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Baby Donkey Down!

February 3, 2014

I was in the city at the doctor’s office this morning when I received a request to help a baby donkey. He was located about 30 miles further north of where I was, but I did my best to get there as fast as I could. It was sort of in the middle of nowhere and I know that getting a vet out in that area can be hard. This little guy is not quite 2 years old and has been unable to get up for a couple of days.

When I got the call I was in our mini van – I had just left the doctor’s office. Once I got to him, it didn’t take long for others to get him in the back.  I truly felt there wasn’t enough time for me to go all the way back to the rescue for the trailer.  I prayed he would hang on – the vet would be waiting for us at the rescue.   Prayers were answered.

Dr. Madera was waiting for us at the rescue. He greeted her with those darling long ears.

It didn’t take long to get him out – he was a really good boy for the hour long trip. I sang and talked to him all the way to the rescue. I have to wonder what he thought. He was likely very glad when I finally shut up!

It made me feel a lot better to have him out of the car. And I was so glad Dr. Madera was already here. The little one is pretty thin and very, very weak.

After Dr. Madera examined him, we gently rolled him over and into the sling. He was like a rag doll.  But I think he knew we were helping him.

He never complained and never tried to get up. He moved his front legs a little but not the back legs. Not knowing what caused his condition, that was reason for concern.

Once he was in the sling, we positioned the gantry. Still no movement in the back legs.

Once the sling was hooked up to the gantry, Bob started to raise the sling. The baby got his front legs under him but didn’t even try to get his back legs under him – he just hung there in the backend.

We gave him a little time – when the body has been down for awhile, things start to go to “sleep”. It took a couple of minutes and a little massaging and encouraging, but he finally got it.

Seeing him try to move his legs under him really made us feel good. We didn’t know if there had been any spinal cord/nerve damage.

We offered him some forage while an IV fluid concoction was run – he was very dehydrated. He stood with the sling supporting him. When the gantry was rolled into the paddock, he tried to walk so we let it down some – he did carry his own weight for a couple of steps!

After giving him some time to rest, he looked like he was interested in the grass. He was holding his own weight. So, we said a prayer and removed the sling/gantry.

He was still weak but he grazed, drank water, urinated, and went poop.  I want to thank the family who owned him for reaching out for help and then for letting him go. Life can be challenging at times and unexpected things happen. I am a believer that God puts people in our paths just when we need them at times. I am glad we are able to help.

He is still too weak to get up on his own if he goes down so he will be staying in the sling tonight. Prayers for this baby are very much appreciated. We hope it’s a very calm night.

If anyone would like to help with the baby’s expenses it would sure be appreciated. No amount is too small. Donations can be made via our website at www.bhfer.org. 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

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Hooficures, Dental, Studs to Geldings, Rainbow Bridge: January 10th – 15th 2014

January 10th, 2014

Maltilda’s Special Day

Dr. Julia Simonson worked on Matilda, an older Mammoth Mule, today. Matilda LOVED every minute of it! Matilda got chiropractic, acupuncture, electrical stimulation, and massage today.

After her session was finished, she did not want to move – she was so relaxed and looked so peaceful.

Dr. Julia and I were sitting on the bench at the front of the barn, talking, when Matilda finally did move. She turned around and looked as us and made the cutest little face as if to say “Thank you!”

January 11th

Dr. Julia checking Pistol today with help from Katherine and Elizabeth. He’s doing great. Yes, it took three people. LOL! He lives up to his name!

Bronson was gelded today and was a good patient.  Katherine and Elizabeth assisted Dr. Julia. Katherine wants to be a vet – she truly appreciates all the hands on experience she gets here. Experiences are so valuable, IMO. It’s an honor to have students like Katherine participate and volunteer! Elizabeth and her daughter, Bri, came out to meet CJ and helped out, too, while they were here. Paul and Roxy stayed busy with many other things that needed to be done. Thanks to everyone!

CJ has a home! Elizabeth and Bri spent some time grooming and handling him and they all just clicked! CJ is usually shy of new faces. But not today! He totally enjoyed the time they spent with him. He will be a pasture pal to one other horse they have. A pretty pasture ornament to love on and watch. I’m very happy for him!

January 12th

I lost my cell phone yesterday, but thankfully, found it today. I cannot believe that it survived the storms!

Solace and Barbara today.

January 13th

Betsy Rose getting her hooficure.

Pistol is recovering nicely from his castration.

It was a busy day today and, unfortunately, I’m not feeling well – sore throat, congestion, earache, etc. I’m headed to bed very soon. Tomorrow is another busy day. Dr. Julia will be back to examine Solace and to review his blood work results. Bronson and Pistol are doing very well. Betsy Rose is moving better. Dr. Julia worked on her last week, she got a hooficure today, and tomorrow, Dr. Bess Darrow of Tune Ups Veterinary Equine Dentistry and Services will be here to check her and Solace and to do some others. Just wanted to say good night to everyone – I wish you all sweet dreams. We’ll have a new fundraiser starting tomorrow – we need help with these vet, farrier, and dental expenses.

January 15th

My day started out by spending some time with this grand old 34 year old mare – brushing her, giving her treats and hay, just talking to her. She was crippled and was no longer able to get around – she was tired. Dr. Tenant examined her yesterday and it was decided that the kindest, most humane and loving thing to do for the mare was to help her cross Rainbow Bridge. I stayed with her for awhile after she crossed. I bet there were many stories she could have shared. Run pain free, Chancey!

Dr. Bess Darrow of Tune Ups Veterinary Equine Dentistry and Services worked on a few of the horses yesterday. This is Santana. He was a good boy – he’s good about everything.

CaryLou, Harvey, Bronson, and Wally after getting full tummies.

Aaleyah Belle got her teeth done too. She was on the list the last time Dr. Bess came but she didn’t want to behave. She was good yesterday though. It’s hard to believe she’s 5 years old now. Here is a link to her diary – we picked up Aaleyah and her Mom on the day she was born – the very day that Eight Belles died. I named her IHO of Eight Belles. Aaleyah and her mom, Momma Sue, were going to be shot because Aaleyah had been born with a wry nose. https://bhfer.org/oldSite/old/aaleyah_diary1.htm

Magnum was a good boy for Dr. Bess too. He’s a bit older than we thought. He’s a little shy with new people. I was very happy that Lindsey was able to come and help Dr. Bess yesterday. Thanks Lindsey!

Have a wonderful Thursday, everyone!

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

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Solace, Mollie, Sisco, and Some Old Ones

December 30th, 2013 

Many thanks to Karen and Steve – they picked up and delivered hay for us today!  This is Karen meeting Mollie.

Mollie’s HR and RR are still above normal but they are getting better.  She has more energy and is getting stronger.

This is where Mollie had a bed sore from struggling to try to get up the first few days.  The sore has healed and her new coat is growing.  It’s healthy and beautiful.  If you tilt your head a little, and use your imagination, it’s in the shape of a heart! 

I thought I got a better video today of Mollie, sorry, it’s not great but at least you can see how she is doing.  She ran and played, did the tail in the air and neck thing that Arabians do, accompanied by snorting.  She’s going to be ok.

Santana – THE perfect babysitter.  He has TONS of patience!  The mini’s take turns standing under him – it’s hilarious!  That’s Harvey’s backside you see under Santana in this photo.

We have some horses that will be needing help in order to get some vetting and x-rays done.  We need horse size Farnam Super Mask’s (double velcro) without ears.  Between the sand, sun, and lime rock dust that we have here, most of the horses wear a mask and they have to be changed daily.  We have enough of the long nose masks at this time.  

Solace – he’s been laying down more than usual, not finishing all of his food, and looks like he just doesn’t feel well at times.  He’s just not himself.  We’d like to have a physical done – including blood work.  

Sisco – he’s lame on the front right foot and needs x-rays.  Sisco is a cancer survivor and an awesome horse.  We’d like to find him a great forever home but we need to resolve this issue first.  He’s a 1987 model.  Sisco loves the mares and has no clue he’s over 15 yrs old.

CJ – he’s always had a bum left knee and is lame but he gets around pretty well but he will never be sound.  We’d like to have the knee x-rayed.  CJ needs a quiet home as a pasture pal where he won’t be as active as he is here.  He forgets about his knee and runs a lot here – it’s simply not good for him.  CJ is about 15 years young.

Cookie – I’d like to have the area where the cancer was removed near her left eye to be examined – there may be a new growth.  She also needs her front feet x-rayed.  Would anyone like to help with any of these needs?  I’d like to get on Dr. Porter’s schedule and get it all done on the same day.  

This is Little E, Sisco, and Gentleman in the photo.  Matilda is under the tree in the background.  These are our “old ones” that are simply amazing and are loved very much.

God bless and have a great night everyone!

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

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November 21st – 23rd, 2013 Update

November 21st

Mollie’s left eye is better. The right one slightly better. She’s out and about walking for a bit this morning. So glad the weather is better. She really needs to get moving.

Like Betsy Rose, Mollie has learned that the sling is there to help her. She is very good about standing still when we remove the sling or when we are putting it back on her.

Many thanks to Kim Foster and her daughter, Susan Moon for helping out today! And they brought gifts! I felt bad having to run out on them but I had 3 medical appointments in Gainesville. I have bunches to do and then I’m calling it a day. Tomorrow will be here soon.

November 22nd

Mollie – getting stronger! She’s out of the sling full time now! Her eyes are still cloudy but better. She’s a very sweet girl – I’m so glad she has a fighting spirit. Mollie has a long road ahead of her and I will feel better once we get into week 4 of her rehab. Thank you all for caring about this special little girl.

November 23rd

Mollie and friends…

We currently have a GoFundMe page to assist with the veterinary bills of Baby Ray, Betsy Rose and the other members of the BHFER herd, so if you could make a contribution, it would be such a wonderful Thanksgiving gift to the horses.

Thank you all for your continued love and support.

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend.

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

 

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Cookie’s Cancer and the Peanut Festival

October 4th – 5th, 2013

Friday

Unfortunately, it appears that the SCC has returned under Cookie’s eye. She needs to go back to the hospital and will likely need another surgery – she may end up losing the eye but it could be worse. And if she does lose her eye, well, most horses adjust well.

Terri and her husband are taking great care of Cookie and Divinity – we appreciate them very much. They have agreed to continue to foster the girls for as long as needed.  This is a true blessing and we can’t thank them enough. Anyone who has visited the rescue, can tell you we have very little shade which is what these two girls need (and each need a stall). Terri is home 24/7 to care for them.

Cookie and Divinity

I have to ask for help with another surgery for Cookie. We won’t know how much is needed until she is evaluated but it will be at least $900. If they have to remove the eye, it will be more. If anyone would like to help Cookie, please make a note on your donation that it’s for Cookie. Thanks everyone.

Cookie

Cookie

Divinity

Divinity

 

 

Betsy Rose

Betsy Rose

Saturday

Happy Saturday Everyone!

Williston Peanut Festival Fundraiser

Williston Peanut Festival Fundraiser

Jamie and Lynn did a great job getting us all set up at the Williston Peanut Festival this morning! Thank you to all who came out to visit us at our booth – there were a lot of nice items for sale and raffle!

Our booth at the 2013 Williston Peanut Festival!

Peanut Festival Fundraiser

Peanut Festival Fundraiser

Many beautiful items were donated to help us raise funds for the horses!

Peanut Festival Fundraiser

Peanut Festival Fundraiser

The Peanut Festival was a great success! We raised approximately $400!! THANK YOU EVERYONE!

Betsy Rose and Friends

Betsy Rose and Friends

Sometimes Betsy’s friends have to stay in her suite when the Boston Terriers are out for their own safety!

Have a great Sunday, everyone!

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

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Hay Fundraiser

September 5th, 2013

Beautifully carved Mother of Pearl shell catches the sun’s rays bringing iridescent splendor to the natural canary yellow background. 58 x 50 mm.
Matching earrings!

It is time for a new fundraiser! We are in need of many things, but this fundraiser is for a ton of O&A hay.

For each $10 donation, you will be entered for a chance to win a lovely necklace created by Lynda O’ Toole.
Once we have received $550 in donations, a name will be drawn!

Donations can be made via our PayPal address: theresa or
via our website donate page at: https://www.bhfer.org/oldsite/donate.cfm.

Please make certain to designate your donation as ‘September Hay Fundraiser.’

Thank you 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

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One Made It, One Went to Rainbow Bridge

August 23rd, 2013

Last Evening

I need some help here. I can’t go into details as this case is still unfolding. But would anyone be willing to pledge to help this horse? He’s down and can’t get up – another Betsy Rose. The same vet who treated Betsy Rose initially is available. It’s been raining – the horse needs a vet to get treated or he needs to be humanely euthanized – this is horrific. Another vet determined a couple of days ago that the horse did not need to be seized. I am sick. Pledges anyone? This can’t wait until tomorrow.

This Morning

Our response team is on the way. The horse did ok through the night. The vet and authorities will be there too. We need angels of strength to help him up to get into the trailer. Dr. Natalie says he wants to. His vitals are not bad.

Please pray and picture him up and standing. This was him several days ago. Pray he can stand now in order to get in the trailer and make it here to the rescue.

Dr. Natalie just relayed to me that she will call me in a few minutes. I think we are moving to Plan B – loading him by stretcher – the trailer has a ramp on it. Will update soon.

Later in the Morning

I am sitting here in tears. Tears of anger, sorrow, and frustration. I’m sorry it took so long for a good update but a lot has been going on. Chance took a turn for the worse. After another rectal, observation, treatment, etc. Dr. Natalie believes he’s gone septic. He grew uncomfortable and is now showing signs of pain. He has a toxic line, his heart rate rose dramatically. He has given it a good fight. The decision has been made to help him to humanely cross Rainbow Bridge. He will not be alone. I have no more words at this time. But know that this isn’t over. Thank you all. Chance – we all love you.

Noonish

We couldn’t leave Chance’s friend behind. But it wasn’t easy getting him released – it’s still an open case with the authorities, thankfully.

This Afternoon

“Welcome to our Beauty’s Haven family – we love you already. I’m so sorry you had to watch your friend slowly starve to death but at least today you were able to see him be loved on by humans that care. And you were able to see that he peacefully crossed Rainbow Bridge. He is now running with the Heavenly Herd in green grass with a whole body again. In this picture I see you are standing there with Chance on the ground nearby – we will make sure he is properly buried. He knows you cared about him and he left knowing you would be going to a good place where you will never experience this again. You’ll be here soon and the QT paddock is all yours. You’ll have hay and all the love you ever could imagine. He would want you to go on and have a good life. Chance will never be forgotten. And I promise you, there will be voices heard about what happened to you both.

Feeling better now that this boy is here and munching on hay under the shelter in the QT paddock. We will figure out a new name for him as we get to know him. I like to learn their personality and we don’t like to use a name that we’ve already used in the past. The weather is horrible but he seems pretty content. He’s very sweet and I’m so glad we didn’t have to leave him behind. Everyone involved in helping last night and today did an awesome job! THANK YOU EVERYONE!

He needs a little rehab but he’s only about 10 years old – he should do just fine. He is a Saddlebred/Arabian cross (National Show Horse) and is really sweet.

Some rain rot, underweight, feet haven’t been done in awhile, not sure about his teeth yet but we’ll get him all checked out. I’m very relieved he is here. And I am very sorry that we couldn’t offer Chance the same.

As Chance crossed Rainbow Bridge this morning, butterflies surrounded him together with people who knew him for only a few short hours, yet cared deeply about him. A sure sign that it was meant to be and that he was finally at peace.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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BHFER Tuesday & Wednesday Update

The walk Betsy Rose took last night was 185′ long and she did it on her own (with spotters)!

Look how happy she is – we were all happy! After she got going, she felt good enough to try to walk a bit faster but she tripped and thankfully, we caught her. She recovered and took a rest and then kept going. She’s a very smart little mare with a huge determination!

Remember Gypsy, the mare that was going to be fed to big cats because she was dangerous? I adored this mare. Here is a link to her story when she first arrived at Beauty’s Haven.

Gypsy

We would never knowingly adopt out a horse that is dangerous. Well, being around horses, there is always a chance for danger. But Gypsy is a loving and beautiful soul. Someone just needed to listen to her and communicate with her in a non threatening way and show her that having a relationship with a human could be a good thing. I spent some time on the ground with her – a few short sessions a day over a few weeks is all it took. She wasn’t mean or anything of the sort. As suspected, she was just misunderstood. https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=TILUIjO2YlM

She went to her adopted home many weeks ago and she is adored!

The boys will be able to play together in a couple of months. Soon, we will have a castration day before it gets hotter. All 3 will get snipped.

Next week will be busy – and a bit stressful. Solace is tentatively scheduled to go to the hospital on Thursday, June 25th, to have his cracked tooth extracted – it’s all the way in the back of his mouth. Dr. Porter did x-rays and it appears to be cracked. This could be the source of infection that leads to his sinus. The estimate was $450. We have received $200 thus far and need an additional $200. Would anyone like to help with this need? The top picture was what he looked like when he arrived this past December – another horse that would not have lasted much longer. The picture on the bottom was recently taken.

 

Dr. Ryan was out to look at a spot just under Cookie’s left eye – it’s that dreaded “C” word – squamous cell carcinoma. Cookie is tentatively scheduled to go to the hospital on Monday to have it surgically removed. It does not appear that the eye itself has been compromised and we are very thankful for that. She had been adopted out but came back a few months ago. If anyone would like to help to sponsor Cookie’s surgery and aftercare please let me know – we need to raise $1000 – $1200.


Update: Solace’s surgery is taken care of – thank you everyone! Now we need to get Cookie’s cancer taken care of. SCC is an aggressive cancer and the sooner the surgery the better. Donations can be called directly into Peterson & Smith at 352-237-6151 to help Cookie. Please mention that the donation is for Cookie.

Please consider making a tax deductible donation to help us to continue to help the horses. No amount is too small. Donations can be sent to my PayPal address: theresa or made various ways via the “Donate” page of our website:  www.bhfer.org

Thank you all for your 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

 

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Donks At The Stairs and More!

July 14th – 15th, 2013

Sunday: Betsy Rose has been with us 4 weeks today (she arrived June 14th). She was too weak to stand the day she arrived and for a few days after. The sling has been her life line. It’s taken a lot of time and effort but she is now able to take short walks out of the sling. She needs to build muscle and stamina. She has a long rehab ahead of her but that’s ok – we believe in her! Her positive “can-do!” attitude is helping her every step of the way – we’re very proud of her baby steps!

This photo was taken a couple of days after her arrival. She was too weak to stand or to hold her head up.

Betsy Rose still stays in the sling but we take her out for a few minutes multiple times each day (weather permitting) for some physical therapy.

Betsy Rose has a full cataract in her right eye and sees shadows. She has a small cataract in her left eye. She has great hearing – the door to the feed room squeaks just a tad and when she hears that she perks up and asks for room service!

With all of the real grass around the house to eat why does Penny still insist on trying to eat the fake grass door mat?

After tossing the mat she decided we don’t need a boot cleaner at the bottom of the stairs either. So she picked it up and carried it away!

Our daughter, Katie, with CaryLou – everyone loves this little guy! We are naughty here – we teach the horses to give kisses!

Ariel and Celesta will be going to their new home on Monday. It’s always bittersweet when horses go to their new homes – but this is what we do. I’m very glad they will be staying together. I call Celesta my “little reindeer” because she loves to try to take off like she’s about to fly a sleigh! She is a lap baby but she’s getting too big for that!

It was pouring rain in this picture with the sun shining down on our boys!

Cookie and Ruby on Sunday.

New hats and t-shirts are available to help BHFER! The hats are military style and adjustable – they are adorned with genuine Swarovski crystals. The t-shirts are printed with glitter vinyl and have genuine Swarovski crystals sprinkled thru out. We have limited sizes available right now but will have more available soon. For those of you that have questions, please feel free to contact Valerie at markettest@bhfer.org and for those of you that don’t – place your orders thru the BHFER store! We are confident that you will love these new items and appreciate your support in helping BHFER, continue to help animals in need – 100% of the proceeds go to helping the horses! To order visit our online store at http://bhfer.bigcartel.com/ This initial production is a “test” run so to speak and we will have more available soon.

Have a great day, Everyone!

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

 

 

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Princess, Solace, Amy, Ariel Need Vet Help

May 20th, 2013

We hope everyone is had a great weekend. I hate asking for more help but it’s only because of help from others that we are able to do what we do.

The vet is coming out today and we need help with:

– examine/ultrasound Amy and Ariel.

– examine Solace.  He seems to feel ok but there is an odor coming from his nose which may indicate infection.  The vet said he man need x-rays.

– Princess needs both front feet x-rayed.

– We need to resupply some medications (Banamine, SMZ’s, etc.)

– We will need funds to have Stetson gelded when he is ready. Vet will be checking him again today. He’s doing well.

– We need a lot of flymasks in sizes mini, horse and Arabian. Several of the ones we have are just plain worn out and between the flies, lime rock road dust, no-see-um’s and blowing sand we use a lot. We try to have 2 on hand for most horses – one to wear while the other gets cleaned.

– Flyspray & flytraps

– We’re going to need hay by the end of the week.

Donations can be made via PayPal to Theresa or via various ways through our “Donate” page at www.bhfer.org/donate.  The vet’s office can be called directly at 352-237-6151.

I’ll try to post pictures with an update from the weekend and today later this afternoon. It’s already very busy here but I had to take a minute to reach out for help.  Thank you all – have a blessed day!

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

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