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BH 11/24/12 Update – lots of photos

November 24th, 2012…

We hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. It was beautiful here. But the nice day closed with temperatures down into the high 30’s yesterday morning. The babies and seniors were blanketed and comfortable. We’ll have to break out a few more blankets though – looks like it’s going down to freezing tonight. Brrrr!!

There’s been so much going on – it’s always busy. I wanted to make time tonight to update on some things. Mostly good things. Morning Star was adopted by his foster family which is simply awesome! I was so happy when Chris told me they wanted to adopt him! Morning Star is a very talented boy and there is never a dull moment with him! Jenna and her dad, Chris, come to help out a couple of days each month and boy it sure helps to have many hands!

Just like her momma, Dora has a special scratching spot.

So does Starbuck.

Cisco wrapped up nice and warm. He didn’t mind that the blanket is pink. He’s just that way – happy go lucky. He’s looking for a forever home.

Beauty and the boys – Genesis and Cisco. And Beauty standing for me to trace her foot so I could put some pads into her slippers – she was sore in the front. She seems to be better today.

Dr. Cogswell working chiropractic on Peaches a couple of weeks ago. And then she worked on Beauty. Dr. Cogswell comes through the Ocala area once a month and does a great job! Dr. Ryan recommended her and I do too! Her website is www.cogswellvet.com.

Lace is ready for a forever home. She’s a sweet girl. Rides nicely but I’ve only ridden her at a walk/trot.

Penny… determined to find a few crumbs. She’s become quite independent and is still as cute as she could possibly be!

Baby Girl – still gorgeous! She munched on some hay until it was her turn for a hooficure. She loves scratches!

And this is Jenny being silly with Penelope on Thanksgiving!

Princess – still a pretty girl. This is Laura doing a hooficure and Kim holding which we appreciate very much!

How the farm looks from up on Cisco and Genesis. Me on Cisco and Kylie on Genesis – it is seldom we get these little pleasures.

Cookie getting a little extra attention from a volunteer – one of the UF students.

Little Rambo now lives with a mini donkey (named Casper) that wasn’t treated very well before going to his current home. Rambo is helping Casper to learn that all humans are not bad. This is Casper getting his first hooficure since he’s been at his new home. Rambo is outside watching. Little Casper did well.

I took some time to take a short ride on Genesis on Thanksgiving Day. And I was actually able to talk Bob into going for a short walk around the paddock! I visited with all of the horses on Thanksgiving and they all got carrots. Both human kids were home and it was just a beautiful day!

Spirit is doing well. She is adjusting to her new surroundings and has made new friends! Her new human mom is doing a great job with her!

Some more good news – Rosita will be leaving for her new home late next week! Some other news – we have been asked to help a very thin Racking horse mare that needs a safe place to land. We would like to make her our holiday save. Even with somewhat of a winter coat you can see how thin she is. Even thin, she is hooked up and driving. We need help with sponsors – she needs about $500 her first month and then about $300 each month after for at least 6 months. Would anyone like to help her? If anyone can help us to help the mare please email me. Donations are tax deductible and no amount is too small. Please help us to give her a new start in life – I know she would appreciate a full tummy and warm blanket for the holiday season.

We hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend. Don’t forget about our fundraiser – the beautiful drawing of Ambrosia – current bid is $150. God bless and thank you for your continued support! And again, please help us to help this mare.

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

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Our Little Pony – Valentine

Last night I posted about Valentine on Facebook – she’s in Equus Magazine this month (picture at Myth #7)!  Valentine was a little pony that came to us in February 2009 with no name from another county.  Valentine seemed to be an appropriate name for this little cutie.  Authorities told us that her owner had recently died in a car accident while trying to get to his herd of three horses to check on them after a terrible storm.  Upon his death, his wife became very angry that she lost her husband because of his horses.  She made one trip to see the horses but never returned to see or care for them again – they were abandoned.  Two of the horses, which were healthy, were picked up by someone else. However, the third, a pony, was left behind because she appeared to be colicing. The officer that worked the case said she’d almost dug her own grave over the course of 3 days.  She also had evidence of blunt force trauma to her back and sacrum area.
Valentine

Upon arrival, Valentine was examined by our vet, Dr. Ryan Meeks, and it was apparent that she didn’t know where her backend was.  He continued to treat her as a colic case – she still wasn’t passing poop.  Dr. Meeks also did x-rays on her neck.  Valentine got acupuncture and chiropractic treatments by Dr. Hami Das.  While she improved in her backend coordination, her ability to eliminate on her own didn’t improve.  This is Dr. Meeks and Dr. Das discussing their findings and Val’s condition.
Valentine

It was believed that Val had sustained nerve damage and may never be able to pass her own poop.  While for some horses that may be a death sentence – Val wasn’t ready to give up.  With each passing day, her eyes got brighter.  We couldn’t afford to pay a vet to come and clean her out each day so I learned how to do it.  It wasn’t hard and she was extremely cooperative.  When she needed this done (at least twice a day, sometimes more) she would just stand, without even a halter, and tolerate the “cleansing” which brought relief.  She was a happy little pony.  I would often find her waiting for me at the gate to the barn in the morning – ready and willing to be cleaned out so she could enjoy her breakfast and go on about her day.
Valentine

Valentine had over two good years with us but started laying down more often in the fall of 2011.  One morning in late December, instead of greeting me at the gate, I found her down at the gate.  She clearly said it was time.  We gave our little pony with the deepest and most beautiful dark eyes a very pampered few hours before being helped to Rainbow Bridge by Dr. Meeks.  Now, our Valentine runs with the heavenly herd – pain free and happy.  She is with her best friend, Captain.

This morning I opened email and found this beautiful artwork by Greg Ambrose. Mixed bittersweet tears came. This little pony was so very much loved and I miss her. Thank you Greg.

Valentine – our little pony…

Artist:

Greg Ambrose

http://www.gravideo.com

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Thoughts of Ambrosia

I spent a good part of yesterday reading, through teary eyes, the very thoughtful and much appreciated emails and posts about Ambrosia – and the artwork is lovely.

First, let me say she is, and always will be, quite the mare – she had a heart of gold. Even though humans let her down tremendously by ignoring even her basic needs and by turning her loose to wander a rural community as a homeless horse – she didn’t hold it against us. This was Barbara comforting Ambrosia the night we met her.

The next day when we picked her up and took her to the rescue she walked off the trailer, looked around, and held her head up high – for the first time we saw light and life in her eyes. She was immediately started on antibiotics. She settled into her stall and went to eating her hay and Fibre-Beet mash – she loved food! She got groomed at least a ½ a dozen times a day and was pampered to the max. The day we loaded her up to go the hospital she loaded without hesitation. Once there, it took her all of about a minute to settle in before she started eating her hay.

After her initial assessment at the hospital, we discussed her diagnosis – pleuropneumonia (infection of the lungs and pleural space). Her care team determined that to get a good indication of whether or not there was a chance for her to recover they would need to drain her chest and see how quickly it would refill. This procedure (drained about 7 gallons of fluid) gave her quite a bit of relief. Her breathing was better – she stayed upbeat. She trusted humans to do to her what was needed – I truly believe she knew we were trying to help her. She cooperated – always. Her temperature was normal and her heart rate went significantly down – she continued to have a good appetite. She was only 13 years old.

Through every step of the way we evaluated her quality of life – it was constant throughout our decision making process. It was identified early on what aftercare would be needed and we were committed. While we knew from the start she likely would never be horse to be ridden we did think she would be happy being a pasture pal. And we agreed, from the beginning, that should her comfort level not be able to be controlled, or should she develop another issue such as laminitis, and her quality of life was poor with no relief in sight, we would help her to cross. We would not let her suffer. One of the key tools in determining her quality of life was by observing her will to live which was enormous. She had a great appetite and didn’t appear depressed. She would hold her head up high and was interested in what was going on around her – she would even whinny to Billy the goat or a passersby.

I spoke with the doctor on Thursday night – he recommended giving her some time to recover from the first surgery before going through the second. Friday morning the doctor called and said overnight Ambrosia’s temperature had risen as did her heart rate but she was quite the Champion – she was still eating and drinking fine. She did have increased swelling in her legs. The doctor decided to ultrasound her heart and said he had some concerns and said that he wanted the cardio team to conduct an ultrasound. While we waited for them we took Ambrosia out to graze for a bit, which she really enjoyed.

We went back to her stall and she became interested in a very handsome horse that was being evaluated.

Once he was left she seemed tired – her breathing had been getting more labored and she began to sweat. I played songs for her on my cell phone – she seemed to really like “Lost in Love” by Air Supply. I guess I did too – we must have listened to it about 4 times. I told her about the many people that loved her and were helping her. I apologized for what humans had, or hadn’t done, for her. And I prayed.

The cardio team arrived and did another ultrasound. The cardiologist determined that Ambrosia had developed congestive heart failure. Her heart had been working overtime to compensate for the decrease of lung function. The right side of her heart was weak. We once again reviewed her quality of life and determined that, while we could prolong her life it was not in her best interest, the time had come to let her go. This is never an easy decision or one taken lightly – but we loved her enough to do what was in her best interest.

Ambrosia had several days of a full tummy and clean fresh water, she had been kept comfortable, she was doted on constantly, light in her eyes had returned, and she was genuinely interested in humans and what was going on around her. She had regained her dignity and was loved by so many and that’s important – she crossed Rainbow Bridge knowing she mattered.

I want to believe that at some point in her life she was loved and properly cared for. We will never know but we were able to prevent her from dying alone, hungry, and in pain. We knew going into this that she could take a turn for the worse at any time and we may have to let her go. God had other plans for her and we accept that. I held on to her and told her she was so very loved and I hummed “Lost in Love” as she crossed the Bridge. I could picture her holding her head up high towards the sky and running, reaching for the stars, as her body grew whole and strong again – what a glorious vision it was! I sat by her and held her and let the tears flow.

Before returning to the rescue I sat for a long time in the car in the parking lot at the hospital. I folded my arms across each other and rested my head on them against the steering wheel – as I did I could smell her. I had washed my hands but not my arms and her scent was still on them – a sense acceptance came over me. Acceptance is needed in order to move on. And I know that Ambrosia wants us to continue to help others that end up homeless, hungry, cold, alone, or in a bad situation – and with your continued help we can.

I’m sorry that Ambrosia was dumped in a rural community and had no human to care for, or about, her. I am sorry that we could not fix her health issues. And I am sorry that we could not keep her comfortably with us for a long, long time. But I’m not sorry, not in the least, that we tried. God bless each and every one of you for caring and helping in some way. Ambrosia had a huge love for life. She would have kept going until her heart burst – she was that kind of horse. She was quite the mare and had the heart of a Champion!

I have learned to fight the good fight to the end
And if I had to I would do it all again
And when the sun goes down
I won’t fear the night
I will keep my head towards the sky
Knowing that the Lord is on my side

And when the darkness falls
I won’t fear the night
I will keep my head toward the sky
Knowing that the Lord is on my side

(From the song Heart of a Champion)

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

Ambrosia remembered…
http://iacmusic.com/stationGen.aspx?stationID=7428


Artist: Greg Jones

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Ambrosia 9/5 pm update – graphic pics at bottom of update

I spent the most part of today at UF with Ambrosia. She developed a thrombosis in her neck so the catheter had to be removed. The other side of her neck already had a thrombosis in it so that side can’t be used either. They have switched her over to oral antibiotics. When I got there this morning they were already in the process of flushing out the cavity (they had to remove a good part of her rib in order to get to the abscess). This will need to be done daily. She was a good girl, as always.

Dr. Stieler was off today (she deserved it!) but came in any way for the flushing of Ambrosia’s cavity and to check up on her. Everyone is so good to Ambrosia – it’s like home away from home except there she is in AC without flies!

Waiting for her to fully wake up from sedation after having the cavity flushed.

Her appetite was good and she’s drinking fine. She devoured her treats today.

Listening intently to little Billy “baaa” to everyone.

At times she looks very tired but that’s very understandable. She does have swelling in her legs – especially the back ones.

There was almost an aura about her this afternoon – the light in her eyes shines on.

Just being around Ambrosia makes you feel good. While you can see the effects that neglect has taken on her you can also see past them – you see the beauty she is both inside and outside. Her heart is full of gold. She has the right attitude and is very tolerant of what is being done to her – a huge plus to get her through this. She has another surgery coming up on the other side – possibly at the end of the week.

Please continue to keep Ambrosia in your prayers. There are still many things that can go wrong but we don’t, and won’t, dwell on them. Her care team monitors her closely. I can’t thank Dr. Stieler, Dr. MacKay, Dr. Freeman and Dr. Dymock (lead surgeon’s), Dr. Husted, Erik and all of the wonderful people at UF enough – from the minute you walk into the main office you feel welcome.

Ambrosia is in ICU and she has eyes on her 24/7. It’s comforting to know that there are many people that care about this wonderful mare that was kicked to the streets to fend for herself – neglected, sick, and all alone. But she now knows that she is loved and that she matters. We are all making a difference to Ambrosia.

Some have asked for pictures from yesterday. I’ve included a couple below but be forewarned – some may consider them graphic. One includes the rib upon removal.

Please don’t forget to share the link to Horse and Man – a very informative blog at bhfer.melissa. We have a long way to go to raise enough funds to cover her expenses. In addition to the hospital expenses there will be aftercare – medications, follow-ups at UF, etc. All donations are tax deductible and no amount is too small.

Thank you all – God bless and have a good night everyone!

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

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Ambrosia Wednesday Update

Ambrosia Today

They had flushed the cavity out and are redressing the surgical area in this picture.

Ambrodia is eating and drinking. They had to remove the catheter and have switched her to oral antibiotics. I’m amazed with her positive attitude!  She has a long, long way to go and there can be complications at any time but we are only thinking positive.

Little Billy sings to Ambrosia. He’s quite entertaining!

Quite the mare…

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

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Ambrosia Update – She’s Very Sick

August 28th, 2012 8:45 pm

I will be taking Ambrosia to the University of Florida in the morning. They will be inserting a drain tube to remove the fluid. Cultures will be done, ultrasounds, etc. She will be in the hospital for a few days and likely on antibiotics for quite awhile. I will have my cell phone with me tomorrow and update when I can.

Something that was a little surprising was that her blood work results were fairly normal which is a good thing. She continues to eat and drink. She rests quite a bit which is to be expected. She absolutely loves attention. She really is a sweet girl – very trusting and appreciative. Her body may be very thin but her heart is full of love.

She has hope and a determination now that will be needed to get her through this. In three days she went from looking like she’d given up to this – clearly there is light in her eyes.

Thank you for the prayers, emails, posts, and donations for Ambrosia.  We have a jewelry fundraiser coming up to help with her expenses.  Her treatment and hospital stay won’t be inexpensive.  We’re going to take it day by day – baby steps.  I can’t help but to cry as I type this – concerned of what tomorrow may bring.  Ambrosia was dealt a really bad hand by humans – starved and bounced from home to home and then set out on the street homeless – she was wandering the neighborhood and nobody wanted to help her.  I’m very appreciative of the one person that took it upon themselves to walk her to their home when they saw she was sick and call us for help.  Ambrosia would have died alone and with no home or human.

I think that where there is faith, miraculous things can happen – I have witnessed it.  And I believe that there is strength in numbers – please continue to pray for Ambrosia.  So, tomorrow I will let go and let God.

I believe…

Sincerely,
Theresa
Donations for Ambrosia: https://www.bhfer.org/donate.html

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

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Montana, Asiya, Baby Passion, and a new arrival…

Some good news to share…

Montana and Asiya have been adopted – together!  These two have waited for quite awhile to find homes but it’s been worth the wait!  It’s hard to find homes for any horse but to find a home for two together is just awesome!  And they will only be about 2 hours from the rescue.  Congratulations Asiya, Montana, and Lexi! This beautiful photo of them was taken of them a few days ago by Stephanie Colleen, professional photographer.

Meet our latest arrival.  She is a 5 year old TWH mare that needs help for some medical issues.  Dr. Ryan will be out tomorrow to examine her and run some blood work.

She is a bit underweight and she has open sores all over (mostly on her left side, face, neck, hips, and tail) that are itching her terribly to the point where she is mutilating herself trying to find relief.  It may be allergies but we will know more tomorrow after Dr. Ryan examines her.

She lived alone.  However, there was a stud that lived in a nearby farm that jumped the fence to get to her a few months ago.  We don’t know if she was bred or not.  Would anyone like to help us to help her?  We were not planning on bringing another in at this time but once I met this sweet mare and saw how much she needed help I couldn’t turn her away.  Knowing Montana and Asiya are leaving made the decision easier.

If anyone would like to help you can do so via various methods available through our “Donate” page on our website.  Our PayPal address is bhfer@earthlink.net. Donations can also be called directly into the vet’s office at 352-237-6151.  No amount is too small and donations are tax deductible.  Thank you all for your continued support!

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

Baby Passion got her angel wings on August 7th, 2010. She was only a few days old.

We love you Passion, always.

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Spirit Update – A Blind Mare

“Hi – I’m Spirit! I understand that some have been asking about me? That makes me feel special! Well, I’m doing much better! My deep chest injury is healing as are my others. The bite and kick marks all over my body are almost gone – you can see some scars but for the most part they are no longer sore. The injury to my face is better but you can still see bone so it still has a ways to go. I’ve gained some weight. I’m learning to use my hearing better to navigate! I’m blind but as you can see I turn my head a little to the side – I’m actually tuning in my ears to better listen to what is going on around me. I’m very cautious around humans – I don’t want to accidentally run into anyone. Everyone is so good to me – I really am enjoying life and I thank everyone that helped give this opportunity to me. I hope I make you proud!”

On the left – Sprit’s chest injury that went all the way to her sternum bone on June 28th – the day we picked her up. And on the right – the injury on July 11th.

On the left – Sprit’s face on June 28th – the day we picked her up. And on the right – July 9th. Wow – you can almost imagine the injury in the shape of a heart.

Spirit is a perfect name for this blind but kind, gentle, and trusting mare. Before we brought her to the rescue she was out on about 30 acres with many other horses – including studs, mares, and babies. She was pretty beat up and had injuries from nose to tail. I observed her one day for quite awhile and she was tense – never knowing if she was going to get picked upon or what she was about to run in to. Now, she enjoys her life – thank you all for helping us to help her!

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

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Update on Bella and baby

July 12th, 2012

Just a quick update…

Bella got somewhat of a much needed bath today. Still working on that mane. We couldn’t stay out long because the baby isn’t supposed to be out. Bella has layers of dirt so it’ going to take a couple more baths to get her good and clean. She really is a doll. Jean drove up today to help out – thanks Jean!!

Baby managed to get the catheter out of his neck so the vet is coming back out to put another in. I’m so sorry to have to put the baby through this again. It wasn’t wrapped but you can bet that this time it will be. He is still straining to go poo. It’s hard to believe that momma is providing more milk already but she is – she actually has a little bit of a bag. J

Have to run – the vet just got here.

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

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Spirit the Blind Mare Has Arrived

June 28th, 2012

The blind mare, which I named Spirit, is now likely more comfortable than she has been in a long, long time.  Our daughter, Katie, went with me to pick her up today.  It was a good 3 hour trip getting there due to road closures because of flooding from Tropical Storm Debby but we were determined to get her here.  When we arrived she seemed stoic – her head was down and it was like her mind was in another place and time.  I was worried about her injuries and how bad they looked – worse than they did on Saturday.  And there were new, open injuries.  I whispered to her and rubbed on her a bit.  But when I reached up to put a halter on her for the trip home she turned her head into me and stayed there for a few seconds.  I told her she was going home to where life would be much better and different for her.  She stayed close as we walked to the trailer.  She had never been loaded onto a trailer – she was born on the property (2004) where we picked her up from.  She walked into the trailer in less than a minute – it didn’t take much coaching.  Just patience, a calm hand, and reassurance.  But she wasn’t happy once we got to moving – it had to have been a bit stressful for her but she unloaded really well at the rescue.

While we waited for Dr. Ryan Meeks, we hosed her off which she seemed to like.  Then we waited together – he arrived about 30 minutes later.  I will warn you that the photos after the picture after this one are graphic.  Don’t scroll down if you don’t want to see them.  How does anyone allow this to happen?  How ??

Dr. Ryan examined Spirit and said she wouldn’t have lasted much longer.  Her needs have gone neglected for a long time.  She is malnourished and has obviously been terribly beat up, repeatedly, over time.  She has many old and new wire injuries (that were infected), bites, sunburn, open sores swelling, blisters, etc.  Inside of her upper lip she has a wide cut that runs along her gum line which is likely why she isn’t very interested in hay.  She is finally drinking but we’re encouraging her more with electrolytes.

She has no vision in her right eye.  It’s possible that she sees a very small sliver of light in her left.

The puncture wound at her chest is wide and the open wound goes down deep – all the way to her sternum.  Her scars – they are everywhere.

Not surprisingly her feet haven’t been trimmed in a long, long time.  There are many open injures, new and old, on her legs too.

The injury on her nose goes to the bone. Dr. Ryan says we need to keep an eye on this – there may be sequestered bone.  More cuts and scratches all over her face and lots of swelling all over.

Spirit had been through a lot and will wear scars to prove it for the rest of her life – from nose to tail.  Just think about the many times she’s been bitten, kicked, run into things, and how scary it must have been for her.  I was so worried about her during Tropical Storm Debby.  She was on almost 30 acres with about 20 other horses, including studs.  There were also cows, an area with trees, and a lot of debris including barb wire.  Tomorrow she will get a good bath and these injuries will get all cleaned up.  I didn’t want to do too much more to her today but let her chill – she’s had a tough day.  It truly hurts my heart to see her injuries and to think of how horrible her life has been – a living nightmare, 24/7/365.

There are even bites around and under her tail.

Spirit will be stalled for awhile – her injuries will take quite some time to heal and she should not be in the sun – but she will get hand walked often.  Injuries will get cold hosed, cleaned, and treated.  It is a true blessing that she just stands and allows doctoring.  She could be all over the place, pushy, and untrusting but she isn’t.  She’s calm and seemingly appreciative – she likes me to hum to her.  She is resting now and seems to be enjoying just “being”.  There are no others here near her to pick on her or for her to be afraid of.  We can’t say for sure that she will make it but we can say she wouldn’t have made it much longer where she was.  But she is now on the road to recovery.  She is a diamond in the rough and truly does deserve a chance.

Thank you all for caring about her and for helping.  For those that have pledged a one time donation or a monthly sponsorship – we now ask that you follow through.  Spirit has a chance – thanks to all of you.  God bless and I’ll update tomorrow.

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

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