Unfortunately, this isn’t a good update. Sisco’s cancer has spread and he also has navicular syndrome. He’s lived 30+ years and, at his age, we just can’t ask him to go through multiple treatments, in multiple places, over an unknown amount of time. The most humane thing we can do for Sisco is to let him join others from our herd that have gone to Rainbow Bridge before him.
Every horse owner has a responsibility to always provide the best for those in their care, to include letting them go in order to prevent unnecessary suffering. Making the decision is never easy – we love our animals so much we want to hold on to them forever. But it’s not about us – it’s about the animals that depend on us.
Loving Sisco enough to let him go to Rainbow Bridge is the most unselfish act of love that we can offer. The vet will be out later this week but, until then, Sisco will continue to get medication to help him be comfortable, lots of TLC, and lots of soaked orchard hay (which he loves).
We’ve had way too many losses this year and we hope and pray this is the last for a long time. Although, I’m sad to share that Kitty Cat has more tumors and Max’s hips are failing him. Thankfully, it’s not their time yet but we are taking it day to day and each day we are given is a blessing. And as for us humans here, our hearts break more with each loss. Prayers and good thoughts would be appreciated.
Thank you.
Theresa
As promised, just a quick update about Warrior. His bloodwork came back and all was okay! Please watch the video above, it will truly make your heart sing!
Warrior still needs assistance with his veterinary fees, so if you would like to help, please click the ‘Donate’ button below, and note that your donation is for ‘Warrior.’ All donations are greatly appreciated and no amount is ever too small.
Many thanks for all the good thoughts and prayers for sweet Warrior!
Sincerely,
Theresa
Yesterday, Warrior sadly had a bout of colic which worried us greatly. The vet was immediately called out and Warrior was tubed and oiled. Thankfully, he did have one bowel movement soon thereafter. Blood tests were done but he just was not feeling great. Early this morning, however, we discovered three piles of poop! I’m still anxious to get the blood work results back and will update you all as soon as I can.
If anyone would like to assist with Warrior’s veterinary fees, please click the ‘Donate’ button below, and note that your donation is for ‘Warrior.’ All donations are greatly appreciated and no amount is ever too small.
Thank you for your love and support!
Sincerely,
Theresa
Some of you may remember Sisco – he came to us in 2013. He had squamous cell carcinoma under his tail. Dr. Porter removed tumors and treated the areas with cisplatin and Sisco did remarkably well. Sisco has pink skin and we have lots of sun which is not a good combination. We prayed for a home offer to come along that could provide Sisco with nice green grass, lots of shade, and another equine friend. We were very happy when one of our adopters, Sue, offered the perfect environment for him. Sue had adopted Nash from us many years ago and after Nash lost his pasture companion, Sisco went to live with him, with the understanding that if SCC returned, we would bring him back to the rescue. Sadly, it did return, so we picked up Sisco yesterday, and he settled right back in at the rescue. We appreciate Sue for giving him a good home and lots of love for the past few years.
I had arranged for Dr. Templeton to come out yesterday afternoon to assess Sisco. Meanwhile, while we awaited her arrival, Laura was here doing hooficures and worked Sisco into her schedule. Sisco has an abscess in a front foot which we are treating. As Laura was finishing up Sisco’s trim, Dr. Templeton arrived. Sisco was a really good patient for her – he’s always been a good boy. His heart and lungs sound good. She drew blood – we should have those results late today or tomorrow. Sadly, SCC is on his lower lip and there is a mass by his anus again. Dr. Templeton debrided the area on his lip. We are treating the areas with a topical for now.
We don’t know how things will turn out for Sisco, but here is what we presently know – he is in good spirits, he’s eating, drinking, prancing around at times, and talking up a storm. We will review his physical assessment and bloodwork results with our care team and we will lay out a plan for him.
Sisco isn’t a youngster, he’s 30 plus years of age. We won’t ask much of him and we won’t let him suffer, but we will give him as many good days as possible – they all deserve that. He’s comfortably eating soaked hay in a small paddock with a nice shelter while enjoying the cooler temps and seeing old friends.
We are still trying to recover from our recent losses of Bria, Nina, Little E and Mini Magic. I haven’t had a chance to share what happened with Mini Magic (she was adopted out years ago) yet, but I will do so in the near future.
Sisco needs help with yesterday’s vet bill, as well as sponsors to help with his daily care needs. If you would like to help, please click the ‘Donate’ button below. Please also note that your donation is for ‘Sisco.’ All donations are tax deductible and no amount is ever too small.
Thank you, we appreciate all of you.
Sincerely,
Theresa
I apologize for taking so long to explain what happened with Little E. I haven’t been adjusting very well to the new normal here without him. He was the first horse we’d look for each morning before breakfast and the last we’d see each night, for his 11pm feeding. And in between breakfast and the last meal of the day, he received four additional soft mushy meals. His teeth had been worn down to next to nothing before he came to us.
You could tell the time of day here because Little E would show up and let you know it was time for his next meal – he was quite the character.
Often, you could find him standing alongside Magic’s fence line, even during the hottest and sunniest of days, or standing beneath the Friendship Tree. He’d also show up under the tree on Frosty’s Knoll when it was time to be fed. Sometimes, when you’d walk with him, he’d “chit chat” with a deep whinny that vibrated throughout the air. I miss him, and that deep grumbling whinny, so very much.
After Little E had a seizure last Saturday afternoon, he improved and stabilized. On Sunday morning, he looked good and he ate breakfast. A couple of hours later, he took a turn for the worse and it started again – aimlessly walking and spinning, muscle tremors, and sweating.
I contacted Dr. Templeton right away and asked her to come out. There’s not much you can safely do to help a horse when the horse is having a seizure, especially if they are spinning in circles and unsteady on their feet. But we were able to halter Little E and we stood with him for awhile. Then he started walking and slowly spinning again – he was exhausted and finally went down and he did so pretty gently, thankfully. While waiting for the vet to arrive, I checked his vitals. I also checked his eyes and there was no menace response, my heart was very heavy. I stayed with him, holding his head while talking to him, and prayed for a miracle.
When Dr. Templeton arrived, we reviewed blood test results from the day before – everything was pretty much normal. As we talked about options, prognosis, etc., I was still holding onto Little E, watching and listening for any sign of hope from him, but it never came. Quality of life is so very important and doing what is in the best interest of each horse, after consulting with our care team and considering all options, is the path we take.
We loved Little E enough to let him leave this world as a proud Arabian with grace and dignity, while surrounded by a whole lot of love. It was the last and greatest gift we could give to him.
Bob and I were thankful that our daughter, Katie, and our son, Joshua, were home and got to say their farewells along with Jenny and Kathy. I’m sure Little E knew we were all there and that he was loved, so very much. I never let go of him and, as he transitioned to Rainbow Bridge, I told him how much he was loved and that he’d soon be with his old friends Jake, Gentleman, Solace, Point to Ponder, Hope, Princess, Granny Jewels, Abby, Matilda, Momma Sue, Cookie, Betsy Rose, and so many others, in a place where there would be no suffering, hunger, or pain. Little E went very peacefully to Rainbow Bridge. He was buried next to his very good friend, Bria.
Little E had been with us since August 2007, a year after Beauty’s Haven officially began. He became entwined in our hearts and lives and was part of the very soul of this rescue. He quickly became a self appointed Ambassador, our “meeter and greeter,” for anyone that showed up at the gate, be it human, horse, or other four-legged animal.
When new horses arrived, after being in quarantine, they would sometimes live with Little E on the two acres around our house and up on Frosty’s Knoll for awhile. They were free to wander about and had access to a number of paddocks where they had shelter if they wanted it. I loved watching them everyday. From orphan babies like Buttercup, to seniors like Bria, Little E was there for them. And for many, most recently, Bria and Nina, he was with them to the very end. The Friendship Tree will never be the same. In my mind’s eye, I still see him there.
Little E was a wise old soul and, for many humans, he was very therapeutic. He would listen as they shared their thoughts and stories with him and he’d make faces like he knew what they were saying – he simply made you feel good. He loved his mushy meals and Ginger Snaps but he didn’t care for his fly mask. We are very grateful for the time we had with him. It was a true blessing.
We appreciate everyone’s good thoughts and prayers – your support means a lot. We also appreciate Dr. Templeton’s support, very much, and our awesome volunteers who are also feeling the loss of a beloved soul.
Over the weekend, I hope to be able to sit and read the many lovely messages we have received. I’ve tried a couple of times but ended up in tears and had to walk away. Letting any horse go is so very difficult but I continue to hold on to the belief that someday, we’ll see our loved ones again. Little E may be gone but he will be with me always – he’s forever in my heart.
Sincerely,
Theresa
It is with a heavy heart to inform you that our precious Little E has transitioned to Rainbow Bridge. Please keep our little man and all who loved him in your prayers.
Thank you, all, so very much.
Sincerely,
Theresa
Once the vet arrived, she gave Little E DMSO, vitamins, and fluids. Bloodwork was also done. It’s possible he had a mini stroke or it may be EPM. By late afternoon, Little E was thankfully, doing better.
Little E slurped up his meals this evening (he gets soft mashes). Whatever happened today wasn’t good but we are very thankful that it wasn’t worse. It could have had a much different ending which would have completely crushed so many hearts.
Many thanks to Pam and Pat for their help today – they are very much appreciated. I called Jenny after Little E went down and she came out, too. This tough little senior Arabian gelding is loved, so very much.
We truly appreciate everyone’s prayers and support. We will be keeping a close watch over Little E and we hope that it was a one time thing. We’re praying for a calm night.
Please keep our precious Little E in your prayers. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Theresa
Hi Everyone! It’s me, Little E! It’s time for another Hay Run so I asked Mommy Theresa if I could come here and try to help. She said, ‘Of course, Little E!’ She told me we need to raise $635 for one ton of Orchard Hay, so if anyone would like to help, it would make me and all my horsey friends so very happy! Just click on the Donate button below and note your donation is for Hay!
Thank you! Gotta go now!
Love,
Little E
Lightning and Satin had been staying in the quarantine paddock but yesterday, it was time – they had a much needed bath and then we turned them out into the main paddock.
They seemed to enjoy their new adventure and slowly made their way around the paddock. When they got close to Dancer and Jo, they just kept on grazing. Dancer and Jo kept their distance for awhile, but by this evening, everyone was comfortable.
Thank you to everyone who has helped these two very special horses!
Sincerely,
Theresa
Hey Everyone!
Guess what? I received a surprise gift in the mail the other day from a very special Auntie! It was two big bags of Sneak-e-Snacks, my very favorite treat in the entire world! As you can see by the smile on Katie’s face, I am really enjoying my treats!
Thank you, Auntie Beverly!
Love,
Penny