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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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Benjamin, An Overcomer

It was a very good day for Benjamin on Wednesday! He woke up with clean ears, he wasn’t starving, the fleas had died off, his breakfast was awaiting and he received his very first toy which he absolutely loves! The vet said he’s between one and two years old. His bloodwork results weren’t really bad, as the good nutrition he’s been getting for the last week has really helped. The many bite/puncture marks on him are healing – he may have been a bait dog. He has decided he really likes human attention now, and follows me everywhere. He is also warming up to others as well, since he has learned that the humans here at the rescue are very kind and caring.

Benjamin has truly morphed into a very sweet and inquisitive boy who wants to go everywhere and be a part of everything.

After working hard these past few days, in preparation for the open house tomorrow, we were all so totally exhausted last night. As we were completing last minute tasks in the barn, I looked down and there was Benjamin, fast asleep! He looked so peaceful and I just wanted to curl up next to him. What a difference there has been in just one week! It’s so good to see him play and not run away from everyone or be frightened of new things. As you can see in the video by clicking on the image above, Benjamin is truly an overcomer!

Thank you, all, for helping us to make all of his tomorrows everything his past should have been…

Sincerely,
Theresa

Open House Tomorrow!

We are looking forward to meeting everyone tomorrow at our Annual Open House in ‘Celebration of the Horse,’ from 11am – 3pm. Ivory Pal will be performing between the hours of 12:00 – 1:00 pm. For event details, click here.

You Did It!

Thank you to everyone who contributed a story to GreatNonprofits! We are honored to be included, once again, on their Top-Rated List for 2022.

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Benjamin Part I

Last Tuesday morning, we found this sweet boy in one of the south paddocks. Someone must have dropped him over the fence. He stayed in the paddock next to the road most of the day, but would go to the fence line now and then and look around as though he was expecting someone to come back for him. Whenever someone approached, however, he would run into the next paddock. We opted to feed him – he was very hungry – and decided to give him more time.

I was concerned that he may be sick or injured as he laid down the majority of the day. I have named him Benjamin.

On Wednesday morning, Benjamin was still under the shelter in the paddock by the road. He kept his distance, but came a bit closer than previously. I fed him and was able to get a Capstar in him as he had been scratching terribly. We had a horrible storm and I was so worried about him. After the storm, I went down to check on him and he was fine. I fed him dinner and this time, he approached me instead of running the other way.

I sat for a bit while he ate and thought how sad it is that anyone would abandon him, if that is what happened.

We have no explanation as to how he could have gotten onto the property for when we walked the perimeter, there is no place under which he could have dug.

On Thursday morning, I thought we might be able to get Benjamin in the golf cart by the end of the day. He might have made it had it not been for the rain. On Friday, Benjamin and I had our first nose bump – actually it was a nose to hand bump, but that still counts! He kind of ‘mumbles’ and looks like he’s smiling at times. Sadly, he has indications of bite injuries that are healing over and he’s very reactive with a sudden or new noise – especially coming from behind him.

It appears that he has not had a very good life. We believe he may be a Belgian Malinois or a Malinois/Shepherd cross.

Benjamin is now doing much better at overcoming his anxieties! Now that I’ve had a really good look at him, up close, I can see many puncture marks all over him. Some are hard to see because of his coat – but they are there. But he’s going to be okay.

Sincerely,
Theresa

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Horsey Hooves, Oreo & Upcoming Events!

Here we go again! Farrier week is upon us and Bouie, Frodo, Dancer, Jo, Mo, Peaches, Oasis, Valley Girl, Ruby, Nadia, Venus, Luiji, Warrior, Gabe, JoJo, Mishka, CaryLou and Lucy are just a few who are scheduled to receive a “hooficure” this week.

The average cost of a farrier visit has increased to $40 per equine, and we need help with this most important and necessary need. Just click on the ‘Donate’ button below or on our Facebook page. Also, please note on your contribution that it’s for farrier care, and include the name of the horse you’re designating it for.

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Thank you! We are grateful for your support!

Sincerely,
Theresa

Surgery Success!

Oreo is back home and recovering from a total ear canal ablation that was performed at the Institute of Veterinary Specialists in Gainesville. Oreo had been treated for a chronic ear infection for more than a year without much luck. The surgery went well and the vet stated that Oreo is in great shape and will soon be feeling much better.

Many thanks to those who made Oreo’s surgery possible!

 

Upcoming Events

We have exciting news to share about two very special upcoming events, the return of our annual Open House and our always enjoyable Trail Ride! Click the links below to learn more:

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Mindi Update, Presley’s Passing and Oreo’s Surgery

Mindi on the Mend

Mindi is becoming a bit more animated each day. Mentally, she’s still processing and adjusting. It may take her days, weeks, or even longer to come around. But she will. She’s approaching me now instead of walking off when I go into her paddock. That’s a very positive step in healing, in my opinion. Her coat is looking much better and her eyes are brighter. She needs to gain quite a bit of weight and muscle.

Regarding Mindi’s physical health, her blood test results were what we typically find in malnourished horses. She needs a few supplements; Liver Kleen, Ferrofood from Standard Process, Transfer Factor Stress Pak, a Panacur Powerpac, and Succeed. If anyone would like to gift her any of these supplements it would be greatly appreciated. I’ll try to post links to them tomorrow. Dr. Julia will be back tomorrow to do an Infratonic treatment on Mindi. Hopefully we will be able to get on the dentist’s schedule soon. The farrier comes on Sunday.

If anyone would like to gift any of those products to Mindi, please contact us. Thank you.

Presley

Our beloved Presley transitioned to Rainbow Bridge yesterday afternoon. Presley was truly precious and we will miss him so very much. Grief is truly the price we pay for love.

Oreo

Oreo’s ear canal ablation surgery has been scheduled for July 7th! Thank you to our wonderful little village of supporters who have made this possible.

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‘Til We Meet Again

It is with a heavy heart to inform you, that Mila, the blind cat that Shadow found in one of our paddocks just a few weeks ago, went to Rainbow Bridge on May 27th. At first we believed Mila to be one of the two feral cats that live under the storage building who we feed nightly, but she was not. We have no idea where she came from or how she found her way to one of our paddocks which is farthest from the road. We do know that she was very lucky to have survived. I can’t imagine being a blind little cat, all alone, not knowing where her next meal would come from, where to find water, or if her next few steps would put her in danger of becoming a predator’s meal.

She was such a brave little girl and it is truly remarkable that she survived on her own despite her condition when we found her.

Mila’s initial visit to the vet revealed that she was approximately five years old and weighed just five pounds. She was visually impaired (only able to see shadows) likely due to some sort of trauma. Mila’s fecal and blood tests for other potential issues were done, her little ears were cleaned and she was treated for fleas and other parasites. She had a good size hernia, but, thankfully, it was not painful. As per our vet’s recommendation, she was not microchipped at this time, as he wanted to wait until she was a bit stronger. She did, however, get her vaccinations.

Mila’s blood test results came back the following day with elevated numbers. Since her kidneys and liver were of concern, additional tests were performed. After Mila was started on an antibiotic, she became a bit more active, she ate and drank well, and she became quite talkative. She would follow me wherever I went, but I had to be careful not to stop abruptly as she would run into me. She was a real trooper though – she’d run into walls many times but she soon learned to navigate her way around.

She was such a sweet little girl who loved curling up next to me whenever I sat with her which truly melted my heart.

When we took Mila back to the vet for additional tests, we learned that her kidney and liver values had remained elevated and her cognitive impairment was getting worse. In her final days, when she tried to navigate her room she would walk into a wall and stop and drop and that’s where she’d stay for quite a while. During her first few days with us, she’d respond to our voices or a noise, but in her last days, she would not. Her quality of life was not getting better – it was getting worse.

I’m very sorry for whatever happened to Mila before we found her, but at least, she went to Rainbow Bridge, knowing she was so very loved.

Until we meet again, Mila. You will forever remain in our hearts.

Theresa

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Traumatized and Lost


Shadow discovered a lost cat in the paddock this morning. He was such a very good boy – he alerted us to her and then just stood watching over her until we arrived. The poor cat appeared to be blind and/or in shock. Since she looks like a little girl, we are referring to her as a “she.”

A few months ago, when she was an older kitten, approximately three months of age, we saw her go under one of the storage buildings, and, being unable to trap her, we have been leaving out food nightly. And then today, not being familiar with her surroundings, she ran into a corner.

Thanks to Shadow, we were able to catch her and bring her inside, free from the danger of being injured by another animal or being hit by speeding cars and trucks.

One of her ears seems to have been tipped ever so slightly, so she may have very well been a TNR (Trap, Neuter and Release) cat at one time. She is very thin, but thankfully she did eat some wet food. Her ears are full of mites and she has fleas. She’s not comfortable being handled, so we are going to let her rest for now.

We need to take this sweet kitty to the vet in the morning, but need financial help in order to do so. Of course the initial vetting will be quite costly, so any donation, regardless of the amount, would be greatly appreciated. If you are able to donate please mark your donation “for the kitten.”

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As always, thank you for your love and support.

Sincerely,
Theresa

Oreo is Featured on CUDDLY

If you wish to assist with our sweet boy’s Ear Canal Ablation surgery or send him a gift from his Wish List, you may do so by clicking on Oreo’s image to the left.

Counting Down

We are more than halfway there in our $5000 Match Game! There are only ten days remaining to reach our goal. If you would like to help our beloved herd while doubling your donation at the same time, you may donate here on our website or via our Facebook fundraiser. Please note that it is for the Match Game. Thank you!

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Our beloved Oreo

Oreo was a kitten when rescued 15 years ago from a taped up cardboard box left in a parking lot. He settled in at our rescue with another rescued kitten, Kitty Cat. Both were barn mousers. Oreo is friends with all 35 of our rescued equines and our volunteers simply adore him.

When we lost Kitty Cat last year to mast cell tumors, Oreo became deeply depressed. Afterwards, he lost much weight due to hyperthyroidism which was successfully treated. He was doing well, but then developed an ear infection which has been treated over many months.

After additional testing, it was determined that Oreo needs surgery to remove a tumor from his ear canal. His prognosis with this surgery is excellent.

If you wish to donate to assist with Oreo’s surgery you may do so via GivingGrid or here on our website by clicking the button below.

Thank you all, so very much.

Sincerely,
Theresa

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