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Elyza Rose Meets Freckles and A New Chapter Begins

Elyza-Rose Meets Freckles

Elyza Rose got a much needed bath yesterday. It wasn’t easy – her coat was so thick. Really thick. Cushing’s thick. I simply could not stand the thought of how warm she must be, even on the cooler days, so I opted to give her a quick body clipping. I can’t say I did a good job – I was losing daylight and I still had a ton to do. But I’m sure she has to feel a lot better and that is what is most important. She stood like an angel the entire time and I know that she is very grateful for her new ‘haircut.’

I also introduced Elyza to Freckles today.  Freckles is a very special little one too – she was Betsy Rose’s BFF.  When Betsy Rose came to us, she was only a 0.5 on the Body Condition Score (BCS) scale – it is a miracle that she survived.  Once a body reaches a BCS of 1, the organs have started to fail and most horses are not able to recover.  During the starvation process, the body feeds off fat, then muscle, then organs.  All odds were against her survival.  I was determined that Betsy wouldn’t be alone if she had to go to Rainbow Bridge.  A human was with her every minute, 24/7, for the first two months.  A few weeks after her arrival, Freckles arrived via USPS to keep her company too! At the 2 month mark, Betsy was able to walk on her own and we let Freckles take over the nightly watch for a few hours (we did have them on camera though) and he did a great job.  Betsy and Freckles formed a strong friendship.  Over time, friends of Freckles would show up to visit and most of them stayed.  Our little family grew larger.

Thankfully, Elyza Rose isn’t in nearly as bad of shape as Betsy Rose was. (Dr. Julia rated her a BCS of 2). After I introduced Freckles and Elyza, I heard Freckles tell Elyza Rose how good it is to have her here.  He asked if she would mind if he shared some stories about a special little pony mare that inspired many humans to never give up and to believe.  He was so excited! As I walked away, I felt a familiar tickle on my left cheek and I had to smile.  Believe…..

#betsyrosestrong #believe #bhfer #elyzarose #freckles

It took forever to get that thick and dirty coat clean.
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Elyza was such a good girl.  She kept licking her lips so I think she was happy about losing all that fur.
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Those eyes – that proud stance!
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“Elyza, did you know that you’ve made mommy Theresa smile a lot?  You have!  And that’s a really good thing.  She’s been kind of ‘out there’ since Betsy Rose left us and it seemed there wasn’t anything we could do to help make her feel better.  We all appreciate that you’re here and we hope you’ll like it here. I’ll introduce you to some of my friends soon, ok?  Oh, and let me tell you about JoJo and Jazzy…”
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Freckles is happy to have a new friend.  She’s missed Betsy Rose very much, too.

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And a new chapter begins…..

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We are currently in first place in the SunState Federal Credit Union Charity of the Month Contest.  A vote per day through the month of February, could help us win $1000 which will greatly assist the rescue with the purchase of hay and/or other needs. Just click here to cast your vote and please share amongst family and friends.  Please note that you will be prompted to “Like” SunState’s Facebook page prior to casting your vote and you must be a Facebook member in order to do so.

We are still awaiting the results of the Eagle Rare Life contest – the winners will not be announced until March.

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ELYZA ROSE SETTLES IN

Elyza-Rose Settles In

I am happy to report that Elyza Rose is settling in very well. I gave her a much needed bath this morning and clipped her later this afternoon. I just couldn’t stand seeing her long, thick, and unhealthy coat. She’s so good for the heart – I just can’t tell you how wonderful it feels to have her here. I feel like I’ve known her forever!

I believe that Elyza’s journey is a continuation of Betsy Rose’s journey. Betsy Rose’s presence here is very strong. Our Betsy Rose went to Rainbow Bridge on December 22nd. Elysa Rose came to us on February 22nd. The two months in between were dark and very depressing. My heart shattered with the loss of Betsy Rose and I didn’t know how I would ever put it back together again. I went through the motions each day but I was numb and lost. But yesterday, when I hugged Elyza Rose for the first time, I felt an overwhelming and much needed sense of peace. It lit a spark in me that was fueled by Betsy Rose. I just know it! I know that what Elyza endured before she came to us was terrible – we are committed to helping her heal. However, I think Elyza Rose found her way to us to lead me down a path where my heart would heal which is what Betsy Rose would want. I believe that Betsy Rose had her hoof (and heart) in this. I will always believe.

#ElyzaRose #BetsyRoseStrong #believe #bhfer

Elyza is about 16 years old and, like Betsy Rose, may have Cushing’s disease. We will have blood test results back tomorrow.
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Elyza needs her eyes examined by Dr. Mangan – there’s something going on in her right eye which is the same eye that Betsy Rose had issue with.

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Her teeth are a mess and I’m going to bet she puts on weight nicely once her teeth are taken care of by Dr. Bess.
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She’s pretty thin (a 2 on the BCS) but she has a great appetite.
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Elyza’s feet needed to be tended to and Stephanie trimmed them today.
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When I hugged Elyza Rose for the first time, I felt an overwhelming and much needed sense of peace.
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We are currently in first place in the SunState Federal Credit Union Charity of the Month Contest. A vote per day through the month of February, could help us win $1000 which will greatly assist the rescue with the purchase of hay and/or other needs. Just click here to cast your vote and please share amongst family and friends. Please note that you will be prompted to “Like” SunState’s Facebook page prior to casting your vote and you must be a Facebook member in order to do so.

We are still awaiting the results of the Eagle Rare Life contest – the winners will not be announced until March.

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ELYZA ROSE

Elyza-Rose

 

It’s been a long day but I just have to update about the little pony mare. My selfie skills are no better but I wanted you all to see this precious face. She unloaded and has settled in. I’ll do a detailed update with photos as soon as I can – I’m eager to share!

I can’t explain what I felt today when I met her but I will say that I feel blessed and very much at peace. I named her Elyza Rose (Elyza is of Hebrew origin and means “Promised by God”). I don’t have to explain the “Rose” part.

I think that what we choose to believe can become our world. I choose to believe in miracles. I believe some things happen that we may never be able to explain. But I’m okay with that.

#BetsyRoseStrong #believe #bhfer #ElyzaRose

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BETSY ROSE’S LEGACY

New Pony Mare

It seems like forever since I hugged Betsy Rose. I’ve asked myself many times – what could we have done differently? But I know there was nothing more that we could have done. Betsy wasn’t a “normal” pony. She was angelic with a divine presence and there are just no words to describe her essence. This may not make sense to some, but when Betsy left, I felt lost and abandoned. Why did she have to go so soon? Why our Betsy Rose? How do I keep going? How will things ever get back to normal? I know Betsy is still here with us in spirit, but it’s not the same – I can’t touch and hug her. I miss her whinnies. I miss everything about her. When she went to the Rainbow Bridge, I wanted to melt into nowhere or go anywhere where the sense of overwhelming loss and hurt wouldn’t follow me. But there is nowhere.

As we announced at the end of December, we made the decision to downsize until we relocate closer to Gainesville where we would get more volunteers which are desperately needed. But then, I received a message – “Please can you take her? Some of her pasture mates didn’t make it – she needs your special care.” And then came a photo which knocked me to my knees and took my breath away. I went into a panic – emotional overload hit me like a freight train.

I put my phone away, ignoring the message and hoping it had been my imagination. But, later, when I checked my phone, she was still there and I just lost it.

I prayed about the request and at first the answer didn’t come. Well, when the answer finally came, I’m ashamed to say, I tried to bury it. But I couldn’t.

Betsy Rose and I had a very strong connection and before Dr. Specht helped her to the Bridge, I promised Betsy that her legacy would live on. I know Betsy Rose would want us to help this little mare – perhaps she even had a hand in this. I do believe, sometimes, that God puts people, and animals, in our lives just when we need them (or they need us) the most. Bob will be returning with this mare in a couple of hours. My emotions will be all over the place but I’m going to be #BetsyRoseStrong. Just like the promise we made and kept with Betsy Rose – we will make all of this mare’s tomorrows everything her past should have been.

We need help from our amazing village of supporters. The vet will be coming this evening to do a full physical on this little mare. She needs both her teeth and feet taken care of, etc. We still have a Match Game in progress for other needs, but now we have an additional need to help this mare. Donations are tax deductible and no amount is ever too small. Donations can be made through PayPal at bhfer@earthlink.net and there are various ways to contribute via our website at bhfer.org. Please mark your donations for “Pony Mare” and know that we appreciate your help. And I’d appreciate some good thoughts and prayers for all of us as well.  Thank you.

#BetsyRoseStrong #believe #bhfer

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FANCY AND ROSITA ARE HOME!

Fancy and Rosita
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I want to share some wonderful news! I have been praying for the perfect home for Fancy and Rosita for awhile now. While I adore both girls, they deserve their very own family who will love them and be there for them 24/7/365 days a year. Prayers were answered, and last night, Fancy and Rosita arrived at their forever home with Bernice and John who have been friends and volunteers since 2008.

These girls hit the jackpot and just started a new chapter in the rest of their lives. I couldn’t be more happy for them and their humans. I’m so proud of Fancy and Rosita – I know they will give their new family much love and many smiles. Together, they will make wonderful memories which will last forever. I’m going to miss them so much as will our family of volunteers. I’ve cried a river these past few days – a mixture of happy and sad tears. It’s always so bittersweet, but this is what we do. It may take longer to find the right home for each horse, but it has to be a perfect match. Adoption is meant to be forever, but if there’s an unexpected, major life change and the horse(s) need to come back, we are here for them. These horses are always family, a family which expands with every adoption. #Believe…

#betsyrosestrong #adoptdontshop #rosita #fancy #adoptionisanoption #bhfer #happilyeverafter

Getting Fancy and Rosita ready the evening before they were scheduled to leave was bittersweet. But I appreciate the extra time that I had with them that day.
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A big ‘Welcome Home’ from Bernice.
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A ‘Welcome Home’ kiss for Fancy.
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And another for Rosita.
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We are currently in first place in the SunState Federal Credit Union Charity of the Month Contest. A vote per day through the month of February, could help us win $1000 which will greatly assist the rescue with the purchase of hay and/or other needs. Just click here to cast your vote and please share amongst family and friends.  Please note that you will be prompted to “Like” Sunstate’s Facebook page prior to casting your vote and you must be a Facebook member in order to do so.

We are still awaiting the results of the Eagle Rare Life contest – the winners will not be announced until March.

#BetsyRoseStrong #believe #wecanwinthis #bhfer

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MATCH GAME TO HELP BEAUTY’S HAVEN

Feb132018 Blog Post

I’ve been banging my head against the wall trying to come up with a fundraiser to help with some urgent and time sensitive needs. All I’ve ended up with is a headache. So, I’m just going to put this out there.

  • The manure spreader broke and needs a new agitator part. The cost is $185 plus with shipping (about $25 – $30). Bob can install it.
  • When Bob went to get hay, he had to get the rescue truck jump started twice due to the battery needing replacement. The cost is $163.
  • Dr. Bess is coming on Wednesday to do dental work on some of the horses. I’m sure there are  more horses that need to be done than time allows but If we get donations to help, whatever  is not  used (if any) on Wednesday, will be put aside and applied towards her next visit. My estimate  for  this visit is approximately, $750.
  • A horse that was adopted out a few years ago recently came back due to his adopter’s unexpected  change in life circumstance so he will be needing sponsorship. He’s a big boy with a big appetite.  We had to pay for part of his last month’s board bill as well as transportation back to the rescue for  a total of $457.
  • *One of the farriers will be here at the end of the week – $150.
  • *Elevate Maintenance Powder from Kentucky Performance Products – $60.
  • *Cetyl-M Complete Joint Action Formula – $110.
  • *We need to make a hay run by the weekend which will be at least $800.
  • We need to make a shavings run as well – $84.
  • And I’m sure there’s more that I can’t remember at this point as it’s been a long day.

If anyone would like to help with any of these needs, it would be greatly appreciated. Our PayPal address is bhfer@earthlink.net and if you select the tab ‘For family or friends,’ no fees will be deducted from your contribution. Donations may also be made via various means on our website at bhfer.org and credit card donations can be made over the phone. Donations are tax deductible and no amount is ever too small. We don’t receive any local, State, or Federal funds – we operate solely from donations from the public.

Match Game!

Two wonderful friends and supporters have joined forces and are offering a $750 Match Game so every dollar donated – up to $750, will be matched and once we reach $750 in donations, they will morph into $1500! Donate Now.

SunState Federal Credit Union’s ‘Charity of the Month’ contest

Please also remember to vote for us every day in the SunState Federal Credit Union’s ‘Charity of the Month’ contest. It runs through the end of February and with your help, we could win $1000 which would be applied toward hay for our beloved herd.  Please also share and ask family and friends to vote daily and share as well. An organization can only win this contest once a year and we were most fortunate to have been one of the twelve recipients of the ‘Charity of the Month’ prize, for the past two years. I know that we can do this! Just click here to cast your vote!

Thank you all for your continued love and support.
#sunstate #vote #forthehorses #believe #betsyrosestrong #beauty

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SUNSTATE CONTEST, SPECIAL VISITORS AND AMAZING VOLUNTEERS!

Feb102018 Blog

Marie and Lynda are wonderful and dedicated volunteers (and friends) who come on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This past Tuesday, Jessie (from PA) also spent the day with us and the horses absolutely loved the extra attention!

It was great to see Jessie and Ron again – looking forward to next year already! And next week, we get to visit with Linda Jenny! I hope the weather remains this nice!

#AaleyahBelle #Sisco #Chloe #Kiana #Beauty #Ruby #Mishka #Starbuck #Magnum #Rosita #Zahara #Magic #gratefulforvolunteers #BetsyRoseStrong #beautyneedsprayers

Beauty isn’t any worse – so that’s a good thing. She could use some good thoughts and prayers. – with Jessie Lotrecchio.

Rosita, Mishka, and Zahara are all beautiful! – with Jessie Lotrecchio and Lynda Oakes O’Toole.

Ruby is a barn resident during the day. She goes out during overcast days and nights. – with Jessie Lotrecchio

A trio of trouble. lol – with Marie Riordan.

Kiana absolutely adores all of the attention she can get. – with Jessie Lotrecchio.

And then there is that tongue! Aaleyah Belle is stunning just like her momma – Momma Sue. – with Jessie Lotrecchio.

Magic even enjoyed scratches! Go Magic! – with Jessie Lotrecchio.

Sisco and Chloe hang out with Aaleyah Belle. – with Jessie Lotrecchio.

We are currently in first place in the SunState Federal Credit Union Charity of the Month Contest. A vote per day through the month of February, could help us win $1000 which will greatly assist the rescue with the purchase of hay and/or other needs. Just click here to cast your vote and please share amongst family and friends. Please note that you will be prompted to “Like” SunState’s Facebook page prior to casting your vote and you must be a Facebook member in order to do so.

We are still awaiting the results of the Eagle Rare Life contest – the winners will not be announced until March.

#BetsyRoseStrong #believe #wecanwinthis #bhfer
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BEAUTY UPDATE

Beauty Update
 
I’m so very happy to report that it appears Beauty has taken a turn for the better! It’s been a tough couple of weeks, but hopefully, the worst is behind us. I’ll update with more details later, but I wanted to share this good news! Thank you, all, for keeping Beauty in your thoughts and prayers.

Please remember to vote for us every day in the SunState Federal Credit Union’s ‘Charity of the Month’ contest. It runs through the end of February and with your help, we could win $1000 which would be applied toward hay for our beloved herd. Please also share and ask family and friends to vote daily and share as well. An organization can only win this contest once a year and we were most fortunate to have been one of the twelve recipients of the ‘Charity of the Month’ prize, for the past two years. I know that we can do this! Just click here to cast your vote!

Thank you all for your love and support and thank you to everyone who so generously donated to Saturday’s Hay Run!

– Theresa

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BEAUTY, SUNSTATE CONTEST AND A NEW MATCH GAME

Jiminy and Cricket
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We are once again, entered in the SunState Federal Credit Union Charity of the Month Contest. A vote per day through the month of February, could help us win $1000 which will greatly assist the rescue with the purchase of hay and/or other needs. Just click here to cast your vote and please share amongst family and friends. Please note that you will be prompted to “Like” Sunstate’s Facebook page prior to casting your vote and you must be a Facebook member in order to do so.

We are still awaiting the results of the Eagle Rare Life contest – the winners will not be announced until March.

#BetsyRoseStrong #believe #wecanwinthis #bhfer

We also have a Match Game in progress to assist with this week’s purchase of hay and all donations up to $225 will be matched!

Donations are tax deductible and can be made via various means on our website or via our PayPal address: bhfer@earthlink.net. If donating via PayPal, please designate your donation for ‘Hay Match Game.’ If you select the tab for ‘Friends or Family,’ no fees will be deducted from your contribution.

Thank you all, for your continued love and support!
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Lastly, please continue to keep our beloved Beauty in your thoughts and prayers.
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