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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Blind mare update 7 pm

Additional update soon but for now – she is here and has been seen by Dr. Ryan.
In short – she has been through hell and survived – all of us, including Dr. Ryan – feels she deserves, and has, a chance.  I’ve named her Spirit.

Thank you to everyone that has been praying for this special girl.

Thank you Greg for the beautiful artwork!

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Blind Mare Update

The blind mare has been caught and is in a stall for the night. I’m told she sustained a couple of more injuries since we saw her this past weekend. There were really bad rains and flooding where she is – some high winds too. I was worried about her getting through the storm ok and was sorry to hear she has more injuries.

I’m going to map my trip now. I will get more pictures and data on others that also need help while I am there tomorrow. We need to help find safe places for all of them.

I am not sure at this point how to handle pledges because I don’t know how/if she will be ok being handled/loaded/trailered to get here. I think I prefer that everyone hold onto your pledges until I get back tomorrow and we get her settled in and examined. I added up what I received via emails today and we’re still short on the total amount needed for her initial vetting plus 6 months care but we’ll address that tomorrow evening. If she is badly injured and if loading seems too much for her and it puts her at risk for more injury then perhaps helping her cross may be best.

In the mean time please let’s all pray for a smooth loading and trailer ride to the rescue tomorrow and that examination determines that her injuries can be treated and that she will be able to lead a comfortable life. After we get here and settled in tomorrow then I will update on her status and the funds pledged/still needed.

Think positive everyone – God bless and thank you for caring! I’m off to bed early in order to get a good night’s sleep – I have a feeling that tomorrow will be a long day.

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

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Itsuko Update

A trip down memory lane… Some of you may remember Itsuko. She was a TB mare we helped in 2011. Itsuko was born in 1991, had 99 starts in her racing career and earned almost $100K. She had multiple babies. We found her starving and living in an unsafe makeshift backyard pen.

Itsuko the day she came to Beauty’s Haven – June 14th, 2011. She clearly needed help ASAP.

She was skin on bones.

But we saw a lot of light (and gratitude) in her eyes.

This is Itsuko 2 ½ months after rehabilitation – taken August 28th, 2011. What a beautiful mare!

During the first week of September 2011 Itsuko went to Black Beauty Ranch (HSUS) in Texas where she will live a lifetime of carefree living. I think these recent pictures speak for themselves…

It’s really good to share happy updates!

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

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New Star in the Sky Tonight and Orphan Baby Donkey – 05/22/12

05/22/12

It is with a very, very heavy heart that I post this update. Smarty Pants crossed Rainbow Bridge this afternoon. She had been improving, or so we thought. We knew she could take a turn for the worse at any given time. Infection and damage to internal organs had been a concern since day one. While edema in her front legs today had decreased it became significantly worse elsewhere. Dr. Ryan examined her, gave us his prognosis, and ran more blood work to confirm what he suspected and it wasn’t good. Verbatim from Dr. Ryan. “Her body was shutting down – resulting in poor tissue perfusion (blood supply to the muscles). All of this caused tissue necrosis – basically like gangrene. She may have lasted another day or two but it would have been pure hell. No doubt you made the right decision.”

While she surprised us with a short walk on her own in the sling today (with us humans by her) we didn’t know it would be her last. You can see in her eyes she wasn’t feeling well. We would not allow her to suffer – we promised her this from the start.

This little filly that captured so many hearts would have been one year old tomorrow. It just isn’t fair – I don’t know why things like this happen. I don’t understand it. I could go on and on with my thoughts about this but I won’t – at least not at this time. Today has been hell and mentally and emotionally overwhelming. And I’m not feeling the loss alone. My family, including our volunteers, feel it too – we all loved her terribly. We took turns sitting with her and caring for her – even through the nights. We love you Smarty Pants – you mattered to so many but we loved you enough to let you go. We will always love you. Now you fly with angel wings – until we meet again on the other side of The Bridge – know you are in our hearts, always.

And with tears still fresh we welcomed baby donkey. She was very hungry when she arrived and didn’t hesitate taking a bottle. Lacey has been providing some milk and we have milk replacer – the baby will isn’t picky and will drink either source.

Dr. Ryan had a very hard time getting the catheter into her vein in order to run the plasma.

She is currently sleeping – something she needed badly.

She’s had a tough start in life but like Smarty Pants she arrived with light in her eyes that we pray will shine brighter with each passing day. When Pam went to pick her up she found her standing between two pine trees, shaking – we were having a really bad storm. Her mom was off elsewhere. I wonder what this little one thought? But she is here now and she will have a full tummy all night long and she won’t be alone.

And tomorrow is another day. I don’t know what it has in store for us but there is already a void – Smarty Pants had become a part of all of us. We did everything we could to help her and she knows she was loved. She didn’t die in the sand and sun – alone or afraid. She was surrounded by love. While I will never stop believing in miracles and had prayed hard for one with Smarty – I have to think God had other plans for her and we are not to question that but rather accept it. Yes, she would have been one year old tomorrow – a day that won’t come for her on this earth. Each day we had with her was a gift – a blessing. And when I look up to the sky tonight and see a bright shining star I will think of her – I know she knows she is loved. And even though she runs with the heavenly herd she is still with us. She will always be with us. God bless all of you for caring about this little girl – our little Smarty Pants.

Run with the angels sweet girl – we are so very proud of you and how hard you fought for life. You are, and always be, an inspiration to me and your eyes are etched into my heart forever.

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

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Smarty Pants and Peggy Sue – 05/19/17

05/19/12

Dr. Das worked on Smarty Pants yesterday. She was amazed at how bright her eyes and attitude are despite her condition. Smarty will need additional treatments.

Yesterday we found Peggy Sue with what we thought were ant bites and she was given some Banamine. Late yesterday evening we found her down and looking like she was colicing – the lumps from the bites had multiplied and looked a lot worse. Checking her over, we found a very piece of wood lodged deep in her neck. It appears that she’d rubbed against the shelter to scratch the bites and that is where the sliver of wood came from. She was so swollen – even her face. I called Dr. Ryan and he advised me what to do. I got the wood out in a quick pull and gave her some medications. She got a good bath and spent the night in a stall keeping everyone awake with her whinnies. She doesn’t like to be stalled. She is better this am.

The piece of wood.

Have a great day everyone. Smarty’s hoist is being modified today and once done it will allow her to move about freely in her sling. We did get her out yesterday for a short walk in the grass and she enjoyed that but tired quickly.

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

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