Sweet Warrior

Last Wednesday, when the vet came out to help Chloe transition to Rainbow Bridge, we had him examine Warrior, our twenty-five-year-old Falabella mini. I was concerned because Warrior hadn’t been feeling well. Although his vitals were normal, there was a bit of crackling in his lungs which may have been due to his allergies which oftentimes, worsen this time of year. Bloodwork was performed and he was started on antibiotics while his supplements were modified. We also scheduled Dr. Bess, our Equine Dentist, to come out on Friday. Her dental examination revealed that Warrior did have a few sharp teeth which were immediately addressed and our ‘Little Man’ is now, thankfully, a bit more perky and is eating more.

On Friday, Dr. Mangan also came out to check Warrior’s eyes. Warrior appreciated it very much and gave Dr. Mangan a special ‘thank you’ which you can see in the video.

Warrior had been staying around the barn with Frodo and Bouie for a few days so I could keep a closer eye on him, but since he was now feeling better, we let him go back to his paddock where he continues to do well.

Sincerely,
Theresa

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Our Beloved Chloe

‘To place your horse’s need for you to let her leave her failing body above your need to keep her with you – that – is the greatest and purest love.” ~ Cynthia Garrett

These past few months have been really hard for us and yesterday was no exception. I will go into additional details within the next few days, but I felt I should get this message out as I know there are many others who care about Chloe.

Chloe was a nurse mare foal who came to us at only a few days old, in April 2006. Her conformation wasn’t the best, and, as she grew, her legs didn’t seem to be able to keep up with her large frame, plus, she was toed in. I remember sitting at the barn, watching her, and telling Bob that I was concerned that her conformation would become an issue later in life. I prayed I was wrong.

Chloe became lame a few years ago and was diagnosed with sesamoiditis in both front fetlocks due to her conformation. With supplements, shoes, injections, etc., we managed to keep her comfortable. Over time, her right knee became an issue which progressively worsened.

We knew that someday, her quality of life would become an issue and we would need to do the right thing at that time.

We had reached the point where her care team, including her vets and farrier, agreed there was nothing more we could do and it was time to let her go. On Wednesday, at 4:10 pm, Chloe went to Rainbow Bridge.

My heart has been shattered so many times over the past year. Losing Beauty, my heart horse and the namesake of Beauty’s Haven, in November, took the breath out of me and knocked me to my knees. I still haven’t recovered. Now, losing Chloe, shatters my heart even more. My only consolation is that she no longer is in pain and is on this side of Rainbow Bridge, where Beauty leads the rest of our herd, awaiting the arrival of the many humans who love them dearly.

Sincerely,
Theresa

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Amira


Amira experienced choke this morning so Dr. Valle, our veterinarian, was immediately called out. Dr. Valle, thankfully, cleared the obstruction but he believes that Amira has likely choked in the past as there is some scarring in her esophagus. We will therefore be modifying her diet. Amira is quietly resting in her stall now and she will be getting antibiotics for the next few days.

If anyone would like to help with today’s vet bill and medications it would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your continued love and support.

Sincerely,
Theresa

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Sweet Jo

Jo hasn’t been herself for the past couple of days. Her vitals have been normal, but she really hasn’t been interested in her meals, which is very unusual.

On Friday morning, when I took Jo’s temperature, it was elevated at 102.7 and she did not eat her breakfast. Dr. Valle came out and examined her and performed blood tests.

Jo is thirty-six years old and was diagnosed with dementia a few years ago based upon observed and documented changes over time. At first, we saw changes in Jo’s normal habits – for example, at times, she gets ‘stuck’ in one place for a while unless we assist her in moving along. At times, she forgets to eat her meals which is most unusual as she adores her meals and can never get enough, but when she has an ‘episode,’ we have to keep taking her food to her.

Jo also appears to be deaf and looks lost, disoriented, and/or confused at times. Her good days, however, thankfully, far outweigh her bumpy days.

Jo was skin on bones when we picked her up in 2019. Dancer, her very best friend, who is thirty-three years old, was also in poor shape upon her arrival at Beauty’s Haven. Both have a physical examination at the minimum of once yearly and bloodwork is performed every six months. Komanchee, our resident forty-year old pony, has also been diagnosed with dementia.

Lastly, I am so happy to report that Jo is pretty much back to her normal self today. Her bloodwork, however, indicates that her liver is a bit stressed. We are witnessing changes that are a part of life and aging, not only with Jo, but with others here too, including Dancer. You can’t negotiate with Father Time, but we will always support them nutritionally, physically, and in any way possible until their quality of life becomes an issue. That is the promise we make to each and every precious being who enters through our gates ~ ‘that all of their tomorrows will be everything that their past should have been.’

Sincerely,
Theresa

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Won’t You Be Our Valentine?

A Valentine’s Day Wish

The ‘Velvet Nosers’ here at Beauty’s Haven are eagerly awaiting Valentine’s Day and they truly hope that each of their ‘Aunties’ and ‘Uncles’ will send them a ‘Virtual Valentine!’

All you have to do is forward a $5 donation and indicate the name of the equine, dog or cat who you would very much love to be your Valentine. Of course, you may send a Valentine to more than one member of our beloved herd and if you would like to forward a donation greater than $5, that would be so very much appreciated as well.

Our little herd is comprised of: Aaleyah Belle, Amira, Bouie, CaryLou, Chloe, Dancer, Ebony, Elka, Frodo, Jazzy, JoJo. Jo, Komanchee, Lily, Lucy, Luiji, Magic, Mishka, Mo, Peaches, Rio, Valley Girl, Warrior, Waylon, Walker, Willow, Benjamin, Shadow, Allie, Neo, Gio, Oreo and Pearle.

So, if you would like to make one of our ‘Velvet Nosers’ truly happy this Valentine’s Day, just click on the ‘DONATE’ button below and please include the name of your very special Valentine.

Thank you everyone!

Sincerely,
Theresa

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