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Maggie – Near or far, she’ll always be in our hearts

Maggie came to us last November as a county seizure. She had been living alone in a small sand paddock for many years. The case is still pending, but last week we were advised we had to release her to her previous owner. She was picked up on Saturday. It broke many hearts – especially Gabe’s. I can only hope and pray that there were lessons learned and that Maggie will be loved and properly cared for this time – and that she will have a friend. She truly appreciated having companionship.

Watching Gabe run around and hearing him call for her when she left and her call for him as the trailer drove away broke my heart. Animals certainly do feel happiness, love, pain, sorrow, and even a sense of loss.

Walking her to the transport trailer was a very hard thing to do and I feel like I betrayed her. I had promised her safety, food, and happiness. I’m sure she didn’t understand that we had no choice – we do have to follow the law. We all adore this mare and we cherish the bond that these two horses, each one having lived alone for many years before coming to us, had formed.

Together, Gabe and Maggie flourished. Maggie stays in my heart and in my prayers. The door is always open for her to come back.

Updated to address questions: We know where Maggie went. The State Attorney approved of the boarding facility where she was taken which is a couple of hours away. It’s off the beaten path so there is really no way to check on her by doing a drive-by. There was no restriction put on how long Maggie had to stay at the boarding facility.

Sincerely,
Theresa

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Walker & Waylen Improving, Jo Needs Prayers

Walker and Waylen did great for their eye exams last week. Walker has some old scarring in his left eye but, thankfully it doesn’t bother him. Both of these very sweet boys have gained weight and are looking good!

Jo, however, could use some good thoughts and prayers today. Her dementia was on full display this morning. She has been given medication and is being hosed down. Her best friend of thirty-plus years, Dancer, is never far away. I’ve spoken to the vet and I’ve done everything I could. If Jo takes a turn for the worse, the vet will be called out. Jo, presently, is swallowing, so we’re on the right track.

Jo’s Symptoms: Dazed, aimless wandering when she did move, standing looking lost, confusion, staggering, withdrawn, not swallowing, unable to pull her tongue back into her mouth, a moment of being totally startled as if she’d just come out of a period of “nothingness.”

Jo’s Treatment: Banamine, craniosacral massage – bending the neck to get release, using what I call a ‘thumper’ adjusting tool on her and observation time.

Thank you!

Sincerely,
Theresa

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Walker & Waylen Update, Bonus-Match Game!

Walker and Waylen got to spend some time around the barn today in order to get acclimated before Dr. Mangan’s visit to examine their eyes. Walker’s favorite spot is right outside the feed room door. These very sweet boys are feeling so much better. They have gained weight and are much more animated each and every day. Please enjoy the short video of my little ‘discussion’ with Walker, a ‘very good boy.’

Match Game!

Lastly, just when we had given up all hope in regard to our farrier fundraiser, a dear friend and supporter has come forth and has offered to match all donations up to $200! If you would like to participate, just click on the ‘DONATE’ button below where you can contribute in a variety of ways. All donations are so greatly appreciated by horses and humans alike and no amount is ever too small! If forwarding your donation via PayPal, please note that your contribution is for ‘Happy Feet.’

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Thank you!

Sincerely,
Theresa

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Walker & Waylen

Our newly acquired Mules have settled in nicely here at the rescue. We have named the younger of the two, Walker, and the senior wise old soul, Waylen.

Upon his arrival, Walker had been having a tough time eating. He would merely nibble on just a tiny bit of food and then walk away. We have been treating him for ulcers and thankfully, just a few days ago, he started to perk up and finish his meals. He is now much more animated and seems to be quite the happy boy. Waylen is just a kind, sweet old soul. I’ll bet he could tell us countless stories from his past as an Amish working mule. He’s just a big love bug and he so reminds me very much of our sweet Penny. Oh, and he loves to serenade us quite often – even into the wee hours of the morning!

Dr. Bess of Tune Ups Veterinary Equine Dentistry and Services was scheduled to perform an examination on both boys. She determined that Walker is approximately 16 years old, while Waylen is approximately 25 years old. Waylen is missing some teeth so he is being fed soft meals which he truly enjoys, and little Walker is now thankfully a member of the “Clean Plate Club!” Just the other day, Walker and Waylen were treated to a bit of grazing time which both so enjoyed! We also scheduled Dr. Julia to examine and run blood and other tests on Walker and Waylen and we will update once we regroup to discuss the results.

Walker and Waylen are both still in need of sponsors and/or a one-time donation which can be forwarded by clicking on the ’DONATE’ button below. Please designate your contribution to ‘Mules.’

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Thank you all so very much for your love and support. I am most certain that our beloved Minnie is smiling down on Beauty’s Haven from the heavens above.

Sincerely,
Theresa

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Benjamin Back to the Vet, Open House a Success

I decided to take Benjamin to Dr. Schirmer yesterday morning as something just wasn’t right. After we picked him up from his initial vet visit (a different vet) where he had an exam, ear cleaning, nail cutting, was neutered and had some tests performed, we were told he did well and there was nothing to report except that he needed to return in two weeks to have his stitches removed.

As the days progressed, however – and hoping that it was just my imagination running wild – it appeared that Benjamin simply wasn’t feeling well much of the time.

His left ear bothered him and he oftentimes shook his head. His skin is not healthy and he has hotspots that greatly irritate him. His sores, from his head to his tail where he had been bitten many times, together with other sores, were not healing properly. He’s had some blood in his stool a number of times and he tires very easily.

With the good nutrition he’s been getting, he should be improving, but he’s not. I had the feeling that something was not addressed at his initial vetting.

Thankfully Benjamin was so much better about going to the vet yesterday. He is learning how to walk nicely on a leash and he greeted Dr. Schirmer with a smile and a wagging tail. Benjamin was great for his examination and tests. He is being treated for tapeworms as well as skin and ear infections. His stitches from his neutering were also removed. He has a 2/6 heart murmur in addition to being anemic, and he needs to be tested for heart worms once again in a few months. We are not certain as to his breed – his DNA test will be mailed out today. He is approximately a year old.

Benjamin was such a good boy and I was so very proud of him! When we arrived back at the rescue, he had a much-needed bath and then he took a long nap.

Sincerely,
Theresa

Celebration Success!

Thanks to our wonderful team of volunteers, attendees and a magnificent performance by Ivory Pal & Rafael Valle, our Annual Celebration of the Horse was a complete success! Many people came from in and around the area and from other parts of Florida and even from out of state – many I didn’t see and was unaware they were here until I went through photos and the sign-in sheet. I would have loved to have seen and spoken with everyone – I hope they all know how much we appreciate their support.

We also appreciate those who donated lovely fundraising items and/or their time.

*Please click on the image to view the lovely performance by Ivory Pal and Rafael.

Annual Trail Ride for the Horses

Saddle up to support our rescued horses and animals!

DATE: Saturday, October 1, 2002

TIME:  9am Registration, 10am Ride

LOCATION: Goethe State Forest, Dunnellon, FL

REGISTRATION FEE: $20

DETAILS & REGISTRATION

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Benjamin Part II


I think Benjamin has lived a very tough life, but now all he really wants is to trust and be loved. Since the first time I saw him, he would do this odd thing with his back legs. Oftentimes, he would turn and look at them for no obvious reason and then kick out like a horse as though a ghost was attacking him and he was trying to get away. And he would mumble. He has never chased a horse here nor has he been aggressive. He would run away when he heard a sudden noise and he always seemed to be on the alert, but this appears to be improving by the day.

A few days ago, Benjamin started following me to the north end of the property where the barn is located and I had to take him back down to the paddock and leave him with a couple of treats. On Monday, however, he decided that he preferred the north end and decided to stay. Shadow, our GSD, is usually at the barn and he had not as yet met Benjamin nor had our two little dogs that usually remain in the house.

We were concerned about Benjamin meeting our dogs, so Bob suggested that I try to get a collar on him and take him to the vet for a full examination, bloodwork and other tests, as well as to be neutered.

It wasn’t hard getting a collar on Benjamin. I don’t think he knew what it was but he accepted it like a very good boy. The only trouble I had was getting him into the car – he wanted no part of it. If Bob tried to help, Benjamin would just back away or freeze himself to the ground. I ended up picking him up and putting him in the car – it wasn’t easy as he has gained a few pounds since he has been here! Once at the vet’s office, I had to pick up Benjamin yet again to get him out of the car and then practically carry him inside.

I don’t think he’d ever been inside a building before. He had no clue what was happening and it was very difficult to leave him but it needed to be done.

I gave him a hug and promised him that I’d be back – that we were only trying to make his life better by making all of his tomorrows everything his yesterdays should have been. I do believe he knows his name now!

After a long night worrying about Benjamin, I picked him up from the vet yesterday afternoon. What a very brave boy he is! He did okay at the vet’s and came back up to date with vaccinations, a microchip, trimmed nails, and even clean ears, in addition to being neutered.

As the evening went on, Benjamin really started coming out of his shell. He stood by the barn and looked out over the farm like he was so very proud of himself and was truly glad to be back home.

If anyone would like to contribute to Benjamin’s veterinary care, it would be so very greatly appreciated. Just click on the ‘DONATE’ button below.

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Sincerely,
Theresa

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Lady Sophia & Candace off to school

Considering the condition we found them in, we were very blessed Lady Sophia’s and Candace’s rehabilitation went well. There were bumps along the way but we were very attentive to their care and kept the faith, and they both grew healthy and strong. (To learn more about their rescue and rehab journey, click here.) Lady Sophia is a great mom and she loves Candace so much. Both are very smart, intuitive, and a pleasure to work with.

Now, on to the next phase for these two! Today, the girls left this week to go to Legacy Hill Sport Horses where Amanda will be working with them. We want to figure out what it is that Lady Sophia is comfortable doing under saddle, while Candace will get daily hands-on. We were so proud of Candace, she walked right on Amanda’s trailer like she owned it! In the past, when she was transported to and from the veterinary hospital, it took awhile to get her on the trailer.

Our ultimate goal is to find the right home for Lady Sophia and Candace, together.

We’re grateful to all of you for your support. And we’re also very thankful for Amanda helping us with Candace and Lady Sophia, and looking forward to watching their progress. They’re not quite ready for adoption yet but we ARE accepting applications: go to https://bhfer.org/adoption-requirements-considerations/.

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Big Adventure for Lady Sophia & Candace

Candace and Lady Sophia have come so far. From death’s door to two beautiful and healthy girls. Lady Sophia is so proud of her girl – she is a wonderful mom who loves her baby dearly. Candace had a rather large umbilical cord hernia that needed to be repaired. On Monday, they made a trip to Ocala Equine Medical Center so that Candace’s hernia could be repaired the next morning.

It took some time to get Candace to understand that she needed to get on the trailer with her mom to get to the milk bar. Once she did, however, they settled in nicely for a ride to the hospital and upon arrival, they contentedly settled into their stall. Our thanks to Pam of Double B Equine Transport for always taking great care of our precious cargo!

Back Home

Candace and Lady Sophia arrived back home on Tuesday and unloaded just fine. They settled into the birthing stall and the first thing Candace wanted to do was visit the milk bar and mom was truly happy to oblige. Once that was taken care of, Frodo stopped by to say hello. He believes that he is quite the “studly stud.”

Candace will be on stall rest for three weeks for her hernia repair to heal.

Then, if all is well, they will be able to go out into a small paddock for a week. After that, they will be turned back out.

Thank you all for your good thoughts and prayers. It’s so good to have the girls back home.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend.

Sincerely,
Theresa

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She’s a Thoroughbred, born to RUN!

And now, for your Friday afternoon smile: watch the above video of Candace doing what she was meant to do – she was “Born to Run!” There are simply no words needed but please watch the video to the end, Frodo is absolutely precious!

Candace was exhausted after her adventure and she almost fell asleep while I was picking her feet after taking her and her momma, Lady Sophia, back to their paddock.

Our Baby Candace is growing up so quickly!

This is what five weeks of TLC can accomplish thanks to the love and support of our amazing little village of supporters. It is because of each and every one of you that this little miracle and her momma are with us today. We are so truly blessed.

Sincerely,
Theresa

It’s Always Something!

Thanks to our wonderful Aunties & Uncles, all my friends and I now have “Happy Feet!” But now, we are almost out of hay and shavings, and we would be forever grateful if you could help us fill up the hay cart and line the stalls with soft shavings.

All donations are greatly appreciated and no amount is ever too small. Just click on the “Donate” button below! Thank You!

Love,
CaryLou

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Candace thriving, Jo holding her own

She’s Got Legs!

Candace was barely holding on the day we picked her up together with her momma, Sophia, (who has since asked that her name be changed to “Lady Sophia” so, “Lady Sophia” it is!). Both were in very poor condition, but they pulled through and I truly believe that they are going to be just fine. Both are happy and healthier and Candace is growing stronger by the day. Lady Sophia is simply stunning and is truly one of the sweetest mares I’ve ever met.

And now, for a guaranteed smile-maker: Click on the image above to view a video of Candace, and be certain that you watch until the end! Candace is a survivor, just like her momma and she is having a blast discovering just what her long legs can do!

This is what three short weeks of TLC can accomplish thanks to the love and support of our amazing little village.

It is because of each and every one of you that this little miracle and her momma are with us today.

Update on Jo

Dr. Wyman examined Jo last Tuesday. Blood tests were done and based upon the results, it appears that Jo (35 years old) is having age related kidney issues. We will be constantly monitoring Jo and modifying her diet and supplements. She’s such a very sweet mare. If anyone would like to help Jo with her recent vet bill and needed supplements (about $400), it would be so greatly appreciated. All contributions are tax deductible and no amount is ever too small. Thank you!

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