I decided to take Benjamin to Dr. Schirmer yesterday morning as something just wasn’t right. After we picked him up from his initial vet visit (a different vet) where he had an exam, ear cleaning, nail cutting, was neutered and had some tests performed, we were told he did well and there was nothing to report except that he needed to return in two weeks to have his stitches removed.
As the days progressed, however – and hoping that it was just my imagination running wild – it appeared that Benjamin simply wasn’t feeling well much of the time.
His left ear bothered him and he oftentimes shook his head. His skin is not healthy and he has hotspots that greatly irritate him. His sores, from his head to his tail where he had been bitten many times, together with other sores, were not healing properly. He’s had some blood in his stool a number of times and he tires very easily.
With the good nutrition he’s been getting, he should be improving, but he’s not. I had the feeling that something was not addressed at his initial vetting.
Thankfully Benjamin was so much better about going to the vet yesterday. He is learning how to walk nicely on a leash and he greeted Dr. Schirmer with a smile and a wagging tail. Benjamin was great for his examination and tests. He is being treated for tapeworms as well as skin and ear infections. His stitches from his neutering were also removed. He has a 2/6 heart murmur in addition to being anemic, and he needs to be tested for heart worms once again in a few months. We are not certain as to his breed – his DNA test will be mailed out today. He is approximately a year old.
Benjamin was such a good boy and I was so very proud of him! When we arrived back at the rescue, he had a much-needed bath and then he took a long nap.
Sincerely,
Theresa
Celebration Success!
Thanks to our wonderful team of volunteers, attendees and a magnificent performance by Ivory Pal & Rafael Valle, our Annual Celebration of the Horse was a complete success! Many people came from in and around the area and from other parts of Florida and even from out of state – many I didn’t see and was unaware they were here until I went through photos and the sign-in sheet. I would have loved to have seen and spoken with everyone – I hope they all know how much we appreciate their support.
We also appreciate those who donated lovely fundraising items and/or their time.
*Please click on the image to view the lovely performance by Ivory Pal and Rafael.
Annual Trail Ride for the Horses
Saddle up to support our rescued horses and animals!
DATE: Saturday, October 1, 2002
TIME: 9am Registration, 10am Ride
LOCATION: Goethe State Forest, Dunnellon, FL
REGISTRATION FEE: $20
Say YES to Her on #GivingTuesday
Authorities recently reached out to us about a case where a very thin horse was to be removed from a small sandlot. The horse had lived there, alone, for many years. While we cannot reveal specific details at this time, we can tell you that we could not walk away without helping her. And, it is only because of the generosity of compassionate people like you, that we are able to help these precious beings when a call comes in. Your donations truly, do make a difference!
Help Her on #GivingTuesday
Beauty’s Haven Farm and Equine Rescue, Inc., is once again, participating in #GivingTuesday, a global giving movement which connects diverse groups of individuals, communities and organizations throughout the world for one common purpose: to celebrate and encourage giving. #GivingTuesday is crucial for nonprofit organizations like Beauty’s Haven for it assists us greatly in raising the necessary funds which enable us to continue our mission of helping equines and other sentient beings in need.
Our campaign this year will permit us to not only help horses like this sweet mare, but will also assist us with the numerous ongoing expenses involved in running an equine rescue organization, expenses that are necessary to ensure the overall safety, health, comfort and well-being of the 30-plus horses – many with special needs – that comprise our beloved little herd.
Our goal this year is $10,000. All donations are tax-deductible, and please be assured that no amount is ever too small. Contributions may be forwarded via the donation button below, or on our #GivingTuesday fundraiser on Facebook.
Thank you all so very much for your love and support.
Sincerely,
Theresa
A Bale for Benjamin!
Hi Everyone, Benjamin here!
Mommy Theresa is busy taking care of all my horsey friends, so she asked if I could come on here to help with our hay needs. We still need to raise $$529 which is creating much worry for Mommy.
Your donation is really going to a very good cause and will be so very much appreciated by everyone here at the farm. Just click on the ‘Donate’ button below and please remember that no donation is ever too small.
Pretty please and thank you!
Love,
Benjamin
P.S. I hope Mommy thinks I am a very good boy!
In Remembrance
“On this Veterans Day, let us remember the service of our veterans, and let us renew our national promise to fulfill our sacred obligations to our veterans and their families who have sacrificed so much so that we can live free.”
– DAN LIPINSKI –
Our Beloved Venus
I’m sorry that I don’t have a good update. Venus took a turn for the worse on Wednesday evening, and yesterday, it was time to let her go. It wasn’t the outcome that we had prayed for, but it was the most loving thing that we could do for her. We couldn’t have asked for a more compassionate and kind care team – Dr. Adams, Dr. Cuadros, and all of the staff at Ocala Equine Medical Center were amazing and we appreciate them all, very much.
We were concerned about how Nadia would handle losing her best friend. We gave Nadia some time with Venus and I believe they both understood what was happening. At that point, I think we all (humans and horses) had reached a place called ‘acceptance.’ Acceptance is key to moving forward and with it, comes change.
Nadia has settled into a paddock with Peaches. Peaches is pretty much a loner – she always has been. But this afternoon, she sensed that Nadia needed a friend and when I left them, they were sharing a bag of hay hanging in their shelter. It gave me great peace.
Venus left this world with dignity, knowing that she was very much loved. She was a regal mare with a lion’s heart, fire in her soul and an iron will. She was the personification of beauty and grace. Her presence is still near and dear – we will carry her in our hearts, always.
Thank you for your good wishes and prayers for Venus.
Sincerely,
Theresa
Update on Venus
Venus is a champ! After a very long day on Wednesday, I am happy to report that her colon is back where it belongs! She is bright eyed and talkative but she needs to have a normal poop. We are so very thankful that Nadia, Venus’s best friend, is right across the aisle there to provide love and support.
They will likely be there until at least Monday. I know if Venus needs anything, she’s in great hands at EMCO (Equine Medical Center of Orlando). They’ve been very good to the girls.
You can contribute toward Venus’s care on our Facebook fundraiser, or here on our website, just click the appropriate button below. If donating on our website, please make sure to note it’s for Venus.
Please continue to pray for Venus. Nadia would be lost without her, as we all would be.
Gratefully,
Theresa
Prayers Needed for Venus
Venus is 37 years young and her best friend, Nadia, has been outside of her stall from the beginning. They are very bonded. Very early this morning, Venus did have a bowel movement, and although it was quite dry, we were ecstatic nonetheless!
We estimate that Venus’s hospital stay and treatment will cost a minimum of $2,000, so if anyone would like to assist with this most necessary need, it would be so very much appreciated.
Just click on the DONATE button below, and be sure to note that your contribution is for Venus.
Please keep Venus in your prayers. Nadia would be truly lost without her, as would we all be.
As always, thank you all for your love and support.
Sincerely,
Theresa
Our Beloved Teddy Bear, Mishka
Mishka is a 20 year-old Percheron gelding that was headed to slaughter when we intercepted him a few years ago. He was very thin with a condition called Equine Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy (EPSM) which causes severe muscle wasting and weakness. Recently, Mishka has been having issues in his front left foot which was thought to be an abscess. After days of poulticing, the abscess thankfully worked its way out of the coronet band which was a mighty mess, one which flies truly love to feast upon.
It would have benefitted all of us if we could have placed a Silver Whinnys sock on Mishka as it would have covered the coronet band in order to promote healing as well as serve as a barrier for bacteria and flies. However, we couldn’t keep his foot up long enough to put on a sock. We contacted the lovely folks at Sox for Horses who gave us some great advice – to sacrifice a pair of socks we had on hand and wrap/tape it over the wound. Within two days, the wound significantly improved and Mishka is now a much happier and mobile boy.
Unfortunately, the necessary care we provided to Mishka is quite costly. He also has arthritis and skin allergies and he must be sedated once he is placed in the stocks for each farrier trim.
CUDDLY, a wonderful advocate for animals, is assisting us with a fundraiser for Mishka which you can view as well as donate by clicking on the image above. Contributions may also be made here on our website by clicking on the ‘DONATE’ button below (please be sure to note it’s for Mishka).
Thank you all, from the bottom of our hearts.
Theresa
Please Help if You Can
With the devastation created by Hurricane Ian this past week, we are truly saddened that so many have literally, lost everything. We feel so badly that we must ask for donations to help with farrier care for our beloved little herd at this time, when so many others are in dire need, but a number of our equines are suffering with hoof issues (abscesses etc.) and farrier care is tantamount to their overall health and well-being. We would be forever grateful for your assistance, but if you are unable to help at this time, we truly understand. The average cost of a farrier visit per equine is $40 so if you are in a position to help, please click on the ‘DONATE’ button below and note your contribution is for ‘Hooficures.’
Again, I feel terrible for having to ask for donations. When new arrivals come, others pledge to help. But over time, life happens and things change, and some are not able to continue to donate as they had planned and we really do understand. But the funds needed to provide for their care is constant – that doesn’t change. What does change, in that regard, is that the cost of everything has gone up while donations have gone down. It’s a very scary and unnerving time but I try to keep the faith and choose to believe things will be ok. Please spread the word, and perhaps others will be able to help with this need. No amount is ever too small.
Thank you, all, for your continued understanding, love and support.
Sincerely,
Theresa
Hurricane Ian Update
We are doing okay. The winds and rains have not been as bad as expected. The barn is a mess but manageable, everyone is good here. Had Ian not changed course, it would have been devastating here. Simply devastating. The horses have their ID bands and breakaway halters on. They are doing pretty well except that Mishka is dealing with a horrible abscess in his front left foot. The abscess blew out of the coronet band yesterday but he’s pretty tender. It’s tough being such a big horse when your foot or feet hurt, I’m sure.
We are very saddened by the impact Ian has had on everyone in its path. We will continue to pray for those that have been impacted.
The winds and rain are starting to get worse. We will update again soon. Thank you all for your good thoughts and prayers.
IMPORTANT: The trail ride fundraiser for Saturday, October 1 is POSTPONED, new date TBA.
Sincerely,
Theresa
Benjamin Back to the Vet, Open House a Success
His left ear bothered him and he oftentimes shook his head. His skin is not healthy and he has hotspots that greatly irritate him. His sores, from his head to his tail where he had been bitten many times, together with other sores, were not healing properly. He’s had some blood in his stool a number of times and he tires very easily.
Thankfully Benjamin was so much better about going to the vet yesterday. He is learning how to walk nicely on a leash and he greeted Dr. Schirmer with a smile and a wagging tail. Benjamin was great for his examination and tests. He is being treated for tapeworms as well as skin and ear infections. His stitches from his neutering were also removed. He has a 2/6 heart murmur in addition to being anemic, and he needs to be tested for heart worms once again in a few months. We are not certain as to his breed – his DNA test will be mailed out today. He is approximately a year old.
Benjamin was such a good boy and I was so very proud of him! When we arrived back at the rescue, he had a much-needed bath and then he took a long nap.
Sincerely,
Theresa
Celebration Success!
Thanks to our wonderful team of volunteers, attendees and a magnificent performance by Ivory Pal & Rafael Valle, our Annual Celebration of the Horse was a complete success! Many people came from in and around the area and from other parts of Florida and even from out of state – many I didn’t see and was unaware they were here until I went through photos and the sign-in sheet. I would have loved to have seen and spoken with everyone – I hope they all know how much we appreciate their support.
We also appreciate those who donated lovely fundraising items and/or their time.
*Please click on the image to view the lovely performance by Ivory Pal and Rafael.
Annual Trail Ride for the Horses
Saddle up to support our rescued horses and animals!
DATE: Saturday, October 1, 2002
TIME: 9am Registration, 10am Ride
LOCATION: Goethe State Forest, Dunnellon, FL
REGISTRATION FEE: $20