Hey Everyone!

Mishka here! With the cold weather upon us, me and my horsey and donkey friends go through much more hay than we do during the warmer months so I just want to let you all know that it is time for another hay run! We are in need of two tons of orchard hay ($610 each) and three large compressed bales of hay ($110 each) for a total of $1550.

I have some wonderful news though! A very special Auntie has offered to match all donations up to $1000 so for each dollar donated, your gift will double!

There are many ways in which to donate. You may forward your donation via various means here on our Website or via PayPalMe. If donating via PayPal, please designate your donation to ‘Hay Match Game.’ If you select the tab, ‘Send Money to Friends or Family,’ no fees will be deducted from your contribution. All donations are tax deductible and no amount is ever too small.

Thank you!

Love,
Mishka

Hello Everyone,

The new arrivals are doing well. The oldest mare, Bria, was born in 1990, the dark bay mare, Rascal, was born in 1994 and Zoomer, the chestnut, was born in 2000.

When they arrived on Tuesday, they were curious, but cautious. What seemed most intriguing to Zoomer were the minis – it was like he just couldn’t figure out what they were up to and why they’re so small!


On Wednesday past, Dr. Julia came to do exams (including blood tests) on the new arrivals. Andrew came to do hooficures and Dr. Bess came to do much needed dental work on both Dancer and Bria. We truly have a great care team!

 

I do have some very good news to share, however! Zoomer and Rascal left for their new home yesterday! They are so very blessed to have a loving home just in time for the holidays! We’re very excited for them!

Bria, the senior mare, will likely, live out her life here at the rescue as a special needs sanctuary horse. I know she would be very appreciative to have sponsors to assist with her care, so if anyone would like to make a one time donation or sign up to become a monthly sponsor for this sweet girl, we and she would be forever grateful!

There are many ways in which to donate. You may forward your donation via various means here on our Website or via PayPalMe. Please note that your donation is for “Bria.” If you donate via PayPal, please select the tab “Send Money to Friends or Family,” and no fees will be deducted from your contribution.

Thank you, all, so very much, for your love and support.

It continues to be crazy busy here – it really never stops. These three beautiful souls were abandoned on foreclosed property. They arrived in the nick of time yesterday, as it was the first night that temperatures dipped down into the 40’s, accompanied by horrific winds.

I am most certain that these sweet horses were so very thankful when we tucked them into the shelter for the night and provided them with plenty of hay.

Please stay tuned for an update with further details.

With the devastating loss of our sweet Baby Hope last week, our Match Game for Hay seemed of little importance and was temporarily, put aside. We only have enough hay for today, however, and we still have $480 remaining in Matching Funds, so if anyone would like to assist with this need, it would be so greatly appreciated.

There are many ways in which to contribute. You may forward your donation via various means here on our website or via PayPalMe. If donating via PayPal, please designate your donation to ‘Hay Match Game.’ If you select the tab, ‘Send Money to Friends or Family,’ no fees will be deducted from your contribution. All donations are tax deductible and no amount is ever too small.

Thank you all, so very much, for your love and support, as well as for your beautiful, heartfelt messages of condolence for Theresa, Bob, the Beauty’s Haven Family and our precious baby girl.

Warmly,
Jeanne

It just never stops. This mare is Jo’s friend – they lived together for many years, but she also needs to come to the rescue. Bloodwork was done and the results aren’t great. The mare may not look too bad on the outside, but she has a number of issues and the vet suggested we get her here sooner than later. Cooler temps and rain is predicted, so we’re trying to bring her here today. She needs help with everything: dental, vetting, farrier, supplements, etc.

A dear friend and supporter of the rescue has offered a $300 Match Game whereby every dollar donated to help this mare will be matched until we reach $300. At that time, the $300 in donations will morph into $600! All donations are tax deductible and no amount is ever too small. The mare also needs monthly sponsors to help with her ongoing needs. Automatic monthly sponsorship donations can also be set up via our website.

Would anyone like to make a one time donation or sign up to be a monthly sponsor for Jo’s friend? There are many ways in which to donate. You may forward your donation via various means here on our website or via PayPalMe. Please note that your donation is for “Jo’s Friend Match Game.” If you donate via PayPal, please select the tab “Send Money to Friends or Family,” and no fees will be deducted from your contribution.

Thank you, all, so very much, for your love & support.

We knew from the beginning in our journey with Hope, that, being a dwarf, she had quite a few obstacles to overcome. And Hope was, without a doubt, an overcomer.

We watched Hope grow and learn to find ways to work around her challenges. Caring for her took a good amount of time, work, and patience, but there is no price we can put on the rewards, which were great. She appreciated everything done for her. She loved to cuddle, really cuddle. She loved Kitty Cat, her Portacooler, and music. She loved to meet people and other animals. And she truly loved her big blue bed and her stuffed toy and BFF, Jerry.

Hope was a happy little calf that smiled a lot – her smiles were contagious. Everyone who met her simply adored her. Bob and I loved sitting with her, talking with her, and watching her in awe. During those times, at least for me, I could sit and just breathe – not stress about what still needed to be done that day, not look at the phone or the clock, not worry – just relax and breathe.

The last two days that Hope was with us were horribly hot and humid. She seemed off, just not herself. She didn’t have a temperature and her vitals were normal. Her appetite wasn’t what it normally would be, but that happened at times when the heat and humidity were especially bad. The second day, she wasn’t interested in food or water. Her temp, HR, and RR were all still normal. Concerned about dehydration, we did get water and electrolytes in her. I stayed with Hope, all day, observing her and following Dr. Sonday’s instructions in giving meds, etc. If Hope got worse, or was no better by the next morning, Dr. Sonday would be out.

By evening, I became very concerned that I hadn’t seen Hope chew her cud. I rubbed her belly and used Essential Oils on her. After awhile, she did start burping and then chewed her cud some. She started drinking water which was a huge relief. Hope walked around a little, picked at a little grass, and I was delighted when she took a cookie from me which she had refused all day. We tried taking selfies again, but, as usual, I didn’t do very well. As the night came, she rested and we watched. At 12:03 am, she very peacefully slipped away from us.

We all knew that someday, that day would come, but we had hoped for much more time with Hope.

Dr. Sonday said that Hope’s organs were as her body, not correct in form and function to sustain life into adulthood. She assured me that all that was done, was the best that could be done, and that Hope just wasn’t built to live in our world for long.

Hope gave many people joy and a sense of purpose. She was, and always will be, a very special girl that touched our hearts deeply. We were more than blessed to have had her entrusted to our care for as long as we did. I know I’ll see her again someday, with a perfect body and perfect legs that enable her to run all over the place!

I haven’t brought myself to read your posts yet, but I will. Jeanne has warned me to grab tissues before I do. We loved this little miracle calf that shouldn’t have survived birth much less survived living on the ground for the first several weeks of her life with the hot sun and torrential rains beating down upon her. It says a lot about her determination and love for life. We’re slowly adjusting, accepting, and moving forward. God bless all of you for caring.

When the world says, “Give Up,” Hope whispers, “Try it one more time.”

It is with a heavy heart and deepest sorrow that we must inform you that our beloved Baby Hope has gone to Rainbow Bridge. Our precious little calf died peacefully in her sleep at 12:03am surrounded by Theresa and Bob. Theresa will provide a complete explanation in a few days, but at this time, she, understandably, needs time to grieve.

Please keep Theresa, Bob, Baby Hope & the Beauty’s Haven family in your prayers.

Warmly,
Jeanne

JoJo and Jazzy here! We just want to let everyone know that three very special Aunties have offered to match all donations up to $650. The first $100, with matching funds, will be used to purchase two blankets for our new friend, Jo, a medium weight blanket as well as a lightweight blanket. The remaining $550 in matching funds will be applied to this week’s hay needs. We know that everyone was so very generous to help Jo, recently, so if you are unable to assist with this need, we truly understand. Please share, though, okay?

Sending Donkey Hugs and Kisses,
JoJo & Jazzy

There are many ways in which to donate. You may forward your donation via various means here on our website or via PayPalMe. If donating via PayPal, please designate your donation to ‘Hay Match Game.’ If you select the tab, ‘Send Money to Friends or Family,’ no fees will be deducted from your contribution. All donations are tax deductible and no amount is ever too small.

Thank you!

I apologize for taking so long to post this update. The daily chores/needs we tackle here each day are many and there is little extra time. Those of you who have been with us for a long time, know I used to post often throughout the days/nights. Now, I try to post at least a couple of times a week when I am able to make time before calling it a day. Hopefully, soon, I’ll be able to post more routinely again.
And now, for Jo’s long awaited update

Jo’s kidneys and liver are stressed and she’s fighting infection. She has a heart murmur, severe muscle atrophy, and is about 300 pounds underweight. She has a poor coat and patches of skin without hair. Her coat, thankfully, is actually looking slightly better already. Her appetite is good and she’s drinking and getting the supplements that she needs. She’s also being treated for ulcers. As I mentioned in my update yesterday, Jo’s feet needed attention, too, but they were taken care of the day after we brought her to the rescue.



Like most horses, Jo walked right into the stall in Dr. Bess’ dental trailer. She was an absolute angel the entire time.


Most of Jo’s issues came about due to the condition of her teeth. Dr. Bess Darrow (Tune Ups Veterinary Equine Dentistry) found ulcers in Jo’s cheeks, gums, tongue, and soft palate due to sharp points. One sharp point put the palatine artery at significant risk of being cut which could have caused Jo to bleed out.


There were large ramps and her front teeth are on a slant due to misalignment which physically obstructed the motion she needed to properly chew. Because Jo couldn’t chew, it decreased the ability of her digestive system to extract much needed nutrients from any food she did manage to get down. It also put her at risk for choke and colic.

Most horse owners know this, but for those who don’t, when a horse chews, it is a grinding motion that, over time, wears down the tooth surface. Sharp hooks and points form. Teeth wear unevenly which causes the mouth to close improperly which can lead to chronic colic, weight loss, quidding, bad behavior, and other issues. Quidding is when food gets rolled into balls which fall out of the horses mouth and drop to the ground. Sometimes, rather than chew with a painful mouth, a horse will try to swallow food before chewing is complete which can cause choke, colic, and weight loss. Jo was quidding. Sometimes, a horse will pack food on the side of its mouth (when they are unable to chew on that side) which can cause gum disease and tooth loss.

When a horse is younger, uneven wear can be corrected. Left unattended, the issue progresses and becomes severe as in Jo’s case. Horses’ teeth erupt and wear over their lifetime. As a horse ages, the eruption rate slows and teeth get shorter. With an older horse, there might not be any tooth left below the gum to keep erupting and teeth may start to fall out. When a horse loses a tooth, the tooth above or below it, doesn’t have anything to grind against. The teeth on each side of the empty space start moving toward each other and feed can get packed there which can cause issues that would need veterinary attention.

As a horse ages, the digestive tract becomes less efficient at absorbing and processing nutrients. Reduction in the ability to mechanically break down food (through grinding of the teeth) lowers digestibility. It’s important to ensure a horse’s diet is tailored to suit their particular needs. Senior horses like Jo, and Little E, need a complete senior feed that is easy to chew and is highly digestible. This feed can be soaked and made into a soupy mash which helps prevent choke. The increased water intake also helps reduce digestive issues. These horses benefit from smaller portioned meals that are offered more frequently throughout the day.


The day after Dr. Bess did Jo’s teeth, it felt good to know Jo could finally use her mouth without the pain and discomfort that she had been feeling for quite some time. And Jo actually looked brighter and happier!

Providing proper dental care for the entire lifetime of a horse is very important to its well-being. Routine dental care can help a horse live a longer and healthy life by preventing issues and unnecessary pain and suffering. Every horse owner has an obligation to provide this to their horse.

Jo’s previous owner said they were feeding her two meals a day, and I do believe them. After Jo arrived, she passed manure and there was grain in it. We were told that Jo’s teeth were floated about 1 1/2 years ago by a farrier. Whoa – red flag! This is a good example of why it’s important to have an equine dentist, or veterinarian skilled in equine dentistry, like Dr. Bess, to properly diagnose, correct, and treat dental problems as well as administer sedation (if needed).

We’re thankful that Jo’s previous owner finally reached out for help before it was too late, allowing us the opportunity to make a significant difference in Jo’s life. She wouldn’t have lasted much longer. Recovery may take awhile – many things happen to a body when it has been deprived of proper nutrition. But Jo has a bright attitude and we have the means (thanks to our supporters) to provide what she needs to help her through this time.

We thank all of you for caring!


Dr. Darrow is a veterinarian and is International Association of Equine Dentistry certified. She specializes in equine dentistry. Her dental trailer is awesome and most horses walk right into the padded stall. She uses a full mouth speculum and bright light, a drencher, power and manual tools, a soft chin rest and/or a head suspension system, mirrors, other instruments, and sedation (when needed). She provides a dental record and chart of the horse’s mouth which describes the work she did and also shows diagrams of the teeth. It’s obvious to us that she understands the whole horse and cares about her patients. She has been treating our horses for years!

Dr. Darrow’s website is Tune Ups Veterinary Equine Dentistry and she can also be found on Facebook. We truly appreciate everything she does for the horses, not just here, but everywhere! She spearheaded Houses4Horses, a non-profit organization that began with efforts to aid horses following Hurricane Michael in 2018 in Florida’s panhandle. Houses4Horses is also helping to provide vet care, hay and feed for horses and livestock remaining on Grand Bahama Island in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian.

It was a beautiful day at the rescue last Sunday – the weather was nice and there were no “surprises.” Jo greeted us in the morning with bright eyes and a whinny to start the day. Jenny arrived and gave her a much-needed bath and spa treatment. Jo seemed to hold her head a little higher after her bath so I’m thinking she really enjoyed it. Her sores were treated and her mane and tail were brushed out. She’s very beautiful.



Happy Feet

Jo had a happy hooficure day on Monday – she truly needed it and I am sure she felt much better afterwards!



A Visit with Dr. Julia

The vet also came on Monday to do an exam on Jo, including blood tests. We were told that she is 35 years old but I’m not sure if that is correct. There’s probably a combination of things contributing to her being so thin, but I do believe that with proper care, she has the desire, and ability, to overcome. Jo is very vocal, alert, and interested in everything that goes on around her. She’s a very kind soul.



Hope

After examining Jo, Dr. Julia visited with Hope.



A Visit with Dr. Bess

Dr. Bess came on Wednesday to do Jo’s teeth. She aged Jo to be 28 years young. I will be sharing a comprehensive update with some pretty incredible photos as to the vet and equine dentist’s findings, within the next few days.

We truly appreciate everyone’s support for sweet Jo.