I share this story each year at about this time. It sums up in a short 3 word sentence of why we do what we do…

Only for Love

The young couple had made their usual hurried, pre-Christmas visit to the little farm where dwelt the elderly parents with their small herd of horses. The farm had been named Lone Pine Farm because of the huge pine which topped the hill behind the farm, and through the years had become a talisman to the old man and his wife, and a landmark in the countryside. The old folks no longer showed their horses, for the years had taken their toll, but they sold a few foals each year, and the horses were their reason for joy in the morning and contentment at day’s end.

Crossly, as they prepared to leave, the young couple confronted the old folks. "Why do you not at least dispose of "The Old One." She is no longer of use to you. It’s been years since you’ve had foals from her. You should cut corners and save where you can. Why do you keep her anyway?" The old man looked down as his worn boot scuffed at the barn floor and his arm stole defensively about the Old One’s neck as he drew her to him and rubbed her gently behind the ears. He replied softly, "We keep her because of love. Only because of love."

Baffled and irritated, the young folks wished the old man and his wife a Merry Christmas and headed back toward the city as darkness stole through the valley. So it was, that because of the leave-taking, no one noticed the insulation smoldering on the frayed wires in the old barn. None saw the first spark fall. None but the "Old One".

In a matter of minutes, the whole barn was ablaze and the hungry flames were licking at the loft full of hay. With a cry of horror and despair, the old man shouted to his wife to call for help as he raced to the barn to save their beloved horses. But the flames were roaring now, and the blazing heat drove him back. He sank sobbing to the ground, helpless before the fire’s fury.

By the time the fire department arrived, only smoking, glowing ruins were left, and the old man and his wife. They thanked those who had come to their aid, and the old man turned to his wife, resting her white head upon his shoulders as he clumsily dried her tears with a frayed red bandana. Brokenly he whispered, "We have lost much, but God has spared our home on this eve of Christmas. Let us, therefore, climb the hill to the old pine where we have sought comfort in times of despair. We will look down upon our home and give thanks to God that it has been spared."

And so, he took her by the hand and helped her up the snowy hill as he brushed aside his own tears with the back of his hand. As they stepped over the little knoll at the crest of the hill, they looked up and gasped in amazement at the incredible beauty before them. Seemingly, every glorious, brilliant star in the heavens was caught up in the glittering, snow-frosted branches of their beloved pine, and it was aglow with heavenly candles. And poised on its top most bough, a crystal crescent moon glistened like spun glass. Never had a mere mortal created a Christmas tree such as this.

Suddenly, the old man gave a cry of wonder and incredible joy as he pulled his wife forward. There, beneath the tree, was their Christmas gift. Bedded down about the "Old One" close to the trunk of the tree, was the entire herd, safe. At the first hint of smoke, she had pushed the door ajar with her muzzle and had led the horses through it. Slowly and with great dignity, never looking back, she had led them up the hill, stepping daintily through the snow. The foals were frightened and dashed about. The skittish yearlings looked back at the crackling, hungry flames, and tucked their tails under them as they licked their lips and hopped like rabbits. The mares pressed uneasily against the "Old One" as she moved calmly up the hill and to safety beneath the pine. And now, she lay among them and gazed at the faces of those she loved. Her body was brittle with years, but the golden eyes were filled with devotion as she offered her gift — because of love. Only because of love.

Author: Reverend David Griffith

Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Website: www.bhfer.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bhfer.tb

Sunday

Please say a prayer for Mollie. Her QT period is over and I was going to let her out but found her in respiratory distress with a very high temperature. We are hosing her now.

The weather here has been crazy – below freezing a couple of nights and now we’re back up over 80 in the days with the upcoming forecast going back down in the 40’s at nights. Mollie has a thick, unhealthy, and scruffy coat but I’m afraid to clip her. After she was alcoholed and hosed, her temperature went down from 104.1 to 100.5. Mollie’s immune system is greatly compromised and she barely hung onto life when she arrived at the rescue. She was so weak she had to live in a sling for the first few days. Her first chemistry panel/CBC taken the day she arrived, was not great – there were a lot of lows. Her chemistry panel/CBC this past week was better – and there were no indications of infection. Her appetite is good.

Mollie – you can see she didn’t feel well today.

This evening, she was feeling much better – good enough to try running around. She ran and made a quick turn and ended up on her butt – she has so very little muscle. But she held her head up high like an Arabian, got up, shook herself off, and trotted around a bit more. We’re keeping a close watch on her. This photo was taken the day we brought her to the rescue – we had to drag her into the trailer – she was too weak to stand. Once at the rescue, still in the trailer, the vet had a really hard time getting an IV catheter into Mollie to start fluids – we weren’t sure Mollie was going to make it. She was close, very close, to leaving us. Thank you all for your prayers.

Mollie was very weak with no muscle. She had to live in a sling for the first few days.

Mollie is an Arabian filly, almost four years old, who has been neglected most of her life. She is very stunted but could possibly still grow for a couple of years. She’s doing better but still wears a look on her face at times, that says she isn’t feeling great. She tires easily. It’s going to take time for her body to heal. But she has never given up – no matter how bad she feels, there is light and hope in her eyes. Another little miracle who believes. By this evening she was much better. You can clearly see the Arabian in her.

Another orphan kitty was found in the paddock down by the main road tonight. It was hard to see in the dark, but fortunately, Bonnie has good ears! There was only one kitten, we hope.

Monday

Good morning! The vet is coming out to examine Solace – he has what appears to be a mild choke. He’s been getting soupy, really watered down mashes – he hasn’t been wanting to drink. He’s not coughing, which is good, but something is wrong. Mollie will also be checked out. Her temperature is slightly elevated. And we have a new arrival that I’ll share more about later today – I have to leave now as I have Dr. appointments in Gainesville. For those who don’t know Solace’s story, here is a link to his page, " It’s All About Solace". His survival is another miracle.

Dr. Lugo examined Solace’s teeth today and pulled one by hand that was loose. He also did x-rays. There is another tooth that is fractured. Dr. Lugo will be talking with our equine dentist, Dr. Bess Darrow, and we will go from there. So…lace is a grand old horse – 30+ years old and he doesn’t have many teeth left. He gets multiple mushy meals a day. He’s not underweight – he looks great. I’m so glad we are able to make his sunset years good ones!

The new arrival needs front feet x-rays and he has suspicious growths under his tail. It is the season for giving – we are giving him a chance at life. He’s of good weight but you can see in his eyes, that he is uncomfortable. We hope to change that. He’s our annual "Christmas Save". We have named him Santana – it means holy. It just came to me and it seems very appropriate.

Welcome to Beauty’s Haven Santana! Would anyone like to help give the Gift of Life to this sweet gelding? He will be needing x-rays today. He needs sponsors.

Santana was examined today by Dr. Lugo and x-rays were done of his front feet. Santana has navicular and some small tumors under his tail. Right now we are going to focus on building his immune system and getting him comfortable. A course of action for the navicular will be determined once Laura Castanos and Michelle Stepp, both DAEP’s of the Institute of Applied Equine Podiatry, review the x-rays with Dr. Lugo.

Adorable – Betsy Rose and Bronson! Both have great appetites!

I know this is hard to see but it’s our tractor spreading winter rye seed! The seeding was donated and we certainly appreciate it! Now, we pray that the seed takes!

We are an all volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit equine rescue organization that operates totally off of donations from the public – we are not funded by County, State, or Federal funds. Please consider making a one time or automatic monthly donation to help us to help the horses. Funds are needed for vetting, farrier needs, hay, grain, dental needs, equipment maintenance, and there is so much more. There are various ways to donate – visit our "Donate" page on our website. Our mailing address is PO Box 53, Morriston, FL 32668. Our PayPal address is theresa@beautysequinerescue.org. All donations are tax deductible and no amount is too small. Please share us with friends, family, and co-workers – it takes a village! We really need to order hay by tomorrow in order for delivery to happen by Friday. Would anyone like to help?

Thank you all for your continued love and support. .

Sincerely,

Theresa

Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Website: https://www.bhfer.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bhfer.tb

Betsy Rose calendars are available! There is a limited number available so order yours soon! We are picking them up on Thursday and will be getting them in the mail over the weekend! Start 2014 out with Betsy Rose hanging on your wall(s)! All proceeds help the horses here. Please place your order through the link below. Thank you!

Sincerely,

Theresa

Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization

Website: https://www.bhfer.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bhfer.tb