I share this story each year at Christmastime, written by Reverend D. Griffith. Some know it as “Only for Love” and some call it “The Old One.” The ‘old ones’ continue to remain near and dear to my heart. Sadly, this past year we lost Peggy Sue and Venus. Others still with us, 25 years old and up, include Dancer, Jo, Komanchee, Ebony, Nadia, Ruby, and Valley Girl. Their wisdom amazes me and their appreciation knows no bounds. We are blessed for each minute that we are given with them.
*************
“The young couple had made their usual hurried, pre-Christmas visit to the little farm where dwelt the elderly parents with their small herd of horses. The farm had been named Lone Pine Farm because of the huge pine which topped the hill behind the farm, and through the years had become a talisman to the old man and his wife, and a landmark in the countryside. The old folks no longer showed their horses, for the years had taken their toll, but they sold a few foals each year, and the horses were their reason for joy in the morning and contentment at day’s end.
Crossly, as they prepared to leave, the young couple confronted the old folks. “Why do you not at least dispose of “The Old One.” She is no longer of use to you. It’s been years since you’ve had foals from her. You should cut corners and save where you can. Why do you keep her anyway?” The old man looked down as his worn boot scuffed at the barn floor and his arm stole defensively about the Old One’s neck as he drew her to him and rubbed her gently behind the ears. He replied softly, “We keep her because of love. Only because of love.”
Baffled and irritated, the young folks wished the old man and his wife a Merry Christmas and headed back toward the city as darkness stole through the valley. So it was, that because of the leave-taking, no one noticed the insulation smoldering on the frayed wires in the old barn. None saw the first spark fall. None but the “Old One.”
In a matter of minutes, the whole barn was ablaze and the hungry flames were licking at the loft full of hay. With a cry of horror and despair, the old man shouted to his wife to call for help as he raced to the barn to save their beloved horses. But the flames were roaring now, and the blazing heat drove him back. He sank sobbing to the ground, helpless before the fire’s fury.
By the time the fire department arrived, only smoking, glowing ruins were left, and the old man and his wife. They thanked those who had come to their aid, and the old man turned to his wife, resting her white head upon his shoulders as he clumsily dried her tears with a frayed red bandana. Brokenly he whispered, “We have lost much, but God has spared our home on this eve of Christmas. Let us, therefore, climb the hill to the old pine where we have sought comfort in times of despair. We will look down upon our home and give thanks to God that it has been spared.”
And so, he took her by the hand and helped her up the snowy hill as he brushed aside his own tears with the back of his hand. As they stepped over the little knoll at the crest of the hill, they looked up and gasped in amazement at the incredible beauty before them. Seemingly, every glorious, brilliant star in the heavens was caught up in the glittering, snow-frosted branches of their beloved pine, and it was aglow with heavenly candles. And poised on its top most bough, a crystal crescent moon glistened like spun glass. Never had a mere mortal created a Christmas tree such as this.
Suddenly, the old man gave a cry of wonder and incredible joy as he pulled his wife forward. There, beneath the tree, was their Christmas gift. Bedded down about the “Old One” close to the trunk of the tree, was the entire herd, safe. At the first hint of smoke, she had pushed the door ajar with her muzzle and had led the horses through it. Slowly and with great dignity, never looking back, she had led them up the hill, stepping daintily through the snow. The foals were frightened and dashed about. The skittish yearlings looked back at the crackling, hungry flames, and tucked their tails under them as they licked their lips and hopped like rabbits. The mares pressed uneasily against the “Old One” as she moved calmly up the hill and to safety beneath the pine. And now, she lay among them and gazed at the faces of those she loved. Her body was brittle with years, but the golden eyes were filled with devotion as she offered her gift- because of love. Only because of love.”
Grief is the price we pay for love
Early last evening our beloved Ruby went down, and sadly did not attempt to get up. She was very peaceful and did not appear to be in pain. As we were awaiting the arrival of the veterinarian, we placed a pillow beneath her head and took the canopy out of the storage shed to shield her from the falling rain. I sat and softly talked with her about many things. Even though she appeared to be fine all day, I feared that this could be her time to leave us.
What a joyous reunion it must have been as Cookie and all of her other old friends greeted Ruby at Rainbow Bridge, but it sure leaves a big hole in the hearts of everyone in our Beauty’s Haven family. Ruby was such a very special mare, at approximately 30 years of age she was a very wise old soul. She had been with us for many years, and knew that we all loved her beyond measure.
Please continue to keep us in your prayers during this most devastating time.
Grief is truly the price we pay for love.
Sincerely,
Theresa
Betty White Challenge
In Honor of Betty
Betty White, who sadly passed away on 31 December 2021 at the age of 99, was a friend and advocate to countless animals throughout her legendary life. Inspired by her legacy and lifelong devotion to creatures both great and small, Betty’s fans encouraged compassionate hearts across the country and throughout the world to honor her by contributing to an animal rescue organization of their choice on 17 January 2022, the day that would have been Betty’s 100th birthday. And once again this year, many organizations will uphold this wonderful tradition in celebration of this remarkable woman and her incessant love for animals, on 17 January 2023, the anniversary of her 101st birthday.
Beauty’s Haven Farm and Equine Rescue, Inc. is truly honored to commemorate the life of this amazing woman through our participation in the second annual Betty White Challenge. Please consider keeping the legacy and memory of the late, great Betty White alive with a donation in her honor by clicking on the ‘Donate’ button below. Please indicate that your contribution is “In Memory of Betty.”
May her radiant light forever shine.
Thank you all for your love and support.
Theresa
Here we go again!
Here we go again! The “feels like” temperatures are dropping below freezing, and coupled with the high winds, it becomes nearly unbearable to say the least. We need to get a load of coastal and some alfalfa hay ASAP which will cost about $925.
If you can pitch in, please click the “Donate” button below, or visit our Donations page for all options to contribute.
I know the horses would really appreciate it, digesting hay helps them stay warm!
Gratefully,
Theresa
Happy Feet for the New Year
As we enter 2023, the first round of “Hooficures” has begun! The average cost per horse is $44, so if you would like to sponsor a farrier visit for your favorite Beauty’s Haven equine, just click on the “Donate” button below, or go to bhfer.org/donate for more options. Please note the name of the horse that you wish to sponsor. If you have no preference, please designate your donation to “January Happy Feet.”
Wishing everyone a safe, healthy and wonderful New Year.
Sincerely,
Theresa
Gabe, Maggie & Nadia
It was wonderful seeing Gabe and Maggie (a recent county seizure) together exploring new places and making new friends. They are both such very sweet horses. Gabe has COPD, which we are trying to manage, whilst sweet Maggie does not sweat at times. Maggie’s neglect case is still pending with the county but her owner has been charged. Maggie and Gabe both need sponsors for their care including hay, grain, farrier work, etc., so if you would like to sponsor or help either horse, please click on the ‘DONATE’ button at the bottom of this post where you can make a one-time contribution or sign up for monthly automatic donations which help tremendously.
ABOVE: Gabe and Maggie experiencing the innate joy of just being horses.
Nadia is still searching for a perfect friend since we lost Venus in November. Nadia and Venus had been together for twenty-five plus years. A few weeks after Venus passed, Peaches sensed that Nadia was grieving and remained by her side. Peaches has always helped others cope with the loss of a friend, but since she has always been a loner, her comfort to others is only temporary and after a few weeks of giving the other horse time to adjust, Peaches is ready for the other horse to move on. Nadia has Degenerative Suspensory Ligament Desmitis (DSLD), a progressive condition that leads to chronic breakdown of tendons and ligaments. Her condition will only worsen and at some point, we will have to make the decision to let her join Venus. We will keep her comfortable for as long as possible, but in the meantime, we will continue our quest to find Nadia another very best friend from within our herd.
Sincerely,
Theresa
Happy New Year!
End of Year Message from a Very Good Boy
Hey Everyone!
Benjamin here, helping Mommy Theresa who is still recovering from something called ‘Covid.’ Mommy asked me to remind you all that we are very close to achieving our ‘End of the Year’ goal so if you would like to make a last minute donation to help all my friends at Beauty’s Haven, it would truly make our hearts sing!
All donations are tax deductible and no amount is ever too small. Just click the button below, or visit our Donations page for all charitable options.
Thank you and have a very Happy New Year!
Love,
Benjamin
Christmas Blessings from Beauty’s Haven
Hay for Christmas & a New Match Game
“Did you know temperatures are dipping down really super cold for the next few nights?
Did you know Mommy Theresa is sick with something called Covid and she’s really worried about us staying warm? She’s been in isolation now since Tuesday and is anxious to get out.
Did you know that if we have hay it will help us stay warm? It’s not too late for us to make a run to the hay store by tomorrow.
And guess what? Two of my very special aunties have joined together and will match all donations up to $1,150, so not only will you be helping me and my fiends here at Beauty’s Haven, you will double your donation as well!
We don’t even have to fill up the whole hay storage trailer – if we just get it half full, it will last us until Monday.
So, please help if you can. All donations are greatly appreciated and no amount is ever too small!
Have a very Merry Christmas!”
Love,
Jazzy
Only For Love
I share this story each year at Christmastime, written by Reverend D. Griffith. Some know it as “Only for Love” and some call it “The Old One.” The ‘old ones’ continue to remain near and dear to my heart. Sadly, this past year we lost Peggy Sue and Venus. Others still with us, 25 years old and up, include Dancer, Jo, Komanchee, Ebony, Nadia, Ruby, and Valley Girl. Their wisdom amazes me and their appreciation knows no bounds. We are blessed for each minute that we are given with them.
*************
“The young couple had made their usual hurried, pre-Christmas visit to the little farm where dwelt the elderly parents with their small herd of horses. The farm had been named Lone Pine Farm because of the huge pine which topped the hill behind the farm, and through the years had become a talisman to the old man and his wife, and a landmark in the countryside. The old folks no longer showed their horses, for the years had taken their toll, but they sold a few foals each year, and the horses were their reason for joy in the morning and contentment at day’s end.
Crossly, as they prepared to leave, the young couple confronted the old folks. “Why do you not at least dispose of “The Old One.” She is no longer of use to you. It’s been years since you’ve had foals from her. You should cut corners and save where you can. Why do you keep her anyway?” The old man looked down as his worn boot scuffed at the barn floor and his arm stole defensively about the Old One’s neck as he drew her to him and rubbed her gently behind the ears. He replied softly, “We keep her because of love. Only because of love.”
Baffled and irritated, the young folks wished the old man and his wife a Merry Christmas and headed back toward the city as darkness stole through the valley. So it was, that because of the leave-taking, no one noticed the insulation smoldering on the frayed wires in the old barn. None saw the first spark fall. None but the “Old One.”
In a matter of minutes, the whole barn was ablaze and the hungry flames were licking at the loft full of hay. With a cry of horror and despair, the old man shouted to his wife to call for help as he raced to the barn to save their beloved horses. But the flames were roaring now, and the blazing heat drove him back. He sank sobbing to the ground, helpless before the fire’s fury.
By the time the fire department arrived, only smoking, glowing ruins were left, and the old man and his wife. They thanked those who had come to their aid, and the old man turned to his wife, resting her white head upon his shoulders as he clumsily dried her tears with a frayed red bandana. Brokenly he whispered, “We have lost much, but God has spared our home on this eve of Christmas. Let us, therefore, climb the hill to the old pine where we have sought comfort in times of despair. We will look down upon our home and give thanks to God that it has been spared.”
And so, he took her by the hand and helped her up the snowy hill as he brushed aside his own tears with the back of his hand. As they stepped over the little knoll at the crest of the hill, they looked up and gasped in amazement at the incredible beauty before them. Seemingly, every glorious, brilliant star in the heavens was caught up in the glittering, snow-frosted branches of their beloved pine, and it was aglow with heavenly candles. And poised on its top most bough, a crystal crescent moon glistened like spun glass. Never had a mere mortal created a Christmas tree such as this.
Suddenly, the old man gave a cry of wonder and incredible joy as he pulled his wife forward. There, beneath the tree, was their Christmas gift. Bedded down about the “Old One” close to the trunk of the tree, was the entire herd, safe. At the first hint of smoke, she had pushed the door ajar with her muzzle and had led the horses through it. Slowly and with great dignity, never looking back, she had led them up the hill, stepping daintily through the snow. The foals were frightened and dashed about. The skittish yearlings looked back at the crackling, hungry flames, and tucked their tails under them as they licked their lips and hopped like rabbits. The mares pressed uneasily against the “Old One” as she moved calmly up the hill and to safety beneath the pine. And now, she lay among them and gazed at the faces of those she loved. Her body was brittle with years, but the golden eyes were filled with devotion as she offered her gift- because of love. Only because of love.”