I did call Dr. Ryan to come out this afternoon. Some of the obstruction had resolved itself before I called him but there was enough still there to be concerned. So, Gentleman got sedated and tubed. The rest of the obstruction that could be cleared was – that is the good news – the nasogastric tube passed through the entire length of the esophagus. The bad news is that there is a lump – a cyst or tumor still there that may have helped cause the obstruction by pushing on the esophagus. He is having a tough time swallowing water and is on a liquid diet for now. I’ve got a call into Dr. Ryan to see if an ultrasound would help to determine what the lump is.

I’m so thankful that Marie got me as soon as she knew that Gentleman refused his feed this am. I was out rounding up the 3 kids (Morning Star, Baby Girl, Indy) that were supposed to be in the arena that escaped somehow. As soon as I got to Gentleman he led me to the gate that goes into the paddock where his shelter is. Nikole had been locked in there for feeding time. We let Nikole out and GMan in. I watched as he walked to his shelter and he stood for a minute – I could see discomfort in his eyes. He walked to an area in the sand and wanted to lay down but he didn’t – I went over to check him out and could see a lump on his neck. Then he started to cough and I called Dr. Ryan. I massaged GMan’s neck while Bob got some meds. After administering Gentleman the meds we took him to a stall. The rest of today has already been told but I’m afraid this isn’t over yet. And if Gentleman isn’t swallowing any better by morning and if he needs fluids he will get them.

Someone asked me today how much today’s vetting cost is and I don’t know – I never thought to ask at the time but I can find out tomorrow. If anyone would like to help it would be greatly appreciated. Donations can be called into the vet’s office at 352-237-6151 and should be noted for Gentleman. We do need to buy another bottle of Banamine. I’ll have to cost that tomorrow – we get that someplace else as it’s less expensive.

I wanted to get an update out about all here today but didn’t have a chance. I’ll try tomorrow. We love Gentleman so very much – please keep him in prayers.

Prayers please! We had a huge change in weather overnight – down to about 40 degrees. I got up worrying about Little E because when we have a drastic change in the weather he tends to colic. Went to check on him and he was fine. However, Gentleman didn’t eat breakfast. I watched him for a bit and he appeared to be trying to colic but then I saw a lump in his neck. He coughed a little and started to drool – choke came to mind. Sure enough, we found a lump on the left side of his neck. I called Dr. Ryan while massaging GMan’s neck and then gave him meds to help as per Dr. Ryan. GMan is now in a stall for observation.

Choke is a horrible thing. If he is no better this afternoon Dr. Ryan will come out. I really don’t want GMan to have to be tubed but if the lump is still there we will need to have it done. The lump is smaller now then it was this morning but it is still there.

Sincerely,
Theresa

Dear Narissa,

You and Twilight have been on my mind – I think of you and the others in our heavenly herd daily. I miss your smell, your eyes, your trust in us when trying to help your foot feel better. We did our best to keep you comfortable so you could stay with us for a long time. But still, even with meds, your pain became too much and you let me know it was time. I’m so thankful for you helping me to make the right decision. A life here with constant unbearable pain is something I would not wish on anyone. I know your foot hurt very much and walking on 3 legs is hard and it makes other parts of the body ache. I’m very thankful that God put you in our path so that we had some time with you.

As I sat with you all morning the day you crossed I told you about our heavenly herd – from the first we helped here at the rescue to cross the Rainbow Bridge, Frosty, to Twilight and all of the horses in between. We’ve lost many but I know that you are all together now and someday we’ll see each other again. And we talked about Barbaro and how laminitis robbed him of life on this earth too. I don’t know if there will ever be a cure but I pray for it every day. Please tell our heavenly herd how much I love and miss all of you.

You were tired, I know. I’m glad you rested before Dr. Ryan arrived.

Once Dr. Ryan arrived I was very proud of your willingness to walk up Frosty’s Knoll. It’s one of the hardest walks there is for me. Linda, Jenny, Bob, Brie, and even Dr. Ryan walked with us. You were surrounded by love.

You held your head high and trusted what we said – that the pain would go away as you cross Rainbow Bridge and only good would be before you.

The last few minutes filled my heart with so much sadness. But we knew that soon you would be without pain and running with the heavenly herd. You left this world knowing love and with your dignity restored. We were all so blessed that you had been part of our life.

And as you left us to cross the Bridge images of you came into my head and heart – a transition to a youthful and whole and happy Narissa. I found comfort in that.

We loved you enough to let you go and loving tucked you in our blanket of gold to say our last “we love you’s.” And now you fly with the angels.

I love you Narissa, always.

Theresa

VERY SAD NEWS…..

Our beloved Narissa will be crossing Rainbow Bridge at one o’clock pm.

Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

Jeanne

PLEASE PRAY FOR NARISSA

Narissa is experiencing much discomfort in her right front hoof despite medication to help.

This is the foot that x-rays showed the coffin bone had rotated and sunken.
We’ve given her weeks of TLC and she knows she is loved.

Dr. Ryan will be out around noon. We will do what is in her best interest.

Please keep our beautiful girl in your prayers.

We love you Narissa.

And we pray for a miracle against this horrible disease that devastates horses – and the humans that love them.

Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
www.bhfer.org

Just a quick update – the day is almost over and still lots to do!

Lady is doing very well adjusting to her new surroundings. Like Gentleman, she is another gentle giant. While she is very thin and her bones are very prominent – she has a big belly. We’re hoping it’s just a hay/grass belly or perhaps parasites.

Dr. Ryan will be out tomorrow to examine her. She got a bath today which she really needed.

Peggy Sue is doing ok – her back right stifle no longer gets locked up but she still stands with her back right leg parked behind her at times. During the last couple of days Narissa’s front right foot has been more ouchy but she’s been more active around the barn. She could use some angels to help with shavings for her stall. We try to keep them thick and deep. They are $4 a bag and she uses at least a bag a day. Look how beautiful Narissa’s eyes are. She is a very proud mare. I would have loved to have known her in her youth. I bet she has a lot of lifetime stories she could tell us. And Peggy Sue – her eyes are big and soft and beautiful. She is a mare that makes you feel good – she just has that effect on you without doing anything but just being there.

Morning Star clearly let us know today that he still doesn’t like the taste of wormer – even if it’s supposed to taste like apple. He’s still looking for a home!

Lacey is still huge and looks bigger each day. She also could use angels to help with bedding in her stall. She is a messy girl and uses over a bag each night. They are $4 a bag.

We hope everyone had a great weekend and that the upcoming week brings many blessings!

Just a quick update to let everyone know that the Percheron mare arrived late this evening. We’re calling her Lady Jane. She is a doll – a pure sweetheart! She is very, very thin under an unhealthy coat. She has a bit of a belly – hopefully it’s just a grass belly. She is a smaller Percheron – maybe just a bit shorter than Gentleman. You can see wisdom in her eyes – I bet she could tell us lots of stories about her life. She had her last baby in 2005 and had been out to pasture for the last 4+ years with no human intervention – no vetting, farrier, nothing. We truly thank the ladies that brought her to our attention – Aunties Jan and Lisa!

Welcome home Lady Jane!

Finally, home…

She has an appointment with Dr. Ryan on Monday unless something comes up and she needs to be seen sooner.

If anyone would like to help sponsor Lady Jane please let us know. I know she would appreciate any and all assistance with her care. God bless and have a good night!

Peggy Sue is doing well. I’ll update in more detail tomorrow – I’ve got a ton of things to do and little time to get them done tonight but I wanted to share pictures from today and to thank those that made it possible for Peggy Sue to have her x-rays’s and surgery today. She is currently and contently resting in her stall.

Happy to be back…

I’ll share what we learned about her past today based on the x-rays. It wasn’t good. All I can say right now is that she is one tough gal and I’m glad she is here.

God bless and have a good night!

PEGGY SUE UPDATE

Good Morning, Everyone,

Peggy Sue is doing fine and will be arriving home later this afternoon. Peggy Sue’s right rear stifle was sliced and an x-ray revealed a broken pelvis which, according to the previous owner, occurred six years ago when Peggy Sue was giving birth. It appears that the foal had to be pulled out and by doing so, Peggy Sue’s pelvis was fractured. This misalignment created a shortened leg which was quite painful to walk on, thereby causing the muscles to atrophy over the years. The vet confirms that this most undoubtedly is the reason for Peggy Sue’s present condition.

Peggy Sue will be placed on Previcox and Milk Thistle and will wear a pad on her shortened leg to assist her in getting about. The cost of Previcox for Dogs is $75 for sixty tablets which will last two months and the cost of Milk Thistle from the Healing Barn is $171 for a sixth month supply.

http://thehealingbarn.com/newthb/hilton-herbs-milk-thistle-plus/

Peggy Sue and Narissa are in need of sponsors.

Theresa will be picking up the Percheron Mare tomorrow.

Thank you all for your continued generosity, love and support.

Jeanne

Sorry – I didn’t finish going through my emails and hit the send button on my update tonight too quickly – but we have received all funds needed to buy the hay for the 3 horses we are trying to place. We’ll get it picked up and delivered to the boys tomorrow – likely on the way home from the hospital – I think they will be doing surgery in the am on Peggy Sue.