I called him my little Rogue Warrior – a lovable and mischievous little guy that made us laugh.

Thank you Greg, for your beautiful tribute to our beloved Wally.

A rainbow over Beauty’s Haven in honor of Wally going to Rainbow Bridge.

Thank you all for your prayers and words of comfort.

Sincerely,
Theresa

04/29/2014/by Theresa Batchelor

Horse Updates, Veterinary Care

BH April 17th – April 22nd Update ~ Cookie

Thursday, April 17th, 2014

Cookie was admitted to UF today, April 17th, for an eye exam and, specifically, for evaluation of a mass on her left lower eyelid which had been treated with cryotherapy and cisplatin beads in the past few months with no resolution. During the exam, tumors were also found on her 3rd eyelids (r/l). It was recommended a scan be done to determine the extension of the tumors and to help make surgical decisions.

Marie helped me get Cookie ready for her trip to the UF Veterinary hospital this morning.

I’m so sorry that Cookie is fighting SCC. I wish there were some way they could save her eye. The SCC is below it but because they will have to remove the lower lid there will be nothing to protect the eye. We’ve had blind horses as well as horses with only one eye. Some horses don’t adjust well but I think Cookie will do just fine. I want the SCC gone. Totally. Please keep her in your prayers.

I will be away from the computer and phone for the rest of the day but I will update later about Cookie. Thanks Pam for transporting Cookie safely to the hospital!

Friday, April 18th

Cookie’s CT scan showed the mass had not invaded bony orbit. It was recommended by Dr. Mangan that resection of the lower lid mass and 3rd eyelids be followed by reconstruction of the lid margin (preserving the globe) which would preserve sight in her left eye!

Surgery under way. Dr. Mangan and his team are amazing!

Finally! About 2/3rds of the lower left eyelid, the left 3rd eyelid, and the entire right 3rd eyelid were removed. Cryotherapy was also used on the remaining left lid margins in hopes of preventing potential further spread of the cancer. Cookie’s sub-mandibular lymph nodes were somewhat enlarged so cells were taken and sent to be analyzed.

Cookie has left the OR.

Cookie did well for surgery – the area of the left eyelid resected was pretty extensive but, with reconstruction, she was able to keep her eye! To do this, they used skin from below her left eyelid to make a new lower eyelid margin. It was pretty amazing to watch and it took a quite a bit of time – the surgeons (Dr. Mangan and Dr. Martins) and the surgery team did a great job. They wanted Cookie to remain at the hospital for a few days – there were some concerns about swelling but, so far, it hasn’t been as bad as was expected. Now, we pray for an uneventful recovery – the sutures need to hold until they are scheduled to be removed in about 2 weeks. Cookie is eating and drinking and was happy to be visited by Katherine today. Katherine is a volunteer and student at UF.

Wow. We are all missing our Cookie. The barn just isn’t the same.

Monday, April 21st

Cookie settled back into her stall this afternoon just fine. It’s great to have her home. I have to change her bandage tomorrow and Thursday she goes back to UF.

She’s not very comfortable having just one eye to see out of – I’m so glad they were able to save both eyes.

Tuesday, April 22nd

Cookie’s first day back at the rescue after having surgery to remove cancer from her eyes.

I said a prayer when starting to unwrap Cookie’s face this morning – I needed to clean/treat the wounds. The tape is so darn sticky.

Well, the tape came off pretty good. Cookie was a champ about it. I truly believe that horses know when you are helping them.

I cleaned up both eyes and treated them with triple antibiotic. Then applied SSD cream to the sutures and granulation tissue.

I applied a sterile bandage and then vet wrap.

Then the eye with the protective eye cup and voila! Please continue to keep Cookie in your prayers. She’s got a lot of healing to do. Many thanks to everyone that have been praying for Cookie and to those that have donated to help with her needs.

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.

04/22/2014/by Theresa Batchelor

Uncategorized

BH April 21st – April 22nd Update ~ Cutie Pie

Monday, April 21st

Prayers needed. On my way to hospital with Cutie Pie. She didn’t want to get up this morning.

At the vet.

Headed to X-rays.

I’m sorry to just be getting back on here. My phone died at the vet’s office. Cutie Pie is not doing very well. It is suspected that she may have tetanus. She is being started on the antitoxin as soon as Bob gets back with Cookie – we had to get it from UF. So, we have lots going on. Anyone in the area want to help out this evening? Cutie Pie needs prayers. She’s comfortable and in the office so someone is with her. She’s drinking a bit via syringe (she’s getting some Wel-Gel and milk thistle also). Her heart rate is down some which is good. But it doesn’t look very good at this point. Nellie is doing ok. She was very concerned about her friend. I have to go help Cookie settle in – she just arrived and I have to clean myself up first. I’ll be back as soon as I can.

Cutie Pie is comfortable. She does not have a fever. She’s drinking via syringe – getting some of Lucy’s Wel-Gel which means she is getting nutrients and water. This is how we kept Lucy alive those first few weeks. Cutie Pie supposedlyhad a tetanus shot in March. She’s not really displaying symptoms of tetanus – her neck isn’t arched, there’s no muscle spasms, and at first she was stiff but after her x-rays and a little sedation to help her relax she tried to get up. With help, she will sit sternum for a little while. She got a shot for goat polio today, which, if that was the problem, she would have responded pretty quickly. Tonight, we will keep her comfortable and I’ll continue to syringe her water/Wel-Gel. She’s had her first tetanus antitoxin shot (which won’t hurt her even if she doesn’t have tetanus). She’ll get another tomorrow. She goes back to the vet in the morning. It’s really crazy here but please, keep Cutie Pie in your prayers. Nellie is doing ok as is their human mom. We’ll check on them again later tonight.

She’s sitting sternum on her own. Yes, her horns are wrapped in pink vet wrap.

She just ate again and drank some more. With help, she keeps her back end up standing but not the front. But she seems better. Popper isn’t happy that the goat is sleeping at the end of our bed instead of her.

Cutie Pie is eating and drinking. This is Deborah Hill sitting with her for a bit. We are all calling it a day soon. Please pray for a calm night and that Cutie Pie is much better tomorrow. We will be taking her back to the vet at 9 am.

Resting comfortably.

Today, April 22nd

Cutie Pie ate some breakfast this morning, drank some water, and off to the vet we went.

Dr. Bullock is totally amazed that Cutie Pie made it through the night – he advised us yesterday that the odds were slim. But, we opted to give her a chance and here she is. We were so proud when she greeted doc with a smile. She’s eating and drinking. She’s still getting supplements and will soon get her 2nd dose of antitoxin. Her little friend keeps her company – Betsy Rose doesn’t mind sharing.

Back at the rescue, Cutie Pie wanted to stand up so we gave her a chance. She walked a couple of steps and stood and looked around – she seemed pleased. But she needs rest so we took her inside to tuck her into bed. We still don’t know what is wrong but she’s still getting antibiotics, Thiamin, Transfer Factor, a mash of Wel-Gel mixed in a little FiberBeet, milk thistle, and she will be getting the tetanus antitoxin as soon as Bob gets home with it. Her temp was slightly elevated this am. She’s being monitored closely.

Once we got her tucked in, she went pee. LOL! So we changed her bedding and Deb cleaned her up. She ate and drank and now Cutie Pie is taking a nap. Prayers are working!

Cutie Pie been able to stay up (and get up) on her own today several times! So much so that we had to move her to the barn! Prayers do get answered! She’s not out of the woods yet but she’s a determined little girl!

We are an all volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit equine rescue organization that operates totally off of donations from the public. We are not funded by County, State, or Federal funds. Please consider making a one time or monthly donation to help us to continue what we do – we can’t do it alone. Funds are needed for vetting, farrier needs, dental needs, equipment maintenance, and there is so much more. There are various ways you can donate if you visit our "Donate" page on our website (theresa. All donations are tax deductible and no amount is too small. Cutie Pie, Cookie, and all of the horses here need your help Please share us with friends, family, and co-workers – it takes a village! Thank you!

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.

04/22/2014/by Theresa Batchelor

Uncategorized

BHFER & EW: Weekly Hoof – April 18, 2014

April 18, 2014

Spring Pasture Transitioning

The first spring sprouts are actually lower in sugars and starch (non-structural carbohydrates or NSC) because they use all that energy to promote their own rapid growth. But horses crave fresh grass and will eat volumes of it, making their overall NSC consumption really high – in fact, dangerously high for horses that are overweight, Cushingoid, or who have experienced insulin-related laminitis. Click here for more

Fencing in the equine escape artist

We’ve all known at least one equine escape artist. The crafty pony that figures out the grass really is greener on the other side of the fence. The amorous gelding that would prefer to live with the mares. The way-too-smart mare that knows how to open gate latches and lead everyone on a merry romp.

Click here to read about fencing

5th Annual Celebration of Life on April 26, 2014

Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc., a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization will be holding their 5th Annual Celebration of Life in conjunction with the ASPCA’s Help A Horse Day. Click here for more information

Raise money for your organization

Join our Ambassador Program and we will donate 40% of every subscription to your organization. Apply today and we will send you an EW Ambassador kit with your own unique Promo Code. We’ll also sign you up for a FREE subscription to Equine Wellness.

Click here to join the Ambassador Program

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04/19/2014/by Theresa Batchelor

Adoption, Donkey, Fundraising, Horse Updates, Veterinary Care

Cookie’s Cancer, an Adoption, & Updates on Many

April 10th, 2014

Dr. Porter examined Cookie’s eye – the cancer has progressed. We will be taking her to UF – it’s highly possible that she will lose her left eye.

Sisco’s front right was x-rayed – he’s been on and off lame. He walked pretty good for Dr. Porter yesterday but we did x-rays anyway. Sisco has navicular. So, to say that yesterday was not a good day is an understatement.

I’m recovering well from my recent injury and have been back at work a bit – careful to not do too much. My nose is healing fine but my neck has been an issue. I had my first ever acupuncture treatment yesterday and found it to be a very positive experience. I’ll be receiving treatments for the next couple of weeks and go from there. But, I will say this, I felt good when I left the acupuncturist’s office yesterday. Better than I have in a long time. Bob said I looked and moved like I felt 10 years younger when I got home. But that was before Dr. Porter’s visit. Now I better understand why Betsy Rose and Gentleman love their treatments by Dr. Julia.

Dr. Porter was out yesterday to look at Cookie’s eye, Sisco, and do some x-rays on Oscar. None of the findings were good. The most upsetting for me was Oscar. A little background for those new to Beauty’s Haven – Oscar was too weak to stand the day I picked him up in our minivan in February. We had been advised by the previous owner that they had been given misinformation on what to feed a donkey and that the had lost weight to the point of being so weak he could not get up. He rated a body condition score of 1. Once at the rescue, a vet immediately examined and treated Oscar. He got IV fluids, vitamins, etc. Blood work was done which indicated anemia and malnutrition – his liver and kidneys were pretty stressed. We really didn’t know if he would make it. But he’s a tough little guy!

Traditional and holistic vets, farriers, and a dentist are all part of our core care team – all work together. But no matter who is on your team one thing you can’t do is turn back time. Poor and improper nutrition can wreak havoc on the body – including the feet. Sometimes effects aren’t immediate. Oscar had been fed sweet feed, oats, and cracked corn by the owner before she was told by a vet tech that “she should only feed him horse quality hay but she could give them sweet feed as a treat now and then”. This feeding regimen could have caused some real issues.

Oscar’s feet were long when he arrived here – he has had 3 trims here in the last 8 weeks with the farrier doing little bits at a time. He was treated for thrush and white line. Oscar improved and he grew stronger. We moved him to a paddock with Pistol – they would run and play and we enjoyed watching them. A few days ago Oscar popped an abscess and seemed uncomfortable so we had the farrier out again and while the farrier was doing a touch up another abscess resolved. Because of Oscar’s history, and what we were seeing, we opted for x-rays which revealed a rotated coffin bone and deep abscesses which Dr. Porter believes is the result of improper feeding. I’ve said this before but I’ll say it again – donkeys can NOT be fed like horses. Donkeys need more fiber and less protein than horses. We feed them Triple Crown Safe Starch forage and good grass hay.

Oscar is just turning 2 years old next week and he’s dealing with a serious issue. Although, I’m not sure he knows it’s serious – he doesn’t appear to be in any pain but he is lame. Dr. Porter drained another abscess yesterday and has prescribed a treatment plan. It’s going to take quite some time for Oscar to recover and he IS going to recover – he just has to. He needs time to grow out a healthy foot and he will need little adjustments often to optimize recovery. There are more abscesses that we are trying to draw out. His foot is cushioned and wrapped. So, for now, he will be staying with Betsy Rose around the barn. He will have another set of x-rays in a month. Please pray for Oscar – we need another miracle. And if anyone would like to help with Oscar’s x-rays and vetting it would be greatly appreciated.

The first photo is Oscar the day after he arrived back in February. The second is Dr. Porter with Oscar yesterday.

Bo went to his adoptive home today! Thank you Jayne for giving Bo his own human family. Congratulations Bo!

April 11th

Serenity – she’s doing very well!

Hannah Morse, a journalism student from UF, visited yesterday for an interview and to take some video and photos. She got to meet most of the horses. Bryce was very interested in what she may have had in her back pack – he’s quite the character! “Got treats?”

I do believe that Bryce has a bit of a belly on him! LOL They are all doing great. Eliza, Bryce, Mahogany, Serenity. We are now taking adoption applications for Serenity and Bryce. They have lived their entire lives together and, ideally, we’d love to place them together. Please visit our Beauty’s Haven Equine Rescue Adoption Page where you can read about some of our adoption requirements.

This is Judy washing feed tubs after breakfast. And that’s a lot of feed tubs. LOL

April 12th

Lots going on here today!! I love it!

Victoria is absolutely stunning. A very sweet Arabian mare that is looking for a forever home.

April 13th

Photographing the photographer. Matilda loves to pose!

This was a really nice way to end the evening. Serenity is just a sweet, very sweet girl.

April 15th

Cookie needs your help. She is battling cancer under her left eye. She needs surgery AT UF which is scheduled for late this week. We have posted a fundraiser on YouCaring to assist with the cost of Cookie’s forthcoming eye surgery. Please, help us to help Cookie. Thank you, in advance, for your love and support.

April 16th

It’s dental day!! Betsy Rose asked her friends to help entertain the boys while Dr. Bess checked them out. Cloud is growing up! She had to take out two baby teeth. They were both very good.

I’m so happy for Bella. She is happy at her new foster home. Thank you Jody and Lesley Osborn! From Lesley: “It was a glorious day today and I spent the afternoon with Bella grooming and simply enjoying being with her while slowly building a trusting and loving bond with her. She loved all the attention that I gave her today and she looks beautiful…”

Many thanks to Rosemary Meredith, Terri, Vicki, and Lorilie for spending this past Saturday here clipping some of the horses!

Oscar and Pistol going at each other through the gate at the barn. It’s hard to not let Oscar go out to play. But we don’t want him being too active with his front foot issues.

Beauty’s Haven advertising found in North Carolina! I love it!

Laura Brasile visited for a couple of days last week! It’s really nice to be able to meet people that we meet on social media – we love sharing the horses and telling their stories! We miss you Laura! Romeo is doing very well!

This is Sayan. He’s a darling little Arabian gelding that recently came back. He is just as sweet as ever!

BEAUTIFUL Greg!!! This little Arabian mare grabbed my heart when she had just turned 3 years old. She is the reason Beauty’s Haven came to be! To say she’s my heart horse would be an understatement. Thank you for this lovely artwork Greg – I have a special spot for it on my desk. Greg does beautiful work – check out more on his Greg Ambrose’s Art Page on Facebook.

“Beauty Kicks Up Her Heels”
14 year old Beauty, the mare that started it all at Beauty’s Haven Farm and Equine Rescue, shows off her energy. Join in the rescue’s Celebration of Life on April 26th.

Our “Celebration of Life” is on April 26th! Our focus this year is education – what it takes to rescue and rehab horses such as Betsy Rose, Solace, etc. There will be guest speakers, music, games, a Q&A period, silent auction, and much more! We are holding this in conjunction with the ASPCA’s Help a Horse Day. We stand to win a $10K grant – we need your help to do that by attending our Celebration!

We are in need of some supplies if anyone would like to help – EquiSpot, Endure flyspray, Equyss Micro-Tek Shampoo and Medicated Spray, sponsors for Prescend and Previcox (both are Rx’s), and some double Velcro flymasks for mini’s. We also need a load of shavings.

We are an all volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit equine rescue organization that operates totally off of donations from the public. We are not funded by County, State, or Federal funds. Please consider making a one time or monthly donation to help us to continue what we do – we can’t do it alone. Funds are needed for hay, grain, vetting, farrier needs, dental needs, equipment maintenance, and there is so much more. There are various ways you can donate if you visit our “Donate” page on our website (theresa. All donations are tax deductible and no amount is too small. Please share us with friends, family, and co-workers – it takes a village! Thank you!

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.

04/16/2014/by Theresa Batchelor

Uncategorized

BHFER: Save the Date: April 26, 2014

SAVE THE DATE

5th Annual Celebration of Life on April 26, 2014

Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc., a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization will be holding their 5th Annual Celebration of Life in conjunction with the ASPCA’s Help A Horse Day.

This social media event will be brought to you though Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Share this day full of festivities, educational activities, and opportunities for you to support the mission and the horses of Beauty’s Haven.

By participating in these social media outlets on Help A Horse Day, you will be helping us in our effort to win a $10,000 grant the ASPCA will issue to 5 rescues that their panel judges feel do the best job raising awareness and motivating people to help horses on this day. No matter where you are located, this event is sure to entertain, inform and warm your heart to the plight of the post-modern world’s equines.

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04/15/2014/by Theresa Batchelor

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It’s a Celebration!!! April 26th, 2014

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

04/14/2014/by Theresa Batchelor

Uncategorized

BH April 5th – April 7th Update

On Saturday, I bent over to put two feed tubs on the ground. As I was standing back up, one of the horses quickly turned her head and pinned her ears at another horse walking towards her. We bumped heads pretty hard. My nose is broken and my right cheek and right side of my mouth were injured but I put ice on it right away. There was quite a bit of bleeding, but by the time Robin arrived to take me to North Florida Regional Hospital, the bleeding was much better. On Sunday, I was totally amazed that the swelling and bruising wasn’t as bad as I expected. My neck hurts worse than my cheek and nose. I spent the day taking it easy but I did get a bit of work done at my desk.

Remember Divinity? She’s doing well. Adoptive/foster mom Teri says Divinity and Genesis totally enjoy each others company.

Betsy Rose gave us a little scare this afternoon. She appeared to have moved/twisted the wrong way which resulted in her being pretty unsteady and off in her back end. Dr. Julia Simonson will be out on Monday for Gentleman’s monthly acupuncture treatment and we’d like to have Betsy Rose examined and treated too. Please include her in your prayers. Hopefully, it was just a one time thing.

April 7th:

Visited with the little ones on Sunday for a minute. It was nice to get out!

Winds were very high today. Dust everywhere!

The winds literally blew away Betsy Rose’s friends!

Santana is so sweet – he’s looking for a forever home as a pasture pal.

Betsy Rose did get a treatment by Dr. Julia today. She did VERY well. The acupuncture helps so much.

Gentleman got his monthly acupuncture treatment today, too. To say it helps him is an understatement – it’s not unusual now to see him trot across the paddock! He’s a big teddy bear and is loved so very much.

I do believe he was smiling!

I may have done a bit too much today but it was great to get out some. Tomorrow won’t be as busy and I’ll be back at my desk. We’ll be posting some new auction items to help with the vet bills. Tomorrow is the last day for the current auction items – check them out at our Facebook Beauty’s Haven Equine Rescue Auction Page!

Magic – he’s just so regal. He’s come so far – I’m very proud of him.

Harvey napping after breakfast….

Look at this beautiful English Saddle that will be up for Silent Auction at our Celebration of Life on April 26th!

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.

04/08/2014/by Theresa Batchelor

Uncategorized

BHFER March 31st – April 2nd Update

March 31st

We never know when we respond to a call what may be in store for us. On the way to a doctor appointment this morning, I listened to a voice mail from an elderly woman that was crying and in obvious distress. Her message was that her mare’s companion goat had passed and she was afraid the mare would colic. The mare, Nellie, is a 14 year young pretty little TB. She and her goat friend had been companions for 12 years. Through the woman’s tears, she was able to communicate how strongly Nellie had reacted to losing her goat friend and how she couldn’t remove the goat from the paddock.

A little out of the way, and a change of plans for me, but I went there after my appointment to see if there was anything we could do to help. I arrived and Nellie met me at the gate. I went in and talked with her, rubbed on her a bit, and invited her to walk with me to where her goat friend was still lying under a tree. The owner came out and stood at the gate and watched (and cried) as I knelt down to say a little prayer for the goat with Nellie standing over me – I do think it’s important that animals have time to grieve and say their goodbyes and I do think Nellie understood that her friend was no longer with us.

I got up and rubbed on Nellie again and walked over to the gate and introduced myself to the owner – Nellie followed close behind. The owner and I talked a bit and she explained how Nellie had been pacing and sweating and calling out to her goat friend. She said that any attempt to remove the goat from the paddock would upset Nellie and that’s what led her to calling us for help – she was so afraid Nellie would colic or do something that would cause herself injury. I rubbed on Nellie again and asked her to show me around her paddock. As we walked, I explained to Nellie that we needed to move her goat friend to a safe burial spot. As I walked, I asked the owner to tell me the story of how Nellie and her goat friend had come to be part of her family. I kept walking until I ended back up at the tree. As the owner was still telling me their history, I gently pulled on the bedding that the goat was wrapped in and managed to pull her to the gate where the owner was standing – she opened the gate for me as Nellie just stood and watched.

After the goat was gently placed where she would be buried, I removed one of the cloths that had been placed directly on her body and took it to Nellie and hung it by her feed dish on the fence – a comfort blanket of sorts. The owner and I kept talking about all sorts of things – she cried, she laughed, and I could tell that by talking, the owner was coming to the sad realization that, with her age and physical limitations, she may soon need to find her beloved Nellie a new home. I saw relief come over the owner’s face when I assured her we would try help to make that happen when she is ready. I walked over and rubbed on Nellie again and as I drove away, both Nellie, and her owner, seemed at peace.

The day in the life of a rescuer – we do what we can for horses within our reach, and, by doing so, we help humans. While the owner had reached out to us this morning to help her horse, I think she may have been reaching out for herself as well. I can’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction knowing that Nellie is ok, her human is ok and now knows she has other humans she can call upon for help, if needed. And we know that with help from others, when the time is right, we will find Nellie a good forever home – hopefully, a home where the current owner can visit with Nellie for the rest of her days.

Have a good night everyone. Here’s Nellie and her comfort blanket.

Edit to add: The owner and I did, in fact, talk about options in regards to getting Nellie another goat, donkey, etc. but today was not the day to make decisions – it was a day for acceptance. Tonight is the first night in 12 years that the owner and Nellie are without their goat friend – I’m keeping them in my prayers.

April 1st

I couldn’t sleep last night thinking about Nellie and her owner and the loss of their goat. We had talked about options yesterday, but decided it wasn’t a good time to make any decisions. Late in the morning, a call to check on everyone and the mention of a new goat friend sparked interest. Late this afternoon, with the help of others, we raised $90 and a cute little goat (named Cutie Pie by her new owner) is now Nellie’s newest friend! Nellie and her human mom gave Cutie Pie time to wander around and get used to being in a new place. Nellie is very happy, Nellie’s human mom is very happy, and even Cutie Pie is very happy! When I left, Nellie and Cutie Pie were happily walking and grazing together. Nellie’s human mom and I hugged, she thanked me with happy tears in her eyes. I told her the gift of Cutie Pie was from a Village of people that care. God bless you all! It may seem like a little thing to some, but to me, seeing Nellie and her human mom happy with a new goat friend made me feel so very proud of Beauty’s Haven and what we do!!!

“Hello there!”

I’m sure Nellie will always remember her goat friend she lost yesterday. But today, we took her a new friend. Here’s Nellie and Cutie Pie.

They were so cute – once we let them go, Cutie Pie ran over to the other side of the tree. Nellie never took her eyes off of Cutie Pie. Then Nellie walked over to Cutie Pie and they looked at each other like, "Ok, this is good! This will work!"