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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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Pony Mare in Dire Need

June 14th, 2013

I got a call from someone about their pony mare that is down and can’t get up – they don’t know what to do and they can’t afford to have a vet out.  When I started asking questions, I didn’t like the answers.  When I asked how old the mare is the owner said they didn’t know but they’ve had her a long time and a little girl has been riding the pony, but without a saddle.  I asked for a photo and was appalled.  This mare has been laying there on the ground, like trash, for days.  It’s June in Florida and it doesn’t even appear that anyone has even taken the time, or cared enough, to brush out her winter coat.   Even with the coat, you can clearly see she’s skin on bones.  There is no excuse to allow an animal to suffer – and this mare has obviously been suffering for awhile. 

We have a vet on the way to her but we need help.  I am asking for pledges at this point – I don’t know if this girl can be saved or not but a vet will be there soon to assess and advise.  If the mare is too far gone she will be humanely euthanized – she won’t be left to linger and die and she will not die alone.  If she can has a chance, we have a transporter on standby with MMC Eventing, and we will give her our all.  One way or another, this pony will know that she matters. 

The vet arrived and the pony is being run fluids now.  Her HR is very high – please pray that it comes down and that the fluids will help and that she will be able to get up.  We have someone enroute to transport her to us if she can make it.  She doesn’t deserve to die like this.  The vet recommends the pony be helped to Rainbow Bridge but I feel a very strong need to give the mare a chance.

After receiving fluids, and with assistance, she was able to get up!  She’ll be loaded and brought to the rescue where we will do everything possible to help her to recover.  Please keep the good thoughts and prayers coming!  This one is tugging hard at my heartstrings – there’s just something about her….

To everyone that offered a pledge to help her – thank you!  Please send when you can.  I’ll update once she’s here and settled in.  We’ll be awaiting blood work results too.  Let’s pray it isn’t too late.

The pony has arrived and it doesn’t look good for her.  She’s too weak to stand or to even hold her head up.  I’m amazed that she is alive.  But this says something about her will – we’re going to give her all of the help we can until she tells us she’s had enough.  She has a determined look in her eyes that says she’s not ready to give up.  We will see what the blood work results are to see how badly her organs have been effected and then regroup.

We got her up and into the sling which will be a key tool to her recovery.  It’s going to be a long ride but we’re in it for as long as she is willing and wanting to heal.  She doesn’t seem like a mare that is going to give up easily.  There’s still light in her eyes.

We can’t leave her in the sling – the amount of time that the pressure the sling puts on her body has to be limited since she can’t even stand.  We will take her out periodically in order for her to lay flat to get good rest which her body needs.

We will turn her every couple of hours to help prevent damage to her organs.  She drinks and munches on her mash and when she is awake she is alert. But she tires easily – she is in very bad shape.   We really do need a miracle.  I’m going to call her Betsy Rose.

#betsyrose #believe #wecandothis #prayersneeded #bhfer

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

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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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Solace – He Has Found It Here

December 16th, 2012

This horse was found wandering down a road in south Florida, very close to death.  He reportedly walked away from an illegal backyard slaughter operation.  He obviously has no meat on his bones that would bring money.  When starved, a body feeds off its fat, then muscle, then its organs which is where this horse is.  By the grace of God, and the help of a few, he found his way to us in the wee hours this morning.  Here, he has found solace just as Hollie and the Christmas Trio (Nevada, Sachet, and Noelle) have.  I don’t know why the name “Solace” came to me the first time that I touched him, but it did, and so it is.  Maybe the events of this past week – I’m sure many of us are seeking solace – I hope we all find it too.  

There are pictures below that some may consider graphic.  If you don’t want to see them then please don’t scroll down.  But I choose to share what these horses go through and what we do to help them – the good, the bad, the ugly.  It’s a roller coaster ride and you are all invited to ride with us.  You can follow his progress and see how your donations are used.  He looks like he just walked out of a concentration camp.  

Dr. Tanya scored Solace a 0.5 on the Henneke Body Condition Score scale.  Horses that get down to a 1 don’t usually survive.  This says something about his will to survive.  His stool is full of sand and he has little energy.  He was very cooperative with when he was oiled.  Dr. Tanya thinks he is still a stud but he is so thin she really couldn’t say for sure.  His rehab will take some time – it must go slow and steady.  Too much, too soon, could kill him.  He needs a miracle and hopefully, it will come.

At some point in his life Solace sustained blunt trauma to his mouth – his top front teeth are on a pretty bad angle and there is a scar in the gum line.  Dr. Tanya couldn’t tell how old he is but he is aged.  His teeth are just so messed up – we will have the dentist out soon.

His temperature was low normal.  Blood tests are being done and a stool sample was taken.

When Solace poops, it flows in the hollow under his anus which is chaffed and irritated (this can cause infection) and then it runs down his legs.  We hope to give him a warm bath very soon.

He got fluids (including vitamins) via IV.  He was a perfect patient and seems content being here.  I think he knows we care.  🙂

As much as I don’t like asking for it – we need help.  Today’s vetting was $490 and the transport cost from to get him here (he was 4 hours away) was a very good price but it wasn’t inexpensive.  

I know Christmas is upon us and pockets are empty but please know that any amount of a donation helps.  One of our volunteers told me a few minutes ago that she collected all of her lose change and it came to almost $40 – she is donating it to help Solace.  If many people do this it will all add up.  If you’d like to call a credit into the vet’s office the number is 352-237-6151 and, again, no amount is too small.

We are still nursing Hollie, Nevada, Sachet (she is better), and Noelle back to health. They were all in bad shape too but they are slowly recovering.  I don’t know why these 5 horses came to us but I’m glad they did.  But again, we need your help.  Tax deductible donations can be made via PayPal to bhfer@earthlink.net or via our “Donate” page at https://bhfer.org/donate.

His body has withered away to bones and I hate to think of his past and the stories he could tell of what he has lived through.  His love for life, and will to live, must be strong for him to have survived and find his way to us.  Most others would euthanize him.  But I see a flicker of light in his beautiful eyes.  Somehow, I think he realizes that his life is beginning again, with people that will love him unconditionally and properly care for him.  Will he recover?  We choose to believe he will.  Please keep Solace in your prayers.  

Today is our Christmas gathering with our wonderful volunteers.  They will get to meet Solace as well as Hollie, Noelle, Nevada, and Sachet.  God bless and I’ll update more when I can.  Thank you all for your 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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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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Paso Case Update

01/29/12

Below are a few pictures from today. Carla went out to feed this afternoon and Jacky and Tres helped – it was a pleasure to meet more people that are willing to help. I went out with hubby to take more hay and I wanted to spend a little time with the horses while hubby did a few minor repairs.

The structures in the back of the horses are not on the property.

The group with the gray mare was much calmer this afternoon.

These two mares stick together much of the time. They are both starting to enjoy touch – at least on their noses and sides of their face. I really enjoy just sitting with them and getting to know them – the time goes by too quickly!

Here are some of the horses a few days ago – the hay they were eating looked like cow hay.

Yesterday they got some very nice hay which they love!

And today we took more hay. The temps are going into the 30’s tonight – I think they will appreciate the hay very much.

Carla has graciously accepted the task of compiling a list of people that would like one or more of the horses – as well as to coordinate volunteers to cover morning and afternoon feed shifts.  Our priority over the weekend was to get hay/grain to the horses, get the studs out of their stalls for awhile so they could get some fresh air and graze while their stalls could be cleaned, to clean waterers, and to make minor repairs to fencing, gates, to put together a core team of volunteers to help to manage the many tasks, etc. Horses will be catalogued over the next few days – please be patient because it won’t be an easy task. These mares out in the paddocks have not been handled in a long, long time.

It’s really a wonderful thing – people coming together to help those that can’t help themselves. These horses appreciate everything done for them and we appreciate everyone helping us to help them – we couldn’t do it without help from others. Where there was little light in many of their eyes only a few days ago – the light is getting brighter each day and it’s such a great feeling and rewarding thing to experience! They will come around and enjoy human touch again. They will find wonderful forever homes. It may take time, patience, and resources – but with help from others we’ll do our best to make it happen. Thank you all!

God bless and we hope everyone has a wonderful week ahead!

Sincerely,
Theresa

Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue

A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization

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Paso Case – Almost 40 Horses

The day was very productive and I think much was accomplished. Yesterday we made a trip out to look at a herd of 30+ Paso Fino’s that need homes – their owner was murdered several months ago. Today we focused on getting the horses hay for the next few days as well as providing them with grain and salt/mineral blocks. Feed tubs, waterers, and stalls were cleaned. The studs were all locked up in stalls at the barn – they have been there for a long, long time. While the mares are thinner than most of the studs – the feet on the studs were worse than the mares – the mares constantly move – they are out on several acres with no protection from the elements. The studs had been getting some grain while the mares got none.

Here are a few pictures from yesterday.

And today…. It was really nice to meet new people – working together we got a lot done! I’m going to post some pictures tonight – will have to post more info tomorrow. It’s been a very long day. But I want to thank everyone for caring and for helping! These horses need homes but at least for the next few days – they have food. And the studs got out of their stalls today for the first time in ages – if only for 10 minutes or so – and it was great watching them. And when they went back into their stalls they were clean.

Sincerely,

Theresa

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

www.bhfer.org

Click here to make a tax deductible donation.

Click here to help BHFER via Life’s Abundance Pet Food

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Update on Pony – He’s Here!

Well, the darling little pony is here. We picked him up this evening and he has settled in – I wouldn’t have been able to sleep tonight had we not picked him up!

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Welcome home – let’s get rid of that halter! He got a bath before I first met him this morning – he does have a nice winter coat.

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It will take some time for him to put on needed weight and grow stronger but he will. He’s now on his road to recovery – thanks to many. And what a sweet boy he is!

He’s got much kindness, gratitude, and light in his eyes – his name is Ghost.

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Thank you to everyone that made it possible for this sweet pony to come to the rescue! Please forgive me if I haven’t responded to your emails or posts on FaceBook (which I’m still learning how to use) today – once the wheels were put in motion to help Ghost the day was non-stop! I’ll try to get caught up tomorrow. But please know that we appreciate every one of you and your support. It’s only because of others helping us that we can help those in need like little Ghost. Donations are greatly appreciated – no amount is too small and all donations are tax deductible.

Update on Harley: Dr. Ryan stained his eye yesterday and changed his eye medication to include Dex. If we don’t see an improvement in a week it may not be a good thing. Please pray for Harley.

Update on Haley: Today was the first day we’ve seen her feel even a little bit better. She got a good medicated bath for a skin condition and she was started on medication to treat EPM and is also getting some homeopathic remedies. The day Dr. Jackson worked her Haley we were told that we should see an improvement in her by Monday so we’re 2 days ahead of schedule! Please pray that we continue to see Haley improve.

Update on humans: Tired!

I’ll update more tomorrow – it’s been a really busy day.  Have a blessed day tomorrow!

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