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Alyse to Rainbow Bridge, Sunset and TB Mare Arrive, and More

Update: 12/30/12

Last week was tough and losing Alyse was heartbreaking.  On Friday morning I received a call from Dr. Clark – Alyse had taken a turn for the worse.  Her HR went higher – to about 120 and her WBC had gone up.  The meds were not keeping her comfortable.  Dr. Clark had spent days running tests and consulting with others about the ulcerations and other issues – they could not determine what was causing her to be sick but they did feel it was a combination of things.  One being the blisters in her mouth, on her tongue, and in her nose.  They had scoped her earlier in the week and did not see any blisters past the esophagus and believed they likely stopped there (we later learned there was a large ulcer in her colon).  The second issue being an unknown factor at the time that was causing increased HR and temperature.  We agreed from the beginning that should it get to the point where Alyse couldn’t be kept comfortable while trying to maintain her for the blisters to heal, and trying to identify and treat a secondary issue, we would not allow her to suffer.  A necropsy was done and we found that she did have a large ulceration in her colon and her gut was about to rupture – keeping her with us any longer would have been inhumane.  We gave her all the time we could and I am so thankful to the Dr. Clark and everyone at Peterson and Smith for everything they did for her.

I was with Alyse when she crossed – her head across my knees in my lap – she knows she was loved.  Dr. Clark said Alyse was a strong willed mare and had given it her best.  And her care givers had done their best.  Alyse was a beautiful and proud Arabian mare that was loved by many but God needed her more than we did and we must accept that.

Alyce in the Hospital

Letting them go takes a lot out of me – out of all of us here that are hands on at the rescue.  And I’m sure it hurts others that love and care for the horses here from a distance too – the horses are truly blessed to have so many that care for them.  I am so very sorry we could not save Alyse.  Alyse and I had shared many spontaneous rides together which I’ll never forget.  Those rides helped me put worries aside for a few minutes – they were very refreshing for the mind and body. After I left the hospital Friday I found I needed to stop in a parking lot and let the tears flow and try to regroup.  Then I went to Burger King drive through to get a drink.  I had left home without breakfast or anything to drink after Dr. Clark called to tell me Alyse was worse – I wanted to get to the hospital ASAP.  After getting a soda I stopped by the feed store to buy a few things.  While at the feed store I decided that while on my way back to the rescue I’d go by the location where the 3 Thoroughbred horses were that we had taken hay to last Wednesday night.  I tried to go there on Thursday but on my way there that evening I got a phone call that one of the horses here looked to be trying to colic so I turned around and came back.  By the time I checked on the horse it was dark and I didn’t want to go the location of the 3 horses by myself.  So, after leaving the feed store on Friday, I did go there and I found one bay mare down and looking at her tummy.  She went sternum and stretched out – she looked very uncomfortable.  I tried to get her up and she did get up with some prompting but then she went down again.  I called Dr. Ryan and he suggested we get her to the rescue since he would be on his way there as soon as he could to assess the incoming Percheron mare.  I called Bob and had him hook up the trailer and come meet me to load the mare and we went back to the rescue.  

The Percheron mare arrived shortly after we got the sick OTTB mare to the rescue.  Dr. Ryan arrived and examined both mares.  We named the OTTB mare PrimaBelle and she was treated for a gas colic.  She is Momma Sue’s daughter – she was born a year before Aaleyah Belle.  Prima means first and Belle means beautiful = “born first and beautiful”.  PrimaBelle was born a year before Aaleyah Belle and they are full sisters. Aaleyah Belle’s name means “beautiful gift from God”.  Like her momma and sister, PrimaBelle is a very nice girl with a pleasant disposition.  She raced and won about $12,000.  She had a very gassy tummy on Friday which made her very uncomfortable. She felt better after receiving medications and has been feeling ok since.  We had a family come to meet PrimaBelle today – a family that has adopted Mia from us this past year that lives not far from the rescue.  PrimaBelle still needs to get her teeth done, vaccinations need to be done, etc.  She will be up to date on everything and she needs to put some weight on before leaving for a new home.  There are still 2 horses where we picked her up from that we are providing hay for that need homes.

I named the 25 year old Percheron mare “Sunset”.  She arrived during a beautiful sunset and it came to mind that she is in her sunset years.  She’ll be able to live them without worry and with a full tummy and much deserved TLC.  She is underweight and has skin issues.  She has large lumps in her left ear described by Dr. Ryan as “cauliflower ears” likely caused from trauma which causes fluid to collect and separates cartilage causing it to die which causes fibrous tissue.  She has the number “33” branded on her left hip – the number of her stall from her PMU years.  She is a smaller Percheron – not quite as tall as Gentleman.  It will be a few weeks before she is ready to leave here but we are expecting an adoption application for her to be received by tomorrow.  If approved, Sunset will have a home not far from the rescue.  Before she leaves, her wounds will have healed, she will have had her dental work done, she will be up to date on vaccines, etc.  It will take awhile to get to that point but her road to a happy and healthy retirement has begun.  She has the sweetest face and very kind eyes.  Her ears don’t stand up but that’s ok – she is still beautiful!

Yesterday both mares had hooficures.  PrimaBelle was a good girl.  This was her front right before her hooficure.  We had Dr. Ryan x-ray it on Friday to make sure her coffin bone wasn’t affected and it wasn’t, thankfully.  Sunset was a little challenging – she didn’t want to stand still but she’s in a new place with new faces.

It was going to go into the 20’s last night so we blanketed both mares.  PrimaBelle was an angel for her blanket to be put on – she stood perfectly still and seemed to truly adore it. Sunset was a little hesitant – I don’t think she’d likely ever had one.  She moved away at first but with a little time and introduction she stood still.  And after it was on she still there for quite awhile – at least 30 minutes!  The blanket is short on her sides and left about 6” of her butt exposed but she loves it.  I am ordering one to fit her tomorrow.  She will also be getting a new fly mask.

Solace is about the same – he still has congestion in his lungs and is still coughing.  Dr. Ryan examined him again on Friday.  He will be out again late in the week to assess him again and to see if we need to modify his treatment plan.  HIs appetite remains good.  Solace really is an amazing horse.  Let’s continue to pray that he recovers.  Believe…

Holly is doing very well – what a sweet mare she is!

The Christmas trio are all doing well.  Gentleman and some others had their teeth done last week.  I’ll include those pictures in my next update – I’m really tired and have much to do.  To everyone that has sent a message or email regarding the loss of Alyse – thank you.  I appreciate your good thoughts and prayers.  I am behind on emails and PM’s but hope to get caught up on some this coming week.  

Tomorrow will be very busy – more hooficures are being done in the morning.  God bless and thank you all for your continued support.

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

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Starving Horses – Update 12/26/12

12/26/12

Dear Lord please give me strength!

I am leaving to take hay to 3 starving horses – one that is near and dear to the BHFER family. I’ll have to post more later but right now I need to go. They have not been fed in a long time. So sad. I’m just glad the owner finally called me. It’s going down to “feels like” 27 degrees here tonight. The thought of them being thin and hungry and cold is sickening. I’ve been following 2 of these 3 horses for 3 years.

Hint: I know Momma Sue has a hand in this – she was/is a good momma – even from above. Can’t disclose anymore at this time. Oh, and Story is colicing and the vet is on the way to see him. More prayers needed.

Momma Sue and Aaleyah Belle – 2008

Momma Sue and Aaleyah Belle

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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Solace Update – He’s Still Weak

December 22nd and 23rd, 2012

Solace didn’t have as much snots today. At times he is somewhat perky and alert but he does tire easily. His immune system is very weak. He has a long way to go but his attitude is positive which says a lot for a horse in his condition – he’s already defied the odds. His positive attitude will help a lot in his recovery. When a body is starved it will take protein from its vital tissues, including the heart and GI tract. I am still being asked if he will make it. And my answer is still – only time will tell.

Solace yesterday morning. It was COLD! He had is blanket and I found a fleece that kept his tummy warm too. It was a little big on him but he didn’t mind.

Getting his meds – he’s always good for this. This morning getting ready to go outside – he looks forward to getting out of the stall.

And the day warmed up – it was actually perfect! We cancelled Solace’s dental appointment for today – he needs to get better first.

But when you find a horse in his condition that greets you in the morning looking like this it sure makes you feel good and it gives hope.

Solace needs a miracle – but miracles do happen and I believe!

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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Solace – A Little Setback

December 21st, 2012

I called Dr. Ryan back out to examine Solace again today and to do another CBC.  Solace’s snotty nose was worse this am and he did cough now and then.  He has not had a temperature and his appetite has been great.  He’s drinking ok and his diarrhea cleared up.  He is more animated each day.  But something wasn’t right.  Dr. Ryan scoped him and learned that mucus was not coming from the guttural pouches.  But he did find that Solace’s trachea is surrounded by mucus – a lot of it.  An ultrasound was also done which revealed mucus on the lungs but, thankfully, no abscesses were indicated.  Dr. Ryan advised that Solace has chronic pneumonia.  Based on his symptoms and the ultrasound findings this isn’t a recent illness – he’s been sick for some time.

An IV catheter was placed so we can administer medications – Solace has been started on antibiotics.  He was a good boy – he just stood and let Dr. Ryan do what needed to be done – he was so good that Dr. Ryan gave him a couple of peppermints.

Dr. Ryan said that for a horse that is a 0.5 on the Henneke scale to be standing and doing as well as Solace is, not considering the pneumonia issue, is more than amazing.  Solace has a lot of will – there is no question about that.  For the rest of his story – which makes me believe even more that there is a reason he found his way to us – he reportedly came from a farm that slaughters horses and illegally sells horsemeat.  How would a horse in this shape get in that predicament?  One example… there are a lot of free horses on Craigslist.  I get calls from people asking for help placing more than one horse quite a bit – just today I was asked to help a family that has 4 horses that they can no longer keep. So let’s say the owner puts them on Craigslist for free – a kill buyer may contact the person running the ad and offer to take the horses – he just happened to be looking for a horse for each of his family members.  Well, when he gets there to pick up the horses, 1 out of 3 of the horses may be in bad shape, but he will take the thin one anyway just to get the other two that are of good weight. And the thin and sickly ones, like Solace, that have no fat or muscle – they are not desired by kill buyers so they get dumped.  And horses are often found wandering – just like Ambrosia.  It’s sad and sickening – but it is reality.

Solace is tucked into a stall with some heat lamps and a warm blanket.  He adores his mash.  And we adore him.  His recovery is going to take awhile.  More tests may be needed but at this time Dr. Ryan didn’t want to stress Solaces’ body anymore than it already is.  We’ll give him some time on the antibiotics – time for him to get stronger. Thank you for caring about him – please keep him in your prayers.

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

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Solace – Something Isn’t Right

December 20th, 2012

Why can’t the weather be more cooperative? Near 80 today and now it looks like it is going to pour but it’s not supposed to for another couple of hours.  Temps going to a “feels like” of about 38 degrees tonight.  Dr. Ryan is going to come tomorrow – Solace still has a runny nose and I’ve heard him cough a few times today.  But no temperature and he’s eating and drinking.  His poop actually looks about normal.

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

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Solace This Morning…

December 19th, 2012

Dr. Bess was running late last evening so we rescheduled Solace’s dental evaluation for Sunday which was probably a good thing – Solace was a bit tired yesterday.  It was a cold night and he was at the gate asking for his warm mash this morning.  So, here goes another day… I’ll update this afternoon.  Please keep the prayers coming for Solace – I believe in miracles!  Have a blessed day everyone!

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

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Solace Update Tuesday AM

December 18th, 2012

Dr. Bess is coming late today to look at Solace’s mouth – it’s a train wreck in there.  His temp is a little low this morning and he has a snotty nose.

Solace in his little sheet.  The weather is nuts here but it’s supposed to feel like 40 degrees here tonight.  The winds on our property are horrible in the cold season but a blessing in the hot months. Dr. Ryan will also be coming today.  I will update more later.

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

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Solace – He’s Totally Exhausted

December 17th, 2012

Solace is in incredibly wonderful and forgiving horse.  Today, for the first time since he arrived, he finally laid down for a bit – I was glad because he looked totally exhausted.  He did get somewhat of a much needed bath.  His legs and backside got washed – it was too windy to give him a whole bath.  He is passing oil and his poops are not quite as loose.  He still has a bit of a nasal discharge.  Dr. Ryan will be out tomorrow to listen to his lungs again.  When Dr. Tanya was here yesterday his gut sounds prevented her from assessing his lungs very well.

I’m sorry my update is so short tonight but it’s very busy here.  Yesterday afternoon we had a wonderful get together with many of the volunteers which Bob and I enjoyed very much.  And today is pretty much over and I still have much more to get done.  If you have emailed or PM’d me and I haven’t responded, I apologize.  All messages are important to me – I just have not had much needed time in the office.

Thank you to everyone that has helped Solace.  It’s nothing short of a miracle that he is even able to walk.  Some have asked me if I think he will make it and I’m reluctant to answer a question such as that.  Sadly, we’ve been down this road enough to know that things can change quickly and there may be some issues that have not been discovered yet.  It’s something that only time will tell but we will do everything we can to give him everything he needs to improve.  Please continue to keep him in your prayers – we need a miracle.  Believe…

Greg Ambrose has added two new pictures to the Beauty’s Haven gallery that are available for purchase (which the rescue directly benefits from) that can be seen at: http://gra.photoshelter.com/gallery/Beautys-Haven/G0000_f.QHAPkboQ/C0000aComXSozr6I.  Please take a minute to look at them by clicking on the link – the photo that so many loved with Hollie and Starbuck is there too!  One of the new ones is of the Christmas Trio – it would make a beautiful Christmas card and there is a new one there of Solace also!

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

 

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Another trip down memory lane…

12/13/2012

Another trip down memory lane… January 28th, 2010. I got a call about a horse that had been abandoned on a huge parcel of property – the grass was dormant. An adjoining neighbor had been tossing hay over to the horse for months and luckily there was a big old metal tin container that collected rainwater. But the neighbor was moving and the horse would have been all alone with nobody to know if he was sick, alive, or dead. Jenny went with me to meet the horse and gather facts from the neighbor and as we were getting ready to leave the horse followed and whinnied to us as if saying “Please wait! Don’t leave me here!” I went over and stroked his neck and the name “Heart” just came to me – I promised Heart we’d come back.

We brought him to the rescue – you couldn’t have found a sweeter or more appreciative horse. Thinking about him living on the empty property through the cold months with no blanket, no shelter, and very little hay made me very sad. Heart got strong over the next few months and was ready for a home. In early November he had an appointment to meet a human family when the unthinkable happened – he coliced! He was sick for many weeks – we didn’t know if he would make it. And we were not sure the family would wait for him or if they would want a horse that had coliced. But Heart improved and when he was better the family came to visit with him on December 5th. The son, Sam, had lost his horse over a year before and he had been looking for just the right horse. During the visit, Sam took Heart for a walk – you could see and almost feel the connection. It was very moving to say the least! Heart beamed and looked so proud to have this nice young many on his back!

Heart was going to have a home – they wanted to add him to their family! But then Heart got sick again and was not able to leave until December 31st but what a day that was – a day we all had been waiting for! It’s a day some senior horses never experience – going to a forever home where they will have their own human to love and care for them. But this grand senior horse finally had his forever home and his own boy to be his best friend! Who says story tales don’t exist and dreams don’t come true? Bah – humbug! We have proof they do!

Heart’s human family keeps us updated – this picture was taken last month. Sam still adores Heart and the feeling is mutual – Heart adores Sam. Sam’s sister, Emma, has her best friend Snicker’s. This is what we want for all of them – love, dedication, respect, full tummies, no worries – a forever loving home.

Thank you Laurie, Scott, Emma, and Sam!

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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Update on The Christmas Trio, Hollie, Blackie and Donks!

December 12th, 2012

All of the Christmas Trio horses have names now. They have all settled in well and seem to just adore humans and appreciate every little thing done for them.

Nevada (means covered in snow).

Sachet.

Noelle.

Nevada’s right front foot is the one that had the roofing nail in it. The vet said Nevada was very lucky – it was embedded at an angle and location that missed everything it could have done some nasty damage to.

Sachet’s feet were not much better but no nail. Noelle’s back right has obviously sustained some sort of damage in the past. All three were good for Fabio and they seemed very pleased to have had their hooficures.

Dr. Bess did their teeth. The worst was Nevada’s – he’s youngest (5 yrs)! He had huge hooks and ramps. Dr. Bess was amazed at how bad his teeth were at his age. Sachet is about 13 years young and Noelle is about 15. I was told by the previous owner that Noelle was a real head tosser. With, or without, a bit in her mouth it would be easy to understand possibly why. She had lose teeth! Dr. Bess pulled one and will be checking the other the next time she comes or sooner if we notice any issues.

Blackie had visitors on Saturday – he has an angel! Thank you Melissa for helping him and for his gifts – he really feels special and sends a big “Thank you!” and says he wants you to come back soon to groom him and just spend time with him.

How sweet of a face is this? VERY sweet! Hollie visits with the young ones every morning. Dora and Starbuck are in the background. Hollie is doing very well. She is moving better and she’s gained some much needed weight and muscle. We do believe she has Cushing’s disease.

I had to share this. Here is Penelope taking a roll in the sand followed by Penny taking a roll in the sand! Baby donkey see – baby donkey do!

This is Beauty wanting to know where her treat is and when Santa is coming. LOL!

Hopefully tomorrow each of the horses is going to share with me what they want for Christmas and I’ll share with all of you! It’s hard to believe another year is coming to an end soon – it seems each year goes by faster. God bless and have a great night. Hopefully I’ll be able to post again tomorrow!

PS – current bids: Christmas Decorative Runner is at $70. The necklace is at $70. The Zenyatta and Baby plushie is at $40.

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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