We brought Jo to Beauty’s Haven on the evening of October 20, 2019. Time was truly, of the essence, as we did not know how much longer she would have survived. At the time, we were unsure if Jo had hours, days, weeks, months, or hopefully, many years left on this earth, but we did know that she would get the very best of care in her sunset years.
Jo’s initial vetting and bloodwork were performed soon thereafter and revealed that her kidneys and liver were stressed and she was fighting infection. She had a heart murmur, severe muscle atrophy, and was at least 300 pounds underweight with a Body Condition Score of barely a 1. She had a poor coat, patches of rain rot, and she was treated for stomach ulcers.
During her first days at the rescue, Jo received a much-needed bath and spa treatment which she thoroughly enjoyed, and she even seemed to hold her head a bit higher afterward! Her sores were treated and her mane and tail were brushed.
Jo also received necessary farrier and dental care; Dr. Bess Darrow, our equine dentist, determined that many of Jo’s issues arose due to the condition of her teeth. Ulcers were discovered in Jo’s cheeks, gums, tongue, and soft palate due to sharp points.
One sharp tooth point put the palatine artery at significant risk of being cut which could have caused Jo to bleed out. There were large “ramps” and her front teeth were on a slant due to misalignment which physically obstructed the motion she needed to properly chew. Because Jo couldn’t chew, it decreased the ability of her digestive system to extract much needed nutrients from any food she did manage to get down. It also put her at risk for choke and colic. The day after Dr. Bess did Jo’s teeth, it felt wonderful knowing that she could finally use her mouth without the pain and discomfort that she had experienced for quite some time. Jo actually looked brighter and happier!
Jo, thankfully, overcame her most recent crisis, thanks to our amazing care team, coupled with the countless heartfelt prayers offered by our wonderful village of supporters. Jo is now able to graze, once again with Dancer, her very best friend, both experiencing the innate joy of ‘just being a horse.’
Jo’s wish this Christmas is for contributions toward her vet bill, coupled with her much needed supplement, Cosequin.
If anyone would like to contribute toward such, it would truly warm precious Jo’s heart! And, a very special ‘Auntie’ has offered to match all contributions up to $500 in order to help fulfill Jo’s Christmas wish! Just click on the ‘Donate’ button below and note your contribution to ‘Jo.’
Wishing you a Blessed Christmas.
Sincerely,
Theresa
Jo’s Wish for Christmas
We brought Jo to Beauty’s Haven on the evening of October 20, 2019. Time was truly, of the essence, as we did not know how much longer she would have survived. At the time, we were unsure if Jo had hours, days, weeks, months, or hopefully, many years left on this earth, but we did know that she would get the very best of care in her sunset years.
Jo’s initial vetting and bloodwork were performed soon thereafter and revealed that her kidneys and liver were stressed and she was fighting infection. She had a heart murmur, severe muscle atrophy, and was at least 300 pounds underweight with a Body Condition Score of barely a 1. She had a poor coat, patches of rain rot, and she was treated for stomach ulcers.
During her first days at the rescue, Jo received a much-needed bath and spa treatment which she thoroughly enjoyed, and she even seemed to hold her head a bit higher afterward! Her sores were treated and her mane and tail were brushed.
One sharp tooth point put the palatine artery at significant risk of being cut which could have caused Jo to bleed out. There were large “ramps” and her front teeth were on a slant due to misalignment which physically obstructed the motion she needed to properly chew. Because Jo couldn’t chew, it decreased the ability of her digestive system to extract much needed nutrients from any food she did manage to get down. It also put her at risk for choke and colic. The day after Dr. Bess did Jo’s teeth, it felt wonderful knowing that she could finally use her mouth without the pain and discomfort that she had experienced for quite some time. Jo actually looked brighter and happier!
Jo, thankfully, overcame her most recent crisis, thanks to our amazing care team, coupled with the countless heartfelt prayers offered by our wonderful village of supporters. Jo is now able to graze, once again with Dancer, her very best friend, both experiencing the innate joy of ‘just being a horse.’
If anyone would like to contribute toward such, it would truly warm precious Jo’s heart! And, a very special ‘Auntie’ has offered to match all contributions up to $500 in order to help fulfill Jo’s Christmas wish! Just click on the ‘Donate’ button below and note your contribution to ‘Jo.’
Wishing you a Blessed Christmas.
Sincerely,
Theresa
Meet Our “Velvet Nosers” & Trail Ride Recap
As we reflect upon our blessings during this most wonderful time of the year, we thought that it would be most fitting to introduce each member of our beloved little herd, our precious band of “Velvet Nosers” to our many new friends and supporters in the forthcoming days.
As you read the many poignant stories about each of our precious equines, we hope that you will consider donating an item from their respective wish lists in order to make all of their Christmas dreams come true. And if you are unable to do so at this time, please know that we consider each and every one of you, a cherished member of the Beauty’s Haven Family as well.
Thank you all for your amazing generosity, love and support.
Wishing everyone a Happy Holiday Season!
Sincerely,
Theresa
Annual Trail Ride for the Horses
Many thanks to those who came out to our trail ride this past Saturday. It was the one thing I’d been looking forward to since our last ride. We didn’t have a ride last year due to Covid. This year, it was scheduled earlier in the year but was postponed due to an incoming hurricane. Unfortunately I had to stay at the rescue to take care of Jo, but Elizabeth did a great job managing it alone on very short notice. I really appreciate her and everyone who participated and donated. And Karen did a great job putting together some really nice raffle items. Hoping we get a ride planned again for the spring.
Sincerely,
Theresa
Happy Feet for the Holidays
It is so hard to believe that the end of the year is upon us! And, as always, every six weeks or so brings yet another round of hooficures. Since this is the holiday season, we thought perhaps our little village of supporters would like to help sponsor a hooficure for their favorite ‘Velvet Noser!’ The average cost per hooficure is $45.
So, if you would like to ensure that our beloved little herd has ‘Happy Feet‘ for the holidays, you may forward your contribution simply by clicking on the ‘DONATE‘ button below. Please designate your contribution for ‘Happy Feet for the Holidays,‘ or the name of the horse that you wish to sponsor.
All donations are tax deductible and no amount is ever too small.
Thank you for your continued love and support.
Wishing you all a Blessed Holiday Season.
Sincerely,
Theresa
All Because of You
As we reflect upon the past year, we are filled with gratitude to have such a wonderful little village by our side.
Because of your most thoughtful generosity, you have enabled us to provide the very best of care to our beloved little herd: quality feed, top-of-the-line medical, dental and farrier care and love beyond measure. And because of each and every one of you, we have been able to fulfill our mission of rescuing, rehabilitating and caring for equines and other sentient beings in need.
Because of you, we were able to rescue and provide extensive rehabilitation for Gabriel, Misti, and Mindi, together with our newly rescued mare who is currently, embarking on her long and winding road to recovery.
Because of you, we were able to provide loving care to Benjamin, our ‘Golden Boy,’ a multitude of TNR kittens and even a baby squirrel who all, miraculously, found their way to Beauty’s Haven.
Over the course of the year, we also found loving, forever homes for a number of our equines and welcomed back several horses whose adopters, sadly, were no longer in a position to provide adequate care.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your love and dedication to the Beauty’s Haven herd.
Wishing you all a Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving.
Sincerely,
Theresa, Bob, and the Beauty’s Haven Family
Our Precious Peggy Sue
It’s been a tough couple of days. Actually, a tough couple of weeks. I hate to share more sad news, but on November 15th, our precious Peggy Sue went to Rainbow Bridge.
Peggy Sue came to us in April 2012, unable to stand or bend her back legs with elf slippers for back feet. Some years before, her pelvis had been fractured in multiple places when humans tried to help her deliver her foal. Because her humans couldn’t pick up her back legs, they did not trim her back feet. We had no issue putting her in the sling for trims – she was always a very good girl.
However, if she laid down and rolled over onto her left side, she couldn’t get up and we had to help her. We would roll her back onto her right side and she’d usually pop right up. Over the last few months though, it had been getting harder for her.
Arthritis and years of overworking her good leg/hip had taken a toll. We knew there would come a day when we’d have to make the heartbreaking decision to let Peggy Sue go, and that time had come. We loved her too much to allow her to suffer. The thought of her going down in the middle of the night, in the cold or rain, and not being able to get up, was a horrible image.
We were very blessed to have been given the years that we had with Peggy Sue. They all take a piece of my heart when they go, and Peggy Sue took a pretty huge piece. In my mind, I can picture her with her friends, Little E and Bria, under a Friendship Tree on this side of Rainbow Bridge where they await with the rest of herd. I find comfort in knowing we will see our loved ones again someday.
Sincerely,
Theresa
Say YES to Her on #GivingTuesday
Authorities recently reached out to us about a case where a very thin horse was to be removed from a small sandlot. The horse had lived there, alone, for many years. While we cannot reveal specific details at this time, we can tell you that we could not walk away without helping her. And, it is only because of the generosity of compassionate people like you, that we are able to help these precious beings when a call comes in. Your donations truly, do make a difference!
Help Her on #GivingTuesday
Beauty’s Haven Farm and Equine Rescue, Inc., is once again, participating in #GivingTuesday, a global giving movement which connects diverse groups of individuals, communities and organizations throughout the world for one common purpose: to celebrate and encourage giving. #GivingTuesday is crucial for nonprofit organizations like Beauty’s Haven for it assists us greatly in raising the necessary funds which enable us to continue our mission of helping equines and other sentient beings in need.
Our campaign this year will permit us to not only help horses like this sweet mare, but will also assist us with the numerous ongoing expenses involved in running an equine rescue organization, expenses that are necessary to ensure the overall safety, health, comfort and well-being of the 30-plus horses – many with special needs – that comprise our beloved little herd.
Our goal this year is $10,000. All donations are tax-deductible, and please be assured that no amount is ever too small. Contributions may be forwarded via the donation button below, or on our #GivingTuesday fundraiser on Facebook.
Thank you all so very much for your love and support.
Sincerely,
Theresa
A Bale for Benjamin!
Hi Everyone, Benjamin here!
Mommy Theresa is busy taking care of all my horsey friends, so she asked if I could come on here to help with our hay needs. We still need to raise $$529 which is creating much worry for Mommy.
Your donation is really going to a very good cause and will be so very much appreciated by everyone here at the farm. Just click on the ‘Donate’ button below and please remember that no donation is ever too small.
Pretty please and thank you!
Love,
Benjamin
P.S. I hope Mommy thinks I am a very good boy!
In Remembrance
“On this Veterans Day, let us remember the service of our veterans, and let us renew our national promise to fulfill our sacred obligations to our veterans and their families who have sacrificed so much so that we can live free.”
– DAN LIPINSKI –
Our Beloved Venus
I’m sorry that I don’t have a good update. Venus took a turn for the worse on Wednesday evening, and yesterday, it was time to let her go. It wasn’t the outcome that we had prayed for, but it was the most loving thing that we could do for her. We couldn’t have asked for a more compassionate and kind care team – Dr. Adams, Dr. Cuadros, and all of the staff at Ocala Equine Medical Center were amazing and we appreciate them all, very much.
We were concerned about how Nadia would handle losing her best friend. We gave Nadia some time with Venus and I believe they both understood what was happening. At that point, I think we all (humans and horses) had reached a place called ‘acceptance.’ Acceptance is key to moving forward and with it, comes change.
Nadia has settled into a paddock with Peaches. Peaches is pretty much a loner – she always has been. But this afternoon, she sensed that Nadia needed a friend and when I left them, they were sharing a bag of hay hanging in their shelter. It gave me great peace.
Venus left this world with dignity, knowing that she was very much loved. She was a regal mare with a lion’s heart, fire in her soul and an iron will. She was the personification of beauty and grace. Her presence is still near and dear – we will carry her in our hearts, always.
Thank you for your good wishes and prayers for Venus.
Sincerely,
Theresa
Update on Venus
Venus is a champ! After a very long day on Wednesday, I am happy to report that her colon is back where it belongs! She is bright eyed and talkative but she needs to have a normal poop. We are so very thankful that Nadia, Venus’s best friend, is right across the aisle there to provide love and support.
They will likely be there until at least Monday. I know if Venus needs anything, she’s in great hands at EMCO (Equine Medical Center of Orlando). They’ve been very good to the girls.
You can contribute toward Venus’s care on our Facebook fundraiser, or here on our website, just click the appropriate button below. If donating on our website, please make sure to note it’s for Venus.
Please continue to pray for Venus. Nadia would be lost without her, as we all would be.
Gratefully,
Theresa