It’s time to update everyone on Elyza Rose – I think we’re “over the hump” now. After she came to us, Dr. Julia Simonson did a physical exam on Elyza, including blood work. Elyza was obviously underweight, her feet needed trimmed, her teeth were a mess, she was dehydrated, and her coat was long and matted. It’s possible she has Cushing’s disease but we didn’t test for it – sometimes unhealthy coats just need good nutrition. When Dr. Julia checked Elyza’s eyes, the only thing noted was that she had a weaker menace reflex in her right eye (that was Betsy Rose’s bad eye). Elyza had an “I just don’t feel good” demeanor which was understandable – not only had her basic needs been neglected, she had witnessed some of her pasture friends die.
After blood was drawn, we started Elyza on our routine intake refeeding and supplement program. Supplements include milk thistle (helps detox the liver), APF-Pro (supports overall immune system), aloe (helps the GI tract with its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties), etc. Blood work results were typical for a starved horse – there were some high values as well as some low. But what was most concerning were values indicating issues with her liver, kidneys, immune system, and digestive system. Additional tests were done to rule things out such as Theiler’s disease and fatty liver which came back negative. It is believed that Elyza ingested something toxic – many toxins can cause liver disease. The liver plays a vital role in the digestive process and nutrients that are absorbed in the GI tract pass through the liver. Toxins can also interfere with immune function and cause blindness. Sometimes, clinical signs of poisoning may not appear for days, weeks, or even months.
A few days after Elyza Rose arrived, her eyes became irritated. We thought it was from dust blowing off the road so we put a flymask on her. One morning, I found her lower right eyelid torn and bleeding but it wasn’t bad enough for stitches. We treated it with triple antibiotic multiple times a day and we put a hard cup mask on her to prevent her from rubbing and causing more damage. The next morning, I found her with the left side of her face wet from that eye draining which indicated possible injury. I thought this odd because she’d been wearing the hard cup mask. Dr. Julia came out and stained both eyes and found a very small ulcer in the left eye. She defined a treatment plan and advised that she was going to go out of state for several days. The plan was for her to recheck Elyza’s eyes when she returned from her trip unless the eye got worse in which case we would call another vet.
We checked both eyes daily and treated her left eye multiple times each day. A few days later, Elyza started to run into things on her left side. This brought back memories of Cookie and how she suddenly went blind without warning or known reason in her right eye.
The next morning, I found Elyza’s left eye cloudy and there appeared to have blood in it. We had already arranged for Dr. Cardona to come out that day to see Tinsel and Warrior and when he did, we asked him to examine Elyza’s eyes. He found her right eye to be ok – the torn lower lid had healed nicely. However, he found uveitis of the left eye. It was cloudy, unresponsive to manipulation, and the ulcer was worse so we adjusted her treatment plan.
Dr. Cardona also did another round of bloodwork to see how Elyza was progressing with her immune system and other issues. We were very anxious to get these results back to see how they compared to the first set of blood work that was done on February 22nd. Well, we’ve gotten the results back and I’m very happy to report that things look much better and Elyza’s eye is healing nicely, too, which is a huge relief!
Elyza is getting stronger, her coat looks healthy, and she’s gained some weight! She’s taller than Betsy Rose and she has a heavier frame but her mannerisms and expressions – well, it’s like déjà vu at times. Love this little mare!
#ElyzaRose #BetsyRoseStrong #believe #bhfer
When Elyza Rose came to the rescue, she got a physical, including blood work, by Dr. Julia Simonson.
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Elyza Rose had more of a menace reflex in her left eye than she did in her right. Betsy Rose’s bad eye was her right one.
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Elyza Rose tore the lower eyelid.
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The right eye got cloudy and there appeared to be blood in it – I became VERY concerned, knowing that she had ingested something poisonous – sometimes effects aren’t seen until days or weeks after.
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We’re happy to report that Elyza Rose is doing well!
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Elyza has put on some weight and her coat is healthy looking. She’s bright and alert. She seems to be a very happy little mare.
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We would like to offer our congratulations to the winners of the #EagleRareLife Award contest. There were so many inspiring stories – they are all winners in my book! While we didn’t win this year, we do thank all of you who voted for us. You’re all winners in my book too!
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Dr. Cardona came out yesterday to examine Tinsel and Warrior. Both were not feeling well. Their heart and respiratory rates were elevated. Tinsel has also been running a slight temperature and hasn’t been finishing her meals.
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Little Warrior was such a good boy for Dr. Cardona.
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Dr. Cardona also examined Elyza Rose’s eyes. She recently tore her lower right eyelid, but thankfully, it’s healing nicely. The ulcer in her left eye is a bit worse. So, more meds, more often. In addition to running blood work on Tinsel and Warrior, Dr. Cardona also ran blood work on Elyza to compare to her blood test results from two weeks ago as there were some issues at the time. I need to send out a detailed update about what’s been going on with her. Hopefully, we will receive the blood test results today. I’m not sure how much yesterday’s vet bill is, but I know it’s a lot. Two exams, one eye exam, blood tests on all three, and medications. It’s going to be several hundred dollars so if anyone would like to help it would be very much appreciated.
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One of our awesome farriers will be here on Monday to give hooficures to many horses. To support happy feet, we need to raise a total of $425. If anyone would like to help, our ‘Velvet Nosers’ would be forever grateful! Donations are tax deductible and can be forwarded via our PayPal address: bhfer@earthlink.net. If you select the tab, ‘Send Money to Family and Friends,’ no fees will be deducted from your donation. Please also note that your contribution is for ‘Hooficures.’ Other ways to donate can be found on our website at www.bhfer.org/donate.
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Lastly, thanks to all of you, we have won the SunState Federal Credit Union Charity of the Month Contest for the month of February! The $1000 prize could not have come at a better time and will greatly assist with the purchase of hay and/or other needs for our beloved herd.
We are still awaiting the results of the Eagle Rare Life contest which will hopefully, be announced within the next few days!
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March 4th, 2018
“Hi everybody! I’m Elyza-Rose and I’m a newbie here! Mommy Theresa says, I’m ‘home’ and I like that very much!
I’m really happy to be making new friends here. My friends where I used to live went to Rainbow Bridge and it made me sad to see them go. There wasn’t anything I could do for them – we were all hungry. I don’t know why I didn’t go with them. Mommy Theresa believes there’s a reason – she says I can make a lot of people happy just by being me. She says the world needs more happy and I’m happy to help! She promised me that I’ll never be hungry again and I believe her. I feel like I’ve known her forever!
Now, I’m making new horsey and human friends. And then there’s Freckles. And yesterday, I met Joe Camel! He’s pretty cool. Freckles said we’re going to start sharing camp fire stories at night (without a fire of course) like they used to do with Betsy Rose – especially when she had to stay in a sling. I don’t know anything about that but I think they’re going to tell me. But I have heard a lot of really nice things about Betsy Rose. Did you know there’s a sign in her stall that says, ‘Believe?’
I really appreciate y’all caring about me. I didn’t think I’d ever trust humans again especially after watching them let my friends starve and die. And I knew that I wasn’t going to last much longer. But then one day, a nice lady came and took me out of that terrible place! She told me that she knew just where I needed to go to get better. I didn’t feel very good and I was feeling worse and weaker by the day. But that lady cared enough to get involved and here I am! I learned to never give up and to believe and I want to help others to believe too!
I’ve got to go now. We’ve got lots to do. Jazzy pulled off JoJo’s mask and the sun is out. I hope JoJo doesn’t get into trouble.
Have a good day and remember to never give up and to believe!”
#betsyrosestrong #elyzarose #bhfer #believe
Elyza-Rose saw Dr. Julia last week. She somehow managed to injure the lower eyelid of her right eye. She didn’t need stitches, but we wanted to make certain that the eye itself wasn’t injured.
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Freckles enjoys spending time with Elyza and introducing her to more friends. Today, I found Camel telling his story about how he got here and about some of his past adventures. It was amazing – Elyza-Rose seemed to like the little ones and grazed very intently, making sure not to step on any of them.
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Elyza did, however, plant her foot in another feed tub again today. According to Freckles, one of the donkeys told her a couple of days ago, that if she stood in a feed tub, a human would feel badly that the tub was empty and then put food in it. Those boys!
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We went for a few walks in a grassy paddock and Elyza absolutely loved it! I think she’s gained some weight already! I know her coat looks shaggy – I clipped her in a hurry but I wanted to get that thick and unhealthy Cushing’s coat off her. I wanted to inspect for lice, ticks, etc. I haven’t had any time to clean up the poor clip job, but at least she feels better.
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“So what do y’all think of my new blankie? Mommy Theresa says this color is perfect on me! It felt like 38 degrees on Friday morning, but I was toasty warm.
This mask thingy looks a bit silly on me, I know. But it’s supposed to stop me from scratching my eyes. I wish they made them the same color as my blankie. Hopefully, I won’t have to wear it for long.”
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Yes, Elyza-Rose, you’re “home”![clear]
Lastly, thanks to all of you, we won the SunState Federal Credit Union Charity of the Month Contest for the month of February! The $1000 prize could not have come at a better time and will greatly assist with the purchase of hay and/or other needs for our beloved herd.
We are still awaiting the results of the Eagle Rare Life contest which will hopefully, be announced within the next few days!
#BetsyRoseStrong #Believe
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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.
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.
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
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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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
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
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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