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In Memory of Eilian

June 2nd, 2016

Today’s voting to win $10K for the horses will done be in memory of Eilian. There are many cases I don’t post about because there is enough sadness on the Internet but I think it’s important for supporters to see how funds help horses and what we do. And, perhaps another horse can be helped in some way by sharing our experiences. Eilian’s suffering started long before we got the call about him back in late summer, 2013. I found him unable to get up and with bones scattered in his filthy paddock – proof of other animals that had died. A skull only a few feet from where he lay.
Eilian

I can’t imagine what Eilian had witnessed there over time.  Did he wonder if he be the next victim?  Did he wish death would come quickly to release him of his suffering?  Did he wonder what he’d done to deserve what was happening to him?

Dr. Ryan Meeks did everything he could – we did our best.
Eilian

After hours of doing all we could, the look in Eilian’s beautiful and proud Arabian eyes said it all – he knew and he understood there were no options but release.  Dr. Meeks helped Eilian to Rainbow Bridge.
Eilian Tried

The only good that came out of this was that in Eilian’s last few hours, he knew love, and he wasn’t alone.  It broke my heart and I know Eilian saw it in the tears that I couldn’t hold back – tears that told him that he really was loved and that he did matter.  Tears that said I was sorry, and ashamed, for how the human race had failed him.  I kissed him one last time and promised him I’d see him at the Bridge.
Eilian
What we do takes a heavy toll.  It never gets any easier. Dr. Meeks and I both had very heavy hearts that day.  But if it wasn’t for support from our Village, we wouldn’t be able to help horses like Eilian, no matter what the outcome.

We were able to help Eilian, even thought it wasn’t the outcome we wanted, only because of help from our supporters.  One key thing that will enable us to win this contest for the horses is everyone voting and sharing daily – reaching out to family and friends and asking them to vote and to share as well.  Sharing will make a ton of difference!  I truly believe we can do this.  I believe.

Vote here: http://wshe.es/65VvE5f1.  They will only let you vote once every 24 hours – it’s very important that you try to vote as close to the same time each day.  Please – help make a difference for horses like Eilian.

Thank you for your support.
Theresa

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Remember Rosita?

Remember Rosita?  She’s doing great!  Rosita was the worst of a herd of abandoned Paso Fino’s that we rescued in January 2012.  Come meet her at our #ASPCA #HelpaHorse Day / 7th Annual #CelebrationOfLife on April 23rd!  Visit our website and register today!

Rosita_HaHD

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Aaleyah Belle, Peaches & More: May 3rd ~ May 7th 2015 Update

May 3rd

Serenity is on her way home to Phil Yarbrough. I didn’t say goodbye. I’ll see her again and Phil will share her with us with updates and photos. She will be meeting my goddaughter, Mercedes, today at her new home.

 

Serenity is home!!! Thank you Phil!

 

From Phil: Here ya go Theresa. This is what we hoped for!

 

Our hearts have been heavy today. God has called home a very dear friend. Bill Newton was a wonderful man with a heart bigger than Texas! Bill and his wife, Blodwyn, have been married for 66 years – I know his family will miss him (we all will) and their life will never be the same. But just think of all of the wonderful memories they made! Memories are more valuable than any amount of gold and nobody can take them away, ever. We were very blessed to have been able to spend some time with him and Blodwyn on Friday. Blodwyn has been a volunteer here for many years.

Seven years ago today, on May 3rd, 2008, the very day that Eight Belles lost her life while running in the Kentucky Derby, a special Thoroughbred filly was born near the rescue. Eight Belles gave the race her all and crossed the finish line in 2nd place. But sadly, in doing so, both of her front ankles broke and she was euthanized where she went down. In honor of Eight Belles, we named the newborn baby Aaleyah (means greatest gift from God) Belle (IMO Eight Belles). Below is a photo of Bill singing Happy Birthday to Aaleyah in celebration of her first birthday. Happy Birthday, Aaleyah!

 

Bill was retired from the Army – he loved this country and proudly served in the Korean and Vietnam wars. He fought for our freedom and always stood for what is right – he is a hero.

 

I’ll never forget Bill’s bear hugs and the “You got this, kid!” We love you Bill, always. And Blodwyn, we love you and we will always be here for you – you’re family! This is Aaleyah Belle greeting Bill and Blodwyn with her slimy hello!

 

May 4th

Peaches getting some grazing time before her surgery this afternoon.

 

May 6th

Good morning!

 

Barn Divas! Beauty is improving ever so slowly but every little bit is a good thing. Betsy Rose is doing great.

 

Daisy, JoJo, and Jazzy always share their hay. We try to keep them out of the sun.

 

Everyone loves Matilda! I’m so proud of her and her recovery!

 

When she arrived here you could put you hand between each rib. She was skin on bones. There’s no excuse for any animal to be denied proper care. She’s a survivor that will never be neglected again.

 

Love, love, love these hay nets! They save time and money! No wasted hay. Fill in the am and the horses are good until night time. Easy to carry and durable – they’re the best! The donkeys certainly endorse them!

 

Peaches is coming home today!

 

Peaches arrived back at the rescue. She will be on stall rest for 30 days which she’s not very happy about. I’ll give more details later – it’s been non-stop here. And today we have to somehow modify her stall to allow her to look out the window. She’s all closed in so that she doesn’t rub her trach area on anything and open the stitches. We’re extremely short on volunteers. Thank you to everyone that helped Peaches – we truly appreciate it.

 

 

“Jazzy look at MY sand pile! I’ll share it with you if you take my mask and sun blanket off!”

 

That morning we received a call from a nearby farm advising us that a mare and her newborn baby were going to be shot because the baby had a wry nose. When we went to pick them up we found a sand lot with no shade or cover and a mare with a baby by her side. It was obvious the mare had given baby any and all nutrition she’d been able to get while carrying her – she was deathly thin. The baby could not latch on to mom to nurse because of her wry nose. A few more hours and the baby wouldn’t have survived. Once at the rescue they settled into the birthing stall and we milked mom and bottle fed the baby while waiting for the vet to arrive. We were very concerned that the baby hadn’t gotten the colostrum she very much needed from her mom. Blood tests were done on both of them during their exams and we learned that the baby’s IGG level was only 17 and it should have been at least 1000! The vet had to run plasma and he was amazed that the baby survived!

Aaleyah Belle continued to drink from a bottle and grew stronger. A few days after Momma Sue and Aaleyah Belle arrived, another orphaned filly arrived. She was named Buttercup. Buttercup and Aaleyah Belle quickly grew close – as sisters. The girls both drank from milk bottles that we hung in the birthing stall. Momma Sue watched over them, always. After some rehab, which included some ups and downs, surgery was performed at UF to correct Aaleyah’s wry nose. At the hospital she became ill and it was quite a roller coaster ride but Aaleyah never gave up! It was a wonderful day when they came home and were reunited with Buttercup. A few weeks later, we picked up another orphan filly from the same place Momma Sue and Aaleyah Belle came from. We named her Silver Belle – she had been impaled on something and had a hole clear to the bone at her chest and injuries to her knee. So, Momma Sue then had 3 baby girls to watch over and love! This was the beginning a story that will melt your heart. Momma Sue and her girls – they taught us so many lessons about life. It was an experience I’ll never forget.

Aaleyah overcame so many obstacles – it’s a miracle she survived! I admit, it took a lot of care and a great care team to get her through but it was worth it! Her motto is “Never give up!” I find it quite sad that many people do give up on babies like Aaleyah and lives are lost. There are quite a few babies born with wry nose but many people don’t know about them because the majority of them are euthanized after birth. We share Aaleyah’s story to let people need to know about the condition exists and, in most cases, it can be surgically corrected and the horse can live pretty much a normal life. Aaleyah Belle’s nose isn’t perfect but it’s beautiful and so is her heart – just like her momma’s. Here is a link to their Diary where you can read more about their story and see pictures: http://bit.ly/1c7sRNs. There are 3 parts to it – you’ll see the links.

Happy belated birthday Aaleyah Belle – we love you!

Baby Girl made is back home to Valerie. Thank you Double B Equine Transport, L.L.C. for always taking such good care of our horses!

 

May 7th

Peaches is doing better. Katie hand grazed her a few times today and each time she was more animated. She can breathe so much better!

 

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An Orphan Baby Girl Arrives

May 20th, 2014

We would like to introduce our newest arrival in memory of Wally – it’s an orphan baby girl that arrived last night.  This little filly had a very rough start in life.  Her mom’s needs went neglected.  Mom gave her baby everything she had until she had nothing left and she went to Rainbow Bridge.  Left to fend for herself, she tried to nurse from another mare that had a baby on her side.  But the mare rejected her and charged and bit her instead – she has a wound at her withers.  I just can’t imagine what was going on in this precious one’s mind.

She’s exhausted and weak.  She’s got bite marks on her, she’s sore in some areas, and she is a bit thin.  But she’s safe.  Dr. Julia will be here in the morning.  Now we pray for a calm night.

Baby needs aunties and uncles.  She requires milk replacer which is not inexpensive and she also needs to be vetted.  Would anyone like to be an Angel for this sweet baby?

We are an all volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit equine rescue organization that operates totally off of donations from the public.  We are not funded by County, State, or Federal funds.  Please consider making a one time or monthly donation to help us to continue what we do – we can’t do it alone. 

There are various ways you can donate if you visit our “Donate” page on our website www.bhfer.org/donate.  All donations are tax deductible and no amount is too small.  Please share us with friends, family, and co-workers – it takes a village!  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

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Baby Donkey Down!

February 3, 2014

I was in the city at the doctor’s office this morning when I received a request to help a baby donkey. He was located about 30 miles further north of where I was, but I did my best to get there as fast as I could. It was sort of in the middle of nowhere and I know that getting a vet out in that area can be hard. This little guy is not quite 2 years old and has been unable to get up for a couple of days.

When I got the call I was in our mini van – I had just left the doctor’s office. Once I got to him, it didn’t take long for others to get him in the back.  I truly felt there wasn’t enough time for me to go all the way back to the rescue for the trailer.  I prayed he would hang on – the vet would be waiting for us at the rescue.   Prayers were answered.

Dr. Madera was waiting for us at the rescue. He greeted her with those darling long ears.

It didn’t take long to get him out – he was a really good boy for the hour long trip. I sang and talked to him all the way to the rescue. I have to wonder what he thought. He was likely very glad when I finally shut up!

It made me feel a lot better to have him out of the car. And I was so glad Dr. Madera was already here. The little one is pretty thin and very, very weak.

After Dr. Madera examined him, we gently rolled him over and into the sling. He was like a rag doll.  But I think he knew we were helping him.

He never complained and never tried to get up. He moved his front legs a little but not the back legs. Not knowing what caused his condition, that was reason for concern.

Once he was in the sling, we positioned the gantry. Still no movement in the back legs.

Once the sling was hooked up to the gantry, Bob started to raise the sling. The baby got his front legs under him but didn’t even try to get his back legs under him – he just hung there in the backend.

We gave him a little time – when the body has been down for awhile, things start to go to “sleep”. It took a couple of minutes and a little massaging and encouraging, but he finally got it.

Seeing him try to move his legs under him really made us feel good. We didn’t know if there had been any spinal cord/nerve damage.

We offered him some forage while an IV fluid concoction was run – he was very dehydrated. He stood with the sling supporting him. When the gantry was rolled into the paddock, he tried to walk so we let it down some – he did carry his own weight for a couple of steps!

After giving him some time to rest, he looked like he was interested in the grass. He was holding his own weight. So, we said a prayer and removed the sling/gantry.

He was still weak but he grazed, drank water, urinated, and went poop.  I want to thank the family who owned him for reaching out for help and then for letting him go. Life can be challenging at times and unexpected things happen. I am a believer that God puts people in our paths just when we need them at times. I am glad we are able to help.

He is still too weak to get up on his own if he goes down so he will be staying in the sling tonight. Prayers for this baby are very much appreciated. We hope it’s a very calm night.

If anyone would like to help with the baby’s expenses it would sure be appreciated. No amount is too small. Donations can be made via our website at www.bhfer.org. Thank you!

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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November 20th, 2013 Evening Update

Dr. Ryan will be back out tomorrow to examine Mollie’s eyes again and to run more blood work. Mollie is still passing sand in her poop. Her appetite is great. She didn’t get much exercise today because of the weather.

Mollie’s eyes are both cloudy. She’s pretty good about getting her eye meds, thankfully.

Donovan… isn’t he handsome?

Fiona is so sweet. She’s come so far in trust – she approaches and follows me now. Her and Dayo come running when they hear me call (likely because they know they are about to get hay) out to them. The sound of them running across the pasture is simply awesome. If all goes well, both will be at their new homes next week. This has been quite the adventure!

Betsy Rose – what a determined little mare. She was skin on bones and it’s amazing she survived. She has been nothing but determined to make it through her rehab and recovery. She is a great source of encouragement for us. She believes… This photo was taken back in July.

A lovely article about another miracle we were blessed to experience – Baby Girl.

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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Please Pray for Mollie

Theresa went to a farm near Chiefland, Florida this morning to respond to a call that came late last night.  A little Arabian yearling filly had been down since yesterday evening. Her pasture mate, a colt, was rescued by another organization but the filly was left behind as she was down and too weak to stand. A neighbor said the filly was laying in the road after the colt was taken away and he dragged her into the driveway for the night.  Since Chiefland is more than an hour away from Beauty’s Haven, and Betsy Rose was suffering from choke, Theresa had to wait until morning to make the trip. Needless to say, Theresa spent a sleepless night worrying about the little filly.

Theresa checked the filly immediately upon arrival. She is in very bad condition but Theresa believes that there is hope.  She named the filly Mollie.
Mollie

It didn’t take long before Theresa and Kylie had Mollie loaded – time was of the essence.  When they arrived back at Beauty’s Haven, the vet was there waiting.

Mollie was gently pulled out of the trailer.  There wasn’t much life left in her but we don’t give up easily.  Fluids were ran and Mollie was oiled.

The vet had a hard time tubing Mollie because of mud and sand she had ingested.  The poor girl was in bad shape.

Once the fluids got to working we were able to get her sternum.  She’d been down for over 24 hours.

Mollie has light in her eyes – she is trying.

After giving Mollie some time to regroup after receiving fluids, with help from others, they were able to get Mollie up for a short walk to the quarantine paddock. She needs prayers and good thoughts – she’s not out of the woods by far.

Theresa says you can definitely tell that Mollie is an Arabian!  Her spirit is strong even though her body is broken.  Assistance from friends in the community was very much appreciated!

Mollie is down for the night but is now able to go sternum on her own. Someone will be with her through the night and she will be rolled over every couple of hours.  She needs prayers and good thoughts – she’s not out of the woods by far.

Sincerely,
Jeanne

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Introducing Eagle Oct 24, 2013

I apologize that this didn’t go out last week – I just found it in my “Draft” folder.

Remember Elian? He had been on the ground for a couple of days before we got a call on September 19, 2013, to see if we could help. When we arrived Dr. Ryan did all he could – he ran fluids and gave meds – we tried to help Elian get up but he just could not put weight on his back leg. Dr. Ryan believed there was a fracture. Elian also had a large open wound that wasn’t new – it appeared to have been there for a couple of weeks. Elian suffered. He did. I hope and pray that in the few hours that I was with Elian, he felt love. We Elian now flies with the Heavenly Herd.

The pony that we got a call about on Wednesday from an anonymous person was at the same farm that Elian lived at. Sadly, this pony saw his friend Elian suffer for days and was with him when he crossed Rainbow Bridge. We have named Elian’s friend, Eagle. Eagle was living on sand and standing in poop and he was pretty depressed.

Thankfully, others saw Eagle suffering and picked up the phone and made a call for help. They likely saved his life. The owner reluctantly released Eagle to us and he is here and safe now – we just need to pray he works through his colic. He was examined and treated for colic immediately after he arrived. He had an irritated gut due to both parasites and sand.

Eagle looks tired, very tired. Maybe it’s relief?

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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Eilian – Such A Tragedy – Update 09/19/13

09/19/15 Update

I received a call concerning a horse on Wednesday night – it was in a remote part of the county and too late for me to go alone. I called the County and they said they would have a Deputy check it out. I didn’t hear anything back from them. This morning I woke up thinking about the horse and felt it was likely nobody went out so off I went. I got to the address and couldn’t get in the gate which was a good distance from the house. There were dogs and no humans in sight. None of the phone numbers for that address worked. I heard a horse whinny but couldn’t see it. I won’t go into the details of how I finally got in, but I did – it was very frustrating. And I’ll tell you, that what I saw once I got on the property and behind the house was sickening. But I had to focus on the immediate needs of the horse.

The owner called the horse Scant. When I got to him, he was down eating sand – he had been down for a couple of days. He tried to go sternum (he demonstrated signs of colic) and I found three good size limbs under him – it had to have been uncomfortable. I pulled the limbs out and put hay under and around him. I rubbed him and promised him help was on the way. His water bucket was out of reach so I got another bucket and offered him water. He drank and was very thankful. It hurt my heart, very much to see him in his condition. I talked to him about life in general and how beautiful he was while waiting for the vet to arrive. As I looked around me there were scattered bones. And there were tree stumps the horse could have easily impaled himself on in his obvious struggles to get up – one very close to him. I turned a bucket over to cover it.

Dr. Ryan got there and ran fluids – he did everything possible – we tried but it just wasn’t meant to be. His back right leg would not work – there was likely a fracture and there was a good size open stifle injury from a couple of weeks ago. He was very thin (BS 1.5) and very uncomfortable. He was at least 20 years young, his heart rate was high (even after meds) and he likely had quite a bit of sand in him. It’s hard to lose any horse – he was a beautiful Arabian gelding. We all know Arabians are near and dear to my heart. He’s now running, pain free, on the other side of Rainbow Bridge. God bless him.

When he crossed, he wasn’t alone. I assured him it would be ok and that where he was going would be a beautiful place with green grass, fresh water, and there would be only good things and love. And I sat with him for several minutes after and the tears came. I just want to understand – how could humans allow this to happen?

A skull and other bones were scattered on the ground. Proof that other life has been lost. Now I ask for prayers for the other animals there.

Wednesday evening update: I did follow up with the authorities and there is an open investigation. The owner has 30 days to rehome the animals or make conditions better and demonstrate that he is providing proper care for them. There was at least one dog, a pony, several cows, pigs, ducks and other birds. Only 3 of the cows I saw were on grass and they looked fairly good. Everything else lived on sand and didn’t look very well. The owner knows he can reach out to us for help and to help rehome any of the animals.

I am calling the Arabian gelding “Eilian”. Scant was a horrible name, IMO. My heart is as heavy as it was yesterday. The only comfort I can find is knowing he is now in a better place running with the Heavenly herd.

Thank you all for caring.

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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