I spent the most part of today at UF with Ambrosia. She developed a thrombosis in her neck so the catheter had to be removed. The other side of her neck already had a thrombosis in it so that side can’t be used either. They have switched her over to oral antibiotics. When I got there this morning they were already in the process of flushing out the cavity (they had to remove a good part of her rib in order to get to the abscess). This will need to be done daily. She was a good girl, as always.
Dr. Stieler was off today (she deserved it!) but came in any way for the flushing of Ambrosia’s cavity and to check up on her. Everyone is so good to Ambrosia – it’s like home away from home except there she is in AC without flies!
Waiting for her to fully wake up from sedation after having the cavity flushed.
Her appetite was good and she’s drinking fine. She devoured her treats today.
Listening intently to little Billy “baaa” to everyone.
At times she looks very tired but that’s very understandable. She does have swelling in her legs – especially the back ones.
There was almost an aura about her this afternoon – the light in her eyes shines on.
Just being around Ambrosia makes you feel good. While you can see the effects that neglect has taken on her you can also see past them – you see the beauty she is both inside and outside. Her heart is full of gold. She has the right attitude and is very tolerant of what is being done to her – a huge plus to get her through this. She has another surgery coming up on the other side – possibly at the end of the week.
Please continue to keep Ambrosia in your prayers. There are still many things that can go wrong but we don’t, and won’t, dwell on them. Her care team monitors her closely. I can’t thank Dr. Stieler, Dr. MacKay, Dr. Freeman and Dr. Dymock (lead surgeon’s), Dr. Husted, Erik and all of the wonderful people at UF enough – from the minute you walk into the main office you feel welcome.
Ambrosia is in ICU and she has eyes on her 24/7. It’s comforting to know that there are many people that care about this wonderful mare that was kicked to the streets to fend for herself – neglected, sick, and all alone. But she now knows that she is loved and that she matters. We are all making a difference to Ambrosia.
Some have asked for pictures from yesterday. I’ve included a couple below but be forewarned – some may consider them graphic. One includes the rib upon removal.
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Please don’t forget to share the link to Horse and Man – a very informative blog at bhfer.melissa. We have a long way to go to raise enough funds to cover her expenses. In addition to the hospital expenses there will be aftercare – medications, follow-ups at UF, etc. All donations are tax deductible and no amount is too small.
Thank you all – God bless and have a good night everyone!
Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
www.bhfer.org
Ambrosia Has Her Wings
AMBROSIA HAS HER WINGS
It is with a heavy heart that I must inform you that our beloved Ambrosia has crossed the Rainbow Bridge.
An ultrasound taken this morning revealed that Ambrosia’s heart was gravely compromised and it was decided
by Theresa, together with her team of veterinarians, that it would be in our brave girl’s best interest to let her go.
Ambrosia was granted the very best of care to ensure her survival,
thanks to the love and support of each and every one of you.
Unfortunately, God had other plans….
Theresa is devastated and needs some time.
Ambrosia departed this earth with her head held high, knowing that she was loved as never before.
We love you, Ambrosia.
You will forever remain in each of our hearts.
jeanne
Ambrosia and what we do…
Some great news regarding Ambrosia – the air flow in her left lung is up to about 60%! This is up about 10% from the day before – isn’t that awesome? She is a very good example of what a positive and bright attitude can do (with a little help from us humans)! The Dr. says she’s amazing and we agree!
They want to do surgery on the other side tomorrow provided all goes well today. Without the surgery she won’t survive – we must move forward. And so we continue to ask for help to save Ambrosia’s life. I was made aware of a negative remark made by someone that we “beg for money” and “put out sob stories” to get donations. Well, you know what? We do beg for money! We are a non-profit organization that operates totally from donations made by others. Without asking for money, and sharing what happens with the money, we would cease to exist and I’ve had many tell me that would be very sad not just for the horses we help but for the humans that care about the horses, for our volunteers both here and afar, and supporters that believe in our mission. As for the stories we put out – we do share what we are doing with the money! People deserve to know where their money goes! And if a story happens to be a sad one, it is what it is. In some cases a sad story turns into a happy one – like Baby Girl’s. We’ve had many success stories and we are very proud of our accomplishments. And we don’t just ask for money – we work hard on applying for grants, holding fundraisers, etc.
We do take in cases that can be quite the challenge – we don’t go looking for them but they find us and I believe there is a reason. It’s our opinion here at BH that they ALL deserve a chance. I’m very proud and passionate about what we do and I’m also proud of our supporters that enable us to keep going – their passion and generosity keeps us alive. And for the horses that are available for adoption – we do not push our horses out the door. We wait until the right home comes along – our goal is the right forever home. Our come back rate is very low for that reason. However, last year we adopted out 36 horses. This year we’ll double that!
Regarding Ambrosia’s condition and her required surgeries, treatments, and follow-up needs – all of this is a learning experience for us here and I’ve received a few mails thanking us for sharing it. Yes, her needs are costly but we can’t, and won’t, ever put a value on life. If the horse is up for the fight for its life we do what we can. In some cases, we have to love the horse enough to help it cross. But the bottom line is that we do what is in the best interest of the horse.
We can’t do this alone – we need your help to save Ambrosia’s life as well as to continue to provide for horses in our care. So please share us, and our mission, with friends. Share us on Facebook. Share a link to our Daily Blog – http://bhfer.wordpress.com/. We need help finding good homes for the ones that are ready. There are many ways to help – carwashes, bake sales, matching corporate donations, raffles, yard sales, etc. No matter in what capacity you help us – we thank you!
Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
www.bhfer.org
Ambrosia 9/5 pm update – graphic pics at bottom of update
I spent the most part of today at UF with Ambrosia. She developed a thrombosis in her neck so the catheter had to be removed. The other side of her neck already had a thrombosis in it so that side can’t be used either. They have switched her over to oral antibiotics. When I got there this morning they were already in the process of flushing out the cavity (they had to remove a good part of her rib in order to get to the abscess). This will need to be done daily. She was a good girl, as always.
Dr. Stieler was off today (she deserved it!) but came in any way for the flushing of Ambrosia’s cavity and to check up on her. Everyone is so good to Ambrosia – it’s like home away from home except there she is in AC without flies!
Waiting for her to fully wake up from sedation after having the cavity flushed.
Her appetite was good and she’s drinking fine. She devoured her treats today.
Listening intently to little Billy “baaa” to everyone.
At times she looks very tired but that’s very understandable. She does have swelling in her legs – especially the back ones.
There was almost an aura about her this afternoon – the light in her eyes shines on.
Just being around Ambrosia makes you feel good. While you can see the effects that neglect has taken on her you can also see past them – you see the beauty she is both inside and outside. Her heart is full of gold. She has the right attitude and is very tolerant of what is being done to her – a huge plus to get her through this. She has another surgery coming up on the other side – possibly at the end of the week.
Please continue to keep Ambrosia in your prayers. There are still many things that can go wrong but we don’t, and won’t, dwell on them. Her care team monitors her closely. I can’t thank Dr. Stieler, Dr. MacKay, Dr. Freeman and Dr. Dymock (lead surgeon’s), Dr. Husted, Erik and all of the wonderful people at UF enough – from the minute you walk into the main office you feel welcome.
Ambrosia is in ICU and she has eyes on her 24/7. It’s comforting to know that there are many people that care about this wonderful mare that was kicked to the streets to fend for herself – neglected, sick, and all alone. But she now knows that she is loved and that she matters. We are all making a difference to Ambrosia.
Some have asked for pictures from yesterday. I’ve included a couple below but be forewarned – some may consider them graphic. One includes the rib upon removal.
Please don’t forget to share the link to Horse and Man – a very informative blog at bhfer.melissa. We have a long way to go to raise enough funds to cover her expenses. In addition to the hospital expenses there will be aftercare – medications, follow-ups at UF, etc. All donations are tax deductible and no amount is too small.
Thank you all – God bless and have a good night everyone!
Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
www.bhfer.org
Auction Items
We are holding an auction of several really beautiful items on Facebook but we want to share them off of Facebook as well.
This should have gone out yesterday via email but I just didn’t get to it – I apologize. Funds from auction items sold will be applied towards vet bills. Thank you!
AUCTION DETAILS:
Bidding will start today (9-4-12).
Minimum bid will be posted on each picture.
Bids must be in $5 increments.
Bidding will end at midnight on 9-11-12.
Bids can be e-mailed to bhfer.melissa
"See the Light in His Eye" Print
Donated by: Jeri Ann Young
Your choice of 8×10 (11×14 when matted) or
11×14 (16×10 when matted)
Water color
Minimum bid $40. Increments of $5.
Email bids to bhfer.melissa
(Current Bid $45)
"Ocean Scene" print.
Donated by: Jeri Ann Young
Your choice of 8×10 (11×14 when matted)or
11×14 (16×10 when matted)
Mix of water color and acrylic
Minimum bid $40, Increments of $5
E-mail bid to bhfer.melissa
No bids
April Hughes graciously donated this necklace to be auctioned off to benefit Ambrosia. It is hand made and 23" long.
Minimum bid $40.
Increments of $5. (No bids)
Czech Crystal Necklace Set- 18"
Minimum bid $25. Bid increments of $5
Donated by: Marie Riordan
No bids
Silver Silk Lariat Set – Silver/Gold 24"
Minimum bid $50. Increments of $5.
Donated by: Marie Riordan
No bids
Horse Necklace/Earrings- Brass 20"
Minimum bid $25. Bid increments of $5.
Donated by: Marie Riordan
(Current Bid $45)
Melissa Ingram
Adoptions/Events/Web Marketing
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
www.bhfer.org
Ambrosia Wednesday Update
Ambrosia Today
They had flushed the cavity out and are redressing the surgical area in this picture.
Ambrodia is eating and drinking. They had to remove the catheter and have switched her to oral antibiotics. I’m amazed with her positive attitude! She has a long, long way to go and there can be complications at any time but we are only thinking positive.
Little Billy sings to Ambrosia. He’s quite entertaining!
Quite the mare…
Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
www.bhfer.org
Ambrosia 09/05/12 am update
Heading out to the hospital now. A thrombosis had developed in the vein where her catheter is so they have to move it. The other vein already has a thrombosis. I’m not sure where the catheter is going to be placed now but I’ll find out soon.
There is still concern about air leaking and the potential of lung collapse. The doctor said Ambrosia is eating and drinking. They are keeping her comfortable.
Still a roller coaster ride but keeping the faith. Ambrosia has the will, now we can just pray it is in God’s plan that she gets through all of this and recovers to live a happy life. Please keep Ambrosia in your prayers.
Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
www.bhfer.org
Ambrosia update
Ambrosia is out of surgery. The doctors say it was quite extensive. They ended up taking most of her rib – there was a huge amount of fibren and pus. There was a scare where there was some air leaking but they managed to seal it off. Ambrosia just lost about 10 lbs but we won’t hold that against her progress of weight gain. J
They may not do the other side this week – they had planned on likely doing it on Friday but they want to wait and see how she does for a few days and they may hold off until next week. We won’t take any chances – if she needs time to recover from today and grow stronger before the next surgery then so be it.
So, she is stable and munching on her hay. They say she is quite the mare! She’s amazing. Just amazing.
Thank God. Thank all of the wonderful people at UF. And thank all of you!
Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
www.bhfer.org
In Surgery
Ambrosia was just taken in for surgery to remove an abscess on one side.
They will remove the one on the other side either Thursday or Friday.
Please pray for her.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
www.bhfer.org
Ambrosia – Horse and Man!
Please check out Dawn’s “Horse and Man” blog today – Ambrosia is the bucket fund recipient! Horse and Man is an awesome blog – very informative.
You can sign up to receive it automatically. Dawn does a wonderful job! Thank you Dawn!
Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
www.bhfer.org
horseandman.com
Ambrosia, Baby Girl, and Aaleyah Belle
I was surprised one day this week when I opened a Fall 2012 UF Veterinary magazine that I picked up – one of its articles hit home! Click here http://www.vetmed.ufl.edu/files/2011/08/REV-VetMedNewsletter3-27.pdf and go to page 9. It was a year ago this month – September (28th) 2011 that Dr. Porter, owner of PHD Veterinary Services, came out to x-ray Baby Girl’s head injury. He identified bone fragments and sent us to UF for a CT scan. I’ll never forget Dr. Morton sitting down with me to review the scan – it was grim. The odds for Baby Girl were poor. But her positive and can-do attitude which helped her to survive for 2+ months, before coming to us, with a horribly infected injury proved to all of us what a fighter she was. You could just feel a positive energy around her. And here is a link to the newspaper article – Baby Girl made front page! http://www.gainesville.com/article/20111218/ARTICLES/111219630
Baby Girl was our 2011 miracle. The first picture was taken the day after she arrived in August 2011. This 2nd picture was taken in July 2012 with Dr. Porter.
I won’t get into Baby Girl’s story in detail here but if you go to our Daily Blog from last year you can follow her story from the beginning – it’s a really good story of perseverance and love. Like Aaleyah Belle, a miracle baby that came to us in 2008 while only a few hours old with a severely wry nose (surgically repaired at UF in 2008), Baby Girl never gave up and she became another miracle story. These are just two examples of horses, with a huge love for life, that have taught or reminded us to never give up! Ambrosia has the same drive and will to survive – when I think about what she has endured, how neglected her needs went, I just can’t imagine not giving her an opportunity to overcome. While there is no guarantee that the treatment she needs will be a success, I have faith in her and her care team. She has the will to live and we want to give her that chance.
We truly appreciate the help that has come in for Ambrosia’s needs but we need to raise more funds. Melissa will be putting a jewelry auction on FB tomorrow and we have some other things in mind. Donations are still needed – no amount is too small and any amount is appreciated. Can you help? If you can’t donate funds, please share Ambrosia’s story with family and friends, perhaps they may be able to help. Again, no amount is too small and donations are tax deductible. Please help us to make this mare’s future possible.
I truly believe that Ambrosia survived and found her way to us for a reason and just in time – I don’t think she would have survived much longer. And, I believe in miracles. Thank you all – God bless and have a wonderful night!
Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
www.bhfer.org