,

Together at Rainbow Bridge

Alana’s frail little body was just too weak – she left us for Rainbow Bridge this afternoon.   Aiden, the stronger of the two, followed his sister to the Bridge a couple of hours later.  I was with them when they left – they were never alone since the minute we found them.   They were both just so small and frail.  But they did matter and they were loved.  Thank you to all that prayed for them.  They’ll always be in our hearts.

Alanna

Aiden Another Sweet Angel

Their mom, Grace, is just a kitten herself.  She is in very poor condition.  She is getting fluids, as needed, and lots of TLC.  She’s trying to get strong and we will continue to do all we can for her.  Our little amazing Grace – she’s so thankful for everything done for her.  Again, thank you all of caring.

 

#amazinggrace #aiden #alana #rainbowbridge #theywerejustbabies #theyknewlove #bher #savinggrace #graceneedsprayers

/by
, ,

COOKIE – LETTING GO

I apologize for not sending out an update during the past few days, but it’s been tough. Letting Cookie go was more than difficult and accepting that she is gone is just as hard.

Some history – Cookie returned to us from an adoption a few years ago with a sore on her left ear that wouldn’t heal. We feared it was cancer but a biopsy identified it as Leishmania (there are only three documented equine cases in the US – Cookie is #3). There were also sores on her face that were cancerous which were treated but, over time, a few more sores popped up. About four years ago, Dr. Porter referred Cookie to UF where she underwent surgery by Dr. Mangan and his team to remove/treat the cancer. Both third eyelids and her lower left eyelid were removed. Reconstructive surgery enabled Cookie to keep her left eye – Dr. Mangan did a great job!

Cookie UF

Cookie was doing great, but early this year, her immune system took a hit for no obvious reason – the first thing that popped into my mind was cancer. Then, her left eye had an issue. Over the course of several weeks of treatments, biopsies were done by different vets that were sent to different labs, and they all came back negative for cancer. But the eye refused to heal so we opted to have Dr. Mangan remove it. Cookie would do just fine with one eye. We opted to send the eye for biopsy and I truly wasn’t shocked when the results came back positive for cancer. It had likely been there all along.

Cookie Mangan 1

Cookie after her left eye was removed – you could often find her and Ruby sticking their heads out of their stall windows.

Cookie Ruby Window

Several days after her eye was removed, Cookie went out to the front of the barn to lay down and scratch her tummy and take a much needed nap (she would never lay down in her stall). When she woke up, she was out of sorts and hopped up quickly – her back right leg locked up under her. She panicked and ran up the hill on three legs to where I was standing. I massaged it and she calmed down but I was very concerned about the trauma it may have caused. Running uphill on two front legs and one back leg couldn’t have been easy. The next day, Cookie was lame and body sore. I prayed it was something that would quickly heal vs trauma that could cause her to founder. We started icing her feet just in case.

Cookie Roll

Dr. Julia Simonson (holistic vet) treated Cookie with massage and acupuncture. We continued to use red light therapy on her and I called Dr. Specht out to do x-rays which indicated that her front feet were ok. However, we continued to treat her as though she were a founder case anyway – sometimes the breakdown isn’t seen for days.

Cookie Julia

There was no improvement a few days later, so Dr. Porter repeated the x-rays and found rotation (about 4 degrees) in both front feet. Then came the abscesses. We regrouped and opted for Dr. Porter to return with Adam Whitehead (farrier) to do maggot debridement therapy which would help the healing process. We would also continue holistic treatments and red light therapy.   This is Ruby and Cookie enjoying some time together – they had been best friends for years.

Ruby and Cookie

Cookie then lost vision in her right eye for no apparent reason. She handled that well. But when Dr. Porter and Adam came back, there had been changes – Cookie was a sinker. We went over her history, options, and prognosis (which was grim). We just could not ask anymore of Cookie. Despite everything we were doing for her, her quality of life was deteriorating and we saw no end in sight. Letting Cookie go was the most humane and loving thing we could do – we loved her that much. That final walk and those last few moments are always so difficult.

The Last Walk

I never say goodbye when they go to the Bridge but I do remind them how very much they are loved by many. And I stay with them, always, until long after they are gone.

Cookie Theresa

So many go without ever knowing proper care and love and that is so sad. Cookie was blessed – she was loved and she knew it.  Dr. Porter reassured us that we had made the best decision for Cookie and that there should be no second guessing. He knows how much these horses mean to me, to us, and he knows that we try to do everything we can to make up for wrongs that humans have done to them before their arrival at Beauty’s Haven.

Rainbow Bridge Cookie

We were concerned about how Ruby would react to losing her best friend of many years. We gave her time with Cookie to help her understand what was happening. Nobody can convince me that horses don’t grieve and feel a sense of loss for loved ones – they do – and they cry.

Ruby Cookie Final

Cookie may be gone but she isn’t – her presence is still here. It always will be. Where we are – she will be, as are all of those that have gone to the Bridge over the years – Gentleman, Solace, Ambrosia, Casper, Captain, Jake, Layla, Tonka, Mary, Sawyer, Wally, Princess, Faith, Savannah, Tiny Tim, Momma Sue, Genesis, Doc, Admiral, Charlotte, Frosty, Handsome, Grandma Bones, Valentine, Matilda, Victoria, Zaynah, and many more that were loved beyond measure.  They are a part of us, always.

Cookie Forever in Our Hearts

Thank you all for your prayers, words of comfort, and encouragement. We appreciate all of you – volunteers near and far, supporters, care team members – we are very blessed to have the best of the best.  God bless you all.

~Theresa

#rainbowbridge #lettinggo #leishmania #horserescue #bhfer #founder #sinker #alwaysinmyheart #cookie #ruby

/by
,

Cookie Has Her Wings

Cookie got her wings late yesterday and joined the heavenly herd.  Theresa will provide a detailed update as soon as she is up to it – this has been a devastating loss.

CookieWings

Forever in Our Hearts

/by
, ,

SAWYER HAS JOINED OUR HEAVENLY HERD – 05/05/17

May 5th, 2017

Sawyer followed me around this morning after finishing his breakfast and having some pal around time with Lucy. I was delivering hay and, by the time I got to the 3rd paddock, I knew something was wrong.  He was looking at his tummy – one side and then the other.  We took him and Lucy to the barn and put them in a stall so I could take Sawyer’s temperature and listen to his heart and tummy.  His temperature was normal but I didn’t hear any gut sounds and could not hear his heartbeat.  We had a very drastic change of weather last night and usually Little E is the one that gets a gas colic.  But Little E was fine.  Sawyer, however, was far from fine – this was a very painful colic.  I called the vet and administered medications, as directed. Sawyer became more painful and I was concerned that he could hurt himself in the stall so we opted to take him under the shade of the tree by the barn.
Sawyer Colic Meds
We hadn’t been in the shade of the tree long before Sawyer became even more uncomfortable.  I administered more medications while we waited for the vet.  As the medication started to wear off the second time, he laid down to rest.  His gums became very pale and a toxic line became apparent.  We were likely going to lose him but I prayed for a miracle.  I talked to him and told him how much he is loved by many humans.  I promised him that “his” Lucy would forever be loved and cared for – my heart was very heavy.  I try really hard not to cry until after they are gone – but sometimes it’s just impossible.
Sawyer Resting
When the vet arrived, she could not hear a heartbeat or gut sounds either and said he was not going to make it.  Sawyer had gone septic and the only thing we could do was release him from his pain.
Sawyer Heartbeat
I held Sawyer tight as he went to Rainbow Bridge.  He joined Penny and the rest of our heavenly herd.
Sawyer Got His Wings
Sawyer was a very sweet, wise pony of thirty plus years, one of our “Old One’s.”  Losing two precious souls, Sawyer and Penny, within two days, was devastating.  There are no words to describe the pain and helplessness that was felt as they made their journey to the Bridge.
Lucy's Sawyer
Godspeed, Sawyer.  Fly high and pain free with those beautiful wings you so gallantly earned.  You will forever remain in our hearts – we love you, always.
/by
, ,

FLY WITH ANGELS SWEET PENNY

May 4th, 2017

There’s a new bright shining star in the sky tonight. Penny has joined our heavenly herd. She was blessed with so many humans who loved her. All three of her mom’s were with her when she went to Rainbow Bridge – Penelope, Theresa, and Elizabeth. And her human big sister, Bri, was there too. Penny was surrounded by love. But our hearts are broken.

I came home and looked at some old photos. So many wonderful memories. Watching her as a baby and the five short years she had with us was a true blessing. I want to share some photos of her when she was a baby with her mom, Penelope. And one taken on a recent visit I had with her. She always made me smile.

Penny and Penelope

Penny wasn’t a very healthy baby when she came to us in 2012. But with TLC and proper care, she grew strong and came to be loved by so many.

Penny and Penelope II

Penny would imitate her mom – it was a wonderful experience watching her grow up.

Like Mother Like Daughter

Like mother, like daughter.

Penny has her wings now. I can’t help but to keep asking why did this happen? Why our little Penny? The dreaded disease she had (pemphigus foliaceus) I would never wish on any other. I’m so thankful that I got to tell her how much I loved her before she went to the Bridge tonight. I’m very thankful she’s no longer in pain. I’m very sad she’s gone – my heart is broken. I hugged on Penelope for awhile before heading back to the rescue – she was such a good mom. Whenever I see Penelope, I’ll still see our little Penny.

Penny Collage

Fly with the angels sweet Penny – until we meet again. We love you, always.

/by
, ,

RED JOINS LIZ AT RAINBOW BRIDGE

August 11th, 2016

After feeding breakfast to Red this morning, I told him that he was going on a journey to Rainbow Bridge where Liz went to yesterday – that she would be there waiting for him. I explained to him that once he got there, all of his discomfort would be gone. He was a wise older horse – you could just sense that he understood. He got brushed and I gave him some treats.
RedKnoll

We started walking and he led me up Frosty’s Knoll to where it would be his final resting place. He grazed for a few minutes. The vet arrived and said hello. As the vet was preparing his solution, Red looked at me then looked to the sky and then looked all around and whinnied out to the others. He looked at me again with a beautiful calmness through bright eyes. I hugged him and reassured him once again that Liz would be there for him. He went very peacefully. He’s no longer in pain, but rejoicing, as he sees Liz and they cross together.

I think maybe Red leaving the day after Liz crossed is what she wanted – it gave her time on this side of the Bridge to gather up others that had gone before her that were waiting on her so that they could all reunite and reflect on their past and then once Red arrived, the family crossed together, leaving the past behind them. But I am absolutely positive that Liz will make sure that they all greet her other animals in the future when they get to the Bridge.
It is actually a very good feeling knowing that they are together and neither one of them are uncomfortable any longer. We will never forget them. They are both loved.
RedCrossed

It’s been a very long day and I wish you all a good night. Thank you for caring about Red and for your support.

/by
, , ,

People’s Choice Award & Horse Updates Galore! July 22nd – July 30th, 2013 Update

July 22nd, 2013

“I still fit under the golf cart! It makes a great scratching post! I’m a still morphing into a different color. I think I’m going to look like my mommy and she’s beautiful!”

Matilda and Peaches had a hooficure today.

July 23rd

A year ago today Gentleman made his journey to Rainbow Bridge to join his friend, Jake. Life hasn’t been the same here since. The stories don’t come like they used to – the “writer’s block” still lingers. The heart still hurts and the tears still come now and then. GMan was an icon here – he was loved by so many. He had the heart of a champion – he was, and always will be a champion. I still get up each morning and look out the window for him where he used to stand under his tree with his friends. He’s not there – but he is. He always will be.

We love you Gentleman, always.

July 25th

Some of you remember Samantha and Joy, I’m sure. We intercepted Sammi before she got on a truck going to a holding facility where she would have gone to slaughter in 2009. She was very much pregnant. I’ll never forget when Joy was born a couple of months later – she started running around before her feet even hit the ground! They were adopted by a dear friend, Kara that year. Sadly, we lost Sammi last year to bone cancer. But I’m so thankful for the time that Sammi had with Joy and Kara knowing love and TLC.

Kara sent me this lovely photo of Joy yesterday – isn’t she beautiful?

And then there’s Magnum – he’s looking mighty handsome! Melissa and her family adore him.

This photo was taken the day Magnum arrived at the rescue in December 2013.

And we’re very happy for Sophie Blue Eyes. She landed in the arms of her own little boy yesterday in a home where there’s shade! Sophie Blue Eyes is one of the sweetest horses ever. This is what we want for all of them – a loving forever family. They deserve this and its times like this that help us get through the tough times – just look at the smile on her young man’s face!

Foxy loves to be in the middle of everything! Here she is helping Auntie Ruth Wittmann clean Betsy Rose’s stall. lol

July 26th

Why am I not surprised to find him at the bottom of the stairs? lol

July 27th

I’m still a bit under the weather here but I have a Dr’s. appointment tomorrow. In the mean time, I want to remind everyone it’s time for Foxy and Timmie to find their loving, forever home. Foxy’s eye is healed and they are both healthy and ready to go. This is one of the hardest parts of rescue – but they deserve their own human family and home.

We are taking applications on Foxy and Timmy for the next 2 weeks. Please visit our Adoption page and read our adoption criteria. https://www.facebook.com/BHFERAdoptions?fref=ts. If you meet the criteria and are interested in applying please PM me.

Foxy is uphill in this photo which makes her look bigger than she is. She’s like a little pocket rocket all over the place. She’s curious – wants to get into everything!

Sharing some news from Loretta Armstrong! She entered her painting “JoJo and Gentleman” in the County Fair in Amador County, Plymouth, California! She was honored by the “People’s Choice” award. They all loved JoJo and Gentleman!

We will be offering note cards, coasters and other items depicting this lovely artwork. It’s just truly beautiful! JoJo and Gentleman – I just love them, always! Thank you Loretta and congratulations! I so needed a pick me up!

July 28th

Good night everyone!

July 29th

We are now taking applications for Timmie and Foxy! Timmie is a very good mommy and she has a really sweet disposition. Foxy is just a baby – full of energy and curiosity. Timmie is 8 years old and Foxy was born on June 14th, 2015.

Please share their information and help us to find them a perfect forever loving home. Adoption info is pinned at the top of our Adoption page. https://www.facebook.com/BHFERAdoptions?fref=ts

At the end of the day – another storm rolling in. The storms have been horrible lately. I’ve heard many accounts of horses and cows being struck and killed by lightening around this area.

July 30th

It would be so nice is everyday could start like this! I woke up finally feeling better this am. It was a cool morning and did something out of character for me because there is always so much to do. I texted Roe to come for a ride and that’s just what we did!

Bryce has been in training and he came back yesterday. He will be leaving early next week. He’s under saddle now and will continue to have fun learning with his adoptive mom. That’s right! He’s going to have his own human and home!

I have to wonder what Waylon and Bryce were talking about here.

We stopped to let the boys visit a bit with Baby Ray and Mishka.

I think the photo of Waylon stopping by to visit with Sophie is adorable.

It would be even nicer if we could end each day like this. But, after about 20 minutes this morning I had to go to work. But it was wonderful to get out and do this!

Foxy isn’t much bigger than Kitty Cat.

Some of you may remember Lace and Rayo? Well, look at them! I love getting updates on our horses and seeing the happiness they bring to others!

Oh – one more announcement to share before calling it a day. We have an application for JoJo and Jazzy! I get butterflies in my tummy thinking about it but it will all be ok. They will only go to the right home. We’ll be doing a site visit next week and the prospective adopters will be coming to visit. Our boys – I can’t imagine them being gone. But it’s not far from her at all. We’ll see how things pan out.

How JoJo ended up with his flymask like this, well, I have no idea.

Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue Inc. is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization registered in the state of Florida (EIN: 20-4783950). We are not funded by Local, State, of Federal funds. We operate totally from donations from the public. Please consider making a one time or recurring donation to help the horses. We truly appreciate your support – donations are tax deductible. Donations are down significantly and we truly would appreciate any amount of a donation – no amount is too small. Our PayPal address is bhfer or donations can be made via various ways through our website www.bhfer.org. We can only keep helping the horses with help from you. Thank you.

Beauty’s Haven was awarded Verified status by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) in 2012. GFAS is the only globally recognized organization that provides standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries. A Guidestar Exchange Silver Participant and a GreatNonprofits Top Rated Non-Profit 2014 and 2015. Awarded November 2014 Equine Hero.

/by
, , , , , ,

Silver Belle, Cisco, Donks, Peaches & More!

May 14th – 21st, 2015

May 14h

What do these two now have in common? Permanent tracheotomies!

May 16th

Good morning everyone! Daisy’s full of smiles today! It’s going to be another very busy and hot day here. Before it got too busy we wanted to wish everyone a great day!

My escorts this morning. Duke beside me in the golf cart seat, Jazzy leads, JoJo stays right beside me. LOL Have a great day everyone!

Remember Silver Belle? She was also raised by Momma Sue, Aaleyah Belles mom. She’s loved. This is what helps to motivate us to keep going – happy horses, happy humans!

May 17th

I wish I could end the day with some good news but I can’t. In fact, I’d like to ask for prayers for one of our horses and his adoptive parents. Some of you may remember Cisco – an older Haflinger pony cross that came to us in 2012 from a home where the owner was a meth user. I got a call from his adoptive humans this evening – he was colicing – thought to be a twist. I haven’t heard back from anyone yet but I hope and pray he’s working through it. He’d been given fluids, etc. Cisco is a lovely soul – he keeps watch over Tia and Tess – two donkeys that were also adopted from us.

Update – we lost Cisco to colic which is a dreadful thing. Thank you Tony and Michelle for giving him a wonderful home and the love and care he deserved. Rest in peace Cisco – we love you, always.

May 18th

JoJo’s ears are still growing!

May 20th

Betsy Rose on her evening walk about.

I’d say Serenity really hit the Jackpot! Thank you Phil for giving her a wonderful forever home!

Radar ears waiting for me at the bottom of the office stairs! JoJo is a hoot!

If only all of the property could be so green. This is Frosty’s Knoll – a very special place.

The trio of donks is never very far away. Of course, JoJo is always first followed by Jazzy and then Daisy.

Cookie is doing well. She got a hooficure this past weekend from Laura Ritonia-Castaños. And one of Cookie’s best friends, Kim Furse, held for Laura. We truly appreciate them!

Well, our snowbirds are gone until the fall. We’re going to miss you Suzanne, LouAnn, and Ginny!

LouAnn having fun with Lily.

Ginny and Fancy

May 21st

Donovan is a huge teddy bear. Such a kind horse. And big. Really big.

 

/by
, , , , ,

Update November 23rd – 25th, 2013

November 23rd, 2013

Beautiful day. But very windy. This is Barbara and Delaney giving out hay.

I’d like to ask everyone to send a good thought or prayer out for mini Peaches tomorrow as she goes to Rainbow Bridge. She was at UF most of last week but her adoptive mom, Susan, took her home to spend a couple of days with her before having the vet out to help her to Rainbow Bridge. Peaches has cholesterol granulomas in her brain and her neurological function has been significantly impaired. She’s been having issues for awhile now but keeping her comfortable and functional has become too much on her. Peaches is 26 and is 1 of 14 mini Falabella horses that we rescued in a very sad case in 2010. There were 7 mares and 7 studs (now geldings). Out of the 14, Peaches will be 2nd out of the herd that we’ve lost. We truly appreciate Susan and the TLC she’s given to Peaches these past few years.

This is mini Peaches with her BFF, Callie. My thoughts and prayers will be with Peaches, Susan, and Callie tomorrow as Peaches makes that transition to the Bridge.

November 24th

Mini Peaches runs with the Heavenly Herd now. We love you Peaches – always!

Artist: Greg Ambrose

Liberty and her BFF, mini Magic. Both are mares from mini Peaches original herd of 14 – a rescue case we worked back in 2010. They are doing well and are very much loved by their adoptive mom, Lorrie.

November 25th

Some of you may remember Baby Girl – she’s another miracle. Baby Girl was adopted over a year ago to a wonderful family out of state. She recently started showing some changes around her right eye (which was the side of her face that was severely injured when she came to us). After consulting with her adoptive parents vets, and our vets, we thought it would be in her best interest to bring her back to the rescue so the same care team that she had when she was here can examine and assess her. If you read the article it may help to understand why we think it’s important – her case was pretty unique and the fact that she survived with her odds being “0 to none” says something about her love for life. She’s a very special mare. She arrived back here on Friday and settled right back in. She will be going to UF in a couple of weeks. Dr. Morton is looking forward to seeing Baby Girl again! Here’s a link to her story which was in newspapers around the world. http://www.gainesville.com/article/20111218/ARTICLES/111219630. 

Baby Girl upon arrival at Beauty’s Haven in 2011.

Wow – I really was “glowing” at work this morning!

Some of you may remember Daisy – a 4 year old miniature donkey that came to us in August 2013 with cancer around both eyes – the left eye was not even recognizable. Daisy has had many surgeries/treatments and some of the cancerous areas have improved while some are just determined to stick around. We brought her back to the rescue to continue with her care and try a different treatment. She’s full of life and is just a joy to be around. She doesn’t really know what to think of the boys – we’ve had storms all day and they have been in their stall. Maybe the sun will come out tomorrow and we will see how they do. For now, they talk through the stall gate.

“Double Trouble”! The boys, JoJo and Jazzy, over the weekend.

The boys trying to help with the semi-annual great “clean up the barn aisle way up in the rafters” task. Yes, it took from sun up until after dark. But it looks really nice now and the spiders are gone.

Sometimes when I see Little E tagging behind Mishka, I get goose bumps – the loss of Gentleman is still fresh in my head and heart. Mishka is doing well – gaining weight and muscle.

Betsy Rose enjoying a warm mash which she adores.

We are so truly proud of our excellent rating on Great Nonprofits.

Ruby’s UNselfie for #GivingTuesday.

Please join us on #GivingTuesday!

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Only-a-week-away—Are-you-ready—We-are-.html?soid=1119209466648&aid=0flbfr1DLtU

Wishing Everyone a blessed Thanksgiving!

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

/by
, ,

Beautiful Mary Has Her Wings May 31 – June 1st 2014 Update

May 31st, 2014

I need to ask for prayers and good thoughts once again – Mary had a severe reaction to something – we don’t know what. The vet said she could have been bitten by something, she could have ingested something, we just don’t know. She had welts all over and she was having trouble breathing. She got fluids and we have been keeping vigil over her all day. Tonight she went into respiratory distress again and appeared to have cramps. The vet said the stress of whatever the allergic reaction was could cause her to cramp and/or colic. We just loaded her up and Bob is on the way to the hospital with her now. No others in her paddock have had any issues.

Mary is a sweetheart – a beautiful and noble Arabian mare. Please pray for her. My heart is very, very heavy.

June 1st

AM: Mary spiked a fever through the night and her WBC is low. She’s been started on antibiotics. We still don’t know what the issue is – they are running tests and treating symptoms. I’m here with Mary – she is not doing well. Dr. Hughes will be here to review their findings in a bit. Mary is in a stall that is just across the aisle from where Wally was. Please continue to pray for her.

I also learned this weekend that a friend and supporter of Beauty’s Haven, Cayle Wingard, has gotten her wings. Cayle loved horses so very much. I hope she’s already met Momma Sue, Wally, Barbaro, and others. She will be greatly missed. And Kathy Malloy lost her beloved Wesley today – I know she is feeling a huge loss and hurt too. It just hasn’t been a good day – my heart is very, very heavy. Sometimes a rescuer needs prayers too – that’s where I am right now.

PM: Please pray that Mary has an easy transition to Rainbow Bridge. Mary is 27 years old. Surgery to attempt to repair a strangulating lipoma/remove a portion of her gut would be very hard on her and her odds low. Mary will leave this earth knowing she is loved. She is a very proud Arabian mare that has earned her wings. I have asked her to take care of our Wally. We love you Mary.

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

#bhfer #mary #rainbowbridge

/by