With gratitude for your continued love and support. Wishing you a Blessed Thanksgiving.
Sincerely,
The Beauty’s Haven Family
Candace and Lady Sophia have come so far. From death’s door to two beautiful and healthy girls. Lady Sophia is so proud of her girl – she is a wonderful mom who loves her baby dearly. Candace had a rather large umbilical cord hernia that needed to be repaired. On Monday, they made a trip to Ocala Equine Medical Center so that Candace’s hernia could be repaired the next morning.
It took some time to get Candace to understand that she needed to get on the trailer with her mom to get to the milk bar. Once she did, however, they settled in nicely for a ride to the hospital and upon arrival, they contentedly settled into their stall. Our thanks to Pam of Double B Equine Transport for always taking great care of our precious cargo!
Back Home
Candace and Lady Sophia arrived back home on Tuesday and unloaded just fine. They settled into the birthing stall and the first thing Candace wanted to do was visit the milk bar and mom was truly happy to oblige. Once that was taken care of, Frodo stopped by to say hello. He believes that he is quite the “studly stud.”
Candace will be on stall rest for three weeks for her hernia repair to heal.
Then, if all is well, they will be able to go out into a small paddock for a week. After that, they will be turned back out.
Thank you all for your good thoughts and prayers. It’s so good to have the girls back home.
Wishing you all a wonderful weekend.
Sincerely,
Theresa
Mishka has been having some worrisome issues. Sometimes his feet get packed after it rains which can cause him to become tender footed. We dread this because when we are able to pick up a front foot, he tends to throw it forward rather abruptly which makes it dangerous for the human tending to his needs. And, if we’re lucky enough to get a foot up, we can’t make him keep it up. Trying to maintain proper balance in his feet has always been quite challenging and proper balance is very important.
After a recent rain storm, we discovered Mishka to be lame the next day – he simply would not cooperate in order for us to examine and clean out his feet. After a couple of days, we moved him into Penny’s paddock with Peaches, which is closer to the barn where we could keep a better eye on him and ensure he was drinking enough water. Because the lameness issue arose suddenly, an abscess was suspected – his pulses were not elevated and there was no heat in his feet.
The day before the farrier was to arrive, as I was trimming hair around Mishka’s coronary band, I poked around above his left coronary band a bit with my fingers to see if I’d get a response from him and suddenly, an abscess opened up at his heel. The smell was horrible! While he may have gotten some relief, he wasn’t close to being much better. Because Mishka had been bearing more weight on his right foot due to the abscess in his left, we placed icepacks around the right foot as a precaution. Bearing most of the weight on the right foot could cause laminitis.
We scheduled the vet to come out to do x-rays and we are quite concerned with the findings. Mishka’s front right does have rotation and his side bone has gotten worse in both feet.
Bloodwork done which indicated he was slightly dehydrated. Results from one blood test will not be ready until next week. The farrier came yesterday and, as always, Andrew did the best he could, but to do the job right, and to provide Mishka with balanced feet and shoes, we need stocks. Using boots isn’t an option because we can’t keep his feet up long enough to put them on. Stocks not only enable the handler to restrain a horse without hurting him, but prevent injury to the handler as well.
We have needed stocks for a long time, but now, it is an absolute necessity as we want to keep Mishka as comfortable as possible so he can be with us for many more years.
This isn’t going to be an inexpensive investment but we have faith that, with help from others, we will be able to procure the needed stocks and raise enough funds to cover Mishka’s present and future vet bills and x-rays. We don’t have the recent vet bill yet but Mishka will need additional x-rays and more “hooficures” to make adjustments over the next several weeks. The stocks are about $2400 which includes shipping – other horses will benefit from them as well.
A very dear friend and supporter is offering a most generous Match Game whereby all donations up to $1000 will be matched dollar for dollar!
If you would like to help Mishka while doubling your donation at the same time, just click on the ‘Donate’ button below. All contributions are tax deductible and please be assured, that no amount is ever too small.
Thank you, all, for your love and support,
Theresa
And now, for your Friday afternoon smile: watch the above video of Candace doing what she was meant to do – she was “Born to Run!” There are simply no words needed but please watch the video to the end, Frodo is absolutely precious!
Candace was exhausted after her adventure and she almost fell asleep while I was picking her feet after taking her and her momma, Lady Sophia, back to their paddock.
Our Baby Candace is growing up so quickly!
This is what five weeks of TLC can accomplish thanks to the love and support of our amazing little village of supporters. It is because of each and every one of you that this little miracle and her momma are with us today. We are so truly blessed.
Sincerely,
Theresa
It’s Always Something!
Thanks to our wonderful Aunties & Uncles, all my friends and I now have “Happy Feet!” But now, we are almost out of hay and shavings, and we would be forever grateful if you could help us fill up the hay cart and line the stalls with soft shavings.
All donations are greatly appreciated and no amount is ever too small. Just click on the “Donate” button below! Thank You!
Love,
CaryLou
The last few days have been tough for us here at the rescue. One of the senior members of our beloved herd, Nash, had recently been having issues. Despite all the love and care he received, we had to make the decision to help Nash transition to Rainbow Bridge yesterday. It was the same exact day a year ago that we had to make this very same decision for Little E. For those of you who have a Beauty’s Haven 2021 Calendar, Nash was our September horse of the month. Nash had been with us since 2004, he was a horse with a huge heart and a great mind. Born in 1992, he was a grandson of Dash for Cash.
I don’t like to say or even type the word “cancer.” I just call it the “C” word. Knowing we often can’t fix a “C” issue, we do everything possible to help make the horse comfortable and cherish every moment we are given with them.
But at a point, when there is nothing new to try and we have no doubt that their quality of life is impacted and is not going to improve, we love them enough to let them go.
Nash had twice been adopted out, but each time, he ended up back here at the rescue, his home. Not all adopters are able (or willing) to keep their commitment to provide a ‘forever’ home even if it had been their intention at the time. Our adoption contract requires a horse to be returned, if, for any reason, the adopter can no longer adequately provide care for the horse or no longer wants the horse. It also provides a means for us to reclaim a horse should the adopter choose not to do what is necessary to provide adequate care when given the opportunity. Sadly, the first time Nash was adopted out, he was returned due to the adopter’s priorities changing. The last time Nash was adopted out, we had to reclaim him after the adopter chose not to address care issues following a veterinary exam.
We were very blessed to have had this magnificent horse in our lives. And now, he runs pain free at Rainbow Bridge alongside Little E, together with another of his best friends, Jake, and the remainder of our beloved horses who have joined the heavenly herd. Someday, we will all be joyously reunited.
Nash knew love and he will forever remain in each of our hearts.
Sincerely,
Theresa
She’s Got Legs!
Candace was barely holding on the day we picked her up together with her momma, Sophia, (who has since asked that her name be changed to “Lady Sophia” so, “Lady Sophia” it is!). Both were in very poor condition, but they pulled through and I truly believe that they are going to be just fine. Both are happy and healthier and Candace is growing stronger by the day. Lady Sophia is simply stunning and is truly one of the sweetest mares I’ve ever met.
And now, for a guaranteed smile-maker: Click on the image above to view a video of Candace, and be certain that you watch until the end! Candace is a survivor, just like her momma and she is having a blast discovering just what her long legs can do!
This is what three short weeks of TLC can accomplish thanks to the love and support of our amazing little village.
It is because of each and every one of you that this little miracle and her momma are with us today.
Update on Jo
Dr. Wyman examined Jo last Tuesday. Blood tests were done and based upon the results, it appears that Jo (35 years old) is having age related kidney issues. We will be constantly monitoring Jo and modifying her diet and supplements. She’s such a very sweet mare. If anyone would like to help Jo with her recent vet bill and needed supplements (about $400), it would be so greatly appreciated. All contributions are tax deductible and no amount is ever too small. Thank you!
Our precious 35 year old mare, Jo, is having a tough time today. She has a high temperature and refused to eat her breakfast which is quite unusual as Jo always looks forward to all of her five daily soupy meals. She is, however, trying to munch on some alfalfa. The vet has been scheduled to come out today.
Jo came to us in horrible condition in October, 2019 (Photo on the left). It took some time, but her rehab went well. She has few teeth which is the reason why she receives mushy meals. Her best friend, Dancer, (Pictured with Jo in the photo on the right) is also up there in age.
Would anyone like to pledge to help with Jo’s vet/health needs today? I don’t know what the cost will be but she’s going to need an examination to include bloodwork. Prayers would be appreciated as well.
Sincerely,
Theresa
Who is this masked bandit?!
So very blessed to be a part of Candace and Sophia’s life. They are improving by the day. How this filly pulled through with such great odds stacked against her was nothing short of a miracle. They arrived just two weeks ago today! Please click on Candace’s photo to view a video which will truly make your heart sing!
Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!
Sincerely,
Theresa
Dr. Emily and Mandi came back on Friday to do follow-up blood and fecal tests on Candace and Sophia to see if there has been any improvement. I’ll provide an update as soon as I am able. In the meantime, “hooficure” day for Sophia and Candace was a success, they were great! Our farrier Josh was very patient with Candace. It was her first trim, we are so proud of our baby girl!
Thank you all for your love and support!
Sincerely,
Theresa
Happy Feet
Our farriers are scheduled every four to six weeks as the needs of each horse varies. If you would like to help sponsor a hooficure for which the average cost is $35, we would be forever grateful. You may forward your contribution via the ‘Donate’ button below. If donating via PayPal, please designate your contribution to “Happy Feet.”
Standing Tall
Candace here! Look how tall I’m standing now! I’m still really skinny but I’m better than I was and I’m going to keep getting better! Please click on my picture to the left to see a video of me standing tall while talking to my new friends!
Restoring Her Glory
Isn’t Sophia stunning? She is on her way to becoming the proud girl that she once was, thanks to the love and support from our amazing little village of friends and supporters!
PHOTO: Sophia on the track in her former life as a racehorse.
Click the above image to view a precious video of Candace!
“Did you know that I didn’t have a name until Mommy Theresa brought me and my mommy to the rescue? But now, I do have a name and it’s Candace! Mommy Theresa said every baby deserves a name. And guess what?!? My mommy has a name too – it’s Sophia! Isn’t that a pretty name? Both my mommy and I are feeling better. She really loves the alfalfa we get here. It’s nice to have good hay and to not have to eat weeds and leaves anymore. I do have a big surprise to share! Are you ready? Is it okay if we go back to the beginning of me and my mommy’s story – before we came here?
Before we came to Beauty’s Haven, we lived in a place where there wasn’t any grass so me and my mommy were hungry a lot. There were some trees for shade and we had water – we loved the water! Mommy would put her nose in it and swish it all around. I can’t remember what happened first – if I was too tired to nudge my mommy’s udders to get milk or if she was too hungry to even make milk for me. I just know the milk bar stopped working and I was so hungry and my mommy looked frustrated. I tried eating leaves but they weren’t good, and by the time I finished one, my energy was all gone. At some point, I lost my appetite even though my tummy was empty. My tummy was kind of big and puffy, even though you could see my ribs. I had sores and cuts all over me and my coat was missing hair in some places, but you know, I didn’t really feel any pain from them. But I seemed to get more tired each day. I wasn’t feeling very good, but I promised my mommy that I’d be a big girl and try to stay strong.
Then, a human came and started giving us hay and something called sweet feed each day! But my tummy started feeling not so good and I could hear my mommy’s tummy starting to make a lot of strange noises. Then guess what? It’s kind of embarrassing, but my poops got watery! A couple of days later, a man came who had a shiny gold star on his shirt. I heard him say that we needed a vet to examine us. The next day, another human came (Mommy Theresa) and she promised she’d be back to pick us up as soon as she got permission, and take us to a place called the rescue. She said that once we got there, we’d see a vet who would check us out and do tests to see what we needed to help us feel better. She said we’d never be hungry again! The very next day, she came back with a trailer. It seemed like it took forever for us to walk to it. I was just so tired. We had to stop a few times, but we finally made it and my mommy walked right on, but I needed help – I had run out of energy. We were only in the trailer a short time and when we got to the rescue, we saw green grass, hay, a shelter, and a big fan! We didn’t have a shelter or fan thing where we were living, so this was all new to me. There were humans at the farm who welcomed us and there were lots of horses that looked really happy. Even little itty bitty ones!
The vet poked us with needles and used something to listen to our hearts and tummies. The vet’s name was Dr. Emily and she had another nice person with her named Mandi. Dr. Emily gave me and my mommy something she said was good for us through what they called IV tubes. I heard everyone talking about how we needed lots of protein and good food. Since my mommy’s milk bar wasn’t working, they came up with a feeding plan so I could get stronger. Oh, I also have something called a three finger hernia under my tummy that needs to be fixed when my body is stronger. Mommy Theresa had already taken some of our poop and put it in a glove to see how much sand settled in the fingertips. Dr. Emily said it was a good amount. She took some more of my poop and some of my mom’s poop to test for what she said were parasites. Mommy Theresa told her that me and my mommy are Thoroughbreds and that my mommy once raced and had even won a couple of races! My mommy was a race horse! After they left, I nibbled on a little hay and then I laid down and slept. I slept really good – I was so tired. When I woke up, I could tell my mommy was more at ease which made me feel so much better.
A couple of days later after test results came back, Dr. Emily returned and reviewed with Mommy Theresa what we needed. She said my mommy has lots of strongyles, whatever that is, and she had given them to me through her milk because I had a lot too. It helped explain why, combined with not getting nutrition, our tummies look so big even though we are very underweight, and why my eyes are glassy, my coat is rough, I don’t have any muscle, I probably have ulcers, and why I feel so weak. They talked about how I wasn’t able to get milk from my mommy and what I should be fed. We need lots of good protein to help give us energy. Oh, and we have to take supplements. Some don’t taste good, but I take them anyway. I want to get strong and run around and play. Mommy Theresa and others here may not have seen me every time, but I did try the milk bar many times each day, but it was just broken.
Over the next couple of days, I met new aunties and they all love us! They said I’m very cute but way too skinny. Everyday, I kept trying to help myself to my mommy’s milk bar but it still wasn’t working. I did see Mommy Theresa get the milk bar to work a few times but I just couldn’t do it myself. But, I wasn’t going to give up. Over the last few days, I’ve been feeling better and now, I’m a bit stronger. I kept trying the milk bar and guess what????? I’m able to get milk from my mommy now! That’s right – the milk bar is working! That’s my surprise!
Thank you all so much for caring about me and my mommy! We promise to make you proud!”
Love,
Candace