May 2017 – Beauty's Haven Farm and Equine Rescue Inc.

I HEARD THE DOORKNOB JIGGLE – GUESS WHO?

05/18/17

I heard it. The sound of the door knob jiggling which really caught my attention – Sawyer used to do this often. But then I remembered – Sawyer is gone. The jiggling continues. I open the door and what do I see? A precious little donkey face looking at me!

“It’s me, Mommy Theresa! I used to see Sawyer do this so I thought I’d try it and see what happens. A few little jiggles and there you are! Am I in trouble?” I don’t think I could ever get upset with this little one – JoJo makes my heart smile!

Our Kami Comet has gained some weight and is looking like herself again!

05/24/17

Tinsel usually wears a fly mask, but since it was a rainy day and she did not need it, I took a few pictures so everyone could see her beautiful face. Tinsel is also ready for a new home!

Our most senior horse – a much loved Arabian gelding named Little E.

Emma managed to go on a field trip! Please click here to see a her explore the main paddock for the first time – it’s a link to a video that will make your heart truly sing!

Emma never gave up after being shot multiple times. Her knee took a bullet but it’s doing well. However, she is still trying to work through some neurological issues. There is a $7000 reward offered for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) that shot Emma. Contact Deputy Wells at the Levy County Sheriff’s Office if you have any information. 352-486-5111.

CaryLou and Lucy heading to the barn for breakfast. CaryLou always has to be first!

Please consider a donation for CaryLou, Lucy and the other members of the Beauty’s Haven herd. We are in need of donations for veterinary care, farrier services, hay and grain, dental work, equipment maintenance, and so much more. All donations are tax deductible and can be forwarded via PayPal at bhfer@earthlink.net or by clicking on the ‘Donate Now‘ button below. If donating via PayPal, please select the tab for ‘Friends or Family,’ and no fees will be deducted from your contribution. Thank you!

05/26/2017/by Theresa Batchelor

Horse Updates, Rainbow Bridge, Veterinary Care

SAWYER HAS JOINED OUR HEAVENLY HERD – 05/05/17

May 5th, 2017

Sawyer followed me around this morning after finishing his breakfast and having some pal around time with Lucy. I was delivering hay and, by the time I got to the 3rd paddock, I knew something was wrong. He was looking at his tummy – one side and then the other. We took him and Lucy to the barn and put them in a stall so I could take Sawyer’s temperature and listen to his heart and tummy. His temperature was normal but I didn’t hear any gut sounds and could not hear his heartbeat. We had a very drastic change of weather last night and usually Little E is the one that gets a gas colic. But Little E was fine. Sawyer, however, was far from fine – this was a very painful colic. I called the vet and administered medications, as directed. Sawyer became more painful and I was concerned that he could hurt himself in the stall so we opted to take him under the shade of the tree by the barn.

We hadn’t been in the shade of the tree long before Sawyer became even more uncomfortable. I administered more medications while we waited for the vet. As the medication started to wear off the second time, he laid down to rest. His gums became very pale and a toxic line became apparent. We were likely going to lose him but I prayed for a miracle. I talked to him and told him how much he is loved by many humans. I promised him that “his” Lucy would forever be loved and cared for – my heart was very heavy. I try really hard not to cry until after they are gone – but sometimes it’s just impossible.

When the vet arrived, she could not hear a heartbeat or gut sounds either and said he was not going to make it. Sawyer had gone septic and the only thing we could do was release him from his pain.

I held Sawyer tight as he went to Rainbow Bridge. He joined Penny and the rest of our heavenly herd.

Sawyer was a very sweet, wise pony of thirty plus years, one of our “Old One’s.” Losing two precious souls, Sawyer and Penny, within two days, was devastating. There are no words to describe the pain and helplessness that was felt as they made their journey to the Bridge.

Godspeed, Sawyer. Fly high and pain free with those beautiful wings you so gallantly earned. You will forever remain in our hearts – we love you, always.

05/05/2017/by Theresa Batchelor

Donkey, Horse Updates, Rainbow Bridge

FLY WITH ANGELS SWEET PENNY

May 4th, 2017

There’s a new bright shining star in the sky tonight. Penny has joined our heavenly herd. She was blessed with so many humans who loved her. All three of her mom’s were with her when she went to Rainbow Bridge – Penelope, Theresa, and Elizabeth. And her human big sister, Bri, was there too. Penny was surrounded by love. But our hearts are broken.

I came home and looked at some old photos. So many wonderful memories. Watching her as a baby and the five short years she had with us was a true blessing. I want to share some photos of her when she was a baby with her mom, Penelope. And one taken on a recent visit I had with her. She always made me smile.

Penny wasn’t a very healthy baby when she came to us in 2012. But with TLC and proper care, she grew strong and came to be loved by so many.

Penny would imitate her mom – it was a wonderful experience watching her grow up.

Like mother, like daughter.

Penny has her wings now. I can’t help but to keep asking why did this happen? Why our little Penny? The dreaded disease she had (pemphigus foliaceus) I would never wish on any other. I’m so thankful that I got to tell her how much I loved her before she went to the Bridge tonight. I’m very thankful she’s no longer in pain. I’m very sad she’s gone – my heart is broken. I hugged on Penelope for awhile before heading back to the rescue – she was such a good mom. Whenever I see Penelope, I’ll still see our little Penny.

Fly with the angels sweet Penny – until we meet again. We love you, always.

05/04/2017/by Theresa Batchelor