I share this story each year at Christmastime, written by Reverend D. Griffith. Some know it as “Only for Love” and some call it “The Old One.” The ‘old ones’ continue to remain near and dear to my heart. Sadly, this past year we lost Peggy Sue and Venus. Others still with us, 25 years old and up, include Dancer, Jo, Komanchee, Ebony, Nadia, Ruby, and Valley Girl. Their wisdom amazes me and their appreciation knows no bounds. We are blessed for each minute that we are given with them.
*************
“The young couple had made their usual hurried, pre-Christmas visit to the little farm where dwelt the elderly parents with their small herd of horses. The farm had been named Lone Pine Farm because of the huge pine which topped the hill behind the farm, and through the years had become a talisman to the old man and his wife, and a landmark in the countryside. The old folks no longer showed their horses, for the years had taken their toll, but they sold a few foals each year, and the horses were their reason for joy in the morning and contentment at day’s end.
Crossly, as they prepared to leave, the young couple confronted the old folks. “Why do you not at least dispose of “The Old One.” She is no longer of use to you. It’s been years since you’ve had foals from her. You should cut corners and save where you can. Why do you keep her anyway?” The old man looked down as his worn boot scuffed at the barn floor and his arm stole defensively about the Old One’s neck as he drew her to him and rubbed her gently behind the ears. He replied softly, “We keep her because of love. Only because of love.”
Baffled and irritated, the young folks wished the old man and his wife a Merry Christmas and headed back toward the city as darkness stole through the valley. So it was, that because of the leave-taking, no one noticed the insulation smoldering on the frayed wires in the old barn. None saw the first spark fall. None but the “Old One.”
In a matter of minutes, the whole barn was ablaze and the hungry flames were licking at the loft full of hay. With a cry of horror and despair, the old man shouted to his wife to call for help as he raced to the barn to save their beloved horses. But the flames were roaring now, and the blazing heat drove him back. He sank sobbing to the ground, helpless before the fire’s fury.
By the time the fire department arrived, only smoking, glowing ruins were left, and the old man and his wife. They thanked those who had come to their aid, and the old man turned to his wife, resting her white head upon his shoulders as he clumsily dried her tears with a frayed red bandana. Brokenly he whispered, “We have lost much, but God has spared our home on this eve of Christmas. Let us, therefore, climb the hill to the old pine where we have sought comfort in times of despair. We will look down upon our home and give thanks to God that it has been spared.”
And so, he took her by the hand and helped her up the snowy hill as he brushed aside his own tears with the back of his hand. As they stepped over the little knoll at the crest of the hill, they looked up and gasped in amazement at the incredible beauty before them. Seemingly, every glorious, brilliant star in the heavens was caught up in the glittering, snow-frosted branches of their beloved pine, and it was aglow with heavenly candles. And poised on its top most bough, a crystal crescent moon glistened like spun glass. Never had a mere mortal created a Christmas tree such as this.
Suddenly, the old man gave a cry of wonder and incredible joy as he pulled his wife forward. There, beneath the tree, was their Christmas gift. Bedded down about the “Old One” close to the trunk of the tree, was the entire herd, safe. At the first hint of smoke, she had pushed the door ajar with her muzzle and had led the horses through it. Slowly and with great dignity, never looking back, she had led them up the hill, stepping daintily through the snow. The foals were frightened and dashed about. The skittish yearlings looked back at the crackling, hungry flames, and tucked their tails under them as they licked their lips and hopped like rabbits. The mares pressed uneasily against the “Old One” as she moved calmly up the hill and to safety beneath the pine. And now, she lay among them and gazed at the faces of those she loved. Her body was brittle with years, but the golden eyes were filled with devotion as she offered her gift- because of love. Only because of love.”
Happy New Year!
End of Year Message from a Very Good Boy
Hey Everyone!
Benjamin here, helping Mommy Theresa who is still recovering from something called ‘Covid.’ Mommy asked me to remind you all that we are very close to achieving our ‘End of the Year’ goal so if you would like to make a last minute donation to help all my friends at Beauty’s Haven, it would truly make our hearts sing!
All donations are tax deductible and no amount is ever too small. Just click the button below, or visit our Donations page for all charitable options.
Thank you and have a very Happy New Year!
Love,
Benjamin
Christmas Blessings from Beauty’s Haven
Hay for Christmas & a New Match Game
“Did you know temperatures are dipping down really super cold for the next few nights?
Did you know Mommy Theresa is sick with something called Covid and she’s really worried about us staying warm? She’s been in isolation now since Tuesday and is anxious to get out.
Did you know that if we have hay it will help us stay warm? It’s not too late for us to make a run to the hay store by tomorrow.
And guess what? Two of my very special aunties have joined together and will match all donations up to $1,150, so not only will you be helping me and my fiends here at Beauty’s Haven, you will double your donation as well!
We don’t even have to fill up the whole hay storage trailer – if we just get it half full, it will last us until Monday.
So, please help if you can. All donations are greatly appreciated and no amount is ever too small!
Have a very Merry Christmas!”
Love,
Jazzy
Only For Love
I share this story each year at Christmastime, written by Reverend D. Griffith. Some know it as “Only for Love” and some call it “The Old One.” The ‘old ones’ continue to remain near and dear to my heart. Sadly, this past year we lost Peggy Sue and Venus. Others still with us, 25 years old and up, include Dancer, Jo, Komanchee, Ebony, Nadia, Ruby, and Valley Girl. Their wisdom amazes me and their appreciation knows no bounds. We are blessed for each minute that we are given with them.
*************
“The young couple had made their usual hurried, pre-Christmas visit to the little farm where dwelt the elderly parents with their small herd of horses. The farm had been named Lone Pine Farm because of the huge pine which topped the hill behind the farm, and through the years had become a talisman to the old man and his wife, and a landmark in the countryside. The old folks no longer showed their horses, for the years had taken their toll, but they sold a few foals each year, and the horses were their reason for joy in the morning and contentment at day’s end.
Crossly, as they prepared to leave, the young couple confronted the old folks. “Why do you not at least dispose of “The Old One.” She is no longer of use to you. It’s been years since you’ve had foals from her. You should cut corners and save where you can. Why do you keep her anyway?” The old man looked down as his worn boot scuffed at the barn floor and his arm stole defensively about the Old One’s neck as he drew her to him and rubbed her gently behind the ears. He replied softly, “We keep her because of love. Only because of love.”
Baffled and irritated, the young folks wished the old man and his wife a Merry Christmas and headed back toward the city as darkness stole through the valley. So it was, that because of the leave-taking, no one noticed the insulation smoldering on the frayed wires in the old barn. None saw the first spark fall. None but the “Old One.”
In a matter of minutes, the whole barn was ablaze and the hungry flames were licking at the loft full of hay. With a cry of horror and despair, the old man shouted to his wife to call for help as he raced to the barn to save their beloved horses. But the flames were roaring now, and the blazing heat drove him back. He sank sobbing to the ground, helpless before the fire’s fury.
By the time the fire department arrived, only smoking, glowing ruins were left, and the old man and his wife. They thanked those who had come to their aid, and the old man turned to his wife, resting her white head upon his shoulders as he clumsily dried her tears with a frayed red bandana. Brokenly he whispered, “We have lost much, but God has spared our home on this eve of Christmas. Let us, therefore, climb the hill to the old pine where we have sought comfort in times of despair. We will look down upon our home and give thanks to God that it has been spared.”
And so, he took her by the hand and helped her up the snowy hill as he brushed aside his own tears with the back of his hand. As they stepped over the little knoll at the crest of the hill, they looked up and gasped in amazement at the incredible beauty before them. Seemingly, every glorious, brilliant star in the heavens was caught up in the glittering, snow-frosted branches of their beloved pine, and it was aglow with heavenly candles. And poised on its top most bough, a crystal crescent moon glistened like spun glass. Never had a mere mortal created a Christmas tree such as this.
Suddenly, the old man gave a cry of wonder and incredible joy as he pulled his wife forward. There, beneath the tree, was their Christmas gift. Bedded down about the “Old One” close to the trunk of the tree, was the entire herd, safe. At the first hint of smoke, she had pushed the door ajar with her muzzle and had led the horses through it. Slowly and with great dignity, never looking back, she had led them up the hill, stepping daintily through the snow. The foals were frightened and dashed about. The skittish yearlings looked back at the crackling, hungry flames, and tucked their tails under them as they licked their lips and hopped like rabbits. The mares pressed uneasily against the “Old One” as she moved calmly up the hill and to safety beneath the pine. And now, she lay among them and gazed at the faces of those she loved. Her body was brittle with years, but the golden eyes were filled with devotion as she offered her gift- because of love. Only because of love.”
Jo’s Wish for Christmas
We brought Jo to Beauty’s Haven on the evening of October 20, 2019. Time was truly, of the essence, as we did not know how much longer she would have survived. At the time, we were unsure if Jo had hours, days, weeks, months, or hopefully, many years left on this earth, but we did know that she would get the very best of care in her sunset years.
Jo’s initial vetting and bloodwork were performed soon thereafter and revealed that her kidneys and liver were stressed and she was fighting infection. She had a heart murmur, severe muscle atrophy, and was at least 300 pounds underweight with a Body Condition Score of barely a 1. She had a poor coat, patches of rain rot, and she was treated for stomach ulcers.
During her first days at the rescue, Jo received a much-needed bath and spa treatment which she thoroughly enjoyed, and she even seemed to hold her head a bit higher afterward! Her sores were treated and her mane and tail were brushed.
One sharp tooth 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 were 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. The day after Dr. Bess did Jo’s teeth, it felt wonderful knowing that she could finally use her mouth without the pain and discomfort that she had experienced for quite some time. Jo actually looked brighter and happier!
Jo, thankfully, overcame her most recent crisis, thanks to our amazing care team, coupled with the countless heartfelt prayers offered by our wonderful village of supporters. Jo is now able to graze, once again with Dancer, her very best friend, both experiencing the innate joy of ‘just being a horse.’
If anyone would like to contribute toward such, it would truly warm precious Jo’s heart! And, a very special ‘Auntie’ has offered to match all contributions up to $500 in order to help fulfill Jo’s Christmas wish! Just click on the ‘Donate’ button below and note your contribution to ‘Jo.’
Wishing you a Blessed Christmas.
Sincerely,
Theresa
Meet Our “Velvet Nosers” & Trail Ride Recap
As we reflect upon our blessings during this most wonderful time of the year, we thought that it would be most fitting to introduce each member of our beloved little herd, our precious band of “Velvet Nosers” to our many new friends and supporters in the forthcoming days.
As you read the many poignant stories about each of our precious equines, we hope that you will consider donating an item from their respective wish lists in order to make all of their Christmas dreams come true. And if you are unable to do so at this time, please know that we consider each and every one of you, a cherished member of the Beauty’s Haven Family as well.
Thank you all for your amazing generosity, love and support.
Wishing everyone a Happy Holiday Season!
Sincerely,
Theresa
Annual Trail Ride for the Horses
Many thanks to those who came out to our trail ride this past Saturday. It was the one thing I’d been looking forward to since our last ride. We didn’t have a ride last year due to Covid. This year, it was scheduled earlier in the year but was postponed due to an incoming hurricane. Unfortunately I had to stay at the rescue to take care of Jo, but Elizabeth did a great job managing it alone on very short notice. I really appreciate her and everyone who participated and donated. And Karen did a great job putting together some really nice raffle items. Hoping we get a ride planned again for the spring.
Sincerely,
Theresa
Happy Feet for the Holidays
It is so hard to believe that the end of the year is upon us! And, as always, every six weeks or so brings yet another round of hooficures. Since this is the holiday season, we thought perhaps our little village of supporters would like to help sponsor a hooficure for their favorite ‘Velvet Noser!’ The average cost per hooficure is $45.
So, if you would like to ensure that our beloved little herd has ‘Happy Feet‘ for the holidays, you may forward your contribution simply by clicking on the ‘DONATE‘ button below. Please designate your contribution for ‘Happy Feet for the Holidays,‘ or the name of the horse that you wish to sponsor.
All donations are tax deductible and no amount is ever too small.
Thank you for your continued love and support.
Wishing you all a Blessed Holiday Season.
Sincerely,
Theresa
All Because of You
As we reflect upon the past year, we are filled with gratitude to have such a wonderful little village by our side.
Because of your most thoughtful generosity, you have enabled us to provide the very best of care to our beloved little herd: quality feed, top-of-the-line medical, dental and farrier care and love beyond measure. And because of each and every one of you, we have been able to fulfill our mission of rescuing, rehabilitating and caring for equines and other sentient beings in need.
Because of you, we were able to rescue and provide extensive rehabilitation for Gabriel, Misti, and Mindi, together with our newly rescued mare who is currently, embarking on her long and winding road to recovery.
Because of you, we were able to provide loving care to Benjamin, our ‘Golden Boy,’ a multitude of TNR kittens and even a baby squirrel who all, miraculously, found their way to Beauty’s Haven.
Over the course of the year, we also found loving, forever homes for a number of our equines and welcomed back several horses whose adopters, sadly, were no longer in a position to provide adequate care.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your love and dedication to the Beauty’s Haven herd.
Wishing you all a Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving.
Sincerely,
Theresa, Bob, and the Beauty’s Haven Family
Our Precious Peggy Sue
It’s been a tough couple of days. Actually, a tough couple of weeks. I hate to share more sad news, but on November 15th, our precious Peggy Sue went to Rainbow Bridge.
Peggy Sue came to us in April 2012, unable to stand or bend her back legs with elf slippers for back feet. Some years before, her pelvis had been fractured in multiple places when humans tried to help her deliver her foal. Because her humans couldn’t pick up her back legs, they did not trim her back feet. We had no issue putting her in the sling for trims – she was always a very good girl.
However, if she laid down and rolled over onto her left side, she couldn’t get up and we had to help her. We would roll her back onto her right side and she’d usually pop right up. Over the last few months though, it had been getting harder for her.
Arthritis and years of overworking her good leg/hip had taken a toll. We knew there would come a day when we’d have to make the heartbreaking decision to let Peggy Sue go, and that time had come. We loved her too much to allow her to suffer. The thought of her going down in the middle of the night, in the cold or rain, and not being able to get up, was a horrible image.
We were very blessed to have been given the years that we had with Peggy Sue. They all take a piece of my heart when they go, and Peggy Sue took a pretty huge piece. In my mind, I can picture her with her friends, Little E and Bria, under a Friendship Tree on this side of Rainbow Bridge where they await with the rest of herd. I find comfort in knowing we will see our loved ones again someday.
Sincerely,
Theresa