05/22/12
It is with a very, very heavy heart that I post this update. Smarty Pants crossed Rainbow Bridge this afternoon. She had been improving, or so we thought. We knew she could take a turn for the worse at any given time. Infection and damage to internal organs had been a concern since day one. While edema in her front legs today had decreased it became significantly worse elsewhere. Dr. Ryan examined her, gave us his prognosis, and ran more blood work to confirm what he suspected and it wasn’t good. Verbatim from Dr. Ryan. “Her body was shutting down – resulting in poor tissue perfusion (blood supply to the muscles). All of this caused tissue necrosis – basically like gangrene. She may have lasted another day or two but it would have been pure hell. No doubt you made the right decision.”
While she surprised us with a short walk on her own in the sling today (with us humans by her) we didn’t know it would be her last. You can see in her eyes she wasn’t feeling well. We would not allow her to suffer – we promised her this from the start.
This little filly that captured so many hearts would have been one year old tomorrow. It just isn’t fair – I don’t know why things like this happen. I don’t understand it. I could go on and on with my thoughts about this but I won’t – at least not at this time. Today has been hell and mentally and emotionally overwhelming. And I’m not feeling the loss alone. My family, including our volunteers, feel it too – we all loved her terribly. We took turns sitting with her and caring for her – even through the nights. We love you Smarty Pants – you mattered to so many but we loved you enough to let you go. We will always love you. Now you fly with angel wings – until we meet again on the other side of The Bridge – know you are in our hearts, always.
And with tears still fresh we welcomed baby donkey. She was very hungry when she arrived and didn’t hesitate taking a bottle. Lacey has been providing some milk and we have milk replacer – the baby will isn’t picky and will drink either source.
Dr. Ryan had a very hard time getting the catheter into her vein in order to run the plasma.
She is currently sleeping – something she needed badly.
She’s had a tough start in life but like Smarty Pants she arrived with light in her eyes that we pray will shine brighter with each passing day. When Pam went to pick her up she found her standing between two pine trees, shaking – we were having a really bad storm. Her mom was off elsewhere. I wonder what this little one thought? But she is here now and she will have a full tummy all night long and she won’t be alone.
And tomorrow is another day. I don’t know what it has in store for us but there is already a void – Smarty Pants had become a part of all of us. We did everything we could to help her and she knows she was loved. She didn’t die in the sand and sun – alone or afraid. She was surrounded by love. While I will never stop believing in miracles and had prayed hard for one with Smarty – I have to think God had other plans for her and we are not to question that but rather accept it. Yes, she would have been one year old tomorrow – a day that won’t come for her on this earth. Each day we had with her was a gift – a blessing. And when I look up to the sky tonight and see a bright shining star I will think of her – I know she knows she is loved. And even though she runs with the heavenly herd she is still with us. She will always be with us. God bless all of you for caring about this little girl – our little Smarty Pants.
Run with the angels sweet girl – we are so very proud of you and how hard you fought for life. You are, and always be, an inspiration to me and your eyes are etched into my heart forever.
Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
www.bhfer.org
BHFER Celebration of Life
I know I’m days late getting this update out and I apologize – I have had personal things come up that required attention and the number of requests for help for others horses has been great and has taken much time. I do need to share info about these other horses in need but will do so in a separate email tomorrow. Katie’s surgery took up much of the day today. She did well but she will have to get used to being right handed for several weeks (she’s left handed and it’s her left shoulder that was operated on). I am pecking at the keyboard without the use of two right hand fingers. I’m a bit slow at it but at least I’m pecking so no complaints! My trip to the do the doctor’s office today after Katie went into surgery, along with additional x-rays, brought good news – only one fracture vs. two.
We had a great time at the Celebration of Life – it’s wonderful to see familiar faces and to meet new people!
Gary brought HighTower with him for a training demo. It was so good to see HighTower – he is beautiful and seems to love what he’s doing! Gary trains some of our horses and does a great job – visit his Facebook page at Quest Horsemanship!
The amount of time and work that Jenny put into putting the Celebration together, with help from others, was enormous and we can’t thank everyone enough. And many people took time out of their busy life schedules to attend – some from 1000+ miles away! We are very blessed in many ways. To all that donated time, funds, raffle items, etc. – thank you! Our sincerest gratitude goes out to everyone.
Domino got lots of attention – she’s doing well.
A year in review – a tribute to those that have crossed Rainbow Bridge and talk of dreams and hope for the future – there is no way I could say what I wanted to in a short period of time. Nor can I say how deeply we appreciate everyone and their support.
I don’t want to end this update without a thank you to those that have given their lives so that we may be free – the meaning of Memorial Day. May we all always honor and recognize the sacrifice they made as well as the sacrifices of their families. And throughout history our precious equine have been there to help mankind – be it on the battlefield or in rehabilitation programs for those injured while serving their country.
God bless and again – thank you all for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
www.bhfer.org
Smarty Pants – We love you, always!
BHFER Update 05/25/12
So tomorrow we start the weekend in preparation for our Celebration of Life Day on Sunday. We look forward to seeing old friends and to making new ones. And I think I’ll start right now – introducing one of our most recent babies to those that haven’t met her yet. This is 3 week old Dora – her mom Lacey was a rescue that came to us pregnant with Dora and a 3 month old baby (Lexie) on her side. Dora is now enjoying time outside and the exercise is helping her windswept legs. She is a stunning baby ad very curious. She is a true blessing and loves attention.
And our latest arrival is baby donkey Domino. Born on the evening of May 22nd – her mother rejected her and she couldn’t nurse. We had Dr. Ryan run her plasma and she is doing ok. She’s black with a white tummy – thus the name Domino! Here she is trying to figure out who Trixie is while Lady Jane and Alyse look on in the background.
And here she is challenging a garden hose – it was hilarious! Look at those long legs! Caring for an orphan takes a lot of time and money but it’s worth it! She gets feedings around the clock and the cost of milk replacer is outrageous! She is also on camera for us to see from our home.
Also this weekend at the Celebration we will be having cake in honor of our daughter’s graduation from high school – she’ll be a Gator next year! We are very proud of Katie and her accomplishments. We couldn’t have a party for her but we thought this would be a great way and opportunity to let her know how proud we are of her. This is Katie playing with Domino.
Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
www.bhfer.org
Our Smarty Pants – always loved…
Smarty’s Birthday
Smarty would have been one year old today. She is greatly missed but I know she is still close by. Greg sent me this picture this morning and my heart skipped a beat or two. I truly do believe Smarty Pants is keeping watchful eye over us. Her eyes are beautiful and spoke volumes with no words needed.
Happy birthday and God bless you – our little Smarty Pants! We love you!
And thank you Greg, very much.
PS – little Domino is doing well. Dr. Ryan just pulled blood and we’ll have the results in a couple of hours.
Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
www.bhfer.org
__,_._,___
New Star in the Sky Tonight and Orphan Baby Donkey – 05/22/12
05/22/12
It is with a very, very heavy heart that I post this update. Smarty Pants crossed Rainbow Bridge this afternoon. She had been improving, or so we thought. We knew she could take a turn for the worse at any given time. Infection and damage to internal organs had been a concern since day one. While edema in her front legs today had decreased it became significantly worse elsewhere. Dr. Ryan examined her, gave us his prognosis, and ran more blood work to confirm what he suspected and it wasn’t good. Verbatim from Dr. Ryan. “Her body was shutting down – resulting in poor tissue perfusion (blood supply to the muscles). All of this caused tissue necrosis – basically like gangrene. She may have lasted another day or two but it would have been pure hell. No doubt you made the right decision.”
While she surprised us with a short walk on her own in the sling today (with us humans by her) we didn’t know it would be her last. You can see in her eyes she wasn’t feeling well. We would not allow her to suffer – we promised her this from the start.
This little filly that captured so many hearts would have been one year old tomorrow. It just isn’t fair – I don’t know why things like this happen. I don’t understand it. I could go on and on with my thoughts about this but I won’t – at least not at this time. Today has been hell and mentally and emotionally overwhelming. And I’m not feeling the loss alone. My family, including our volunteers, feel it too – we all loved her terribly. We took turns sitting with her and caring for her – even through the nights. We love you Smarty Pants – you mattered to so many but we loved you enough to let you go. We will always love you. Now you fly with angel wings – until we meet again on the other side of The Bridge – know you are in our hearts, always.
And with tears still fresh we welcomed baby donkey. She was very hungry when she arrived and didn’t hesitate taking a bottle. Lacey has been providing some milk and we have milk replacer – the baby will isn’t picky and will drink either source.
Dr. Ryan had a very hard time getting the catheter into her vein in order to run the plasma.
She is currently sleeping – something she needed badly.
She’s had a tough start in life but like Smarty Pants she arrived with light in her eyes that we pray will shine brighter with each passing day. When Pam went to pick her up she found her standing between two pine trees, shaking – we were having a really bad storm. Her mom was off elsewhere. I wonder what this little one thought? But she is here now and she will have a full tummy all night long and she won’t be alone.
And tomorrow is another day. I don’t know what it has in store for us but there is already a void – Smarty Pants had become a part of all of us. We did everything we could to help her and she knows she was loved. She didn’t die in the sand and sun – alone or afraid. She was surrounded by love. While I will never stop believing in miracles and had prayed hard for one with Smarty – I have to think God had other plans for her and we are not to question that but rather accept it. Yes, she would have been one year old tomorrow – a day that won’t come for her on this earth. Each day we had with her was a gift – a blessing. And when I look up to the sky tonight and see a bright shining star I will think of her – I know she knows she is loved. And even though she runs with the heavenly herd she is still with us. She will always be with us. God bless all of you for caring about this little girl – our little Smarty Pants.
Run with the angels sweet girl – we are so very proud of you and how hard you fought for life. You are, and always be, an inspiration to me and your eyes are etched into my heart forever.
Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
www.bhfer.org
Smarty and baby donkey
Please everyone say prayers and send good thoughts for Smarty. She walked, under her own accord, several feet in the barn paddock this morning. The sling was there to support her but us humans stood back and watched her move on her own – it was a first! It did exhaust her but her attitude is positive. Dr. Ryan did come out to examine her wounds and to debride them – we have been concerned about infection from the very beginning. He is running more blood tests – the next 24 hours are critical. This is a setback but we’re not giving up yet.
We got a call not long ago about a baby donkey that has been rejected by the mom. The baby was born yesterday evening and the mom didn’t let the baby nurse nor would she let humans nurse her – she just wants to kick. I called Pam to go check out the situation and she is now on her way back here with the baby. She confirmed that mom wanted nothing to do with the baby or humans. The best thing we can do now is to get plasma into the baby and pray it’s not too late. Dr. Ryan will be back to run plasma to the baby. Please pray for this little one. I’ll update when I can. We had a horrible storm and are without power. Pam said the baby was soaking wet and shivering – standing between two pine trees when she got there. Mom was off and about and wanted nothing to do with the baby.
Again, please pray for these precious ones and us humans that are trying our best to do what is best for them. I had a little accident with the hoist on the sling today and may have fractured my little finger. Once we get the babies taken care of today I’ll try to get to the hospital for x-rays. I did get ice on the fingers almost immediately so the swelling isn’t too bad. In any event, we just simply need prayers and good thoughts and the wisdom to do the right things and make the right decisions for these babies. Thank you.
Also – if anyone would like to help with the vetting (including plasma) costs for the baby donkey please let us know. It isn’t going to be inexpensive. We’ll worry about funds later – right now we just want to get the plasma into the baby ASAP. Dr. Ryan and the baby should be here in the next 20 minutes.
Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
www.bhfer.org
Smarty Update 05/20/12
Just a quick update to let everyone know that Smarty Pants is doing ok. She does have diarrhea that is likely caused by medications but it’s being treated. It does take quite a bit of extra time to keep her backside clean but it’s worth it. J
Her attitude is bright and positive although her appetite today wasn’t as good today as it has been. She did get outside in the sling today and grazed under the shade of a tree (with help from us humans). Her open injuries are treated throughout the day/night and she is great about it. Her temperature has remained in the normal range.
It’s really nice to hear her whinny – when she does I always imagine her saying “Thank you for helping me to live – I can do it!”
Thank you all for thinking about her and please continue to keep her in your prayers. I’ll post a more detailed update tomorrow with pictures. God bless and have a great night!
Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
www.bhfer.org
Smarty Pants and Peggy Sue – 05/19/17
05/19/12
Dr. Das worked on Smarty Pants yesterday. She was amazed at how bright her eyes and attitude are despite her condition. Smarty will need additional treatments.
Yesterday we found Peggy Sue with what we thought were ant bites and she was given some Banamine. Late yesterday evening we found her down and looking like she was colicing – the lumps from the bites had multiplied and looked a lot worse. Checking her over, we found a very piece of wood lodged deep in her neck. It appears that she’d rubbed against the shelter to scratch the bites and that is where the sliver of wood came from. She was so swollen – even her face. I called Dr. Ryan and he advised me what to do. I got the wood out in a quick pull and gave her some medications. She got a good bath and spent the night in a stall keeping everyone awake with her whinnies. She doesn’t like to be stalled. She is better this am.
The piece of wood.
Have a great day everyone. Smarty’s hoist is being modified today and once done it will allow her to move about freely in her sling. We did get her out yesterday for a short walk in the grass and she enjoyed that but tired quickly.
Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
www.bhfer.org
Smarty Pants Update 05/17/12
Smarty Pants did ok today. She is eating and drinking fine. She is a trouper about getting her injuries treated – the wounds are no worse so that is a good thing. Her temperature was up a bit today but is back down in the normal range tonight. Smarty Pants went for a very short walk today – a few steps. Tomorrow she’ll be treated by Dr. Das. If Smarty is up for it – Laura will be here on Saturday for a hooficure – her toes are very long which hinders her walking. She is still weak but at least strong enough to stand on her own for period of time – but she does tire quickly. But the sling is there for her if she needs it – and she does.
She’s come a long ways in just a couple of days. She has a long way to go but each day she will get stronger. We are thinking only positive thoughts and I pray constantly. She will recover – she has a huge love for life. The first picture below was taken before we loaded her to bring her to the rescue two days ago. The next after arrival at the rescue – getting an IV by Dr. Ryan.
Yesterday – we had just rolled her over.
And today.
If you’ve emailed and I haven’t responded yet please know that your email is important to me – I’ve just had little time in the office. As usual – there are not enough hours in a day – getting this update out was even tough but I want to keep everyone updated on Smarty Pants and her progress. But going to take a hot shower and going to bed is very appealing and I’m looking forward to it! Have a good night everyone!
PS – I hope to update about others here over the weekend. I will say that MoonShadow is doing very well. I let him out around the house with Little E a couple of days ago and he totally enjoyed it! He ran all around, kicked up his heels, and had a good time. Not sure Little E appreciated it but he tolerated it. J
Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
www.bhfer.org
Smarty Pants – Graphic at bottom of update
It was a long and tiring day but a good one. Bob had to go to Jacksonville to get the sling and hoist and once he got back he had to make a few mods to it. Smarty tried a couple of times to get up but she couldn’t and we simply could not lift her again – we knew the sling was key. She seemed more tired today but that was understandable – she went through a lot yesterday. Being put on a stretcher, loaded into a trailer (especially when her initial experience with loading into a trailer was a horror story), a road trip to the rescue, meeting new people, being examined and treated by Dr. Ryan, sleeping in a new place with new horse friends.
I have to share this picture of Lacey – this is how she watched Smarty after she arrived at the rescue – she knew the little one wasn’t in a good way. Lacey seemed very concerned.
I have to add that little Dora is doing better each day – those back hips/legs are getting stronger and stronger. She now thinks the birthing stall is the Indy 500 Speedway. I keep telling her she’s not supposed to be running around and she just looks at me and takes off again!
Smarty slept more today – she likely needed the rest. Although, she did seem to brighten up and beam after I brushed her mane. I laid the brush on a bag of shavings and she must have wanted me to keep brushing because she picked it up with her teeth and dropped at my knees. Yep, she has us trained. Graphic picture of sores is below this one.
The sores at her elbows would get worse each time we’d have to turn her over no matter how we treated them. She has a long way to go. Infection is a concern and you can see why. These sores came about from her struggling in the sand trying to get up before we got her. The left one is the worst but both are bad.
I didn’t realize how tall Smarty Pants was until she stood up in the sling this evening!
I’m calling it a day – have to get to physical therapy myself in the morning. Jenny will be spending the night with Smarty Pants and Marie and Aima will be here to relieve her in the morning along with Bob. It was a physically hard working day but with the help of others we met our goal of getting Smarty into her sling. And I want to thank everyone for all of your support – prayers, donations, emails, etc. It takes a lot of things coming together to make a goal a success sometimes. By working together we are most effective in helping horses. Please continue to pray for Smarty and that her open wounds heal without complication and that all of her injuries heal and that she can soon run and play like a yearling should. There is a lot of swelling in her legs – especially the front right. We’ll be working on that and more tomorrow.
Have a great night everyone! Look at those loving and thankful eyes that are full of life!
Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
www.bhfer.org
SMARTY PANTS
Never give up and always believe…
I believe in miracles and nobody, ever, can take that away from me – this is what Beauty’s Haven is about. Smarty Pants clearly said she needed help and didn’t want to give up. And it’s because of faith and support from others – we are. God bless you all.
Smarty Pants has a long way to go on her road to recovery and where the path may lead we don’t know – but for now she is happy and content. And for now we let go and let God. And I give thanks…
Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
www.bhfer.org