If you would like to view a video of Rosie’s Story, please click on the image above.
I apologize for taking so long to post this update, but I wanted to wait until Rosie was back here at the rescue, plus, I have been quite sick with the flu. The post is a bit long, but it’s Rosie’s story.
The evening I met Rosie, she had been down on the ground for several hours. Jessica and I responded to the call and when we arrived, my heart skipped a beat – it was almost as if I was looking at Betsy Rose, a very special pony who came to us in 2013. Betsy’s story can be found on our BLOG by clicking here. Betsy Rose, like Rosie, was thin, weak, dehydrated and unable to get up.
We assessed the situation and then rolled Rosie over onto her other side and waited for Dr. Stephanie, the vet, to arrive. We knew Rosie’s odds were not great, but we also knew she deserved a chance. I sat and talked to her and promised her that we would do our best and try to make all of her tomorrows everything her past should have been, and that there were many wonderful people sending good thoughts and prayers to her. Once the vet arrived, she tried to run IV fluids, but since Rosie had a thick Cushing’s coat, the weather was getting bad and it was quite dark, trying to find a vein was most challenging. We, thereby, opted to roll Rosie onto a tarp, get her into the trailer, and take her to the rescue which was less than five minutes away. Time was of the essence – her heart and respiration rates were up but her temperature was going down. I stayed with Rosie in the trailer and once at the rescue, we immediately, went to work – her neck was shaved and after a round of IV fluids, we rolled her over into the sling and got her to stand. She was given a second round of IV fluids that also contained vitamins and minerals.
We massaged Rosie’s legs and hips and gave her time to adjust. Once she was steady, we removed the sling and she let us know that she was hungry which was a good sign. We offered her a mash and she literally dove into it – it made me very sad to see how very famished she was. She would have loved to have had more mash, but we had to take it slow – a re-feeding protocol must be followed. We were afraid to give her hay because she could have choked – her teeth were bad which would be addressed once she was stable. Rosie drank, passed manure and urine, and perked up. She didn’t show signs of pain and while her heart and respiration rates were still above normal, they were better. She actually looked like she had a smile on her face. That night, Frodo stayed across the aisle way from her and they struck up a conversation – she had a friend. I also put Freckles, Betsy Rose’s best friend, in the stall with Rosie and shared some of Betsy’s story with her. It had been a long day and we headed home at about midnight. We went down and checked on Rosie every few hours, in addition to monitoring her via cameras. Every time she heard one of us, she’d nicker which made my heart feel so good. The night was calm, thankfully.
The next day, when I took Rosie out for a walk, she was stiff, but she got better as we walked. Like Betsy Rose, the first time Rosie went out and stepped upon grass, her head immediately, went down in order to graze! Once back in the stall, I brushed her and was able to get dried and caked manure out of her tail and off her legs. I think it made her feel so much better. Kathy was volunteering that day and she also took Rosie for a walk. It was a very good day. overall.
That evening, it started raining, so we brought Frodo and Komanchee in and tucked them into their stalls across from Rosie. She was tired and let me know that she was ready to go into the sling for a nap. I had to wait for Bob to get home so he could help me. When we were ready to place her in the sling, it was like she’d been there, done that. Rosie parked herself where she needed to be and stood perfectly still so we could hook it up. The winches make a loud noise which can be worrisome for some horses, but not Rosie. We put a can in front of her with a blanket on top so she could rest her head and get much needed REM sleep, just as we used to do for Betsy, I sat by her head, rubbed her neck, and told her she was home now and was loved so very much.
Rosie slept and when her little ears started moving back and forth like Betsy’s used to do, it was a sign that she was in REM which is so important when the body needs to heal. When she awoke and looked at me, I can’t explain it, but for about thirty seconds, I felt like I was literally, looking into Betsy’s eyes. The peace, love, and gratitude I saw, along with an aura that was all about her, took my breath away as I sensed Betsy Rose’s loving and soothing presence. Time stood still for those thirty seconds while acceptance, peace, purpose and calm came over me – things I hadn’t felt since Beauty left us in November. I will always be grateful for those precious thirty seconds.
After we removed Rosie from her sling, she looked very much at peace. We gave her a warm mash, I kissed her little nose, and we said good-night to all. We went home at about midnight, exhausted, but feeling good about the day’s accomplishments. At 1:39 am Rosie was peacefully standing, looking towards Frodo, when suddenly, she went down, and moments thereafter, she was gone. There was no pain. There was no struggle. Her little heart just likely gave out. We were planning to have a necropsy performed, but since it could not be accomplished until the end of January, we opted to have Rosie cremated and be returned to us.
I’m grateful Rosie didn’t die on the ground, cold, and hungry. She had a stall with soft shavings, food in her tummy, heat lamps for warmth, fresh water, and a friend across the aisle. She had countless people praying and sending good thoughts to her and she got to walk and graze upon green grass. She even had Freckles camping out in her stall. I feel so blessed that we were able to give Rosie a chance, thanks to your support. and while we did our best, her little body had endured far too much, for far too long
Some have said that Rosie may have been waiting, just hanging on to go ‘home.’ Maybe her final rally was, in fact, her belief that someone would come to take her to a place where she would be assisted to go for a final walk in order to graze, a place where she would feel loving hands and caring hearts surrounding her, and hunger pains that would be no more.
I have witnessed countless horses endure unnecessary suffering while their owners were absent, or authorities turned a blind eye. And while we can’t take in every horse, we do try to help other horses in need when resources permit. Our aid may encompass providing essential resources such as hay, vet care, and other necessities, but sadly, in some cases, help comes too late. But even then, I remain by their side, offering solace and comfort until they depart upon their final journey to Rainbow Bridge. I often apologize to these horses, acknowledging the disappointment they must feel due to their humans’ negligence. I make it a point to reassure them of their worth and the love they deserve, with the promise that a better place awaits them.
It is a deeply moving experience to witness the final moments of these horses as their last bit of energy dissipates from their bodies. Some gracefully accept their fate, while others valiantly fight to cling onto life with all their remaining strength. Regardless, I am certain that they are grateful for the presence of a compassionate soul at that time. Many must have felt let down by their human counterparts, and it is a privilege to offer them solace and companionship. It is not an easy task, but I firmly believe that every horse deserves at least this level of compassion when it is their time. Unfortunately, due to the hands-on nature of our work and the amount of time it takes, we are not able to share with you all of our happenings here at the rescue, but please be assured, we stay very busy, helping all that we can while tending to our beloved little herd here.
I believe some horses that have come to us, like Savannah, Minnie, and Rosie, have held on until they arrived at a place where they felt at peace with humans who care. Their ability to hold on, and then be at peace for a short time, may very well be their final ‘rally.’ That peace may also be what enables them to let go at a time of their choosing, oftentimes, alone, in order to spare we humans the grief we feel. Based on my experiences, the short time that I spend with these horses during that final ‘rally’ connects us deeply. While it is difficult for us, it’s a choice that we make – to continue to ‘be there’ for these precious souls during their final moments. It is a gift that we can offer them only because of your support. You all make a difference and I thank you.
Rosie was cremated and her ashes have been returned and while most will be spread on the farm, some will remain with us. Rosie is now home, and forever in our hearts, right where she belongs.
Sincerely,
Theresa
Our Beloved Chloe
These past few months have been really hard for us and yesterday was no exception. I will go into additional details within the next few days, but I felt I should get this message out as I know there are many others who care about Chloe.
Chloe was a nurse mare foal who came to us at only a few days old, in April 2006. Her conformation wasn’t the best, and, as she grew, her legs didn’t seem to be able to keep up with her large frame, plus, she was toed in. I remember sitting at the barn, watching her, and telling Bob that I was concerned that her conformation would become an issue later in life. I prayed I was wrong.
Chloe became lame a few years ago and was diagnosed with sesamoiditis in both front fetlocks due to her conformation. With supplements, shoes, injections, etc., we managed to keep her comfortable. Over time, her right knee became an issue which progressively worsened.
We had reached the point where her care team, including her vets and farrier, agreed there was nothing more we could do and it was time to let her go. On Wednesday, at 4:10 pm, Chloe went to Rainbow Bridge.
My heart has been shattered so many times over the past year. Losing Beauty, my heart horse and the namesake of Beauty’s Haven, in November, took the breath out of me and knocked me to my knees. I still haven’t recovered. Now, losing Chloe, shatters my heart even more. My only consolation is that she no longer is in pain and is on this side of Rainbow Bridge, where Beauty leads the rest of our herd, awaiting the arrival of the many humans who love them dearly.
Sincerely,
Theresa
Amira
If anyone would like to help with today’s vet bill and medications it would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your continued love and support.
Sincerely,
Theresa
Sweet Jo
Jo hasn’t been herself for the past couple of days. Her vitals have been normal, but she really hasn’t been interested in her meals, which is very unusual.
On Friday morning, when I took Jo’s temperature, it was elevated at 102.7 and she did not eat her breakfast. Dr. Valle came out and examined her and performed blood tests.
Jo is thirty-six years old and was diagnosed with dementia a few years ago based upon observed and documented changes over time. At first, we saw changes in Jo’s normal habits – for example, at times, she gets ‘stuck’ in one place for a while unless we assist her in moving along. At times, she forgets to eat her meals which is most unusual as she adores her meals and can never get enough, but when she has an ‘episode,’ we have to keep taking her food to her.
Jo was skin on bones when we picked her up in 2019. Dancer, her very best friend, who is thirty-three years old, was also in poor shape upon her arrival at Beauty’s Haven. Both have a physical examination at the minimum of once yearly and bloodwork is performed every six months. Komanchee, our resident forty-year old pony, has also been diagnosed with dementia.
Lastly, I am so happy to report that Jo is pretty much back to her normal self today. Her bloodwork, however, indicates that her liver is a bit stressed. We are witnessing changes that are a part of life and aging, not only with Jo, but with others here too, including Dancer. You can’t negotiate with Father Time, but we will always support them nutritionally, physically, and in any way possible until their quality of life becomes an issue. That is the promise we make to each and every precious being who enters through our gates ~ ‘that all of their tomorrows will be everything that their past should have been.’
Sincerely,
Theresa
Won’t You Be Our Valentine?
A Valentine’s Day Wish
The ‘Velvet Nosers’ here at Beauty’s Haven are eagerly awaiting Valentine’s Day and they truly hope that each of their ‘Aunties’ and ‘Uncles’ will send them a ‘Virtual Valentine!’
All you have to do is forward a $5 donation and indicate the name of the equine, dog or cat who you would very much love to be your Valentine. Of course, you may send a Valentine to more than one member of our beloved herd and if you would like to forward a donation greater than $5, that would be so very much appreciated as well.
Our little herd is comprised of: Aaleyah Belle, Amira, Bouie, CaryLou, Chloe, Dancer, Ebony, Elka, Frodo, Jazzy, JoJo. Jo, Komanchee, Lily, Lucy, Luiji, Magic, Mishka, Mo, Peaches, Rio, Valley Girl, Warrior, Waylon, Walker, Willow, Benjamin, Shadow, Allie, Neo, Gio, Oreo and Pearle.
So, if you would like to make one of our ‘Velvet Nosers’ truly happy this Valentine’s Day, just click on the ‘DONATE’ button below and please include the name of your very special Valentine.
Thank you everyone!
Sincerely,
Theresa
Elka’s New Adventure
Elka is doing well. She had a high parasite load which we were aggressively treating and which is now, thankfully, resolved. She was absolutely thrilled when I let her out of quarantine a few days ago and she had a blast meeting some of our other ‘Velvet Nosers.’ She is truly, a very sweet girl.
Thank you, all, for your love and support for this precious girl.
Sincerely,
Theresa
Rosie’s Story
If you would like to view a video of Rosie’s Story, please click on the image above.
I apologize for taking so long to post this update, but I wanted to wait until Rosie was back here at the rescue, plus, I have been quite sick with the flu. The post is a bit long, but it’s Rosie’s story.
The evening I met Rosie, she had been down on the ground for several hours. Jessica and I responded to the call and when we arrived, my heart skipped a beat – it was almost as if I was looking at Betsy Rose, a very special pony who came to us in 2013. Betsy’s story can be found on our BLOG by clicking here. Betsy Rose, like Rosie, was thin, weak, dehydrated and unable to get up.
We assessed the situation and then rolled Rosie over onto her other side and waited for Dr. Stephanie, the vet, to arrive. We knew Rosie’s odds were not great, but we also knew she deserved a chance. I sat and talked to her and promised her that we would do our best and try to make all of her tomorrows everything her past should have been, and that there were many wonderful people sending good thoughts and prayers to her. Once the vet arrived, she tried to run IV fluids, but since Rosie had a thick Cushing’s coat, the weather was getting bad and it was quite dark, trying to find a vein was most challenging. We, thereby, opted to roll Rosie onto a tarp, get her into the trailer, and take her to the rescue which was less than five minutes away. Time was of the essence – her heart and respiration rates were up but her temperature was going down. I stayed with Rosie in the trailer and once at the rescue, we immediately, went to work – her neck was shaved and after a round of IV fluids, we rolled her over into the sling and got her to stand. She was given a second round of IV fluids that also contained vitamins and minerals.
We massaged Rosie’s legs and hips and gave her time to adjust. Once she was steady, we removed the sling and she let us know that she was hungry which was a good sign. We offered her a mash and she literally dove into it – it made me very sad to see how very famished she was. She would have loved to have had more mash, but we had to take it slow – a re-feeding protocol must be followed. We were afraid to give her hay because she could have choked – her teeth were bad which would be addressed once she was stable. Rosie drank, passed manure and urine, and perked up. She didn’t show signs of pain and while her heart and respiration rates were still above normal, they were better. She actually looked like she had a smile on her face. That night, Frodo stayed across the aisle way from her and they struck up a conversation – she had a friend. I also put Freckles, Betsy Rose’s best friend, in the stall with Rosie and shared some of Betsy’s story with her. It had been a long day and we headed home at about midnight. We went down and checked on Rosie every few hours, in addition to monitoring her via cameras. Every time she heard one of us, she’d nicker which made my heart feel so good. The night was calm, thankfully.
The next day, when I took Rosie out for a walk, she was stiff, but she got better as we walked. Like Betsy Rose, the first time Rosie went out and stepped upon grass, her head immediately, went down in order to graze! Once back in the stall, I brushed her and was able to get dried and caked manure out of her tail and off her legs. I think it made her feel so much better. Kathy was volunteering that day and she also took Rosie for a walk. It was a very good day. overall.
That evening, it started raining, so we brought Frodo and Komanchee in and tucked them into their stalls across from Rosie. She was tired and let me know that she was ready to go into the sling for a nap. I had to wait for Bob to get home so he could help me. When we were ready to place her in the sling, it was like she’d been there, done that. Rosie parked herself where she needed to be and stood perfectly still so we could hook it up. The winches make a loud noise which can be worrisome for some horses, but not Rosie. We put a can in front of her with a blanket on top so she could rest her head and get much needed REM sleep, just as we used to do for Betsy, I sat by her head, rubbed her neck, and told her she was home now and was loved so very much.
Rosie slept and when her little ears started moving back and forth like Betsy’s used to do, it was a sign that she was in REM which is so important when the body needs to heal. When she awoke and looked at me, I can’t explain it, but for about thirty seconds, I felt like I was literally, looking into Betsy’s eyes. The peace, love, and gratitude I saw, along with an aura that was all about her, took my breath away as I sensed Betsy Rose’s loving and soothing presence. Time stood still for those thirty seconds while acceptance, peace, purpose and calm came over me – things I hadn’t felt since Beauty left us in November. I will always be grateful for those precious thirty seconds.
After we removed Rosie from her sling, she looked very much at peace. We gave her a warm mash, I kissed her little nose, and we said good-night to all. We went home at about midnight, exhausted, but feeling good about the day’s accomplishments. At 1:39 am Rosie was peacefully standing, looking towards Frodo, when suddenly, she went down, and moments thereafter, she was gone. There was no pain. There was no struggle. Her little heart just likely gave out. We were planning to have a necropsy performed, but since it could not be accomplished until the end of January, we opted to have Rosie cremated and be returned to us.
I’m grateful Rosie didn’t die on the ground, cold, and hungry. She had a stall with soft shavings, food in her tummy, heat lamps for warmth, fresh water, and a friend across the aisle. She had countless people praying and sending good thoughts to her and she got to walk and graze upon green grass. She even had Freckles camping out in her stall. I feel so blessed that we were able to give Rosie a chance, thanks to your support. and while we did our best, her little body had endured far too much, for far too long
Some have said that Rosie may have been waiting, just hanging on to go ‘home.’ Maybe her final rally was, in fact, her belief that someone would come to take her to a place where she would be assisted to go for a final walk in order to graze, a place where she would feel loving hands and caring hearts surrounding her, and hunger pains that would be no more.
I have witnessed countless horses endure unnecessary suffering while their owners were absent, or authorities turned a blind eye. And while we can’t take in every horse, we do try to help other horses in need when resources permit. Our aid may encompass providing essential resources such as hay, vet care, and other necessities, but sadly, in some cases, help comes too late. But even then, I remain by their side, offering solace and comfort until they depart upon their final journey to Rainbow Bridge. I often apologize to these horses, acknowledging the disappointment they must feel due to their humans’ negligence. I make it a point to reassure them of their worth and the love they deserve, with the promise that a better place awaits them.
It is a deeply moving experience to witness the final moments of these horses as their last bit of energy dissipates from their bodies. Some gracefully accept their fate, while others valiantly fight to cling onto life with all their remaining strength. Regardless, I am certain that they are grateful for the presence of a compassionate soul at that time. Many must have felt let down by their human counterparts, and it is a privilege to offer them solace and companionship. It is not an easy task, but I firmly believe that every horse deserves at least this level of compassion when it is their time. Unfortunately, due to the hands-on nature of our work and the amount of time it takes, we are not able to share with you all of our happenings here at the rescue, but please be assured, we stay very busy, helping all that we can while tending to our beloved little herd here.
I believe some horses that have come to us, like Savannah, Minnie, and Rosie, have held on until they arrived at a place where they felt at peace with humans who care. Their ability to hold on, and then be at peace for a short time, may very well be their final ‘rally.’ That peace may also be what enables them to let go at a time of their choosing, oftentimes, alone, in order to spare we humans the grief we feel. Based on my experiences, the short time that I spend with these horses during that final ‘rally’ connects us deeply. While it is difficult for us, it’s a choice that we make – to continue to ‘be there’ for these precious souls during their final moments. It is a gift that we can offer them only because of your support. You all make a difference and I thank you.
Rosie was cremated and her ashes have been returned and while most will be spread on the farm, some will remain with us. Rosie is now home, and forever in our hearts, right where she belongs.
Sincerely,
Theresa
A Catio For Christmas!
Please click on the image above to view an entertaining video of our
lovely new Catio with all the ensuing kitty shenanigans!
A nice Catio was found under the Christmas tree for the feral cats and kittens on Christmas morning! A Catio will help protect them from the elements and predators. And just when we thought we had all of them fixed, a female that disappeared months ago, showed up just the other day, with five precious kittens. They are, thankfully, old enough now, so we can begin trapping them, getting them neutered, and releasing them.
Thank you, Auntie Marilyn, for this incredible Gift of Love!
Sincerely,
Theresa
Reflecting on 2023
As we reflect upon 2023, we want to take a moment to thank you, our wonderful village of supporters, for helping us continue our mission of providing care and support, not only to our beloved little herd, but to other sentient beings in dire need, as well.
Because of your unwavering support, we were able to grant a second chance at life to Elka, our precious Molly Mule who was about to be shipped to slaughter, Waylon, a wise old soul, who needed sanctuary where he could live out his remaining years, Amira and Maggie, two beautiful mares, both of whom were discovered starved abandoned and neglected, sweet Walker, who. too, simply needed a safe place to land, and of course, Benjamin, discovered wandering about, lost and alone. We also welcomed Willow back to our herd.
And when it was time to say tearful goodbyes to Beauty, Ruby, Nadia, Venus, Oasis, Peggy Sue, Minnie and precious Rosie, you were there for us, once again, providing unending prayers and beautiful words of comfort, for which we will forever remain grateful.
Your support also helped us with the feral cat population. We are so truly grateful for a much needed Catio which was recently donated and just received! A Catio will help these sweet cats, together with their kittens, stay warm and safe. We will be trapping, fixing and releasing at least one more adult cat and her five kittens as soon as the kittens attain the proper age. Sadly, Midnight, one of our released feral cats, sustained life-threatening injuries and had to be humanely euthanized after seemingly, being run over by four wheelers that were illegally racing in a large field next to the rescue. Despite his significant injuries, he somehow, made it back to the rescue, and had we not found him, he would have suffered immensely for at least, another day or two.
Lastly, we are so very grateful for your most generous support to our End of the Year Campaign which has allowed us to become just $2881 within reach of our $15,000 goal. With only one day remaining in 2023, we ask that you please share this newsletter amongst family and friends, in hope that they, too, may wish to make a tax-deductible contribution to Beauty’s Haven Farm and Equine Rescue, Inc. And to our twenty-one recurring automatic donors, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your monthly donation is constant and makes a significant impact on each and every member of our precious herd.
Wishing you all, a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year.
Sincerely,
Theresa
What are the Chances?
When I received a call about a little pony that had been down since early morning and saw a picture of her, I knew I had to take immediate action. Memories of Betsy Rose came flooding back. Jessica was at the farm so we gathered up some things and went to see if we could help her. She was still down when we arrived. It wasn’t colic but she was extremely weak and couldn’t get up. We were told she was about 30 years old.
I called the vet and she came out to evaluate the situation and run fluids. Since it was dark and the pony was dehydrated, finding a vein proved to be quite challenging. The situation was not good and time was of the essence. We opted to roll the mare over onto a tarp and pull her into the trailer to get her back to the rescue where we had more resources. I sat by her side soothing her as we headed back to Beauty’s Haven, which was less than five minutes away.
Once at the rescue, we shaved her neck and the vet was able to hit a vein in order to start running IV fluids, but then, her vein collapsed. My husband, Bob, had gotten the sling together in a stall so we moved her to the stall and gently rolled her over into the sling and secured her in it.
We opted for the vet to go ahead and run an IV cocktail via another vein. I named the little pony, ‘Rosalita’ – ‘Rosie’ for short.
When the fluids were almost finished, Rosie started perking up. The vet drew some blood in order to perform tests. – we will have those results tomorrow. We offered Rosie a small amount of senior grain in warm water as a mash and that really motivated her. She was so hungry! It made me so sad to see how hungry she was. After she finished her mash, and having given her some time to collect herself, we lowered the sling and prayed she would make it on her own. She stood for a few minutes and I held my breath as she took her first wobbly steps. But she did it! She looked exhausted, but relieved. Rosie will be getting small mashes every few hours.
Rosie has a thick coat (likely Cushing’s Disease), but she is quite thin. Her teeth are really sharp which makes it painful for her to eat. She can’t grind food in order to properly digest it so her body has just been wasting away. She has diminished vision in at least, her right eye. She is drinking and becoming more vocal. She’s had several bowel movements and has urinated a few times. She certainly hasn’t given up.
Many people think it’s normal for an older horse to be thin but that is far from the truth. While there may be some medical reason(s) why an aged horse is thin, most aged horses can keep weight on if fed the right diet with the correct frequency. Our aged horses get an annual physical, with blood work, in order to identify and address any potential issues. They also get their teeth done by an equine dentist (not by a farrier or anyone but a DVM dentist) at least annually. The older they get, the more worn their teeth get. Many have to be fed many smaller (soaked) meals a day. If not, they drop weight which can lead to being in the condition Rosie is in. They also should be fed while separated from other horses that could take their food.
If anyone would like to help with Rosie’s medical bills, it would be greatly appreciated. Prayers and/or good thoughts for her recovery are also appreciated, very much.
Sincerely,
Theresa
Our Christmas Save
As you all know, we didn’t have a Thanksgiving save this year which I felt absolutely terrible about, especially since we had many calls from others wanting to surrender their horses. At the time, however, we were focused upon Beauty who was very sick and in the hospital. I am still adjusting to her being gone and I miss her so very much.
Just because one is old, doesn’t mean they should be neglected or sent to slaughter – every life is precious and every life matters. Elka will now only know love and proper care – this is our promise to her as it is to every sentient being that enters through our gates.
Elka would very much love to have sponsors to assist with her daily expenses, so if anyone would like to sign up to do so, it would be so greatly appreciated. Just click on the ‘DONATE’ button below, where you may sign up to become a monthly recurring sponsor, or if you prefer to make a one-time donation, there are a variety of ways in which to do so. All donations are so greatly appreciated and no amount is ever too small.
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah!
Sincerely,
Theresa