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The Big Search!

On Wednesday, I saw two dogs posted on Facebook who were seemingly abandoned in the middle of a forest of an agricultural area, located close to the rescue. As I simply could not ignore these poor pups, I decided to go search for them which was like looking for a needle in a haystack. After searching for a few minutes, I stopped on the side of the road and said a prayer, and then, lo and behold, I saw ears! The dogs were a male and a female who had possibly been used for breeding purposes and I feared that they may have been dumped as neither dog was wearing a collar or tags. They were quite timid, but they did eat a few treats and were quite thankful for water. Both, however, did not wish to be touched.

I called Diane to ask if she could help as I didn’t have a cage with me at the time. After Diane arrived with her cage, we had absolutely no luck as neither dog would even go near it. As the heat was unbearable, coupled with my terrible reaction to numerous bug bites causing my tongue to swell, I knew I had to immediately get home as I did not have my Epi-pen with me. We had no other choice but to leave these sweet pups and return in the morning in hopes they would get used to the cage overnight. Prior to leaving, they were both fed and given water which would hopefully last until morning when I planned to return with a larger, remote-controlled cage. Needless to say, I did worry about them throughout the night and hoped and prayed that they did not encounter any predators, like gators, coyotes or other wildlife.

Happily, when I arrived Thursday morning, I was truly blessed to discover the good Lord had indeed watched over them; upon my arrival, both approached me, with tails wagging!

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Sweet Eleanor

We never have a dull moment here at Beauty’s Haven! As you all know, we are involved in a TNR program and we routinely, try to trap the feral cats that visit the farm on either Monday or Tuesday evenings in order to take them to a low cost spay/neuter clinic the next morning. On Tuesday evening, however, we were completely exhausted and didn’t plan on arming the cage which I can activate from the house with a remote control. The cage door, however, unexpectedly dropped down when a cat likely bumped it as we found a momma cat and one of her four kittens in the cage later that night (please click on image above).

The kitten had a painful eye injury so we had no other choice but to take both she and her momma to the vet as soon as possible to treat the kitten’s eye as well as to get both spayed, treated for fleas and vaccinated.

When we arrived at the low cost TNR clinic on Wednesday morning, they were at full capacity for the entire day so we had to take them to another vet in town. When I went to pick them up, I only returned home with the kitten whom the veterinary staff lovingly named Eleanor. Sadly, Eleanor’s mom bit one of the veterinary technicians and is now in QT for the next ten days while Eleanor is resting comfortably in our catio following surgery to remove her eye. I am sure she misses her beloved momma but she does have Allie to keep her company.

Momma cat is still a kitten herself, born in April/May of this year but disappeared when she was about four months old. But, a few weeks ago she showed up at the farm with four kittens in tow. One kitten was mostly white but we have not seen her for a few weeks. Sadly, white kittens/cats don’t seem to do as well here as they appear to be easy prey for coyotes and birds. Eleanor always sticks close to her momma, while her two other siblings are more adventurous – we saw them again a few nights ago (we have cameras set up) and they are all thankfully just fine. We will try to catch them in the near future.

This is yet another unexpected expense with which we really need assistance.

If all had gone as planned, we could have had the spays and vaccinations performed at a low cost TNR clinic, but due to Eleanor’s painful eye injury, we simply could not wait.

Sincerely,
Theresa

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It’s Me, Gabi!

“I have a name – it’s Gabi! I was an orphaned baby goat but now I’m part of the Beauty’s Haven family. I was weak and didn’t feel good when I got here – and I was scared. I had been laying on my right side after I was born for what seemed like forever. My mommy had left me there and I didn’t know what to do. So I just laid there. But then I was taken to where I am now. When I got here, I couldn’t even stand up. Mommy Theresa massaged me and worked my legs. I got something called colostrum and milk replacer and then I felt better. And then guess what happened? I started hopping and jumping around! It makes the humans smile and laugh!

I made my first animal friend here. Her name is Kiah. She’s a dog that needed help, too, when she got here. She only has two toes on her front foot because she chewed the others off to free herself from being tied to something. But she gets around just fine and we have started to play together. And I met two orphan kittens, Dash and Dottie, who like to play too!

So… I think I’m going to be okay. I feel better and I’m not scared anymore. Please click on my image above to view how far I’ve come!

Thank you all for caring!”

Love,
Gabi

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Rejected Baby Goat in Dire Need

We never know what will turn up in our driveway next. Today, it’s a baby goat that was born last night but was sadly rejected by her mom.

While Bob went to the feed store to get colostrum / milk replacer, we cleaned her up and treated her umbilical cord. She’s tiny – not quite 2 lbs. – and very weak, so I gave her a little syrup which perked her up a little. When Bob got home, she was ready for her milk. She had trouble standing but there did not appear to be any injuries.

We don’t know how long she had laid on the ground before she got here, but we got her up and started working her legs and rubbing her all over. I guess the nourishment from the milk kicked in and she started to try to stand. And she did! Once she found her legs, she became more and more mobile. Prayers do get answered!

We’ve checked with friends and neighbors for goat milk but haven’t been able to find any, so we’re getting colostrum and milk replacer from the feed store.

Would anyone like to sponsor this precious baby’s needs?

We realize that so many others are in dire need of assistance following hurricanes Helene and Milton, so if you are unable to assist at this time, we truly understand – but you can still help by sharing this with family and friends. If you are in a position to help, please click on the ‘DONATE’ button below.

Sincerely,
Theresa

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Benjamin’s Big Adventure

Yesterday was bittersweet as we saw Benjamin off to school. We’ve been fortunate to welcome several new volunteers recently, and with much happening here, it can be overwhelming for Benjamin. We don’t know anything about his past but we suspect it may not have been positive. One morning, in late 2022, we found Benjamin in one of our south paddocks. Someone must have dropped him over our fence during the night. He was afraid and malnourished. He’s physically very healthy now but has some issues that need to be addressed. Although Benjamin selected me to be his human, he has what I call mental cobwebs that need to be cleared away, and I’m not a dog trainer. It’s essential for him to understand the importance of respecting both people and other animals, while also keeping disruptions to the horses at a minimum.

We wanted to enroll Benjamin in training months ago but did not have the resources. I truly believe that some individuals come into our lives precisely when we need them.

Recently, during a tour with visitors, one of them recognized the difficulties we face with Benjamin and generously offered to fund his training! So, Benjamin is attending Canine Extreme, located here in Morriston. We were quite impressed with the instructor, Raul, who had worked with Shadow a few years back. They are only about ten minutes away! We are so truly blessed!

Sincerely,
Theresa

Aaleyah’s Big Announcement

Hey Everyone,

It’s me Aaleyah Belle, here to announce a new Match Game! Since the hay trailer is now completely empty, this Match Game could not have come at a more perfect time!

Please know that my friends and I would be forever grateful to anyone who wishes to help our little herd here at Beauty’s Haven. All donations up to $1000 will automatically be doubled ~ $1 becomes $2, $5 becomes $10 and so on, and no amount is ever too small. So please help if you can by clicking on the ‘Donate’ button below. We currently have $625 in matching funds still available!

Thank you and Happy Weekend!

Love,
Aaleyah Belle

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Kittens & Cats Galore!

Please click on the above image to view a sweet video of Momma and Baby.

As we may have previously mentioned, during the past year, we have been trying to catch a feral cat who had four kittens about two months ago, in order to get her fixed. As a feral, she has had at least four litters since she was born here at the farm. We have cameras set up throughout and we have seen momma with her four kittens in tow, coming for their nightly meal which indicated the kittens were able to eat on their own. Since the opportunity arose to catch momma and one kitten, we opted to proceed. Since the kitten was not big enough to get fixed, she stayed with us, accompanied by a warm, stuffed sloth and she did just fine. Momma was spayed and upon her return home on Thursday, her kitten was so happy to be reunited with her beloved momma once again. Both are presently staying in one of our A/C storage cabins for a few days and then will be released together. Since the other three kittens have been visiting routinely to eat and get fresh water, we know that they’re all doing just fine.

Last week, Jessica found a kitten in the middle of a paddock who was approximately, just seven to ten days old. We waited and waited, but sadly, the momma did not return, so we had no choice but to help this sweet little kitten. Jessica took her home and, thankfully, she is doing well. Then yesterday, we found two additional kittens who appear to be the same age, and once again, we watched and waited. Since the mother cat, perhaps a first-time momma, had not come back, the kittens were becoming weak, especially the smallest one. The kittens received KMR, were bathed and had as many fleas removed as was possible. They are presently in our bathroom, contentedly napping away in a little cat snuggly house, accompanied by a cuddly stuffed rabbit. Have I mentioned that I am very allergic to cats?

If anyone in the area is skilled with raising orphan kittens and could take these two precious and innocent little ones, please text me at 352-258-9309.

I know kitten season is upon us and everyone is full, but I’m praying for a miracle. Sadly, with all that is happening here at the farm, we have not had time to send weekly updates for which I truly apologize, but for the past five weeks, both Bob and I have had a severe case of bronchitis, yet we are trying to do our best. Our physician changed our medications this past week, so hopefully, we are, at long last, well on the way on the road to recovery.

We try not to ask for assistance for our TNR efforts but we could really use it at this time. KMR and cat food is not inexpensive. We have trapped and had over a dozen cats fixed and including the new kittens, there are at least, nine to eleven more cats/kittens that are in need of TNR.

All donations are tax deductible and no amount is ever too small. Just click on the “Donate” button below where you may contribute in a variety of ways, or, if you prefer, you can help by visiting our Chewy Wish List by clicking here.

Thank you, all for your continued generosity, love and support.

Sincerely,
Theresa

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Kitten Season is upon us!

Kitten season sounds like a magical time of the year, but to animal rescuers and shelters, its mere mention creates a sense of panic as preparations must be immediately put in place to address the multitude of mother cats with their litter of adorable kittens in tow who will soon be appearing on our doorstep. In most places across America, animals mate and give birth in springtime due to longer days, lovely weather and more access to food, which means a higher survival rate. In Florida, however, kitten season is basically, year-round. Cats, many merely kittens themselves, can have litter after litter, throughout the year, making this quite the vicious cycle.

At times, orphaned kittens who are under four weeks old and unable to eat on their own, kittens who must be manually stimulated to urinate and defecate, requiring hands-on care every two to four hours, appear at our farm. With their fragile immune systems and labor-intensive care and socialization needs, these precious babies are, tragically, the most vulnerable of species.

Beauty’s Haven Farm and Equine Rescue, Inc., is not only dedicated to saving these precious kittens by caring for and nurturing them, but is actively addressing the situation with a trap-neuter-return (TNR) program, a program that has met with great success across communities nationwide.

Beauty’s Haven provides these kittens and cats with shelter, food, toys and “catios” to keep them safe and warm prior to their veterinary care (spay, neuter, vaccines) and subsequential release and many oftentimes return knowing that they will be safe, warmly welcomed and be fed a nutritious meal.

With a herd of thirty horses, mules and donkeys, as well as four dogs and five cats, with little monetary assistance for our TNR program, we would be forever grateful for any contribution or item from our Wishlist, specifically food, which would greatly assist us in this most important and much needed endeavor.

Thank you, in advance, for your love and support.

Sincerely,
Theresa

Nala is just one of the many cats we help through our TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return) program. We provide kittens and cats with shelter, food, toys, and catios to keep them safe and warm before their veterinary care, which includes spaying, neutering, and vaccinations. Many of these cats return to us, knowing they will be welcomed with warmth and a nutritious meal. Your support is crucial for us to continue this important work. Please consider donating to our fundraiser—every contribution makes a difference!

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A Catio For Christmas!

Please click on the image above to view an entertaining video of our
lovely new Catio with all the ensuing kitty shenanigans! 

A nice Catio was found under the Christmas tree for the feral cats and kittens on Christmas morning!  A Catio will help protect them from the elements and predators. And just when we thought we had all of them fixed, a female that disappeared months ago, showed up just the other day, with five precious kittens.  They are, thankfully, old enough now, so we can begin trapping them, getting them neutered, and releasing them.

Thank you, Auntie Marilyn, for this incredible Gift of Love!

Sincerely,
Theresa

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Pearle

Introducing our newest rescue. She’s one of the many cats who comes around during the night. These past few days, I’ve been seeing her on the camera during the day rather than going off with the others at sunrise. And her tummy seemed to be getting bigger by the day! We were able to catch three kittens from a litter before her generation, but we weren’t able to catch the mother, so I’m assuming that Momma Cat got pregnant again, and this one, as well as two others, were born only a few months ago.

Since she was caught, this sweet little girl had been hiding in the back of her little hidey-hut, but on Wednesday when I was cleaning her cage, she ventured out of her little ‘house.’ We scheduled an appointment with the vet for Thursday morning and our plan was, if she’s not pregnant, she will get spayed, recover, and then be released. But our plan, however, was simply not meant to be, as on Thursday morning, we discovered that she had six stillborn preemie babies in the wee hours of the morning. Sadly, they weren’t developed enough to have survived. The vet determined that this little one is only about five months old – just a baby herself. She was vetted and spayed and is doing okay and she does seem to be more at peace than I’ve ever before seen her. I’m sure she must have been quite confused about what was going on, but she’ll never have to worry about going through that again. I have named her, ‘Pearle.’

Pearle will remain at Beauty’s Haven to recover and she will be on medication for a week. Last evening, when I sat with her by her cage, she came over to me and let me rub her little head. And she purred! I so wish I wasn’t allergic to cats! Pearle is also very much enjoying the gifts she received from a wonderful supporter – food and feed dishes!

We would appreciate any commitment from others to help with Pearle’s vet bill, which was $265. We also have at least five more kittens/cats to trap and get fixed. I’m especially concerned about a black and white cat, who I believe, may also be pregnant. If you wish to help, you may forward your contribution, simply by clicking on the ‘DONATE’ button below where you can donate in a variety of ways. If donating via PayPal, please designate your contribution to: ‘Pearle.’

Thank you for your continued love and support.

Sincerely,
Theresa

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Benjamin Back to the Vet, Open House a Success

I decided to take Benjamin to Dr. Schirmer yesterday morning as something just wasn’t right. After we picked him up from his initial vet visit (a different vet) where he had an exam, ear cleaning, nail cutting, was neutered and had some tests performed, we were told he did well and there was nothing to report except that he needed to return in two weeks to have his stitches removed.

As the days progressed, however – and hoping that it was just my imagination running wild – it appeared that Benjamin simply wasn’t feeling well much of the time.

His left ear bothered him and he oftentimes shook his head. His skin is not healthy and he has hotspots that greatly irritate him. His sores, from his head to his tail where he had been bitten many times, together with other sores, were not healing properly. He’s had some blood in his stool a number of times and he tires very easily.

With the good nutrition he’s been getting, he should be improving, but he’s not. I had the feeling that something was not addressed at his initial vetting.

Thankfully Benjamin was so much better about going to the vet yesterday. He is learning how to walk nicely on a leash and he greeted Dr. Schirmer with a smile and a wagging tail. Benjamin was great for his examination and tests. He is being treated for tapeworms as well as skin and ear infections. His stitches from his neutering were also removed. He has a 2/6 heart murmur in addition to being anemic, and he needs to be tested for heart worms once again in a few months. We are not certain as to his breed – his DNA test will be mailed out today. He is approximately a year old.

Benjamin was such a good boy and I was so very proud of him! When we arrived back at the rescue, he had a much-needed bath and then he took a long nap.

Sincerely,
Theresa

Celebration Success!

Thanks to our wonderful team of volunteers, attendees and a magnificent performance by Ivory Pal & Rafael Valle, our Annual Celebration of the Horse was a complete success! Many people came from in and around the area and from other parts of Florida and even from out of state – many I didn’t see and was unaware they were here until I went through photos and the sign-in sheet. I would have loved to have seen and spoken with everyone – I hope they all know how much we appreciate their support.

We also appreciate those who donated lovely fundraising items and/or their time.

*Please click on the image to view the lovely performance by Ivory Pal and Rafael.

Annual Trail Ride for the Horses

Saddle up to support our rescued horses and animals!

DATE: Saturday, October 1, 2002

TIME:  9am Registration, 10am Ride

LOCATION: Goethe State Forest, Dunnellon, FL

REGISTRATION FEE: $20

DETAILS & REGISTRATION

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