Love leaves precious memories. I have no words tonight, only heartache.
Yesterday, I took our sweet Benjamin to the hospital for the second time this week. He had been sick after chewing up part of a pillow from a cat bed. We were unaware of just how much he had ingested, but he thankfully, threw up, as well as passed, some of the pillow contents. Sadly, he began vomiting after having eaten his meal, so we took Benjamin to the vet on Monday where x-rays were taken and fluids were administered – he was quite dehydrated. As nothing was found on the x-rays, and his bloodwork was good, medication to alleviate his nausea was prescribed which would hopefully, enable Benjamin to begin eating once again. Sadly, he continued to refuse his meals and subsequently, he lost quite a bit of weight. I continued to run fluids while constantly monitoring his vitals.
As there still was no sign of improvement, Benjamin was taken to the hospital again yesterday, whereupon, a second set of x-rays were performed which now revealed a blockage. Benjamin immediately went into surgery and the vet felt confidently, that all had gone well. Benjamin was released to return home at the end of the day. We got him comfortably settled into the home office and monitored him closely as he rested. A couple of hours later, as I was talking to him, holding his head across my lap, Benjamin, unexpectedly, but peacefully, transitioned to Rainbow Bridge.
And, there’s more.
Most of you are aware that Gabe has been fighting COPD ever since he arrived at Beauty’s Haven three years ago. Against all odds, we were able to get his COPD under control to a degree where he was comfortable. A few months ago, however, Gabe’s condition worsened, so our last hope was to send him to a foster home where there would be less dust. While there, Gabe initially was so much better, but he recently started to take a dive. Our care team determined that Gabe was at the point where his quality of life was just not where it should be and would only further deteriorate. We made the sad and painful decision to release him from his pain and yesterday morning. Surrounded by those who loved him dearly, our beloved Gabe peacefully transitioned to Rainbow Bridge.
Sweet Eleanor
We never have a dull moment here at Beauty’s Haven! As you all know, we are involved in a TNR program and we routinely, try to trap the feral cats that visit the farm on either Monday or Tuesday evenings in order to take them to a low cost spay/neuter clinic the next morning. On Tuesday evening, however, we were completely exhausted and didn’t plan on arming the cage which I can activate from the house with a remote control. The cage door, however, unexpectedly dropped down when a cat likely bumped it as we found a momma cat and one of her four kittens in the cage later that night (please click on image above).
When we arrived at the low cost TNR clinic on Wednesday morning, they were at full capacity for the entire day so we had to take them to another vet in town. When I went to pick them up, I only returned home with the kitten whom the veterinary staff lovingly named Eleanor. Sadly, Eleanor’s mom bit one of the veterinary technicians and is now in QT for the next ten days while Eleanor is resting comfortably in our catio following surgery to remove her eye. I am sure she misses her beloved momma but she does have Allie to keep her company.
Momma cat is still a kitten herself, born in April/May of this year but disappeared when she was about four months old. But, a few weeks ago she showed up at the farm with four kittens in tow. One kitten was mostly white but we have not seen her for a few weeks. Sadly, white kittens/cats don’t seem to do as well here as they appear to be easy prey for coyotes and birds. Eleanor always sticks close to her momma, while her two other siblings are more adventurous – we saw them again a few nights ago (we have cameras set up) and they are all thankfully just fine. We will try to catch them in the near future.
If all had gone as planned, we could have had the spays and vaccinations performed at a low cost TNR clinic, but due to Eleanor’s painful eye injury, we simply could not wait.
Sincerely,
Theresa
Our Hearts are Forever Broken
Love leaves precious memories. I have no words tonight, only heartache.
Yesterday, I took our sweet Benjamin to the hospital for the second time this week. He had been sick after chewing up part of a pillow from a cat bed. We were unaware of just how much he had ingested, but he thankfully, threw up, as well as passed, some of the pillow contents. Sadly, he began vomiting after having eaten his meal, so we took Benjamin to the vet on Monday where x-rays were taken and fluids were administered – he was quite dehydrated. As nothing was found on the x-rays, and his bloodwork was good, medication to alleviate his nausea was prescribed which would hopefully, enable Benjamin to begin eating once again. Sadly, he continued to refuse his meals and subsequently, he lost quite a bit of weight. I continued to run fluids while constantly monitoring his vitals.
As there still was no sign of improvement, Benjamin was taken to the hospital again yesterday, whereupon, a second set of x-rays were performed which now revealed a blockage. Benjamin immediately went into surgery and the vet felt confidently, that all had gone well. Benjamin was released to return home at the end of the day. We got him comfortably settled into the home office and monitored him closely as he rested. A couple of hours later, as I was talking to him, holding his head across my lap, Benjamin, unexpectedly, but peacefully, transitioned to Rainbow Bridge.
Most of you are aware that Gabe has been fighting COPD ever since he arrived at Beauty’s Haven three years ago. Against all odds, we were able to get his COPD under control to a degree where he was comfortable. A few months ago, however, Gabe’s condition worsened, so our last hope was to send him to a foster home where there would be less dust. While there, Gabe initially was so much better, but he recently started to take a dive. Our care team determined that Gabe was at the point where his quality of life was just not where it should be and would only further deteriorate. We made the sad and painful decision to release him from his pain and yesterday morning. Surrounded by those who loved him dearly, our beloved Gabe peacefully transitioned to Rainbow Bridge.
It’s Me, Gabi!
“I have a name – it’s Gabi! I was an orphaned baby goat but now I’m part of the Beauty’s Haven family. I was weak and didn’t feel good when I got here – and I was scared. I had been laying on my right side after I was born for what seemed like forever. My mommy had left me there and I didn’t know what to do. So I just laid there. But then I was taken to where I am now. When I got here, I couldn’t even stand up. Mommy Theresa massaged me and worked my legs. I got something called colostrum and milk replacer and then I felt better. And then guess what happened? I started hopping and jumping around! It makes the humans smile and laugh!
I made my first animal friend here. Her name is Kiah. She’s a dog that needed help, too, when she got here. She only has two toes on her front foot because she chewed the others off to free herself from being tied to something. But she gets around just fine and we have started to play together. And I met two orphan kittens, Dash and Dottie, who like to play too!
So… I think I’m going to be okay. I feel better and I’m not scared anymore. Please click on my image above to view how far I’ve come!
Thank you all for caring!”
Love,
Gabi
Rejected Baby Goat in Dire Need
We never know what will turn up in our driveway next. Today, it’s a baby goat that was born last night but was sadly rejected by her mom.
While Bob went to the feed store to get colostrum / milk replacer, we cleaned her up and treated her umbilical cord. She’s tiny – not quite 2 lbs. – and very weak, so I gave her a little syrup which perked her up a little. When Bob got home, she was ready for her milk. She had trouble standing but there did not appear to be any injuries.
We don’t know how long she had laid on the ground before she got here, but we got her up and started working her legs and rubbing her all over. I guess the nourishment from the milk kicked in and she started to try to stand. And she did! Once she found her legs, she became more and more mobile. Prayers do get answered!
We’ve checked with friends and neighbors for goat milk but haven’t been able to find any, so we’re getting colostrum and milk replacer from the feed store.
Would anyone like to sponsor this precious baby’s needs?
We realize that so many others are in dire need of assistance following hurricanes Helene and Milton, so if you are unable to assist at this time, we truly understand – but you can still help by sharing this with family and friends. If you are in a position to help, please click on the ‘DONATE’ button below.
Sincerely,
Theresa
Amira Update and Post-Hurricane Support
Amira was so ready to come back to the farm following her procedure at the hospital. She couldn’t wait to get down to her paddock where she hangs out with her dear friend, Shai. Amira is officially receiving all soft meals, now, as she is 30 years old and her teeth are quite worn down.
We also have some exciting news! A dear friend and supporter has come forth and has offered to match all donations up to $1000 which will greatly assist us in getting caught up with our veterinary and farrier bills as well as help us restock some very important items in our medicine cabinet.
We realize that so many others are in dire need of assistance following hurricanes Helene and Milton, so if you are unable to assist at this time, we truly understand – but you can still help by sharing this newsletter amongst family and friends. If you are in a position to help our little herd, however, please click on the ‘DONATE’ button below. As always, all donations are greatly appreciated and no amount is ever too small.
Thank you, all, for your love and support!
Sincerely,
Theresa
Amira Hospitalized While We Weather the Hurricane
Amira was scoped once again today and everything looks good – no ulcers, polyps, etc., and her esophagus is fine. She has been taken off the IV and she has passed poop. The vet confirmed what we already knew – Amira is a mare with much life still left in her. She feels so good that she was actually making eyes at a colt across the aisle from her!
When Amira came to us over a year ago, she was in very bad shape. It was obvious that her needs had been neglected for quite some time. Even though she’s up there in age, we saw a light in her eyes that clearly said she was grateful for a chance to start a new chapter in her life.
We were concerned that Amira had lost her ability to swallow, just as Betsy Rose did, and that would have changed the outcome. But that wasn’t the case. We are very grateful for our care team members who take everything into consideration, listen to the horse, and don’t call it too soon. Amira may come home tomorrow – depending on the weather and what is going on here.
A Very Long Night
We’re doing okay though we did lose power for a few hours. Thankfully the generators did come on. Jenny is staying with me at the barn tonight, together with the kittens and littles. We sent Bob home to get some sleep – it’s been a very long day. The winds are pretty bad. The horses out in the paddocks who are all sporting their EquestriSafe ID collars, will be checked at daylight.
Please keep our beloved little herd in your prayers.
Sincerely,
Theresa
Facing Another Hurricane with Amira in Distress
Here we go, again.
We are currently in the midst of battening down the hatches once again for Hurricane Milton, and repairing the fences damaged by Hurricane Helene. Bob made a run to the feed store this morning, made possible by the most thoughtful generosity of our wonderful little village of supporters, so, thankfully, we now have enough hay to last until Friday. We still have many additional hurricane related needs – we do need to get grain and forage as well as fill up the truck and gas cans now that we have found a source for gas.
Amira, however, could use some good thoughts and prayers. She had issues at breakfast this morning and was treated for choke. Although she seemed somewhat better following a bit of stall rest, I felt it would be in her best interest to call the vet who is en route to the farm as we speak.
Thank you, all, for your love and support!
Sincerely,
Theresa
A Moment in Time
We hope this message brings a smile to your face, a moment in time where good fills your heart if only for a second. This beautiful Belgian mare is our latest intake. We’ve named her Adelaide, aka Addi. She’s thought to be around fifteen years old. Addi is very sweet, despite coming from a bad situation.
Addi will get a physical, her feet will be taken care of, and her dental needs will be addressed, hopefully, in the upcoming days. We don’t know how soon all of this can happen as people are still without power in many counties here in Florida. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with all of those impacted by Hurricane Helene.
A ‘Welcome to BHFER’ Match Game in honor of Addi, has been kicked off today by one of our dear supporters, whereby all donations up to $100 will be matched dollar for dollar. If you would like to participate, please click on the DONATE button below. In addition, if you would like to view a brief video of Addi, please click on the image above.
Thank you in advance for your love and support in welcoming sweet Addi to our beloved Beauty’s Haven herd.
Sincerely,
Theresa
Sassy and Helene
Sassy just had to live up to her name today – she never has a care in the world (as it should be)! These three snuck out of their paddock gate as Sandy was trying to get in to clean up. Lucy was a good girl and stayed behind. Please click on the image above to see a video of our little “wild things!”
Everyone is tucked in, ID bands are on and hay has been distributed under the shelters and to the horses in the barn. Poor Peaches wanted to join me in the feed room so I made her a snack and will check on the remainder of our herd in the paddocks as soon as there is a break in the band. We have also lost power so we are truly very thankful for our generators.
A big thank you to our wonderful volunteers, Pam, Jillian, Bruce, and Lori for helping Bob and I prepare for the hurricane and for making certain that each horse is wearing their break away halter and ID collar. All members of our little herd are microchipped as well.
We are anxiously awaiting for this storm to pass. Sending prayers to everyone who in the path of the Hurricane Helene.
Match Game Update
There is still $375 remaining in the Match Game. Preparing for the hurricane involved a number of additional expenses – making yet another hay run, picking up additional grain as well as topping off the gas cans and vehicles. Thankfully the propane tank was recently filled. All donations to assist with these needs will not only be appreciated but will automatically be doubled – $1 becomes $2, $5 becomes $10 and so on, and no amount is ever too small. So please help if you can by clicking on the ‘Donate’ button below.
Sincerely,
Theresa
Benjamin’s Big Adventure
Yesterday was bittersweet as we saw Benjamin off to school. We’ve been fortunate to welcome several new volunteers recently, and with much happening here, it can be overwhelming for Benjamin. We don’t know anything about his past but we suspect it may not have been positive. One morning, in late 2022, we found Benjamin in one of our south paddocks. Someone must have dropped him over our fence during the night. He was afraid and malnourished. He’s physically very healthy now but has some issues that need to be addressed. Although Benjamin selected me to be his human, he has what I call mental cobwebs that need to be cleared away, and I’m not a dog trainer. It’s essential for him to understand the importance of respecting both people and other animals, while also keeping disruptions to the horses at a minimum.
Recently, during a tour with visitors, one of them recognized the difficulties we face with Benjamin and generously offered to fund his training! So, Benjamin is attending Canine Extreme, located here in Morriston. We were quite impressed with the instructor, Raul, who had worked with Shadow a few years back. They are only about ten minutes away! We are so truly blessed!
Sincerely,
Theresa
Aaleyah’s Big Announcement
Hey Everyone,
It’s me Aaleyah Belle, here to announce a new Match Game! Since the hay trailer is now completely empty, this Match Game could not have come at a more perfect time!
Please know that my friends and I would be forever grateful to anyone who wishes to help our little herd here at Beauty’s Haven. All donations up to $1000 will automatically be doubled ~ $1 becomes $2, $5 becomes $10 and so on, and no amount is ever too small. So please help if you can by clicking on the ‘Donate’ button below. We currently have $625 in matching funds still available!
Thank you and Happy Weekend!
Love,
Aaleyah Belle