Donkeys, Foxy, Cookie, Matilda & More! June 25th ~ 28th Update

June 25th

“Peek a Boo!” Foxy received a gift from “Doggles, LLC” today. Here she is getting introduced to a new mask.

 

“What do you think everyone? How do I look in my new Doggles? I’m not sure orange is my color but Mommy Theresa says I have another pair in pink that I get to try on tomorrow! Dr. Mangin is coming to see us tomorrow – I haven’t met him yet but I think I like him already. He’s helped Daisy a lot. I haven’t met Daisy or the other donks yet but I saw Matilda and OMG her ears are bigger than me!”

 

June 26th

Foxy meeting Julie yesterday. Everyone loves this little girl and she knows it!

 

Foxy was great for Dr. Mangan yesterday. We got some very good news – Foxy’s eye is better!

 

Foxy and her mom were very inquisitive about all of Dr. Mangan’s many tools. She’s teething and wants to put everything in her mouth! Her top two teeth have erupted. We’re so glad she’s feeling much better. That plasma really helped!

 

Dr. Mangan also examined Matilda’s eyes. Her right one is cloudy again so her eye medication was changed.

 

It was pretty cute when Foxy surprised everyone and ran away from her momma and under and around Matilda. Matilda just stood there and watched. Foxy knows no fear! She is so tiny! Lol Matilda is such a BIG love!

 

Sal told Foxy she looks like a pirate with the patch over her eye. Foxy doesn’t know what a pirate is. So tonight Freckles is going to explain and tell pirate stories!

 

What a hard life they live. lol

 

June 28th

Sophie is doing really well. She’s looking for a forever home.

 

I wanted to share a photo of Willow with the lumps on her head. Dr. Specht wants her to get x-rays.

 

Cookie is still doing great! And she sill loves to make faces for the camera.

 

Betsy Rose and her friends huddled today to talk about the future. They all agree that, while they like it here, some of them would like to find adoptive homes where they will have their own humans. They all now have some stories to share about their time here and living with Betsy Rose and Freckles!

We will be listing some of the dolls, that are exquisitely hand made with lots of love, on our auction page in the next few days. You will have an opportunity to become part of Betsy Rose’s family!

 

Foxy’s eye is getting better.

 

I do believe that Timmie and Foxy are very thankful to be here. They are just precious! Timmie’s coat looks so much healthier. Her eyes are brighter. It’s all good! Many thanks to our Village for helping us to help them!

 

Foxy had a couple more new friends arrive! I’m not sure what their names are yet but Foxy had a great time playing with them.

 

“Mommy look! I have more little friends! Come see! Aren’t they cute? Where’s Sal? I need to go find her and introduce them!” She even hugged the bear!

We were a little worried that they would survive – Foxy is teething.

But they did survive, and they met Sal, and Foxy played herself to sleep.

We enjoyed a visit from Serenity’s adoptive dad, Phil Yarbrough, last weekend. This is Sawyer saying hello. Thank you Phil for making time to stop in for a visit. It was nice seeing you again and meeting your family!

 

Aaleyah Belle getting a much needed bath. Thank you Roe!

 

June 29th

Good morning!

 

Foxy loves to make new friends. Timmie, well, she likes to make friends too but she really loves to eat. Lol!

 

A great little helper. She’s teething so she’s liking to chew on just about anything.

 

Her hoof is about the size of my big toe. My boots and tennis shoes are soaking wet and drying.

 

Happy donks!

 

 

Rascal getting a bath before the rains.

 

Some photos from the Birthday Party ~

The boys had their 1st birthday party with carrot cake too! We really tried to get the birthday boys and Betsy Rose together to open their cards but it just didn’t work out. The boys decided they wanted to play with some of them.

 

JoJo, Jazzy, and Betsy Rose all are very thankful for their birthday cards and gifts. The boys shared with Daisy. smile emoticon If you sent a card and don’t see it, please forgive us – the boys kind of demolished a few.

Betsy Rose looked at the cards for quite awhile. I wondered what she was thinking. We’re so very blessed that she is with us. We have always believed but Betsy Rose has also helped others to believe… She may have been left on the ground like garbage but look at her now – a proud and happy little princess! Thank you all for helping us to make all of her tomorrow’s everything her yesterday’s should have been!

Happy 25th birthday Betsy Rose!

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Baby needs plasma… June 21st ~ 24th Update

June 21st

Timmie and Foxy. Look at that tail!

 

June 22nd

“Hi everybody! I’ve got a name! I’m Foxy! I’m learning that it’s ok for humans to touch me. I have an eye boo boo. I don’t like getting my eye medicine but soon it will be all healed. I have to go now. Talk to you later!”

 

The stress rings on Timmie’s little hooves tell a story. I don’t know what the story of her past is, but it’s history now. Life is starting all over for this little mare.

 

“Can someone tell me what a fox tail is? The humans keep saying that I have one – I want to see!”

 

June 23rd

Foxy was really good for Dr. Specht. She does have a really large ulcer that needs aggressive treatment. We’ll know more tomorrow based on some tests done today. Her blood work came back and I’ll share more about this tomorrow – it’s not great but I’ve seen worse. It’s been a very long day and we are all tired.

Please keep Foxy in your prayers. Timmie’s blood work wasn’t great either – typical of a horse that has not received proper care. She’s thought to be about 8 years old. We’ll be working on building up both of their immune systems. Please pray that they get better. I’ll update more tomorrow.

 

I’d like to ask for good thoughts and prayers for Willow. The vet will be seeing her today. She has some lumps on her forehead that have increased in size. It’s going to be something simple, it just is. She’s a sweet mare.

 

June 24th

Foxy’s blood work wasn’t great. She may be getting plasma today. She’s got some things going on and babies can take a dive really fast. She’s fascinated with her new friend that Auntie Betsy Rose gave her.

 

 

Dr. Specht will be out to run plasma soon. Foxy’s temp has been high most of the day and she’s not trying to nurse much.

Foxy got her plasma. I’m glad she’s so small. Dr. Ted says she is his smallest equine patient ever. She’s just precious. And fragile.

“Precious one, so small, so sweet. Dancing in on angel’s feet. Straight from heaven’s brightest star. What a miracle you truly are!”

Artwork by Greg Ambrose.

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A baby? Yes! Foxy & Timmie

Foxy is a baby mini horse that was born on June 14th, 2015 with an eye injury. The owner, who works full time, reached out for help because they are not able to apply meds to the baby’s eye that are required every 2 hours. We named her Foxy because her beautiful tail looks like a fox tail! She’s always swishing it.

Welcome to Beauty’s Haven little one!

First things first – eye meds!

Timmie got a needed bath.

Timmie has some scars and marks on her. Her owner said they had recently bought her at auction, pregnant, where they were told she rides and drives so I’m thinking the marks are from ill fitting tack. A little boy rode her through the auction.

Timmie is chowing down on some forage. I think they will be ok. We’ll have the vet out to do complete physicals and blood work. Timmie will need to see the dentist and farrier too. And we want to get Foxy’s eye checked out again too by our vet.

This little girl and her daughter will never go through the auction circuit again. We don’t know how old Timmie is – her coggins says 8 but I don’t know that it is accurate. We will see what Dr. Bess says.

Timmie is going to be even more beautiful once she fills out and tones up!

 

I just realized – Foxy was born on Betsy Rose’s birthday!

Here’s Foxy’s cute little tail in action! Giving meds every 2 hours can be tiring but it’s worth saving an eye. We will have Foxy’s eyes checked out by one of our vet’s tomorrow.

What a great day for Bob on Father’s Day – helping a baby girl and her momma! Katie is home today too. We miss Joshua though – he is at work. Happy Father’s Day Bob – we love you!

Foxy and her mom, Timmie, have settled in. What a great day!

 

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Meet Sawyer! June 18th Update

Lucy has been staying at the barn with the temps being 100+ degrees during the day – she’s not sweating. Thankfully, the new PortaCool arrived! Many thanks to the sponsor that took care of this!

Willow got a bath earlier in the week and a hooficure today. Thank you Cindy and Roe for helping today!

 

Some have asked how Beauty is doing – I’m happy to report that she is still recovering but she is better. She won’t be on grass for awhile (she was on a short walk from the paddock to her stall in this photo) but she is better which makes me feel much better. Thank you for caring.

 

Betsy Rose with DJ, a Tuesday volunteer that comes with her husband, Larry.

 

Meet Sawyer, an elderly pony that has joined our herd. He’s a sweet old (30+ years) soul – he reminds me a lot of our dear Casper whom we miss very much.

Sawyer will be getting his exam tomorrow by Dr. Julia Simonson, including blood work. Dr. Bess Darrow will be checking out his teeth on July 2nd. Hooficure today. Would anyone like to help sponsor this grand old boy?

Lots of hooficures! JoJo, Jazzy, Daisy, Lily, Ebony, Classy, Willow, Sophie, Donovan, Betsy, and our latest arrival, an elderly pony named Sawyer.

“Don’t laugh JoJo – you’re next! And Mommy Theresa says if we behave we can go out and play after our hooficures. So behave – I want to go play in the sprinklers with CaryLou!”

 

The donks were all well behaved for their hooficures today! Donkeys are so smart and they love to please but if they don’t want to do something, well, you just don’t tell a donkey what to do! I’m so proud of them for behaving today!

 

“But Mommy Theresa how come JoJo gets to work in the office and I don’t?” CaryLou is a stinker! His trachea still collapses now and then. But he hasn’t done his fainting goat impression lately.

 

Rascal’s barb wire injury is healing nicely. The socks from http://www.soxforhorses.com/ sure do help a lot.

 

Athena is so sweet – and beautiful! We are taking adoption applications on her now. She’s an easy keeper and would make a nice pasture pal.

 

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Betsy Rose’s 25th Birthday Celebration

June 13th

Tomorrow is Betsy’s 25th birthday and the boys 1st but we’re celebrating today!

 

Betsy Rose is watching all the activity as the party preparations have begun!!

Cleaning Betsy’s suite on her birthday morning!

The kids are so anxious!

 

JoJo says it’s his birthday and he doesn’t have to wear his mask!

Even Duke wants to help get ready for the party!

 

Vermont Bear is just hanging around waiting for the party.

 

Lynn is mowing to make sure the barn looks nice for the party.

 

Some of Betsy Rose’s friends have arrived for the celebration!!

 

Our little miracle girl had quite a surprise for her birthday! Freckles, Raggedy Anne, Andy, and Vermont Bear had invited some guests that arrived the day before. We kept everyone comfortable and hidden in the office – we didn’t want to spoil the surprise for the party!

Elizabeth and Bri had given her a spa treatment. A nice bath, towel dried, mane braided. And they added bows – we couldn’t forget the bows.

“Come on Betsy Rose – it’s your birthday and there’s a surprise for you!”

Meanwhile, at the front of the barn, we all heard Freckles say “Shhhhh! Everyone quiet please! She’s coming!”

And then there was silence. Lol

I stayed on Betsy’s good eye side so she couldn’t see what was behind me (she can’t see out of her right eye). Once we got there I let her go and we all watched her eyes light up as she realized there were some new faces!

“Oh my gosh Freckles! Where did all of these dolls come from? They are precious! All of them!”

“Betsy Rose they were all hand made out of love and they came from far away! On their journey here, they all heard about you and just couldn’t wait to meet you in person! Do you know what people from all around the world call you? “Betsy Rose – the little mare that believes!”

“Well, thank you all for coming! You’re going to love it here – you can all bunk with me and Freckles and the others, ok? My suite is big enough for all of us! Besides, we don’t want one of the doggies or donkeys to pick you up and run away with you. Oh my gosh – look at the birthday cake that Auntie Blodwyn made for me! She always makes the bestest cakes!”

“Well, go ahead Betsy Rose and eat your cake! We’re going to sing “Happy Birthday” to you! Enjoy!”

You could just see the look of “Oh my gosh this is going to be delicious!” all over Betsy’s face!

We made a promise to Betsy Rose when she first arrived here that we would make all of her tomorrows everything her past should have been and we intend to keep that promise. We loved watching her meeting her new friends and enjoying her cake. She’s a bundle of blessings!

“Are you all sure you don’t want any of my birthday cake? Because it’s really yummy!”

“No thanks Betsy Rose – there’s another big cake for all the humans that we can share. This cake is all yours!”

“Freckles it was good to almost the last drop. But the last drop is stuck to the plate! I think I need Mommy Theresa to come hold the plate a little lower so I can get it.”

Betsy Rose doesn’t have to ask twice! I was happy to comply!

“Freckles this is a great birthday! I can’t wait to hear everyone’s stories about where they came from and all about them – can they stay for awhile?”

“Oh yes, they will be here for a few weeks and they want to hear your stories about life too. Everyone loves you Betsy Rose.”

“Mommy Theresa can you please load up all my new friends into the wagon and bring them to the shade of the tree? We’re going to start those stories today after my party! Thank you, and all my human friends, for making my birthday special. Oh, and don’t forget that the boys birthday is coming up a little later today – we can all have fun at that too! Just don’t let the boys leave with any of my friends, ok? You know that JoJo loves to run off with things!”

And so, new friendships are made and new stories will begin. Stay tuned for updates about Betsy Rose and her friends!

We had a wonderful day today – the birthday party was somewhat quick once it got started – it’s hard to keep the attention of Betsy and the boys for very long! I have pictures I’ll post tomorrow. I’ll be singing “Celebration” in my head for days to come! Lol

 

 

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Barb Wire Injury – new arrival June 9th ~ June 12th Update

June 9th

The first song I heard on the radio this morning is Betsy’s Song “I Can See Clearly Now!” I’m taking that as a sign that it’s going to be a bright sun-shiny day!

 

We have strange things happen here. This dust storm came out of nowhere.

 

What a hard life these little ones live….

 

Daisy and her favorite front porch. Lol

 

June 10th

Mercedes says Serenity can share my stall anytime. We’re buddies now.

 

This little guy is about 10 years young and had a bad injury from barb wire that was not being treated and he has a large lump on the side of his face. It’s still an open case so I’m not in a position to provide more details at this time. I named him Rascal. He’s such a sweet horse. Look at those soft, kind eyes.

Rascal has a large mass on the right side of his face.

 

He has a barb wire injury – humans were seen riding him like this. Thankfully, a concerned person saw this and called authorities.

 

Rascal would bite at his injury while the flies were having a feast off of it – I just can’t imagine. We’ll get this taken care of as well as the mass on his face, his feet, teeth, etc.

Rascal’s feet obviously hadn’t been tended to in a long, long time.

There is almost no frog in any of his feet.

June 11th

Thankfully, Rascal is very good about letting us treat his barb wire injury.

He was really good with Dr. Julia Simonson for his exam. Blood work was done and a fecal.

The Summer Whinnies are so easy to use! Learn more about them at the website http://www.soxforhorses.com/ They are absolutely a great product.

Matilda – love those long ears! We’ve had to start putting medication in her right eye again.

 

June 12th

A cool bath first thing in the morning. I think Willow likes it!

 

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A volunteer speaks out & more! June 1st ~ 7th Update

June 1st

“It’s all mine!” Bouie and Frodo really are the best of friends!

 

The “we are waiting for breakfast” crowd.

 

Mishka and Baby Ray

 

A year ago today Mary went to Rainbow Bridge. We love you Mary, always!

 

June 2nd

A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE ~

 

June 3rd

One of my favorite photos of you and Little E from your visit Laura Brasile.

 

A beautiful message from our dear friend, Laura Brasile. Laura lives in another state but volunteers at the rescue when she is in the area visiting family. Thank you Laura for your support, your time, and your kind words!

“Good morning to all! Just wanted to drop a line about my time at Beauty’s Haven Farm and Equine Rescue. This was my second visit and my second time volunteering for a couple of days at the rescue. I want to start by saying how excited I get with every mile closer to being there. Driving down the road that parallels the rescue, well, there’s nothing like it. You start to see all the horses that you know and love one by one and then as you pull closer to the barn, you see the Princess herself, Betsy Rose. They are all so perfect and beautiful and so happy to see visitors coming.

One thing that strikes me the most is how fast time goes by at the rescue. There’s always so much to do and you’re constantly moving and I typically ate my lunch standing up because I couldn’t wait to get back out there. I would eat my salad next to Little E and breathe in his gorgeous horsie smell and just think about how happy I was to be there. The next thing you’ll notice is how hard Theresa and Bob work continuously, tirelessly…All. Day. Long. 24/7. Their hard work and dedication to these beautiful animals is second to none. They don’t stop all day and go long into the night. After one long, hot day, I had dinner with Theresa and Bob at about 8:30pm. During that dinner there was discussion about how a couple of the water tanks had to be cleaned and refilled and how the dogs needed to be fed and office work had to be done. Again, this was at 8:30 at night! Bob finished his dinner and went outside to handle the tanks while Theresa fed the dogs and got ready to tackle the HUGE pile of paperwork in the office. Which made me realize how lucky we are to get the updates on the horses that we can’t wait for. But they still come. And Bob goes out at 11pm to help a volunteer whose barn had flooded. These are amazing people who work 24/7 to keep everything moving and together.

Looking at the beauty of the property and the gorgeous horses and how clean and sparkling everything is, you tend to forget that all of this is supported by donations. Donations only. We all see the sad photos of the incoming horses and are tortured by thoughts of what they have endured and we all jump in to help when one of our own gets sick, but we tend to forget that even when everything looks to be going smoothly, the donations are still needed. Horses still need to eat, medications still need to be purchased, special socks for special needs, fly masks, fly spray, farriers and vets need to be paid…this money all comes from our donations. Realizing that, I am going to set up a monthly donation through their PayPal. I can’t afford to pay what I’d really like to pay but I know that every single dollar counts. Even if someone could only afford $10 per month, it still helps. I’ve decided to have my coffee at home or at work and stop going to Starbucks. That money will now be going to Beauty’s Haven Equine Rescue. You can do this too. It’s a beautiful thing to do and helps the horses more than you can imagine. And the rescue is a 501(c)(3), which means that it’s a non-profit and if your company has a matching gift program, the rescue qualifies – more donations to help the horses = win-win! Honestly, Theresa is one of the most generous, genuine, honest, hardest working, beautiful inside and out, people that I’ve ever met. Total respect and I’m happy to say that I think of her like family. Sorry this is so long, this is something that I feel very passionate about. Thanks for still reading (if anyone made it this far, lol). Consider donating what you can and/or setting up a monthly donation. You will be helping more than you can ever imagine.

Sorry this is so long, this is something that I feel very passionate about. Thanks for still reading (if anyone made it this far, lol).” ♥”
Laura

Waylon and Little E sharing some hay. Waylon sure did fill out nicely.

 

Did you know…the “average” life span of a horse is 25 to 30 years. At BHFER Little E is our oldest horse and he is 32 years young!!! Who is your oldest??

 

June 4th

Well, Jazzy must feel much better. Kylie and I clipped him a few days ago. He didn’t care too much for it but he wasn’t too bad about it.

 

“That ball is bigger than us Daisy!”

 

JoJo claiming he was “guarding” my water. I can’t tell you how many water bottles he’s demolished.

 

Lucy got a hooficure and a bath a few days ago.

 

Willow is doing very well and is looking for a forever home.

 

June 5th

Here’s our Fun Fact on our Beauty’s Haven Farm and Equine Rescue page today – thought I’d share it here too…

Do you know…BHFER has strict policies when adopting out a horse? One policy is “barb wire is not acceptable”. This is for the horses protection. It only takes a few inches of barb wire to injure a horse. Do any of you have a barb wire story to share? Prevention can literally save a life!

 

June 6th

Another Fun Fact from our business page!
Did you know…a male donkey can reproduce at 10 months old? Did you know that castrating a donkey is more risky than castrating a stallion? Does anyone know why? (Here at BHFER we have two male donkeys that are both castrated)

 

Congratulaions American Pharoah!

 

“Mommy Theresa, I think we have a little problem. The ear has to go through the hole with the other ear.”

 

Our boys are looking almost grown up! They are BFF. Hilarious to watch!

 

I think we could assume that CaryLou is not happy about the rain.

 

Betsy Rose is simply adorable.

 

Athena and Sisco doing a little grooming interaction. They are both looking for good forever homes.

 

I want a day that looks like this tomorrow (along with a cool breeze).

 

June 7th

Andrew and Katherine giving CaryLou a bath last weekend. Yes, I’m behind on posting pics. Lol

 

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Silver Belle, Cisco, Donks, Peaches & More!

May 14th – 21st, 2015

May 14h

What do these two now have in common? Permanent tracheotomies!

May 16th

Good morning everyone! Daisy’s full of smiles today! It’s going to be another very busy and hot day here. Before it got too busy we wanted to wish everyone a great day!

My escorts this morning. Duke beside me in the golf cart seat, Jazzy leads, JoJo stays right beside me. LOL Have a great day everyone!

Remember Silver Belle? She was also raised by Momma Sue, Aaleyah Belles mom. She’s loved. This is what helps to motivate us to keep going – happy horses, happy humans!

May 17th

I wish I could end the day with some good news but I can’t. In fact, I’d like to ask for prayers for one of our horses and his adoptive parents. Some of you may remember Cisco – an older Haflinger pony cross that came to us in 2012 from a home where the owner was a meth user. I got a call from his adoptive humans this evening – he was colicing – thought to be a twist. I haven’t heard back from anyone yet but I hope and pray he’s working through it. He’d been given fluids, etc. Cisco is a lovely soul – he keeps watch over Tia and Tess – two donkeys that were also adopted from us.

Update – we lost Cisco to colic which is a dreadful thing. Thank you Tony and Michelle for giving him a wonderful home and the love and care he deserved. Rest in peace Cisco – we love you, always.

May 18th

JoJo’s ears are still growing!

May 20th

Betsy Rose on her evening walk about.

I’d say Serenity really hit the Jackpot! Thank you Phil for giving her a wonderful forever home!

Radar ears waiting for me at the bottom of the office stairs! JoJo is a hoot!

If only all of the property could be so green. This is Frosty’s Knoll – a very special place.

The trio of donks is never very far away. Of course, JoJo is always first followed by Jazzy and then Daisy.

Cookie is doing well. She got a hooficure this past weekend from Laura Ritonia-Castaños. And one of Cookie’s best friends, Kim Furse, held for Laura. We truly appreciate them!

Well, our snowbirds are gone until the fall. We’re going to miss you Suzanne, LouAnn, and Ginny!

LouAnn having fun with Lily.

Ginny and Fancy

May 21st

Donovan is a huge teddy bear. Such a kind horse. And big. Really big.

 

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Black Prong Obstacle Challenge Fundraiser & More! May 9th ~ May 13th Update

May 9th

Obstacle Challenge 2015 here we are! Cheri McDermott and her team have been working hard on planning making this fundraiser a success and they sure did a great job! It raised $2500 in funds to help the horses!

 

Black Prong Obstacle Challenge 2015! It’s great!!! Having a blast!

 

It was really nice to get off the farm for awhile.

 

 

Great place! Black Prong! Waylon seemed to truly enjoy it too!

 

 

Fancy and Katie had a blast.

 

is Eva walking around with Waylon so he could graze.

 

Kylie and Fancy having fun.

 

Many thanks to Cheri for making this happen and to everyone that helped her pull it all together to make it a success! I’m sure it was a lot of work and it’s greatly appreciated! And many thanks to Black Prong Equestrian Center for letting the Challenge to be held there! It’s a great place!

 

There was a silent auction and prizes too!

 

Seems to me I remember Peaches doing the same thing in the same spot when Katie went through this course a few years ago. We miss Princess terribly!

 

May 10th

Happy birthday Katherine!

 

May 11th

The storm that came out of nowhere left us with a little pond. It poured buckets in a very short time. We need the rain but not at erosion speeds.

 

The three amigos all looking to get into something. Gotta love them! They are hilarious!

 

May 12th

Lake Beauty’s Haven.

 

Always good to see Betsy Rose enjoying just being a horse!

 

Peaches is doing very well. Three more weeks of stall rest.

 

Magic visiting with Blodwyn. He was so happy to see her. And to get scratches!

 

Look who arrived back at the rescue today! Peaches felt bad – she wanted to come home from the hospital so badly she forgot to bring them home. No worries – they are back and we appreciate the kind folks at the UF Large Animal Hospital for sending them home!

 

May 13th

Love this girl to pieces! So proud of our kids! Katie is training someone in one of the labs today at UF.

 

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Aaleyah Belle, Peaches & More: May 3rd ~ May 7th 2015 Update

May 3rd

Serenity is on her way home to Phil Yarbrough. I didn’t say goodbye. I’ll see her again and Phil will share her with us with updates and photos. She will be meeting my goddaughter, Mercedes, today at her new home.

 

Serenity is home!!! Thank you Phil!

 

From Phil: Here ya go Theresa. This is what we hoped for!

 

Our hearts have been heavy today. God has called home a very dear friend. Bill Newton was a wonderful man with a heart bigger than Texas! Bill and his wife, Blodwyn, have been married for 66 years – I know his family will miss him (we all will) and their life will never be the same. But just think of all of the wonderful memories they made! Memories are more valuable than any amount of gold and nobody can take them away, ever. We were very blessed to have been able to spend some time with him and Blodwyn on Friday. Blodwyn has been a volunteer here for many years.

Seven years ago today, on May 3rd, 2008, the very day that Eight Belles lost her life while running in the Kentucky Derby, a special Thoroughbred filly was born near the rescue. Eight Belles gave the race her all and crossed the finish line in 2nd place. But sadly, in doing so, both of her front ankles broke and she was euthanized where she went down. In honor of Eight Belles, we named the newborn baby Aaleyah (means greatest gift from God) Belle (IMO Eight Belles). Below is a photo of Bill singing Happy Birthday to Aaleyah in celebration of her first birthday. Happy Birthday, Aaleyah!

 

Bill was retired from the Army – he loved this country and proudly served in the Korean and Vietnam wars. He fought for our freedom and always stood for what is right – he is a hero.

 

I’ll never forget Bill’s bear hugs and the “You got this, kid!” We love you Bill, always. And Blodwyn, we love you and we will always be here for you – you’re family! This is Aaleyah Belle greeting Bill and Blodwyn with her slimy hello!

 

May 4th

Peaches getting some grazing time before her surgery this afternoon.

 

May 6th

Good morning!

 

Barn Divas! Beauty is improving ever so slowly but every little bit is a good thing. Betsy Rose is doing great.

 

Daisy, JoJo, and Jazzy always share their hay. We try to keep them out of the sun.

 

Everyone loves Matilda! I’m so proud of her and her recovery!

 

When she arrived here you could put you hand between each rib. She was skin on bones. There’s no excuse for any animal to be denied proper care. She’s a survivor that will never be neglected again.

 

Love, love, love these hay nets! They save time and money! No wasted hay. Fill in the am and the horses are good until night time. Easy to carry and durable – they’re the best! The donkeys certainly endorse them!

 

Peaches is coming home today!

 

Peaches arrived back at the rescue. She will be on stall rest for 30 days which she’s not very happy about. I’ll give more details later – it’s been non-stop here. And today we have to somehow modify her stall to allow her to look out the window. She’s all closed in so that she doesn’t rub her trach area on anything and open the stitches. We’re extremely short on volunteers. Thank you to everyone that helped Peaches – we truly appreciate it.

 

 

“Jazzy look at MY sand pile! I’ll share it with you if you take my mask and sun blanket off!”

 

That morning we received a call from a nearby farm advising us that a mare and her newborn baby were going to be shot because the baby had a wry nose. When we went to pick them up we found a sand lot with no shade or cover and a mare with a baby by her side. It was obvious the mare had given baby any and all nutrition she’d been able to get while carrying her – she was deathly thin. The baby could not latch on to mom to nurse because of her wry nose. A few more hours and the baby wouldn’t have survived. Once at the rescue they settled into the birthing stall and we milked mom and bottle fed the baby while waiting for the vet to arrive. We were very concerned that the baby hadn’t gotten the colostrum she very much needed from her mom. Blood tests were done on both of them during their exams and we learned that the baby’s IGG level was only 17 and it should have been at least 1000! The vet had to run plasma and he was amazed that the baby survived!

Aaleyah Belle continued to drink from a bottle and grew stronger. A few days after Momma Sue and Aaleyah Belle arrived, another orphaned filly arrived. She was named Buttercup. Buttercup and Aaleyah Belle quickly grew close – as sisters. The girls both drank from milk bottles that we hung in the birthing stall. Momma Sue watched over them, always. After some rehab, which included some ups and downs, surgery was performed at UF to correct Aaleyah’s wry nose. At the hospital she became ill and it was quite a roller coaster ride but Aaleyah never gave up! It was a wonderful day when they came home and were reunited with Buttercup. A few weeks later, we picked up another orphan filly from the same place Momma Sue and Aaleyah Belle came from. We named her Silver Belle – she had been impaled on something and had a hole clear to the bone at her chest and injuries to her knee. So, Momma Sue then had 3 baby girls to watch over and love! This was the beginning a story that will melt your heart. Momma Sue and her girls – they taught us so many lessons about life. It was an experience I’ll never forget.

Aaleyah overcame so many obstacles – it’s a miracle she survived! I admit, it took a lot of care and a great care team to get her through but it was worth it! Her motto is “Never give up!” I find it quite sad that many people do give up on babies like Aaleyah and lives are lost. There are quite a few babies born with wry nose but many people don’t know about them because the majority of them are euthanized after birth. We share Aaleyah’s story to let people need to know about the condition exists and, in most cases, it can be surgically corrected and the horse can live pretty much a normal life. Aaleyah Belle’s nose isn’t perfect but it’s beautiful and so is her heart – just like her momma’s. Here is a link to their Diary where you can read more about their story and see pictures: http://bit.ly/1c7sRNs. There are 3 parts to it – you’ll see the links.

Happy belated birthday Aaleyah Belle – we love you!

Baby Girl made is back home to Valerie. Thank you Double B Equine Transport, L.L.C. for always taking such good care of our horses!

 

May 7th

Peaches is doing better. Katie hand grazed her a few times today and each time she was more animated. She can breathe so much better!

 

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