Mishka has been having some worrisome issues. Sometimes his feet get packed after it rains which can cause him to become tender footed. We dread this because when we are able to pick up a front foot, he tends to throw it forward rather abruptly which makes it dangerous for the human tending to his needs. And, if we’re lucky enough to get a foot up, we can’t make him keep it up. Trying to maintain proper balance in his feet has always been quite challenging and proper balance is very important.
After a recent rain storm, we discovered Mishka to be lame the next day – he simply would not cooperate in order for us to examine and clean out his feet. After a couple of days, we moved him into Penny’s paddock with Peaches, which is closer to the barn where we could keep a better eye on him and ensure he was drinking enough water. Because the lameness issue arose suddenly, an abscess was suspected – his pulses were not elevated and there was no heat in his feet.
The day before the farrier was to arrive, as I was trimming hair around Mishka’s coronary band, I poked around above his left coronary band a bit with my fingers to see if I’d get a response from him and suddenly, an abscess opened up at his heel. The smell was horrible! While he may have gotten some relief, he wasn’t close to being much better. Because Mishka had been bearing more weight on his right foot due to the abscess in his left, we placed icepacks around the right foot as a precaution. Bearing most of the weight on the right foot could cause laminitis.
We scheduled the vet to come out to do x-rays and we are quite concerned with the findings. Mishka’s front right does have rotation and his side bone has gotten worse in both feet.
Bloodwork done which indicated he was slightly dehydrated. Results from one blood test will not be ready until next week. The farrier came yesterday and, as always, Andrew did the best he could, but to do the job right, and to provide Mishka with balanced feet and shoes, we need stocks. Using boots isn’t an option because we can’t keep his feet up long enough to put them on. Stocks not only enable the handler to restrain a horse without hurting him, but prevent injury to the handler as well.
We have needed stocks for a long time, but now, it is an absolute necessity as we want to keep Mishka as comfortable as possible so he can be with us for many more years.
This isn’t going to be an inexpensive investment but we have faith that, with help from others, we will be able to procure the needed stocks and raise enough funds to cover Mishka’s present and future vet bills and x-rays. We don’t have the recent vet bill yet but Mishka will need additional x-rays and more “hooficures” to make adjustments over the next several weeks. The stocks are about $2400 which includes shipping – other horses will benefit from them as well.
A very dear friend and supporter is offering a most generous Match Game whereby all donations up to $1000 will be matched dollar for dollar!
If you would like to help Mishka while doubling your donation at the same time, just click on the ‘Donate’ button below. All contributions are tax deductible and please be assured, that no amount is ever too small.
Thank you, all, for your love and support,
Theresa
A Special Thank You from Mishka
Mishka, which means “Big Teddy Bear,” arrived at Beauty’s Haven at the end of October, 2014. He was on his way to auction when we intercepted him.
A beautiful black Percheron, Mishka was very thin upon arrival, weighing in at just 1430 pounds. He had very little muscle tone, no mane, a very short, docked tail, and a body covered with numerous sores. His ears had no hair and were swollen and raw. But despite all he had endured, Mishka was, and continues to be, a very sweet and gentle soul.
Mishka has been diagnosed with EPSM (equine polysaccharide storage myopathy) which is being addressed through a special diet and a variety of supplements. Sadly, he recently has also been experiencing some hoof issues with rotation in his front right together with worsening side bones on both feet. Mishka has thankfully been gifted with shoeing stocks which will hopefully make a great difference in addressing his issues.
Mishka, a permanent resident of our Sanctuary herd, brings such an innate amount of joy to all who meet him. Our big teddy bear has a huge personality and when one speaks to him, he vigorously moves his lips as if he is truly engaged in a deep conversation! He is an amazing presence and such a joy to behold.
And it is because of each and every one of you that horses like Mishka have been granted a second chance at life, a life filled with comfort and joy, a life where they will be forever safe and loved.
Thank you.
Happy #GivingTuesday!
At long last, #GivingTuesday has arrived! This wonderful day of giving is crucial for nonprofit organizations like Beauty’s Haven, to raise the necessary funds which help enable us to continue our most important mission of rescuing equines and other sentient beings in need, thereby granting each a second chance at life which they all so richly deserve.
All gifts up to $11,000 will be matched dollar for dollar through December 15th, so please take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to double your impact. Contributions may be made on the form below. If donating via PayPal, please designate your contribution to #GivingTuesday. As always, all donations are so greatly appreciated and please be assured that no amount is ever too small.
Wishing you all a blessed Holiday Season.
Sincerely,
Theresa
Just Two Days Away!
#GivingTuesday is just two days away! It is the most important fundraising day of the year for organizations like ours and after the challenges of the last two years, it is more crucial than ever.
All gifts up to $11,000 will be matched dollar for dollar through December 15th! If you wish to get ahead of the game, just submit your tax-deductible gift today on the form below. If donating via PayPal, please designate your contribution to GivingTuesday. All donations are so greatly appreciated and please be assured that no amount is ever too small.
Wishing you all a blessed Holiday Season.
Sincerely,
Theresa
Giving Thanks
With gratitude for your continued love and support. Wishing you a Blessed Thanksgiving.
Sincerely,
The Beauty’s Haven Family
Big Adventure for Lady Sophia & Candace
Candace and Lady Sophia have come so far. From death’s door to two beautiful and healthy girls. Lady Sophia is so proud of her girl – she is a wonderful mom who loves her baby dearly. Candace had a rather large umbilical cord hernia that needed to be repaired. On Monday, they made a trip to Ocala Equine Medical Center so that Candace’s hernia could be repaired the next morning.
It took some time to get Candace to understand that she needed to get on the trailer with her mom to get to the milk bar. Once she did, however, they settled in nicely for a ride to the hospital and upon arrival, they contentedly settled into their stall. Our thanks to Pam of Double B Equine Transport for always taking great care of our precious cargo!
Back Home
Candace and Lady Sophia arrived back home on Tuesday and unloaded just fine. They settled into the birthing stall and the first thing Candace wanted to do was visit the milk bar and mom was truly happy to oblige. Once that was taken care of, Frodo stopped by to say hello. He believes that he is quite the “studly stud.”
Then, if all is well, they will be able to go out into a small paddock for a week. After that, they will be turned back out.
Wishing you all a wonderful weekend.
Sincerely,
Theresa
Match Game for Mishka
Mishka has been having some worrisome issues. Sometimes his feet get packed after it rains which can cause him to become tender footed. We dread this because when we are able to pick up a front foot, he tends to throw it forward rather abruptly which makes it dangerous for the human tending to his needs. And, if we’re lucky enough to get a foot up, we can’t make him keep it up. Trying to maintain proper balance in his feet has always been quite challenging and proper balance is very important.
After a recent rain storm, we discovered Mishka to be lame the next day – he simply would not cooperate in order for us to examine and clean out his feet. After a couple of days, we moved him into Penny’s paddock with Peaches, which is closer to the barn where we could keep a better eye on him and ensure he was drinking enough water. Because the lameness issue arose suddenly, an abscess was suspected – his pulses were not elevated and there was no heat in his feet.
The day before the farrier was to arrive, as I was trimming hair around Mishka’s coronary band, I poked around above his left coronary band a bit with my fingers to see if I’d get a response from him and suddenly, an abscess opened up at his heel. The smell was horrible! While he may have gotten some relief, he wasn’t close to being much better. Because Mishka had been bearing more weight on his right foot due to the abscess in his left, we placed icepacks around the right foot as a precaution. Bearing most of the weight on the right foot could cause laminitis.
Bloodwork done which indicated he was slightly dehydrated. Results from one blood test will not be ready until next week. The farrier came yesterday and, as always, Andrew did the best he could, but to do the job right, and to provide Mishka with balanced feet and shoes, we need stocks. Using boots isn’t an option because we can’t keep his feet up long enough to put them on. Stocks not only enable the handler to restrain a horse without hurting him, but prevent injury to the handler as well.
This isn’t going to be an inexpensive investment but we have faith that, with help from others, we will be able to procure the needed stocks and raise enough funds to cover Mishka’s present and future vet bills and x-rays. We don’t have the recent vet bill yet but Mishka will need additional x-rays and more “hooficures” to make adjustments over the next several weeks. The stocks are about $2400 which includes shipping – other horses will benefit from them as well.
If you would like to help Mishka while doubling your donation at the same time, just click on the ‘Donate’ button below. All contributions are tax deductible and please be assured, that no amount is ever too small.
Thank you, all, for your love and support,
Theresa
She’s a Thoroughbred, born to RUN!
And now, for your Friday afternoon smile: watch the above video of Candace doing what she was meant to do – she was “Born to Run!” There are simply no words needed but please watch the video to the end, Frodo is absolutely precious!
Candace was exhausted after her adventure and she almost fell asleep while I was picking her feet after taking her and her momma, Lady Sophia, back to their paddock.
This is what five weeks of TLC can accomplish thanks to the love and support of our amazing little village of supporters. It is because of each and every one of you that this little miracle and her momma are with us today. We are so truly blessed.
Sincerely,
Theresa
It’s Always Something!
Thanks to our wonderful Aunties & Uncles, all my friends and I now have “Happy Feet!” But now, we are almost out of hay and shavings, and we would be forever grateful if you could help us fill up the hay cart and line the stalls with soft shavings.
All donations are greatly appreciated and no amount is ever too small. Just click on the “Donate” button below! Thank You!
Love,
CaryLou
Fly with the angels, sweet Nash
The last few days have been tough for us here at the rescue. One of the senior members of our beloved herd, Nash, had recently been having issues. Despite all the love and care he received, we had to make the decision to help Nash transition to Rainbow Bridge yesterday. It was the same exact day a year ago that we had to make this very same decision for Little E. For those of you who have a Beauty’s Haven 2021 Calendar, Nash was our September horse of the month. Nash had been with us since 2004, he was a horse with a huge heart and a great mind. Born in 1992, he was a grandson of Dash for Cash.
I don’t like to say or even type the word “cancer.” I just call it the “C” word. Knowing we often can’t fix a “C” issue, we do everything possible to help make the horse comfortable and cherish every moment we are given with them.
Nash had twice been adopted out, but each time, he ended up back here at the rescue, his home. Not all adopters are able (or willing) to keep their commitment to provide a ‘forever’ home even if it had been their intention at the time. Our adoption contract requires a horse to be returned, if, for any reason, the adopter can no longer adequately provide care for the horse or no longer wants the horse. It also provides a means for us to reclaim a horse should the adopter choose not to do what is necessary to provide adequate care when given the opportunity. Sadly, the first time Nash was adopted out, he was returned due to the adopter’s priorities changing. The last time Nash was adopted out, we had to reclaim him after the adopter chose not to address care issues following a veterinary exam.
We were very blessed to have had this magnificent horse in our lives. And now, he runs pain free at Rainbow Bridge alongside Little E, together with another of his best friends, Jake, and the remainder of our beloved horses who have joined the heavenly herd. Someday, we will all be joyously reunited.
Nash knew love and he will forever remain in each of our hearts.
Sincerely,
Theresa
Candace thriving, Jo holding her own
She’s Got Legs!
Candace was barely holding on the day we picked her up together with her momma, Sophia, (who has since asked that her name be changed to “Lady Sophia” so, “Lady Sophia” it is!). Both were in very poor condition, but they pulled through and I truly believe that they are going to be just fine. Both are happy and healthier and Candace is growing stronger by the day. Lady Sophia is simply stunning and is truly one of the sweetest mares I’ve ever met.
And now, for a guaranteed smile-maker: Click on the image above to view a video of Candace, and be certain that you watch until the end! Candace is a survivor, just like her momma and she is having a blast discovering just what her long legs can do!
It is because of each and every one of you that this little miracle and her momma are with us today.
Update on Jo
Dr. Wyman examined Jo last Tuesday. Blood tests were done and based upon the results, it appears that Jo (35 years old) is having age related kidney issues. We will be constantly monitoring Jo and modifying her diet and supplements. She’s such a very sweet mare. If anyone would like to help Jo with her recent vet bill and needed supplements (about $400), it would be so greatly appreciated. All contributions are tax deductible and no amount is ever too small. Thank you!
Prayers for Sweet Jo
Our precious 35 year old mare, Jo, is having a tough time today. She has a high temperature and refused to eat her breakfast which is quite unusual as Jo always looks forward to all of her five daily soupy meals. She is, however, trying to munch on some alfalfa. The vet has been scheduled to come out today.
Jo came to us in horrible condition in October, 2019 (Photo on the left). It took some time, but her rehab went well. She has few teeth which is the reason why she receives mushy meals. Her best friend, Dancer, (Pictured with Jo in the photo on the right) is also up there in age.
Would anyone like to pledge to help with Jo’s vet/health needs today? I don’t know what the cost will be but she’s going to need an examination to include bloodwork. Prayers would be appreciated as well.
Sincerely,
Theresa