Saturday, August 9th

Dr. Simonson was out today and examined both the mares. The good news is that Amber Cream is not pregnant. Whew!

We named the older mare Ginger. She arrived with eye issues and one of the first things that came to mind was tear ducts. We find this often with horses that come in with runny/puffy eyes. Dr. Julia flushed them and looked at the ulcer – it’s a good size. We’re treating it several times a day. Ginger taped in at about 705 lbs. She’s got a lot of rainrot. Kylie gave them both a good medicated bath which they really needed.

Lab work showed very high fecal counts – especially in Ginger. Both mares are anemic with electrolyte imbalance which suggests their bodies are breaking down muscle for energy. We’ll be working on some kidney/liver concerns. Both are drinking well and munching on hay. We had to put a hard cup eye protector mask on Ginger to keep her from rubbing her eyes. We’ll be treating Amber’s sunburn – she’s good about it. They are both so sweet.

Poor Amber’s face is so sunburned. She’s good about letting us put tea tree lotion on it. She’s good about everything. Both are very sweet mares. We need at least 6 more Arabian size long nose Cashel flymasks if anyone has any they are not using – we have several, including these mares, that wear Arabian size. Horse size is just too big for them – especially with the long noses.

Both mares needed hooficures which they got today.

These are Amber Cream’s front hooves following her ‘hooficure.’ Laura needed to take a bit more off but didn’t want to do too much today.

Sunday, August 10th

Amber Cream and Ginger are doing ok. Amber’s face is so sunburned but at least now it’s being treated and she wears a long mask. They are in QT and have a shelter – we put their hay under the shelter in a hay bin in order to try to keep them out of the sun. Ginger lets us apply medication to her eye without any problem. They are both good girls.

I’m very happy to report that Victoria is showing signs of improvement! She took an indirect lightening strike a few weeks ago which left her very wobbly in her back end. It was pretty scary – the first 24 – 36 hours or so she was mentally "out of it" too.

JoJo didn’t want Auntie Barb to leave to go home this evening. Barbara drives about 3 hours (each way) to come to help out at the rescue almost every other weekend. Thank you Kevin for sharing Barb with us!

JoJo – he’s growing up!

"Look mommy Theresa – no flymask!"

Baby Ray went to his adoptive home today – he’s only a few miles away. His new mom is happy as can be! I’m so proud him – he’s overcome many obstacles in his life but he never gave up. In 2009 someone sent me a link to a free orphan baby on Craigslist. The minute I saw his photo I knew – I just knew he’d find his way here. I never called the number on the Craigslist ad but two weeks later the phone call came – someone had gotten a free baby off Craigslist – he was blind and needed help – could we come and get him? I believed in Baby Ray from the minute I met him. He’s blessed us with many wonderful memories that we will treasure forever. And there’s more to come. A new chapter in his life has begun. Congratulations Lew and Baby Ray!

Baby Ray is one of the most beautiful horses I’ve ever seen – a long way from the frail orphan baby he was the day we brought him home in our minivan back in 2009.

Baby Ray was a frail 4 month old orphan when he came to us back in 2009.

Little E– still looking great. He’s the “senior” at the farm now.

The end to a beautiful day at Beauty’s Haven – just glorious! I can almost picture the heavenly herd running in all their glory in this photo taken by our daughter, Katie.

Beauty’s Haven – Where Life Begins, Again!

We could really use some help with vet bills and feed. If anyone would like to help, our PayPal address is bhfer. Various other ways to donate can be found on our “Donate” page of our website at www.bhfer.org. No amount is too small and all donations are tax deductible. Thank you!

Theresa

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

Wednesday, July 30th

Victoria is so sweet. I just wish I could snap my fingers and she would be well again. She is still recovering from an indirect lightening strike. We hope she will recover completely – only time will tell.

JoJo threw another fit this morning. He did NOT want to put his flymask on!

JoJo is so demanding! He’s a hoot!

Finding Buck standing first thing each morning is a relief. The fact that he’s eating is a plus. One day at a time.

Thursday, July 31st

Buck greeted me with a whinny this morning! Its the first time we’ve heard a peep out of him! Prayers seem to be working please keep them coming!

Not only did we find Buck standing this am but he’s more active and steady on his feet!

Friday, August 1st

"JoJo why is your bottle and bottle holder on the floor?"
"It wasn’t me Mommy Theresa! It was Oreo – this cat is nuts! I wanna come out now!"

Saturday, August 2nd

Bella is leaving to go to her new home tomorrow – this is so bittersweet. She is one of the most loving horses you could meet. Here, her breathing issues would have continued to take a toll on her. The limerock dust that blows off our road is bad for her. Dr. Ryan advised that if we could find a home for her in a northern state like Wisconsin she would have a better quality of life. That’s when Nonnie reached out and offered to give Bella that home. Pollycalled me to tell me that Nonnie was only a few minutes from her – she could do the site check and help in making this happen. Polly has known Nonnie for many years. This is an answer to many prayers and I do believe in the power of prayers.

Polly and The Windchill Legacy helped us in the past – they provided us a much needed sling for a filly named Smarty Pants. She had been down for days and was too weak to stand but we dragged her into the trailer just like we did Mollie. God gave Smarty Pants a few days with us but the gross neglect she endured had taken too much of a toll on her frail little body. But she left this world knowing that she mattered and that humans cared about her. She didn’t lay on the ground and die, alone and afraid. But that sling, well, it’s helped many more – including Betsy Rose and Mollie.

Bella is making that long journey home starting tomorrow and Pamela Zarem of Double B Equine Transport, L.L.C. – thank you Pam for always taking are of our horses. I want to thank Kim Furse and Jody Adache Burnett and Lesley Osborn for helping and fostering Bella over the last several months.

Our "Village" enables us to help the horses – without you we would couldn’t do what we do. I’m proud of all of you and our accomplishments – together we make things happen for those thatcan’t speak for themselves.

Buck had a good day yesterday – he was more alert, talkative, and active. But his appetite is no better. Dr. Julia examined him today and gave him Well-Gel via nasogastric tube. The ulcer in his eye is a little better. This evening he is less active and more unsteady when he walks – still no appetite. We will continue supportive treatment and on Monday the blood tests that were done here on 7/27 will be repeated to determine if the values are any better. He did get a bath today. Please keep Buck in your prayers.

This little dove found a comfy place out of the storm.

Frodo – he thinks he’s the biggest horse on the farm.

Roxy has been learning how to care for the whole horse to prepare for Skye’s adoption. Sheath cleaning included. This is Dr. Julia coaching her today. I love this. Today’s youth are the horse owners of tomorrow!

Sunday, August 3rd

Betsy Rose was a bit stiff yesterday. It appears that she may have struggled to get up sometime through the night. She’s moving worse today. I would like to have her treated with acupuncture, chiro, and/or massage when Dr. Julia comes tomorrow to pull blood on Buck.

Bella is such a sweet soul.

Now we pray for a non-eventful trip for Bella. She’s in great hands – Pam will take great care of her on her journey, I know that. And I know this is in her best interest but still, it’s very hard – it’s just so far away. Nonnie and Polly our Bella is headed your way (with a couple of stops in between). We love you Bella!

Ok, so it’s a triple bittersweet day. Gracie and Harvey left for their new home today too. They won’t be far away though. I’m so glad they are staying together! God does answer prayers!

When orphan baby donk JoJo meets rescue little doggy Presley – adorable!

Would anyone like to help us resupply our hay and some other items such as shampoo, horse size double Velcro latch flymasks (short), supplements, etc.? Donations can be sent to PayPal address bhfer or via various methods on the "Donate" page of our website www.bhfer.org. We can also take donations with a credit card over the phone now! Thank you!

Sincerely,

Theresa

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

It’s a day unlike any other – it started out with me looking out the bedroom window, just as I do first thing every morning, to make sure Gentleman was up and ok – but he wasn’t there. Reality hit and it hurt my heart, but then I visualized him running through green pastures with the heavenly herd – young and healthy and that brought comfort. We had no idea when it would be time to let GMan go but we’ve known for quite some time that it was one day at a time with him. His body was aging and failing – arthritis from years of hard work as an Amish horse, combined with simple neglect of his basic needs being met, had caught up with him. We had been able to keep him comfortable but it was becoming more of a challenge and the heat was taking a toll on him. In the past couple of weeks, after the long naps that he loved to take, he would sometimes need help getting up. I’d watch to see when he’d lay down and be sure to check on him after a couple of hours – even throughout the nights. And, when needed, no matter the time of the day or night, Bob and I were there to help him get up. We didn’t want him to struggle and we did not want him to stay on his one side so long that it may cause internal damage. However, there have still been precious and majestic times when he’d trot across the paddock as if the hands of time had been turned back, if only for a few minutes.

Gentleman’s mind was strong and willing, his eyes were bright and full of life, but his body was failing. Quality of life is always a huge part of the decision factor in determining when to let our loved ones go and it was clear that his quality of life was declining. I had selfishly prayed that when it was his time he would lay down and go in his sleep – I wanted us to be spared of having to make the decision.

I believe that Gentleman, being the kind and loving soul that he was, sensed our desperation in trying to help him hold on for as long as possible – each moment he was with us was a blessing. The look in his eyes, and his demeanor, yesterday morning said it was time. He loved us enough to let us know it was ok, that he had accepted that fact that his body was failing and it was time for him to go. And he knew that we loved him enough to release him to join the heavenly herd where he would be reunited with old friends. He went peacefully – it was as if my prayer that he would just lay down and go to sleep was answered – I held him the whole time. But as I embraced him for his transition, I actually felt him embracing me, giving me strength. That’s the kind of horse Gentleman was. Tears fell but GMan knew they came from a river of love. Bob and I felt a huge and sense of loss and sadness while sensing peace that that Gentleman had his wings and had been released of his broken body. It will never, ever be the same here. GMan was a gentle giant that was loved by many. We will be together again someday – the reunion at Rainbow Bridge is going to be magnificent. To everyone that loved this grand old horse – thank you. He left this world on his terms, head held high, knowing he was loved.

Gentleman – I love you, always.

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

July 19th

I just have one quick thing I want to share this morning – it’s going to be an extra busy day for me because I’m here alone. Donovan had a little sweat under his mane yesterday evening! I’m so encouraged! Dr. Julia said to give it 2 weeks on the Protandim and it’s been almost 2 weeks! He’s also been on Xango – we had great luck with it when Peaches quit sweating and nothing else worked. Please pray for sweat! If anyone wants any info on Protanim or Xango please LMK – we are a distributor for both and I don’t promote products that I haven’t personally seen work. Betsy Rose has been on them and Cookie gets Protandim!

Baby Ray, Peaches, and Morgan this am.

July 20th

It’s so nice to have extra help this morning!!! This is Bri standing on a ladder to wipe Donovan’s face. LOL

URGENT! This is Bella, a 14 year old Paint pony mare that needs a home in an environment that is kinder to horses with summer pasture associated pulmonary disease ASAP. She developed allergies last spring/summer and we found a temporary foster home for her where she was much more comfortable in the winter months. A couple of months ago she went to another temporary foster home where she was doing well gradually started to have issues again. We are bringing her back to the rescue tomorrow but this is one of the last places she should be – the lime rock dust here and so many different grasses growing all around us is not good for her. We have very, very little shade. Quality of life is important and she deserves the best possible. When we rescued her in July 2012 she was living in a junkyard – she had a baby just a couple of days before. The baby (Starbuck) had issues but both of them grew stronger and they are beautiful souls. Starbuck found a forever home last year. Bella has been ridden but only when she is comfortable – she is much better during the winter months. During the summer she should be off grass and under a fan, if possible. A paddock with lots of shade and away from a dusty lime rock road would be much better for her than what we can provide here.

Mollie is so beautiful and she’s very happy! She’s a very proud Arabian that, when we rescued her, she was so weak she could not stand. She lived in the sling for the first few days after her arrival. She was skin on bones. But she never gave up. She was adopted and has a wonderful human family that adores her. She’ll never know hunger or be neglected again. Thank you Joan for opening your heart and home to her!

CHECK IT OUT!!! I know it’s hard to see but there is SWEAT under Donovan’s mane! There has been for a couple of days now! However, the boo boo on his back foot is worse. It was much, much better but today he somehow managed to open it up again.

Dr. Ryan checked out Donovan’s boo boo today and said it looks good and for me to keep doing what I’ve been doing. There was some new swelling in the leg and he’s been started on antibiotics. He’s very good about letting me work on it, fortunately. However, if anyone wants to donate some of the Underwood product that is mentioned in this post for Donovan to try we’d be happy to give it a shot.

July 21st

It was really nice to have lots of extra help yesterday. The chores we don’t normally get done before 2 to 3 pm each day were done by 11 am!

Meet Presley – he was in a kill shelter and was scheduled to be euthanized today. He’s now laying at my feet in his own little crate – tucked in for the night. He’s not feeling very well and could use some prayers – kennel cough, skin on bones, a not so good neuter job, lice, etc. His nails were so long they were curled up under his paws. He only weighs 8 lbs but that will change. I don’t understand how anyone could allow this to happen. Have a good night everyone – calling it a day soon.

The southern paddocks looked SO good after Lynn got done mowing/dragging them today. The weeds were taking over. I wish it would stay looking like this. We had to buy a new harrow – the old one had been fixed so many times it was just done. BUT – I want to say "thank you" to Tractor Supply Co. because they matched a sale price of the same drag from another store. Saved me a trip to Ocala.

July 22nd

Lot’s to update on and share but here’s some great news – Bronson is being adopted by one of our volunteers! She’s adored him since the day she met him. I’m so happy for both of them! This is Skye, Bronson, and Romeo.

JoJo and Donovan are so funny. JoJo loves to stand right outside of Donovan’s stall – I’m not sure what they are saying to each other but they keep themselves entertained. LOL Dr. Ryan Meeks checked Donovan’s rear leg injury today and said to keep doing what I’m doing – it’s healing as it should. We did start Donovan on antibiotics today. The problem is getting Donovan to understand he needs to stop being so active so the bandage can stay in place and he doesn’t make it worse like he did yesterday.

Matilda got to go out and graze around the house this evening. She immediately claimed this tree as hers.

I wish I had good news about Victoria. Dr. Ryan examined her today and blood work was done. The neurological issues are still apparent. She sways when she walks, especially in her back end. Sometimes she can manage a somewhat straight walk but it’s shaky. Making a turn is hard for her and there is muscle atrophy in her back end. She stands in one place almost all day long. Watching her walk, we would think she is an EPM case if we didn’t know about the indirect lightening issue but we are testing for it anyway. There could be lesions on her spinal cord – we just don’t know. I have not seen any signs that she has laid down since the injury – I’m not sure she would be able to get up without hurting herself. But her eyes are bright, her appetite is good, and she is drinking.

Dr. Ryan does not feel that x-rays are necessary, or would be of benefit, at this time – he recommends spending what it would cost for x-rays on acupuncture treatments and giving Victoria time. And we’ll see what the blood test results are. Dr. Julia will be out again in the next few days to treat her again. You know, this is really sad – it breaks my heart. Victoria came to us last year skin on bones with terribly neglected teeth and feet – she was in bad shape. But she is a survivor and she recovered nicely. She is such a beautiful soul. She’s a proud Arabian mare that was ready to find her own human and forever home. And then this happens and I just don’t understand why. Please pray for her.

Magic is as handsome as ever – I braided his mane on Sunday to help keep him a bit cooler.

Sincerely,

Theresa