If you would like to view a video of Beauty in all her glory, please click on the image above.
More than twenty years ago, a neglected and abused Arabian filly brought light and joy into my life at a time when I needed it the most. In 1997, surgery to remove a tumor within my spinal cord caused nerve damage which resulted in my becoming a quadriplegic, and although my doctors stated that I would never again walk, through sheer will, determination, faith and an intense physical therapy program, I regained use of my limbs. I remain today, an incomplete quadriplegic, however, with no feeling or awareness below my neck (proprioception). In time, I thankfully, was able to return to my government job which I truly loved, but sadly, I had to retire on disability in 2000 due to issues associated with my injury. Thus began a very dark period in my life as I learned to adjust to my physical limitations.
I’ve been riding horses since I was a toddler and truly missed them. In 2002, Bob and I decided that our kids should have the opportunity to experience horses, so we scheduled them for weekly riding lessons. I didn’t tell their trainer that I wasn’t supposed to ride and during part of each lesson, I would venture out on trails on an Arabian gelding that took great care of me. I was nervous at first, I hadn’t been on a horse since before my spinal cord injury, but I was determined. It was wonderful!
One day, I got a call about an Arabian filly that was petrified of humans. She had been seized from an abusive situation and placed in a foster home, but then, she couldn’t be caught. I walked into her paddock with no demands or expectations and after a short time, she walked over and put her head down into my chest. I waited. When she lifted her head, I looked into her beautiful brown eyes and saw fear along with a reflection of hope and a longing to trust. I slowly and gently put my hand on her neck and whispered, “I’m here for you, it’s going to be ok.” She became mine that very day and I named her Beauty.
We found a barn to lease and within a few days, Beauty had settled in. Every day, I spent a lot of time with her, just hanging out. We both had much healing to do. My physical challenges never hindered our connection; rather, they strengthened our relationship. Beauty seemed to understand my struggles and offered a unique form of healing. And I understood her struggles in learning to trust. Being mentally and physically abused is not something one can just move forward from without some level of acceptance, a support system and a leap of faith.
When we were both ready, we moved on to groundwork which proved to be invaluable. Because of my physical challenges and not knowing where my legs are, I taught Beauty to respond to voice commands as my arms, hands, and legs could inadvertently send signals that could confuse any horse. She was very intelligent and caught on quickly. We were both very proud of our accomplishments and it wasn’t long before she was under saddle.
Riding Beauty gave me a sense of freedom and independence. I no longer felt confined by physical challenges, but rather empowered by her strength and devotion. Sometimes, we went to local parks to ride, times I’ll never forget. As every horse needs a companion, we took in a blind Appaloosa gelding that was going to be euthanized. His name was Frosty, and not long after he arrived, we decided we wanted to move to the Ocala area and in 2004, our home in Tampa sold overnight, a sign we were making the right decision. We purchased almost 18 acres in Morriston, took in more horses, and, over time, our little farm morphed into Beauty’s Haven where we have helped over 500 horses and other animals.
Beauty was injured in 2011 because of something very foolish that another human had done. It was a very stressful time. She foundered, rotating quite a bit in both front feet. We were told we might be able to keep her comfortable as a pasture pal, but she’d never be sound enough to be ridden again. In the Spring of 2015, when I went out to ride another horse, Beauty came over and gave me that look – I saddled her up and we took a nice walk around the property! It made us both truly happy. Over the years, she would have founder flare ups, but we worked through them. In late 2015, she was diagnosed with Cushing’s disease. In 2018 she was diagnosed with Temporohyoid Osteoarthropathy (THO), and in 2020, Insulin Resistant (IR) / Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS). She was a tough and determined mare and her spirit never wavered.
She moved into the barn area as it was very important that we manage her IR which can be quite challenging. Frodo, a mini, that took an indirect lightning strike a few years ago which left him neurologically impaired, became her sidekick. We opened up the birthing stall which enabled Beauty to maneuver better, while Frodo had a stall across from her. Beauty wanted us to think she didn’t care much for Frodo, but the moment he got out of her sight, she’d whinny for him. It went both ways.
On Monday, last week, Beauty didn’t greet me at the gate with her lively morning whinny. She didn’t finish all of her breakfast, which was very odd. Dr. Staples came that day to do some trims and while she was here, she examined Beauty. Beauty didn’t have a temperature, but she did have a lot of gut sounds. She was given Banamine and thankfully, she was better by evening and even ate her meals. However, the next day, Tuesday, she just wasn’t herself, having little desire to eat. I took her temperature and it was 103.1. I called a vet out to examine her once again, and to do bloodwork.
The next morning, Wednesday, the vet called and said bloodwork indicated that she had hyperlipidemia and should go to a hospital. I called EMCO and took her there immediately. Pulling out of the driveway, and all the way down our road, Beauty and Frodo kept calling out for one another which simply, broke my heart.
When we arrived at the hospital, the staff went right to work examining Beauty, performing blood tests etc., as well as an ultrasound, to see if there was a blockage, but there was no clear definition of what was wrong. They put her on an IV drip and got her comfortable in a stall where she laid down to rest. She refused to eat but she did drink water.
The next day, Thursday, more tests were performed and she appeared a bit brighter and her bloodwork had improved. I hung out her with in the morning and Jenny went in the afternoon. Beauty only passed a small amount of manure, but she was nibbling on hay and drinking water. The plan was to give her another day to see if she improved and then regroup.
When we arrived at the hospital on Friday morning (Jenny was with me), we learned Beauty’s bloodwork results were even better. We took her out to a small paddock where she could relax, graze, and walk around. I hugged her, took the lead rope off, and told her she was free to go. Then, she gave me the most beautiful gift – for the first time in two years, she trotted out and did some of her Arabian dance moves and appeared as sound as any horse could be! Jenny said it was the biggest smile she’d seen on me in a long time. Beauty also passed manure a few times which was encouraging. We didn’t let her overdo it and tucked her back into her stall for the evening, but it sure felt good to see her feeling well enough to “dance”. When we left her in her stall, she was munching on hay.
The next morning, Saturday, Beauty was being ultra-sounded again by two veterinarians when we arrived at the hospital. They saw something of concern (tumor, abscess, etc.) but there was no way to know what it was without doing surgery. We talked about options, pros, cons, risks, etc. and really, the only choices we had were to do surgery to remove the tumor or abscess or to euthanize her. We opted for surgery.
We took Beauty for a walk while the staff prepared for surgery. I buried my face into her mane and cried. While looking at video that was taken at that time, I saw that Beauty shed a tear too. When it was time, she walked tall, proud, and steady from her stall to the operating area. I hugged and kissed her and breathed in her smell (she was the best aromatherapy) before she entered the prep room and assured her that we would be there waiting for her. I told her many times what she already knew, that I loved her dearly.
During surgery a large tumor was discovered. It wasn’t attached to any of her organs, but it went from one side of her abdominal cavity to the other. There was simply no way the surgeon could have removed it. Parts of it had gone necrotic – it would have only been a matter of time before Beauty would have gone septic. We went in to be with her and I held her as she went to Rainbow Bridge. I knew the very second that she was gone – my heart skipped a few beats, it was hard to breathe, and the world seemed so very far away.
Life had kind of come full circle – many years ago, surgery to a remove a tumor from inside my spinal cord led me back to horses, which led me to Beauty. And now, a tumor that appeared partially wrapped around her spine has taken her away from me.
Beauty was a once in a lifetime horse and I am beyond blessed to have been given the years that I had with her. The bond we shared transcended words and created a language of love and trust that only we could understand. Her gentle soul, unwavering presence, devotion, and her ability to sense my needs made her truly extraordinary. Together, we embraced challenges with courage and determination – we believed in each other and we never gave up.
While some of Beauty’s ashes will be spread over Beauty’s Haven, some will stay with me forever, but her spirit will forever be beside me. I know she will help guide me as we continue what we started together – helping those that are unable to help themselves. Her legacy will continue to live on in all the horses who enter through our gates seeking a second chance at life, a life that begins, again.
Beauty is gone from this earth and it hurts more than I can say. But as I sat with Frodo one night last week with tears falling, he suddenly perked up and let out a whinny. I could smell Beauty close by as a feeling of peace came over me, and, in my head and heart, I heard a whisper, “I’m here for you, it’s going to be okay.”
Thank you all for your prayers and good thoughts. I appreciate them, very much.
Sincerely,
Theresa
Dear Santa…
Lucy and CaryLou have asked that I share their Christmas Wish List with Santa! They are asking for items that they really need, so if anyone wishes to be their ‘Secret Santa,’ it would truly make their hearts sing on Christmas day! You may forward a donation toward an item simply by clicking on the ‘DONATE’ button below, or, if you would prefer to purchase an item and have it sent directly to Beauty’s Haven, our address is: P.O. Box 53, Morriston, FL 32668. Thank you for always ‘being there’ for our beloved little herd.
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah!
Sincerely,
Theresa
Hay, Hooves & Match Game!
End of the Year Campaign
As #GivingTuesday 2023 is now behind us, our fundraiser has morphed into our End of the Year Campaign. We continue to pray for your support to 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 each and every member of our beloved herd, many with special needs. Broken gates and fence boards need to be replaced, repairs to shelters and equipment are needed, the supplement and medication cabinets must be restocked – the list is seemingly, endless. Some horses sadly, are without sponsors to even cover their daily expenses.
As Beauty’s Haven is also actively engaged in TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return), the most effective and humane method for managing and subsequently, reducing the population of the numerous feral and stray cats that frequently find their way to our farm, your donation will also assist greatly with the veterinary and overall care expenses of these precious cats and kittens, who, sadly, find themselves alone and unwanted through no fault of their own. As some of you may know, Midnight, one of our released TNR kittens, was severely injured recently and has transitioned to Rainbow Bridge. I am most certain he is once again happy and pain free as he lovingly plays with all the precious kitties who have gone before him.
Our $500 Match Game is still ongoing, so hopefully, it will soon be met. All donations are tax-deductible, so this is a wonderful opportunity in which to forward your 2023 end of the year contributions while, at the same time, honoring each and every member of the Beauty’s Haven herd, both past and present. Contributions may be forwarded by clicking on the ‘Donate’ button below, or, if you prefer to donate directly to our End of the Year Campaign, you may do so by clicking on the image above.
Thank you, in advance, for honoring the legacy of all the precious members of our beloved little herd, especially those who we have sadly, lost this year – Beauty, Ruby, Oasis, Nadia, Venus, Minnie and little Midnight. May they forever remain in each of our hearts.
Sincerely,
Theresa
She Brought Light & Joy Into My Heart
If you would like to view a video of Beauty in all her glory, please click on the image above.
More than twenty years ago, a neglected and abused Arabian filly brought light and joy into my life at a time when I needed it the most. In 1997, surgery to remove a tumor within my spinal cord caused nerve damage which resulted in my becoming a quadriplegic, and although my doctors stated that I would never again walk, through sheer will, determination, faith and an intense physical therapy program, I regained use of my limbs. I remain today, an incomplete quadriplegic, however, with no feeling or awareness below my neck (proprioception). In time, I thankfully, was able to return to my government job which I truly loved, but sadly, I had to retire on disability in 2000 due to issues associated with my injury. Thus began a very dark period in my life as I learned to adjust to my physical limitations.
I’ve been riding horses since I was a toddler and truly missed them. In 2002, Bob and I decided that our kids should have the opportunity to experience horses, so we scheduled them for weekly riding lessons. I didn’t tell their trainer that I wasn’t supposed to ride and during part of each lesson, I would venture out on trails on an Arabian gelding that took great care of me. I was nervous at first, I hadn’t been on a horse since before my spinal cord injury, but I was determined. It was wonderful!
One day, I got a call about an Arabian filly that was petrified of humans. She had been seized from an abusive situation and placed in a foster home, but then, she couldn’t be caught. I walked into her paddock with no demands or expectations and after a short time, she walked over and put her head down into my chest. I waited. When she lifted her head, I looked into her beautiful brown eyes and saw fear along with a reflection of hope and a longing to trust. I slowly and gently put my hand on her neck and whispered, “I’m here for you, it’s going to be ok.” She became mine that very day and I named her Beauty.
We found a barn to lease and within a few days, Beauty had settled in. Every day, I spent a lot of time with her, just hanging out. We both had much healing to do. My physical challenges never hindered our connection; rather, they strengthened our relationship. Beauty seemed to understand my struggles and offered a unique form of healing. And I understood her struggles in learning to trust. Being mentally and physically abused is not something one can just move forward from without some level of acceptance, a support system and a leap of faith.
When we were both ready, we moved on to groundwork which proved to be invaluable. Because of my physical challenges and not knowing where my legs are, I taught Beauty to respond to voice commands as my arms, hands, and legs could inadvertently send signals that could confuse any horse. She was very intelligent and caught on quickly. We were both very proud of our accomplishments and it wasn’t long before she was under saddle.
Riding Beauty gave me a sense of freedom and independence. I no longer felt confined by physical challenges, but rather empowered by her strength and devotion. Sometimes, we went to local parks to ride, times I’ll never forget. As every horse needs a companion, we took in a blind Appaloosa gelding that was going to be euthanized. His name was Frosty, and not long after he arrived, we decided we wanted to move to the Ocala area and in 2004, our home in Tampa sold overnight, a sign we were making the right decision. We purchased almost 18 acres in Morriston, took in more horses, and, over time, our little farm morphed into Beauty’s Haven where we have helped over 500 horses and other animals.
Beauty was injured in 2011 because of something very foolish that another human had done. It was a very stressful time. She foundered, rotating quite a bit in both front feet. We were told we might be able to keep her comfortable as a pasture pal, but she’d never be sound enough to be ridden again. In the Spring of 2015, when I went out to ride another horse, Beauty came over and gave me that look – I saddled her up and we took a nice walk around the property! It made us both truly happy. Over the years, she would have founder flare ups, but we worked through them. In late 2015, she was diagnosed with Cushing’s disease. In 2018 she was diagnosed with Temporohyoid Osteoarthropathy (THO), and in 2020, Insulin Resistant (IR) / Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS). She was a tough and determined mare and her spirit never wavered.
She moved into the barn area as it was very important that we manage her IR which can be quite challenging. Frodo, a mini, that took an indirect lightning strike a few years ago which left him neurologically impaired, became her sidekick. We opened up the birthing stall which enabled Beauty to maneuver better, while Frodo had a stall across from her. Beauty wanted us to think she didn’t care much for Frodo, but the moment he got out of her sight, she’d whinny for him. It went both ways.
On Monday, last week, Beauty didn’t greet me at the gate with her lively morning whinny. She didn’t finish all of her breakfast, which was very odd. Dr. Staples came that day to do some trims and while she was here, she examined Beauty. Beauty didn’t have a temperature, but she did have a lot of gut sounds. She was given Banamine and thankfully, she was better by evening and even ate her meals. However, the next day, Tuesday, she just wasn’t herself, having little desire to eat. I took her temperature and it was 103.1. I called a vet out to examine her once again, and to do bloodwork.
The next morning, Wednesday, the vet called and said bloodwork indicated that she had hyperlipidemia and should go to a hospital. I called EMCO and took her there immediately. Pulling out of the driveway, and all the way down our road, Beauty and Frodo kept calling out for one another which simply, broke my heart.
When we arrived at the hospital, the staff went right to work examining Beauty, performing blood tests etc., as well as an ultrasound, to see if there was a blockage, but there was no clear definition of what was wrong. They put her on an IV drip and got her comfortable in a stall where she laid down to rest. She refused to eat but she did drink water.
The next day, Thursday, more tests were performed and she appeared a bit brighter and her bloodwork had improved. I hung out her with in the morning and Jenny went in the afternoon. Beauty only passed a small amount of manure, but she was nibbling on hay and drinking water. The plan was to give her another day to see if she improved and then regroup.
When we arrived at the hospital on Friday morning (Jenny was with me), we learned Beauty’s bloodwork results were even better. We took her out to a small paddock where she could relax, graze, and walk around. I hugged her, took the lead rope off, and told her she was free to go. Then, she gave me the most beautiful gift – for the first time in two years, she trotted out and did some of her Arabian dance moves and appeared as sound as any horse could be! Jenny said it was the biggest smile she’d seen on me in a long time. Beauty also passed manure a few times which was encouraging. We didn’t let her overdo it and tucked her back into her stall for the evening, but it sure felt good to see her feeling well enough to “dance”. When we left her in her stall, she was munching on hay.
The next morning, Saturday, Beauty was being ultra-sounded again by two veterinarians when we arrived at the hospital. They saw something of concern (tumor, abscess, etc.) but there was no way to know what it was without doing surgery. We talked about options, pros, cons, risks, etc. and really, the only choices we had were to do surgery to remove the tumor or abscess or to euthanize her. We opted for surgery.
We took Beauty for a walk while the staff prepared for surgery. I buried my face into her mane and cried. While looking at video that was taken at that time, I saw that Beauty shed a tear too. When it was time, she walked tall, proud, and steady from her stall to the operating area. I hugged and kissed her and breathed in her smell (she was the best aromatherapy) before she entered the prep room and assured her that we would be there waiting for her. I told her many times what she already knew, that I loved her dearly.
During surgery a large tumor was discovered. It wasn’t attached to any of her organs, but it went from one side of her abdominal cavity to the other. There was simply no way the surgeon could have removed it. Parts of it had gone necrotic – it would have only been a matter of time before Beauty would have gone septic. We went in to be with her and I held her as she went to Rainbow Bridge. I knew the very second that she was gone – my heart skipped a few beats, it was hard to breathe, and the world seemed so very far away.
Life had kind of come full circle – many years ago, surgery to a remove a tumor from inside my spinal cord led me back to horses, which led me to Beauty. And now, a tumor that appeared partially wrapped around her spine has taken her away from me.
Beauty was a once in a lifetime horse and I am beyond blessed to have been given the years that I had with her. The bond we shared transcended words and created a language of love and trust that only we could understand. Her gentle soul, unwavering presence, devotion, and her ability to sense my needs made her truly extraordinary. Together, we embraced challenges with courage and determination – we believed in each other and we never gave up.
While some of Beauty’s ashes will be spread over Beauty’s Haven, some will stay with me forever, but her spirit will forever be beside me. I know she will help guide me as we continue what we started together – helping those that are unable to help themselves. Her legacy will continue to live on in all the horses who enter through our gates seeking a second chance at life, a life that begins, again.
Beauty is gone from this earth and it hurts more than I can say. But as I sat with Frodo one night last week with tears falling, he suddenly perked up and let out a whinny. I could smell Beauty close by as a feeling of peace came over me, and, in my head and heart, I heard a whisper, “I’m here for you, it’s going to be okay.”
Thank you all for your prayers and good thoughts. I appreciate them, very much.
Sincerely,
Theresa
GivingTuesday 2023
During this most devastating time as we mourn the loss of Beauty, the Arabian mare that was the beginning, as well as the heart and soul, of Beauty’s Haven, we find it difficult to even put one foot in front of the other. We must, nevertheless, dig in our heels and carry on for the sake of the remainder of our equine herd as well as for the other sentient beings in our care. And whilst Beauty is no longer physically here, we know in our hearts that she will forever be watching over me and the rest of her family and friends here at the rescue.
These expenses that are necessary to ensure the overall safety, health, comfort and well-being of each and every member of our herd, many with special needs:
As Beauty’s Haven is also actively engaged in TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return), the most effective and humane method for managing and subsequently, reducing the population of the numerous feral and stray cats that frequently find their way to our farm, your donation will also assist greatly with the veterinary and overall care expenses of these precious cats and kittens, who, sadly, find themselves alone and unwanted through no fault of their own.
Lastly, In honor of Beauty, a wonderful supporter has offered a $1000 Match Game to kick off our fundraiser. We would be forever grateful for your support on this #GivingTuesday, 2023.
Sincerely,
Theresa
Our Beloved Beauty
“When we think of those companions who traveled by our side down life’s road. let us not say with sadness that they left us behind. but rather say with gentle gratitude that they once were with us.”
~ Author Unknown
It is with heavy heart to inform you that our beloved Beauty, the heart and soul of Beauty’s Haven, has sadly transitioned to Rainbow Bridge due to an inoperable tumor. We are all beyond devastated and are grieving deeply.
Please keep the entire Beauty’s Haven family in your prayers.
Prayers Still Needed for our Beloved Beauty
Beauty is still at EMCO where she was diagnosed with peritonitis and hepatitis. Her bloodwork has thankfully improved daily. She’s still on IV fluids/meds but she does munch on hay now – upon being admitted, she had been refusing food. She is drinking well. Her respiration is good, but there is concern about her heart rate which remains elevated for a yet to be determined reason. The people at EMCO have been truly wonderful.
Beauty hasn’t laid down since the day she was admitted (she’ s picky about her stall) so I know she’s needing REM sleep. She’s tired of being in a stall and wearing ice boots 24/7. This is the first time she’s been in a hospital environment and I know she wants out. I think perhaps the environment can cause her to be anxious (which can contribute to an elevated heart rate), just as it does for me when I have to go to a hospital.
Freckles is holding onto a “Believe” sign in the corner hay feeder, keeping Beauty company.
Yesterday. we took Beauty out of her ice boots to get some exercise which I think did her much good. She is a strong willed mare and she knows that I love her dearly. She’s beat the odds more than once and I have faith she will do so again. I appreciate everyone’s good thoughts and prayers – I believe they are working! Please, please, keep them coming.
Sincerely,
Theresa
Pray for Beauty
Beauty, the namesake of the rescue, was admitted to the hospital this morning (Equine Medical Center of Ocala). She has been diagnosed with peritonitis and hepatitis. She’s being treated medically, and as of this evening, values in her bloodwork have improved.
I can get into more details at some point, but right now, I’m exhausted and need to finish my chores here and go to bed so I can get to the hospital in the morning.
The next couple of days are truly critical.
I’d truly appreciate, more than ever, if you would include Beauty in your prayers and/or send her good thoughts. She’s a very special mare who means the world to me.
I likely won’t be on here much for a few days but I do want to wish all of you a very blessed Thanksgiving Day.
Happily Ever After
In 2011, a herd of horses, including minis and several studs, were living in deplorable conditions in a junkyard. As they were not receiving proper care, the authorities became involved and the herd was relinquished to Beauty’s Haven. One member of this little herd was Nickers, a very sweet stud born in 2008, who was only three years old at the time. Nickers went directly to a foster home where he was gelded soon thereafter and since he was so very much loved, his foster parents decided to adopt him.
Another member of this little herd was a mini mare named Glory who was in foal upon her arrival at Beauty’s Haven, her baby having been sired by Nickers. Glory and. Nicker’s baby, Cloud Dancer. was born here at the rescue in April 2011. Once Cloud Dancer was weaned, he went to reside with Nickers and his adoptive family. After many years of happily residing with their beloved family, they were returned to Beauty’s Haven in 2022, through no fault of their own.
And now, this wonderful little father and son duo is embarking upon a wonderful new journey with Grief on the Go and Tomorrow ‘s Rainbow Coping Academy’s mobile programs as grief and trauma counselors, where they will be bringing joy and healing to children in underserved communities across Broward and Palm Beach counties. Though we miss them dearly, we are so very proud of our sweet boys.
Gabe, Willow & Aaleyah Updates
After finally winning the war on Gabe‘s abscessed and ulcerated eye, which we have been treating since the end of August, our poor boy was sadly stricken with a bout of colic on Friday. Thankfully, we managed to get him through this episode; within a few hours he passed gas, had a bowel movement and was, once again, drinking. And then a few days ago, Willow, an eighteen year-old Thoroughbred mare we adopted out in 2016, came back to Beauty’s Haven through no fault of her own.
Willow and Gabe are both in need of sponsors to help with their daily ongoing care, so if anyone would like to sponsor either of these precious horses, just click on the ‘DONATE’ button below. Gabe and Willow, who have now become the very best of friends, would most assuredly, be eternally grateful.
We also have a substantial balance remaining on Aaleyah’s veterinary bill following her surgery and subsequent hospitalization a few months ago, so if anyone would like to assist us with this need, it would be truly appreciated. If you would like to help Aaleyah, you may do so, by once again, clicking on the ‘DONATE’ button below. Donations may also be called directly into PetersonSmith Equine Hospital at 352-861-1251 or 352-237-6151, account #95501.
Thank you for your love and support. We most certainly could not do what we do without our amazing village of supporters .
Sincerely,
Theresa
We have named her Amira
Our latest arrival, a 30-year-old Arabian mare, had a much needed bath on Saturday. It all seemed new to her, even just being fly sprayed. But it didn’t take long to show her there was nothing to be afraid of. Her sores were treated accordingly and her mane was brushed out. I applied de-tangler to her tail which was much like a baseball bat, which in turn, made it much easier for Jenny to comb out on Sunday. Thankfully, she can now use her tail to help swat away flies. We have named her Amira.
She was covered with flies when she arrived. Fly bites are quite painful and cause inflammation and irritation. She tries to scratch them which causes the sores to open up, which in turn, sets her up for bacterial and fungal infections as well as allergies. We are working diligently to resolve this, and will hopefully soon receive the results of her blood tests soon.
Amira’s left ear is filled with sores and the hair within that ear is completely gone. It has a ‘cauliflower ear’ appearance and will likely, never again, be normal. Since there are many gnats in this area, she may be allergic to their saliva. When gnats bite, it causes her to become very itchy. She tries to find something to scratch on to help bring relief, but again, this causes her sores to open up. Amira also must have her dental and farrier needs addressed, but since she doesn’t want to hold her feet up, we will slowly work on this issue as well.
If you would like to help us help Amira, please click on the ‘DONATE’ button below where you can donate in a variety of ways. All contributions are greatly appreciated and no amount is ever too small.
Thank you for helping us grant yet another precious soul a second chance at life.
Sincerely,
Theresa