This isn’t easy for me – I’m so, so sorry to have to share that Warrior joined the Heavenly Herd last night. I apologize for just now sharing this sad news – I sat at my desk a few times today to type but I kept getting drawn away. But now that Warrior has been laid to rest on Frosty’s Knoll we must go in helping others – he would want it that way.
Last night we had just cleaned Warrior’s bedding and sat down on a couple of bags of shavings that were in front of where he lay. Bob and I talked about how proud we were of Warrior and his accomplishment of standing on his own earlier in the day and how he looked so proud – just like a warrior should. We rubbed on him a bit – the look on his face was peaceful. But then he looked at me and his eyes seemed to be brighter and you could just sense his strong will and determination. Then he stretched out his neck and rubbed the top of my hand with the tip of his muzzle – and then he was gone. An overwhelming sense of loss came over me and then came tears. But then I visualized his journey across Rainbow Bridge. He ran with a force that took your breath away – his journey was one that made him healthy, whole, and young again. And then I felt peace – he is truly a warrior. We are so blessed that we were part of his life – if even for a little while.
I found myself constantly singing or humming words to the “I Am a Warrior” song since the night he arrived – and it suits him well. He had injury to his right side, which may have recently happened, but his condition from starvation didn’t happen overnight. He had been deprived of food to the point where there was nothing left for his body to feed upon but his own organs which helped lead him to his death. We knew this was a possibility when we took him in but we had to try. We still believe it was a miracle that he was able to stand as he did yesterday – and he did stand tall and proud – as a brave warrior would.
Humans may have caused his death but the victory was still his. It took Warrior quite a bit of thought and determination to muster the strength to stand for a bit yesterday – but he did it. I’m very thankful that he was able to accomplish this task – I’m sure it made him feel very good inside.
We thank Shawn at RVR for getting Warrior out of the hell hole he was living at and for bringing him to us. I’m sorry Shawn – I prayed the outcome would be different but know that we did all we could. I hope you find comfort in knowing that Warrior was surrounded by love and he wasn’t alone while he made his journey across Rainbow Bridge.
Warrior never lost his pride or his ability to love and show compassion. That small gesture of his muzzle tickling the top of my hand will stay with me forever. Warrior’s spirit was strong and it always will be. He earned his angel wings and will never feel hunger or pain again. We love you Warrior – always.
I AM THE WARRIOR…
I feel the beat…call your name
I hold you close…in victory
I don’t wanna tame your animal style.
You won’t be caged…in the call of the wild….
Shootin’ at the walls of heartache, bang, bang, I am the warrior
Yes I am the warrior and victory is mine
The warrior…the warrior
Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
www.bhfer.org
WARRIOR
More horses needing help – mini is urgent
I’ve been on the phone for hours and have had no luck finding a place for these horses to go – not even the mini. I didn’t find out until a short time ago that nobody lives on the property.
The horses include:
· 1 stud – needs to be gelded
· 1 two yr old filly – may be pregnant
· 1 mini mare – eye injury
· 1 mare with her couple of days old colt – the colt has low IGG and leg issue
Our main focus now is the mini and the mare/colt. The mini’s left eye has ruptured and needs to be removed. Good news about this is that the funds for the surgery to remove the eye is being donated. Surgery to remove the eye can be done on Thursday at a hospital. What is needed is someone that is willing to give the mare a good home that can pick her up and then provide for her post surgical care. After care will include giving Banamine and antibiotics for a few days. She’s in good shape otherwise. She needs an approved home and transport to the new home on Thursday.
The colt’s IGG is below 400 and he needs plasma. The vet can’t run the plasma today because the owner has locked up the property and nobody is there. The owner will meet the vet there in the morning so she can run the plasma and try to stabilize the baby for transport. The other issue with the baby is with his front leg – the vet feels it is a mechanical issue with his tendon and tendon sheath. But the big concern is his IGG level. It’s very important that he gets that plasma.
The baby’s momma looks tired and depressed. I was told that while she was pregnant with this baby she was attacked by kids that climbed over the fence one night. They used a knife and stabbed her in at least 3 places and beat her with an aluminium baseball bat. She’s had a tough time, that’s for sure. And now her baby is having a tough time too. The owner didn’t know there was a baby until yesterday. We need sponsors for them or an approved permanent home or a rescue that can provide for their needs. The baby is going to need limited exercise for now – he may need other treatment for the tendon issue but now he needs plasma or he likely won’t be around to worry about his tendon issue.
The stud needs to be gelded.
And the 2 year old filly – she’s of good weight but could be pregnant. But the stud is also her father.
If anyone can help any of these horses please contact me. We are taking pledges to help the mare/baby. Turning critical babies away is something we have a tough time doing – the baby is only a couple of days old. I don’t know how long we need pledges for – for as long as it takes! But in the meantime plasma WILL be run in the am or he may die – and we will pick them up tomorrow if the vet says they can make the trip. We have $375 of the $450 needed for the vet to run the plasma. We would need to transport him as soon as the vet says the baby is up for it. That will cost at least another $100. Can anyone help?
Please say prayers for all of them. It will be an extremely busy day here tomorrow but we will have a couple of extra volunteers – thankfully! I plan to spend the majority of my day in the office tomorrow. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
www.bhfer.org
More…
We have another tragic situation we need help with. A 2 yr old filly, paint stud, mare with days old colt on her side that is ill, and a mini with a ruptured eye. The mini with the eye injury needs help ASAP. I’m waiting on a vet report for the colt – he has issues too. If there is a rescue that can possibly help please let me know. We just lost power so I’ll update when I can – the UPS won’t last long and I’m here alone. Cell phone is charged though.
Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
www.bhfer.org
Mare has a home…
Thank you all – we have found a home for the mare.
Just in case a home wasn’t found for her we were able to line up a temporary foster home as of today.
The mare will be staying in the area which is a good thing – one of her human friends that told us about this mare will be able to visit with her.
We already had the vet lined up to pull a coggins tomorrow. As soon as it comes back by the end of the week we’ll take her to her new home.
Another one safe. God bless and again, thank you!
Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
www.bhfer.org
Urgent – mare needs help ASAP
We need help placing a very nice 7 year old mare – she needs a safe haven or the owner WILL have her shot and hauled off by the local rendering company.
This mare has until Friday, July 13th and is located near Ocala, FL. She will have a current coggins.
She is an Appendix (QH/TB cross) and was mistreated in her younger days and can be apprehensive at times but if you go slow with her she is fine. No bad habits. We don’t know if she has any under saddle training.
She came from an embryo transplant facility and has been used as a broodmare for the past few years. This mare has done her job and the way they want to thank her is by shooting her in the head. Please help us to make sure this doesn’t happen.
If anyone can help this mare please contact me ASAP.
Please cross post – this girl needs a home ASAP. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
www.bhfer.org
Our Heavenly Warrior
This isn’t easy for me – I’m so, so sorry to have to share that Warrior joined the Heavenly Herd last night. I apologize for just now sharing this sad news – I sat at my desk a few times today to type but I kept getting drawn away. But now that Warrior has been laid to rest on Frosty’s Knoll we must go in helping others – he would want it that way.
Last night we had just cleaned Warrior’s bedding and sat down on a couple of bags of shavings that were in front of where he lay. Bob and I talked about how proud we were of Warrior and his accomplishment of standing on his own earlier in the day and how he looked so proud – just like a warrior should. We rubbed on him a bit – the look on his face was peaceful. But then he looked at me and his eyes seemed to be brighter and you could just sense his strong will and determination. Then he stretched out his neck and rubbed the top of my hand with the tip of his muzzle – and then he was gone. An overwhelming sense of loss came over me and then came tears. But then I visualized his journey across Rainbow Bridge. He ran with a force that took your breath away – his journey was one that made him healthy, whole, and young again. And then I felt peace – he is truly a warrior. We are so blessed that we were part of his life – if even for a little while.
I found myself constantly singing or humming words to the “I Am a Warrior” song since the night he arrived – and it suits him well. He had injury to his right side, which may have recently happened, but his condition from starvation didn’t happen overnight. He had been deprived of food to the point where there was nothing left for his body to feed upon but his own organs which helped lead him to his death. We knew this was a possibility when we took him in but we had to try. We still believe it was a miracle that he was able to stand as he did yesterday – and he did stand tall and proud – as a brave warrior would.
Humans may have caused his death but the victory was still his. It took Warrior quite a bit of thought and determination to muster the strength to stand for a bit yesterday – but he did it. I’m very thankful that he was able to accomplish this task – I’m sure it made him feel very good inside.
We thank Shawn at RVR for getting Warrior out of the hell hole he was living at and for bringing him to us. I’m sorry Shawn – I prayed the outcome would be different but know that we did all we could. I hope you find comfort in knowing that Warrior was surrounded by love and he wasn’t alone while he made his journey across Rainbow Bridge.
Warrior never lost his pride or his ability to love and show compassion. That small gesture of his muzzle tickling the top of my hand will stay with me forever. Warrior’s spirit was strong and it always will be. He earned his angel wings and will never feel hunger or pain again. We love you Warrior – always.
I AM THE WARRIOR…
I feel the beat…call your name
I hold you close…in victory
I don’t wanna tame your animal style.
You won’t be caged…in the call of the wild….
Shootin’ at the walls of heartache, bang, bang, I am the warrior
Yes I am the warrior and victory is mine
The warrior…the warrior
Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
www.bhfer.org
WARRIOR
Warrior – last update of today…
Dr. Ryan’s words upon receipt of the below picture (with Warrior’s caption) from about an hour ago: “Unbelievable! Beauty’s Haven Equine Rescue – where miracles do happen! Awesome!”
“Look Doc – no sling!”
Warrior stayed up, unassisted, for almost 30 minutes and we thought that was enough – we didn’t want him to overdo it. We were there to catch him if he needed us but he didn’t. After a bit we did help him lay back down – doing too much too soon sometimes isn’t a good thing. With horses in a condition such as Warrior, most accomplishments need to be achieved with baby steps. You can better see in this picture just how thin and fragile he is.
Much needed smiles of accomplishment – we are so proud of him! We made him comfortable on a nice clean sheet (with his under pad) and socks on his little feet. The socks help him from damaging his legs when he tries to run in place which he does do throughout the day and night. He is taking a nice nap now.
While things are looking up, we know that Warrior could take a turn for the worse at any time. So while we are optimistic we must remain realistic.
And this beautiful artwork came at a very appropriate time from our dear friend Greg A. Thank you Greg!
And many thanks to all of you for caring and helping! The emails, posts, donations, and phone calls of support are so very much appreciated!
I doubt I’ll post again this evening – lots to do. Please continue to keep this little one in your prayers! God bless and we hope everyone has a wonderful night!
Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
www.bhfer.org
Warrior update 7/6/12 2:15 pm
Dr. Ryan examined Warrior again today. He administered more fluids to help Warrior get stronger and he did more blood tests.
After Dr. Ryan left we took Warrior out of the sling and he is now resting. Actually, earlier this morning when I was sitting with Warrior, he tried 3 times to get up on his own and he was able to sit up like a dog – he couldn’t do that yesterday. But trying to get up wore him out. I do tell him to save up his energy but he doesn’t listen – he just wants to get up and be a horse – he really wants to get better. Dr. Ryan says he thinks Warrior is comfortable but a little frustrated because he doesn’t have the strength to get up on his own yet. I forgot to mention it but we are also treating both eyes for ulcerations – we got on this right away. And as you can see, there is still light in his eyes.
If you look closely in the picture below you will see a small boo boo in the shape of a heart. It’s on Warrior’s shoulder. When Baby Girl was recovering from her traumatic series of surgeries and rehab she also had a heart shaped boo boo – she healed nicely. I hope Warrior’s little shoulder heart is a sign that he too will recover. I believe….
Today Warrior has been drinking quite a bit of water – something he hasn’t been doing but he has been getting fluids. We don’t want him getting dehydrated. His appetite comes and goes but he got a peppermint mash today that he loved! His heart rate is up a bit but Dr. Ryan wasn’t alarmed – he also sees the will in Warrior to live. We agreed to give him more time. Unless he takes a dive or says he’s had enough – we will keep doing what we are doing. With time and proper care, hopefully his muscles will get stronger to enable him to get up and down and to stand.
It’s miserably hot and we have multiple fans going on the horses in the barn. Misters and sprinklers are going in the paddocks – we need some cloud cover. Thankfully, we have two volunteers coming in to help with the evening shift. We still have much to do in addition to caring for Warrior. I have a ton of emails – I appreciate them all and hope to get to them over the weekend. There is just little time in the office.
We have more info to share on Spirit and Lacey too – I’ll try to get another update out tonight. Thank you all for your prayers and good thoughts. I do believe in the power of prayer so please keep them coming.
I don’t like asking for help but we do operate totally off of donations. We do not get funding from any state, federal, local entities as some may think. We have no paid staff. Everything we do, we are able to do it because of help from others. I know it’s a tough time for everyone but we do need help with Warrior’s vetting. Donations can be called directly into the vets office352-237-6151 or you can visit the “Donate” page on our website. https://www.bhfer.org/donate.html. God bless and again, thank you all for caring.
Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
www.bhfer.org
Warrior this morning 07/06/12
Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
www.bhfer.org
Warrior Update Thursday pm
Warrior’s evening hasn’t been so good but today was so hard on everyone – hot and humid. Tomorrow is another day – let’s all pray for a good night. He doesn’t appear in any discomfort so that is good.
We’re off to bed for a few hours. Will be checking on Warrior again at 3 am when Domino gets fed her bottle again. She is growing like a weed! She stared and stared at Montana a couple of days ago – he’s very handsome and I guess she knows it! Montana is still looking for a home…
Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
www.bhfer.org
Warrior Update 3:20 pm
Positioning Warrior for a lift up to get him up and into the sling. Bob, Joshua, Jenny, Molly, and Aaron all helped to get Warrior into the sling.
He was tired by the time he was all setup in the sling so we let him nap a bit while we ran some fluids to give him a boost when he was ready.
I said a prayer for a good and peaceful rest and then a successful effort to stand – with or without the sling. If he could stand on his own accord it would give us a much brighter ray of hope for recovery.
He stood with help from the sling for a few minutes – he needed to “find his legs” and then we let it down – he was on his own! Success – he is a champ! He only stayed up for a few minutes but we are very proud of him!
Everyone was so happy – look at the smiles on Marie and Lynda! We were all very happy! That’s our awesome son Joshua helping out.
Getting prepared to let him go back down.
I passed the accomplishment on to Dr. Ryan and per his instructions we’ll do this procedure a few times around the clock and hopefully Warrior will build up the muscle and strength he needs to stand on his own accord over the next few days. By the time he was back down he had worked up an appetite.
This was a HUGE accomplishment! His body had started to shut down – we really don’t know if he will make it – Dr. Ryan feels, at this point, that his prognosis is still poor but he also has hope. It’s going to be a slow process and he is far from out of the woods. But at least Warrior has taken baby steps for recovery by standing – not just in the sling but on his own!
Please keep him in your prayers!
Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
www.bhfer.org