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Niña’s Blessed Last Months

It’s been a tough few days here, losing Niña and then Bria the day after. I want to share what happened with each special mare but will first start with Niña. I’ll share about Bria tomorrow.

When Niña came to us in late February, she was shy, underweight and a bit frail. She hadn’t lived with another horse for years. She was vetted the day after her arrival and on the following day, we found her down and unable to get up. After running fluids and giving her time to rest, she did get up, with assistance. After Niña’s blood tests came back and speaking with the vet, we adjusted her feed and added Succeed to the supplements she received and she started to improve and gain weight.

Niña was in our quarantine (QT) paddock for the first two weeks where she would stand by the fence and watch the other horses. She received lots of attention and warmed up to humans.

After two weeks in QT, we opened the gate to her paddock so she could wander about on the two acres surrounding our house, get good exercise, and make friends – but she did not do so. Niña would simply, walk to the gate and stand for a bit but she wouldn’t leave the paddock. We haltered her and hand walked her around the property a few times, and tried to encourage her to go out, but we weren’t going to force her. But then one morning, I went by her paddock, opened the gate, and continued up to Frosty’s Knoll to start soaking hay. I thought I heard something behind me and smiled when I realized she was there. We went up the Knoll and she stood and looked out over the farm (it’s the highest part of the property) for a couple of minutes.

I gave her some scratches and then she trotted down to the fence line at the main paddock and followed it to the far side of the house where I couldn’t see her. I later found her under the “Friendship Tree” with Peggy Sue and Cricket – it really did my heart good!

Niña continued to put on much needed weight and muscle – her transformation in such a short period of time was truly amazing. She was beautiful inside and out. She would go out and graze with her new friends and could sometimes be found just hanging out under the “Friendship Tree” with them. Unfortunately, we found her down again in early March, but after getting some fluids and rest, Niña was able to get up (with assistance). Niña had her 30th birthday in March.

Niña did well throughout April. It was a pleasure to see her trot around here and there. Sometimes, she’d take off and run like she was going to be late for something and she looked so happy. Cricket adored her and they could often be found together.

In early May, Niña was exploring a paddock she hadn’t been in before when she took off, slipped and fell on wet grass, and couldn’t get up. We let her rest for a bit and tried to help her up but we weren’t successful. I called the vet and gave her some fluids and her meds. When he arrived, Niña received additional fluids/meds, and DMSO. Thankfully, after the meds/DMSO took effect, we were finally able to help Niña stand after several attempts to do so.

This past Thursday, Niña went down for no apparent reason while she was up on Frosty’s Knoll. It was like a rerun of the previous falls but sadly, this time, even with help from the vet, we couldn’t get Niña up.

The look in her eyes reinforced what we knew – it was time. The decision to let any of them go to Rainbow Bridge is never easy.

But if there is nothing more our care team can do to help them, and it’s in their best interest, we love them enough to let them go knowing we will see them again someday – and I do believe this.

Many thanks to everyone who helped Niña and cared about her. And even though we wish she were still here, we feel blessed to have had her with us, where she was surrounded by love, if only for a few months.

Sincerely,
Theresa

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Niña and Bria, Together Again

It is with a heavy heart to inform you that our beloved Niña & Bria peacefully went to Rainbow Bridge within a mere twenty-four hours of one another. Although we are deeply saddened, we find great comfort with the knowledge that Bria & Niña, together with sweet Cricket & all the other precious souls who have gone before them, are now running freely with the Heavenly Herd.

Please keep Bria, Niña, Theresa and Bob in your prayers.

Warmly,
Jeanne

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Poor Niña!

Niña truly gave us a scare today. She apparently got spooked by a sprinkler and took off running, then sadly, she slipped and fell and was unable to get up. We immediately ran some fluids and gave meds as per the vet’s instructions while we awaited his arrival.

Our poor girl was truly headed in the wrong direction but got a much-needed boost with some DMSO thanks to Dr. Becker, coupled with the power of prayer.

Niña is now resting comfortably and is tucked in for the night.

God is good. Believe.

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Beauty on the Mend

Beauty Update

I’m very happy to report that Beauty is better! An abscess finally worked its way out of the bottom of her foot and thankfully, this morning, another blew out from her coronet band so hopefully, she is now, well on the road to recovery.

We also discovered Frodo camped out in Beauty’s stall this morning. Beauty was standing at the feed room door – something she hasn’t done in days. It’s great to see her feeling better.

Kitty Cat

Kitty Cat was given approximately 2 months to live several months ago due to a mast cell tumor that had metastasized. I love that he’s doing well and still greets me at the golf cart every morning. Do I believe in miracles? Always.

Sweet Dreams

“Wishing everyone a Good Night! We hope you have a terrific Thursday!”

Love,
JoJo

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Cricket Has Her Wings

In Loving Memory

On Monday afternoon, the vet was called out to the farm to treat our precious Cricket for colic. After doing all that could be done and being unsuccessful with clearing her impaction, and surgery not an option, it was decided that we could no longer let her suffer. She was simply in too much pain. Cricket was such a wise and brave little mare to the very end and she even enjoyed some time with her dear friend, Tilly. The vet returned last evening and Cricket was peacefully transitioned to Rainbow Bridge at 9:00pm, surrounded by all who loved her so dearly.

We know in our hearts that her beloved Jiminy was awaiting her arrival, and both, with youth restored and free of pain, crossed the Rainbow Bridge together.

We love you, sweet Cricket, forever & always.

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Challenging Times

Blessed

Hi Everyone,
I hope this newsletter finds you all safe during these most challenging times. We have been hunkered down here at the farm as we practice social distancing with our wonderful team of volunteers who bravely, come out to assist us with the herd. It is with great hope that you will find some peace and joy as you read this update about our beloved ‘Velvet Nosers.’

Warmly,
Theresa

PICTURED: Penny, our adoptable Belgian mare. For more info on her, click here.


The Friendship Tree

This tree has been home to many friendships. These are some of our seniors – Little E, Niña, Peggy Sue, and Bria having a post breakfast gathering.


Bria’s Happy Feet

Bria is very beautiful and a very sweet mare. She still has to wear her SoftRides 24/6 but she doesn’t seem to mind at all.



Keeping Cool

Little Tilly has COPD. She hangs out at the barn on the days that are a bit challenging for her. She has a Portacool available to her but she prefers the shade of the tree.

Warrior, on the other hand, really appreciates the Portacoolers since he doesn’t sweat at times and also has seasonal airway issues.



Grateful

We are really appreciating the Carryall 700 that was donated to the rescue a couple of months ago. It saves a lot of time since we only have to make one trip to give out hay instead of 2 or 3 with a golf cart.


Shadow

Lastly, what would an update be without featuring Shadow!

Shadow was recently gifted a cooling mat which he truly loves! His training has been going very well. He is such an awesome dog who is always smiling for the camera!

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Niña – A Sudden Scare!

We were a bit worried about Niña during her first 48 hours here at the rescue. We learned that she had access to a tub of grain on her transport here and we didn’t know how much, if any, she had consumed. She went down the morning after she arrived and couldn’t get up. We had to roll her over in order to help her stand.

After receiving some fluids, Niña started to perk up a bit. She gets a warm soupy mash several times a day which she seems to enjoy. Her blood test results indicated highs and lows – typical values for a malnourished horse. Her immune system is quite compromised, she likely has ulcers, her kidneys are a bit stressed, she has a high parasite load, she’s pretty anemic, etc. Appropriate supplements have been been identified that we are adding to her re-feeding program.

Perking Up

Feeling Proud

Watching

 

Yesterday, we put a blanket on Niña – I don’t know if she’s ever worn one before, but I believe that she felt very special. She looked like a different horse in the blanket. She held her head high and it appeared that she was very very proud!

Niña watches the other horses all of the time. She hasn’t been with another horse in at least 16 years and I have to wonder what she’s thinking. When she is stronger, and the time is right, she’ll be introduced to another.

A wonderful friend and supporter has come forth to offer a Match Game to assist with the initial and ongoing care of sweet Niña. All donations up to $150, will thereby, be matched dollar for dollar.

Niña does not have any monthly sponsors thus far, so if you would like to be her ‘Angel’ for a few months or longer, you can sign up for as little as five dollars per month via our Website. If you would prefer to make a one time donation, you can do so here on our website, or via PayPal.me. If donating via PayPal, please designate your contribution to ‘Match Game.’ Please know that all contributions are so greatly appreciated and no amount is ever too small.

We would also like to thank everyone who has assisted with Niña’s expenses thus far. We are forever grateful for your extremely generous contributions, loving prayers and most thoughtful well-wishes. And we know that this sweet girl is truly, feeling your love as well!

Wishing everyone a lovely weekend!

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Bria and Her SmartScrim

02/18/20

A quick update on Bria – we’re very happy to report that she’s making progress! She came to us thin and with Cushings, DSLD, her teeth were a horrible mess which made it painful for her to even try to eat, she had foundered, and she could be grouchy at times.

At intake, a total exam was done (including bloodwork). Our care team established a rehab plan (we make adjustments over time, as needed). Bria’s dental and farrier needs were taken care of. She was put on a feeding schedule – she gets 5 smaller meals a day. She gets supplements, wears SoftRide boots, and she’s been getting Reiki which helps. We use Benefab QuickWraps on her sometimes and she uses a SmartScrim which she totally enjoys. After the scrim is on her for just a couple of minutes, she relaxes, really relaxes, which helps her in many ways. Her demeanor is much better, she’s a happier, and healthier, horse. We truly appreciate the support we’ve received from Benefab!

Bria hangs out mostly with Little E. She used to follow him around but now, many times, he has to catch up to her!

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BACK HOME


Some of you may remember Jiminy and Cricket, 2 mini’s that came to us in October, 2017. Both were underweight and needed rehab. Jiminy was 28 years young and Cricket was 32. Once they were of good health, they were adopted into a wonderful home.

Sadly, Jiminy went to Rainbow Bridge a couple of weeks ago. We tried to find a suitable companion for Cricket but didn’t have any luck. Even though her humans showered her with love, and attention, she was lonely. The adopters wanted what was in Cricket’s best interest and felt it was best for her to return to the rescue where she would have companionship. We picked her up today. The adopters will most assuredly come to visit with Cricket, I’m sure of it.

Once off the trailer, Cricket went straight to the area where she and Jiminy lived for the first 2 weeks after they arrived here in 2017, during their quarantine period. Then she walked around to say hello to some old friends. She eventually made her way to the “friendship tree” and introduced herself to Bria, and in no time at all, they were pals. Then, Little E joined them. It was precious to see them all walk away with Cricket leading the way. This is where they will all live out their sunset years. They are all loved, so very much.

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Bria Update

A quick update on Bria, a 30 year old National Show Horse (Saddlebred / Arabian).

Bria was quite thin and had issues when she came to us, which included Cushings disease and degenerative suspensory ligament disease (DSLD). Unfortunately, there is no cure for DSLD – it progressively gets worse and, at some point, the horse’s quality of life declines to a point where the most humane thing is euthanasia.

Most of Bria’s days are pretty good – she hangs out with Little E. Sometimes she’ll prance over for a meal – she has a beautiful gait. But over the past couple of weeks, she became a bit more lame. We had x-rays done a few days ago and the findings weren’t a total surprise, but we’d hoped for better news. She has thin soles and coffin bone rotation in both front feet (the right being the worst) which isn’t new – this has been going on for quite awhile.

Bria gets supplements to help with her issues and comfort level. She wears Soft Ride boots which help quite a bit. We don’t know how long she will be with us, but hopefully, it will be for quite some time.

Please keep Bria in your prayers.

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