We know Hope has dwarfism characteristics, contracted tendons, cataracts and neurological deficits. But, she also has a bright spirit and a determination that we can’t, and won’t, ignore. She’s a precious and wonderful living being who deserves a chance.
We have seen an improvement in her tendons due to the Dynasplints, but she still has not been very active. Her muscles need to be put to work – she needs to do weight bearing exercises and build stamina. We had to find a way for her to get moving on her own as part of a good rehabilitation program in order for her to become more self sufficient.
Remember – Hope laid on the ground, almost 24 hours a day, every day for more than a month. We plan to take one step at a time, through support and physical therapy. Yes, it will take a great deal of our time, but since I have been in a somewhat similar situation due to a spinal cord injury (I was a quadriplegic), I can attest to the fact, that with the right tools, therapists, tons of determination, a wonderful support system, and much faith, I did overcome the odds and am able to use my limbs again (although I’m an incomplete quad with no feeling or proprioception below my neck). I am not saying that Hope will do so as well, but unless we give her a chance, we will never know.
We did some research and found a wheelchair from Walkin’ Wheels that is absolutely perfect! The wheelchair isn’t meant to be a permanent solution, but rather, a tool.
As we pray for a good outcome for Hope, if it turns out it is not meant to be, we will find peace with the knowledge that we gave her the chance that she so justly deserves and she will leave this world knowing that she was very much loved – she will be surrounded by those who love her and she won’t die alone in a field. Miracles do happen and we have borne witness to many.
This VIDEO was taken last night after I removed Hope’s Dynasplints in order to clean them, prior to tucking her in. Hope’s back legs were not supported in the wheelchair but her front legs were – but she used them to move herself forward which is a very good thing!
As I mentioned in our last update, a majority of our horses are scheduled for hooficures this week so we need to raise $820. In addition, the arthritis in Chloe’s knees has worsened to the point where she needed injections. Dr. Cardona was here this week to take x-rays and administer the injections. We currently need $400 for Chloe’s veterinary fees. We also need to make a Hay Run this weekend, for three large compressed bales of hay at a cost of $330, plus a ton of three string orchard hay bales at cost of $610 for a total of $940.
Any help for these needs would be so greatly appreciated. Donations can be made via various means on our secure DONATION PAGE. Please note in the comments section that your donation is for ‘Happy Feet,’ ‘Chloe’ or ‘Hay.’ All donations are tax deductible and please be assured, that no amount is ever too small.
Thank you to our wonderful friends and supporters who have already donated!
Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend!
When It Rains, It Pours, And Kittens Galore!
A Surprise at the Store!
When Theresa went to the store on Tuesday to get supplies for the rescue, a kitten approached her and wrapped herself around Theresa’s legs. Theresa picked her up and walked back into the store thinking perhaps someone left their car window open and she had escaped. Store personnel were surprised that Theresa was holding the kitten. Someone said they had been trying to catch her, and her babies, for a few weeks and that sometimes they put cans of food out for them but they hadn’t seen the babies in a few days. Someone had dumped the mother cat some time ago and she had been living under the trash dumpster where she had a litter of five kittens. That’s so sad! Momma Cat is just a kitten herself!
Theresa knew Momma Cat had no milk and that the store personnel were putting food out for the others, so she decided to take Momma Cat to the rescue and return to try to catch her babies. Momma Cat needed to be spayed – she definitely did not need to have another litter of kittens! Theresa put her in the car and went back to the curb to get the shopping bags. While walking back to the car, two little eyes peeked out at her from beneath the bushes after which she heard a tiny ‘Meow’ and another smaller kitten that looked just like Momma Cat walked up to Theresa and looked up at her as if to say “Take me too!”
Theresa scooped the baby up and went back into the store to advise them that she had one of the babies too. Before leaving, she searched the area for the other babies but didn’t see any of them. The manager of the store, however, said they would continue to be on the lookout for the remaining kittens and promised that they would leave out food for them.
Safely Home!
Once back at the rescue, Momma Cat and her baby settled in. Even though Theresa is allergic to cats, she couldn’t help but to hug on both of them. It was nice to watch them come to life after getting proper nourishment. Momma Cat is thin and has no milk whatsoever but baby still tries to nurse. The baby was comfortable enough to start playing with toys, seemingly, without a care in the world. Momma Cat, however, was not feeling as well which is understandable with everything she has been through and trying to sustain her babies. She looks like a baby herself.
Throughout the night, Theresa could not stop thinking about the other kittens. She called the store manager the next morning who stated that they would attempt to catch the four remaining kittens and that three were already spoken for which left one unwanted baby. Beauty’s Haven would, of course, take the remaining kitten if need be. Theresa did not hear back from the manager, so she decided to return to the store, with Momma Cat in hand, to see if the kittens would respond to her ‘Meows.’ Theresa saw and tried to catch three of the kittens – she did not, however, see a fourth. The kittens were playful and in fairly good condition. They came within three feet of Theresa, but did not want to be touched nor were they the slightest bit interested in Momma Cat. They were eating on their own and exploring – just busy, carefree little kittens! If only they could understand that bad things could happen and that they needed to be caught. Not only are they at high risk of being run over by cars entering and leaving the parking lot of the store, the danger that would befall them should they innocently wander into the busy highway is beyond unthinkable.
A Visit to the Vet
Momma Cat and baby were vetted on Wednesday and were found to be underweight and full of parasites and fleas. We, sadly, learned that Momma Cat is likely pregnant again and is only about ten months old – she’s still just a baby herself. Baby Boy is four months old which means his siblings are the same age so if any of the remaining kittens are females, it is possible that they, too, may become pregnant. This is yet another reason why it is imperative that the remaining kittens be caught as soon as possible.
Many thanks to those who are helping us to help these precious little ones. If you would like to sponsor a kitten or contribute to their care, donations can be made on our website. CLICK HERE TO DONATE. Please note in the comments section that your donation is for the ‘Kittens.’ Please be assured that no amount is ever too small and all donations are so greatly appreciated.
If anyone is interested in adopting either or both kittens, please contact us.
Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend!
A Hope Raffle, But First Things First!
Hi Everyone!
Mommy Theresa is so busy taking care of me and all my horsey friends that she has not had time to send out an update. She spent a lot of time yesterday setting up my new sling since Betsy’s sling is way too big for me!
We want to share some exciting news about an upcoming raffle which will be loved by all the ‘Hope’ fans out there but before doing so, we have to complete our Hay fundraiser. The hay bags have been filled and will be given out tonight but now, the hay trailer is empty. We still need $145 so if you would like to help with this, it will make all my horsey and donkey friends jump for joy and hopefully, I will soon be able to jump for joy as well!
Contributions can be made via various secure means on our WEBSITE. Please note in the ‘Comments’ section that your donation is for ‘Hay.’ All contributions are so greatly appreciated, and please be assured, that no amount is ever too small. Thank you to all my aunties and uncles who have already contributed! Gotta go now!
Love,
Hope
It’s Me, CaryLou!
Hey Everyone! It’s me, CaryLou!
Mommy Theresa is very busy taking care of Baby Hope so she has asked me to help with this week’s Hay Fundraiser for all the ‘Velvet Nosers.’ We are in need of one large compressed bale of hay ($107) and one ton of three string orchard hay ($640) for a total of $747 so if anyone would like to help with this need, we would be forever grateful!
Contributions can be made via various secure means here on our WEBSITE. Please note in the ‘Comments’ section that your donation is for ‘Hay.’ All contributions are so greatly appreciated, and please be assured, that no amount is ever too small.
Thank you!
Love and Horsey Kisses,
CaryLou
Busy Times & Best Buds!
Our family had a busy but wonderful and blessed month of May which started with Katie’s graduation from UF (Doctorate of Physical Therapy). Then came preparations for the wedding – last Sunday, Katie and Cole were married – to say it was a beautiful wedding would be an understatement (I’ll share some pics tomorrow)! A few days later, we took a trip to Miami for Joshua’s graduation from Larkin University where he received a Doctorate of Pharmacy. We then traveled to Georgia to visit with family and returned home on Monday evening.
It’s rare for both Bob and I to be gone from the farm at the same time, especially out of the area, but it was made possible by a team of truly amazing people! We want to thank all of the wonderful friends/volunteers who gave more time to the rescue these past few weeks which enabled us to be away for periods of time – God bless you all! One of the most valuable things anyone can give is their time – many made sacrifices to ensure everything was taken care of and that is a huge blessing!
With me being offline so much this past month, we haven’t shared much of what has been happening here at the rescue. Donations have dropped quite a bit and that’s not good! I’ll work on an update tomorrow. I know we need to ask for help with hay and a few other things but we need to do our math first.
The image above shows Derek poking his head into Magic’s stall – they’re best buds now!
Match Game for the Horses
We are forever grateful to our wonderful little village of supporters for always ‘being there’ to ensure that our ‘Velvet Nosers’ forever remain happy and healthy. The thirty plus equines and other precious animals that comprise our beloved little herd, require special diets, farrier, dental and veterinary care, as well as medications and supplements on a daily basis. And it is because of the generosity of each and every one of you, that their needs are met.
We recently posted about our current expenses and we are over the moon to share the news that two amazing friends and supporters have come forth to offer a Match Game whereby all donations, up to $1000, will be matched dollar for dollar.
Once again, our needs/expenses are as follows:
*Hooficures: $820
*Hay Run: $1076 which includes the following:
Three large compressed bales of hay ($330)
One ton of three string orchard hay ($610)
Forage ($120)
Two bales of coastal hay ($16)
*Chloe: Injections and x-rays for her arthritis ($400)
*Magic: Eye Medications ($130)
Contributions can be made via various secure means on our Donation Page. Please note in the ‘Comments’ section that your donation is for the ‘Match Game.’ All contributions are so greatly appreciated, and please be assured, that no amount is ever too small.
Thank you, all, so very much, for your continued love and support.
Hope Wheelin’ Right Along!
We know Hope has dwarfism characteristics, contracted tendons, cataracts and neurological deficits. But, she also has a bright spirit and a determination that we can’t, and won’t, ignore. She’s a precious and wonderful living being who deserves a chance.
We have seen an improvement in her tendons due to the Dynasplints, but she still has not been very active. Her muscles need to be put to work – she needs to do weight bearing exercises and build stamina. We had to find a way for her to get moving on her own as part of a good rehabilitation program in order for her to become more self sufficient.
Remember – Hope laid on the ground, almost 24 hours a day, every day for more than a month. We plan to take one step at a time, through support and physical therapy. Yes, it will take a great deal of our time, but since I have been in a somewhat similar situation due to a spinal cord injury (I was a quadriplegic), I can attest to the fact, that with the right tools, therapists, tons of determination, a wonderful support system, and much faith, I did overcome the odds and am able to use my limbs again (although I’m an incomplete quad with no feeling or proprioception below my neck). I am not saying that Hope will do so as well, but unless we give her a chance, we will never know.
We did some research and found a wheelchair from Walkin’ Wheels that is absolutely perfect! The wheelchair isn’t meant to be a permanent solution, but rather, a tool.
As we pray for a good outcome for Hope, if it turns out it is not meant to be, we will find peace with the knowledge that we gave her the chance that she so justly deserves and she will leave this world knowing that she was very much loved – she will be surrounded by those who love her and she won’t die alone in a field. Miracles do happen and we have borne witness to many.
This VIDEO was taken last night after I removed Hope’s Dynasplints in order to clean them, prior to tucking her in. Hope’s back legs were not supported in the wheelchair but her front legs were – but she used them to move herself forward which is a very good thing!
As I mentioned in our last update, a majority of our horses are scheduled for hooficures this week so we need to raise $820. In addition, the arthritis in Chloe’s knees has worsened to the point where she needed injections. Dr. Cardona was here this week to take x-rays and administer the injections. We currently need $400 for Chloe’s veterinary fees. We also need to make a Hay Run this weekend, for three large compressed bales of hay at a cost of $330, plus a ton of three string orchard hay bales at cost of $610 for a total of $940.
Any help for these needs would be so greatly appreciated. Donations can be made via various means on our secure DONATION PAGE. Please note in the comments section that your donation is for ‘Happy Feet,’ ‘Chloe’ or ‘Hay.’ All donations are tax deductible and please be assured, that no amount is ever too small.
Thank you to our wonderful friends and supporters who have already donated!
Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend!
Chloe, Happy Feet, Hay & our Beloved Hope
We have been so focused upon helping Hope that many things have crept up on us. A majority of our horses are scheduled for “hooficures” this week and we need to raise $820. Would anyone like to help?
Contributions can be made via various secure means on our WEBSITE or via PAYPAL. If you donate via PayPal, please select the option, ‘Send money to family and friends’ and no fees will be deducted from your contribution. Please note that your donation is for ‘Happy Feet.’ All donations are tax deductible and please be assured that no amount is ever too small.
In addition, the arthritis in Chloe’s knees has worsened to the point where she needs injections. Dr. Cardona is here today to administer her injections. If anyone wishes to help our beautiful girl, please designate your contribution for ‘Chloe.’
Once again, we must make another Hay Run in the upcoming days. We are in need of three large compressed bales of hay at a cost of $330, plus a ton of three string orchard hay bales at cost of $610 for a total of $940. If you wish to help with this need, please note that your donation is for ‘Hay.’
Lastly, I had a bad fall last night and I just returned after being seen by the doctor. Thankfully, I didn’t need stitches. My head sure hurts like heck and I do have quite a shiner! I guess it’s a good thing that I’m hard headed!
Thank you, all, so very much, for your love and support.
Please click on Hope’s image to view her latest video.
Hope Believes!
Here We Go! Hope is Moving On!
Hi Everybody!
Guess what? Yesterday was a really big day for me! I stood up for at least 15 minutes and walked at least 12 baby steps all by myself! I think I overdid it though, as I was a very tired little girl last night!
But guess what else? My DynaSplints arrived yesterday! We tried them on, and, this morning, we had to make some little adjustments. I’m going to get back into Betsy Rose’s sling now, to have my splints put on and then I’m going to try them out – so please stay tuned.
Love,
Hope
“Okay, everybody, it’s time! I’m just hanging around while they put my splints on me. Then I’m going outside! Please wish us luck, okay?”
Our Fundraiser and Match Game are both now complete! I’m thankful to all my Aunties and Uncles who have helped me so that I might be able to run and play like other baby calves!
Wishing everyone a wonderful day!
Love,
Hope
When the world says, “Give up,” Hope whispers, “Try it one more time.”
Hope’s Visit With Dr. Mangan
Dr. Mangan arrived at the rescue not long after Hope and I returned from Ocala Equine Hospital on Friday. He helped us settle Hope back into her “suite.” Dr. Mangan had his absolutely wonderful children with him and we all learned quite a bit! The findings could have been better, but they could have also, been much worse. We knew Hope has dwarfism characteristics and suspected neurological issues as well. We also thought her to possibly be blind. So, here’s what we learned.
She has iris hypoplasia which is the term for any condition that causes an intact iris to erode, or prevents an iris from developing properly. However, a mild improvement in visual function can occur as the result of maturation processes of the brain. This may be what causes Hope to squint and lower their head.
Dr. Mangan arrived at the rescue to assess Hope’s eyes not long after Hope and I returned from Ocala Equine Hospital yesterday.
The cataract is pretty visible.
Hope has symptoms of hydrocephalus (excess amount of cerebrospinal fluid within the brain). It can cause an up-gaze paresis with the eyes appearing to be driven downward. The lower portion of the pupil is sometimes covered by the lower eyelid and the sclera may be seen between the upper eyelid and the iris. Other symptoms of hydrocephalus can include abnormal curvature of the spine, difficulty walking, muscle fasciculations, proprioceptive deficits, blindness, diminished learning ability, skeletal abnormality, overreactive reflexes, and deformities of the limbs.
With these findings, and our team will regroup and determine a plan for Hope. For now, we will continue to pursue the procurement of the Dynasplints and provide supportive care. Only time will tell what the future holds for Hope. Please keep her in your prayers.
The other cataract.
We have high hopes for Hope and we believe in her. She’s got the right attitude and tons of determination! She doesn’t know she’s “different” and we don’t need to tell her – we love her just the way she is.
Hi Everyone, it’s me, Hope!
Mommy Theresa asked me if I would like to share some news about the Match Game! We still have $669 to go to help with the cost of my DynaSplints and follow up care. I am so excited and thankful to all my Aunties and Uncles who are helping me so that I can soon, jump and play like other baby calves!
*Please CLICK HERE if you would like to play the Match Game.*
Wishing everyone a wonderful Sunday!
Love,
Hope
A Big Day for Hope!
Wednesday was a big day for Hope! I took her to Ocala Equine Hospital for an evaluation and x-rays by Dr. Lugo to determine if she would be a candidate for DynaSplints which would hopefully, help her contracted tendons.
Dr. Lugo and his staff did a great job in successfully operating on little Harvey a few years ago to put his kneecap back where it belonged – he had been born with his kneecap out of place. More than a year ago, Emma had bullets and bullet fragments removed at Ocala Equine Hospital almost a month after she had been shot multiple times. They are truly amazing! Please CLICK HERE to learn more about Dr. Lugo and Ocala Equine Hospital.
To learn more about DynaSplints, please CLICK HERE.
Hope is always great for road trips. Freckles travels with her.
Hope was great for the trip – she’s always a very good girl for road trips. Once we arrived at the hospital, she had a bit of a welcoming committee. She unloaded onto a nice thick mat and got comfortable. She then basked in all the attention that was being showered upon her.
The evaluation, multiple x-rays, and measurements took a couple of hours, but Hope cooperated the entire time. It was determined that she is a candidate for DynaSplints! There is no guarantee they will work but there is a good possibility that they will. We discussed the possible outcomes and her quality of life and we all believe that she truly, deserves a chance.
In addition to the contracted tendons, there is some abnormality in one knee but Dr. Lugo said that we can address that later, if needed. Before leaving the hospital, more people appeared to have a photo taken with Hope – she simply loved it! However, she was totally exhausted by the time we departed for the rescue. She curled up with Freckles and rested on the way home as she had an appointment with Dr. Mangan that same afternoon.
Thank you all for having faith in our little Hope and for helping her. I will update tomorrow regarding Dr. Mangan’s assessment of Hope which, hopefully, will help explain her other issues.
Please keep Hope in your prayers – she’s such a precious little girl who really seems to understand, and appreciate, that we are trying to help her.