It’s a day unlike any other – it started out with me looking out the bedroom window, just as I do first thing every morning, to make sure Gentleman was up and ok – but he wasn’t there. Reality hit and it hurt my heart, but then I visualized him running through green pastures with the heavenly herd – young and healthy and that brought comfort. We had no idea when it would be time to let GMan go but we’ve known for quite some time that it was one day at a time with him. His body was aging and failing – arthritis from years of hard work as an Amish horse, combined with simple neglect of his basic needs being met, had caught up with him. We had been able to keep him comfortable but it was becoming more of a challenge and the heat was taking a toll on him. In the past couple of weeks, after the long naps that he loved to take, he would sometimes need help getting up. I’d watch to see when he’d lay down and be sure to check on him after a couple of hours – even throughout the nights. And, when needed, no matter the time of the day or night, Bob and I were there to help him get up. We didn’t want him to struggle and we did not want him to stay on his one side so long that it may cause internal damage. However, there have still been precious and majestic times when he’d trot across the paddock as if the hands of time had been turned back, if only for a few minutes.

Gentleman’s mind was strong and willing, his eyes were bright and full of life, but his body was failing. Quality of life is always a huge part of the decision factor in determining when to let our loved ones go and it was clear that his quality of life was declining. I had selfishly prayed that when it was his time he would lay down and go in his sleep – I wanted us to be spared of having to make the decision.

I believe that Gentleman, being the kind and loving soul that he was, sensed our desperation in trying to help him hold on for as long as possible – each moment he was with us was a blessing. The look in his eyes, and his demeanor, yesterday morning said it was time. He loved us enough to let us know it was ok, that he had accepted that fact that his body was failing and it was time for him to go. And he knew that we loved him enough to release him to join the heavenly herd where he would be reunited with old friends. He went peacefully – it was as if my prayer that he would just lay down and go to sleep was answered – I held him the whole time. But as I embraced him for his transition, I actually felt him embracing me, giving me strength. That’s the kind of horse Gentleman was. Tears fell but GMan knew they came from a river of love. Bob and I felt a huge and sense of loss and sadness while sensing peace that that Gentleman had his wings and had been released of his broken body. It will never, ever be the same here. GMan was a gentle giant that was loved by many. We will be together again someday – the reunion at Rainbow Bridge is going to be magnificent. To everyone that loved this grand old horse – thank you. He left this world on his terms, head held high, knowing he was loved.

Gentleman – I love you, always.

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

July 19th

I just have one quick thing I want to share this morning – it’s going to be an extra busy day for me because I’m here alone. Donovan had a little sweat under his mane yesterday evening! I’m so encouraged! Dr. Julia said to give it 2 weeks on the Protandim and it’s been almost 2 weeks! He’s also been on Xango – we had great luck with it when Peaches quit sweating and nothing else worked. Please pray for sweat! If anyone wants any info on Protanim or Xango please LMK – we are a distributor for both and I don’t promote products that I haven’t personally seen work. Betsy Rose has been on them and Cookie gets Protandim!

Baby Ray, Peaches, and Morgan this am.

July 20th

It’s so nice to have extra help this morning!!! This is Bri standing on a ladder to wipe Donovan’s face. LOL

URGENT! This is Bella, a 14 year old Paint pony mare that needs a home in an environment that is kinder to horses with summer pasture associated pulmonary disease ASAP. She developed allergies last spring/summer and we found a temporary foster home for her where she was much more comfortable in the winter months. A couple of months ago she went to another temporary foster home where she was doing well gradually started to have issues again. We are bringing her back to the rescue tomorrow but this is one of the last places she should be – the lime rock dust here and so many different grasses growing all around us is not good for her. We have very, very little shade. Quality of life is important and she deserves the best possible. When we rescued her in July 2012 she was living in a junkyard – she had a baby just a couple of days before. The baby (Starbuck) had issues but both of them grew stronger and they are beautiful souls. Starbuck found a forever home last year. Bella has been ridden but only when she is comfortable – she is much better during the winter months. During the summer she should be off grass and under a fan, if possible. A paddock with lots of shade and away from a dusty lime rock road would be much better for her than what we can provide here.

Mollie is so beautiful and she’s very happy! She’s a very proud Arabian that, when we rescued her, she was so weak she could not stand. She lived in the sling for the first few days after her arrival. She was skin on bones. But she never gave up. She was adopted and has a wonderful human family that adores her. She’ll never know hunger or be neglected again. Thank you Joan for opening your heart and home to her!

CHECK IT OUT!!! I know it’s hard to see but there is SWEAT under Donovan’s mane! There has been for a couple of days now! However, the boo boo on his back foot is worse. It was much, much better but today he somehow managed to open it up again.

Dr. Ryan checked out Donovan’s boo boo today and said it looks good and for me to keep doing what I’ve been doing. There was some new swelling in the leg and he’s been started on antibiotics. He’s very good about letting me work on it, fortunately. However, if anyone wants to donate some of the Underwood product that is mentioned in this post for Donovan to try we’d be happy to give it a shot.

July 21st

It was really nice to have lots of extra help yesterday. The chores we don’t normally get done before 2 to 3 pm each day were done by 11 am!

Meet Presley – he was in a kill shelter and was scheduled to be euthanized today. He’s now laying at my feet in his own little crate – tucked in for the night. He’s not feeling very well and could use some prayers – kennel cough, skin on bones, a not so good neuter job, lice, etc. His nails were so long they were curled up under his paws. He only weighs 8 lbs but that will change. I don’t understand how anyone could allow this to happen. Have a good night everyone – calling it a day soon.

The southern paddocks looked SO good after Lynn got done mowing/dragging them today. The weeds were taking over. I wish it would stay looking like this. We had to buy a new harrow – the old one had been fixed so many times it was just done. BUT – I want to say "thank you" to Tractor Supply Co. because they matched a sale price of the same drag from another store. Saved me a trip to Ocala.

July 22nd

Lot’s to update on and share but here’s some great news – Bronson is being adopted by one of our volunteers! She’s adored him since the day she met him. I’m so happy for both of them! This is Skye, Bronson, and Romeo.

JoJo and Donovan are so funny. JoJo loves to stand right outside of Donovan’s stall – I’m not sure what they are saying to each other but they keep themselves entertained. LOL Dr. Ryan Meeks checked Donovan’s rear leg injury today and said to keep doing what I’m doing – it’s healing as it should. We did start Donovan on antibiotics today. The problem is getting Donovan to understand he needs to stop being so active so the bandage can stay in place and he doesn’t make it worse like he did yesterday.

Matilda got to go out and graze around the house this evening. She immediately claimed this tree as hers.

I wish I had good news about Victoria. Dr. Ryan examined her today and blood work was done. The neurological issues are still apparent. She sways when she walks, especially in her back end. Sometimes she can manage a somewhat straight walk but it’s shaky. Making a turn is hard for her and there is muscle atrophy in her back end. She stands in one place almost all day long. Watching her walk, we would think she is an EPM case if we didn’t know about the indirect lightening issue but we are testing for it anyway. There could be lesions on her spinal cord – we just don’t know. I have not seen any signs that she has laid down since the injury – I’m not sure she would be able to get up without hurting herself. But her eyes are bright, her appetite is good, and she is drinking.

Dr. Ryan does not feel that x-rays are necessary, or would be of benefit, at this time – he recommends spending what it would cost for x-rays on acupuncture treatments and giving Victoria time. And we’ll see what the blood test results are. Dr. Julia will be out again in the next few days to treat her again. You know, this is really sad – it breaks my heart. Victoria came to us last year skin on bones with terribly neglected teeth and feet – she was in bad shape. But she is a survivor and she recovered nicely. She is such a beautiful soul. She’s a proud Arabian mare that was ready to find her own human and forever home. And then this happens and I just don’t understand why. Please pray for her.

Magic is as handsome as ever – I braided his mane on Sunday to help keep him a bit cooler.

Sincerely,

Theresa

July 8th

Another busy day here but I wanted to start everyone’s day out with a smile! Kiana is doing just fine! This makes my heart sing! Kiana has settled in to her new adoptive home nicely! Go Kiana! So proud of you!

Yes, Kiana is loved! I can’t tell you how hard I pray, often, that all horses could live like this. No worries in the world.

Donovan got his acupuncture treatment this afternoon (thank you Elizabeth and Corrine!). Hopefully, he will start sweating again (soon) just as quickly as he stopped. Thank you Marie Riordan for staying late to help Dr. Julia! Donovan has had some bad luck lately – in addition no longer sweating, he injured the inside of his back right right foot just above the coronet band a few days ago. It’s going to take some time to heal and we’ll be having to doctor it twice a day. It’s a really good thing that he just stands and lets us do what we need to do.

If he wasn’t so big I think he’d try to climb in my lap.

Gentleman really loves it when Dr. Julia works on him. And she looks forward to his appointments – he’s another big love! Thank you Janet for sponsoring his treatments!

I had a good talk with them and gave them some nose kisses before they loaded up to go home today. It just isn’t the same, already, without Oscar and Pistol there to meet us at the side door to the office.

As expected – Oscar and Pistol loaded themselves! LOL! These guys, and the mini’s, love to explore new trailers that come in.

Somewhere out there is the perfect home for Serenity and Bryce. I need you all to help us find it. I don’t even want to think about separating them – they are family. Please share them and let’s find them a good forever home.

July 9th

I sure did miss the sound of the 2 am party this morning – and the greeting that we normally get when we leave the house to go to the barn. Love these guys!

Another busy day here that’s coming to an end and I’m looking forward to a shower and bed. Have a good night everyone!

July 10th

Silly ears!

Pistol and Oscar have new toys – they have settled in to their new home just fine! I’m very happy for them but boy, it truly isn’t the same here. And little JoJo – he wants a playmate badly. He’s growing up fast – he has teeth now!

July 11th

Believe me when I say that JoJo needs a donkey friend!

JoJo is still trying to perfect his version of the cricket dance. LOL

July 12th

Everyone lines up for breakfast!

Well, this is something we don’t see on our little road very often. I don’t know how they ended up here but they had to back up all the way back down to the highway. The artwork was beautiful!

"Hello everyone! Remember me? I’m little Bronson – I’m growing up! Mommy Theresa says I’m ready for my forever home! I’m glad I came here to grow up a bit and I and got to meet new friends – but now I’m ready for a new life adventure with my own human! I’m really a good boy!"

July 13th

I wanted to post an update with pics from the weekend but things have been crazy so this will be short. We had a really bad storm yesterday – lightening and thunder were horrible. One of the horses crashed through a gate (he’s ok), a surg…e protector in a storage building got fried (all the circuit breakers tripped) which took down the electric charger for the fencing, a piece of computer equipment in the office got fried, and the wiring between the house and the barn for the camera system may have been zapped (still trying to figure this one out). But our concern is Victoria. She’s an Arabian that is always animated but this morning she didn’t want to move and something just wasn’t right. When we walked her, she was unstable in the rear and her demeanor just isn’t right – the problem appears neurological. She was fine before the storm (we did have another storm in the night). She’s been in a small paddock behind the barn all day where we can observe her – she is eating and drinking but she’s not herself. Dr. Julia will be out in the morning to examine Victoria. Please keep her in your prayers. I don’t know what tomorrow’s cost is going to be but would anyone like to help sponsor Victoria’s exam and treatment tomorrow? We could take pledges.

This was Little E this morning. He is a 30+ year old Arabian that was struck by lightening before coming to the rescue a few years ago.

Sincerely,

Theresa

Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Website:
Facebook:

Look at these itty bitty feet! JoJo getting a lesson on picking his feet up and keeping them up for a couple of minutes. Future farriers will appreciate this.

JoJo has trained us humans to open the door when he knocks.

Betsy Rose was painfully thin at this time last year. She lived in a sling for the first 2 months after she arrived. We had to do just about everything for her. But she was determined and she believed in herself. We believed in her too.

Betsy Rose was a walking anatomy lesson – the vet’s couldn’t believe she was defying the odds. She’s a survivor.

On this day last year, we wrapped a red, white, and blue sheet under her and took her out of the sling. It was her Independence Day walk! Oh man – we are so proud of this little mare!

Betsy Rose and Kiana racing happily on June 23rd, just one year after Betsy’s arrival at Beauty’s Haven

JoJo also got his first halter lesson yesterday – not sure he was very happy about it.

JoJo is getting all sorts of desensitizing! He got a much needed warm bath (medicated) to help treat his rain rot today. Poor boy has it all under his pretty white coat that causes him to itch. Popper also got a bath – unlike JoJo, Popper loves the water. Actually, JoJo didn’t seem to mind very much. This was his 2nd bath.

Kitty Kat, another rescue from a few years ago, loves to engage in conversations with anyone that will talk to him. He talked with Roxy for quite awhile today.

"Duke – the fireworks are coming! I don’t know what that means but Mommy Theresa says we’ll know it starts!"

"Kiana! The fireworks are coming! Have no worries and have no fear! Little JoJo is here! This is my first Independence Day too but I think it’s going to be fun! Noises and bright lights don’t bother me! I can’t wait!"

Oh Lord. Here we go. Snap. Crackle. Pop. Boom!

"Betsy Rose come on! Let’s go see the fireworks! Don’t you hear them go kaboom? I haven’t seen anything in the sky yet though. Well, there was some lightening. I think it was lightening. Come on! This is my first ever Independence Day!"

"Happy 4th of July everyone! It’s Independence Day! JoJo and Kiana are anxiously waiting for the fireworks – there’s lots of booms going on all around and there’s been a few bright flashes of light but no real fireworks that we can see yet. I hope the kids aren’t disappointed."

"It’s over? Really? That’s it? The snap, crackle, pop, kaboom’s are over? I didn’t see all the big flashy things we were supposed to see? How did I miss them? Kiana – did you see them? What happened???"

"Sorry JoJo – Auntie Lynn texted and said the Williston city fireworks were rescheduled for tomorrow night. What we heard and saw tonight were just neighbors setting off little fireworks and noise makers. So tonight was just sort of a practice to get ready for tomorrow night. Now everyone can get some rest, ok? Freckles is waiting in your stall for you – she’s got a story to tell you about Betsy Rose’s Independence Day walk last year."

Have a safe and blessed 4th of July weekend everyone!

Sincerely,

Theresa

Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Website:
Facebook: