Betsy Rose – our little survivor. The courage this little mare has is incredible! One of these days I’ll share in an album some of her photos that were taken throughout her rehab. I didn’t share many because they would have made you cry. What she endured was horrible – but it was reality and needs to be made available to be seen in order for people to better understand what humans did, or didn’t do to her.

We need to start pushing for strong laws to protect the victims. We must be their voice. You’ll be able to choose if you want to see the photos and videos or not. Some will bring tears, anger, and feelings that words can’t describe. While I focus on the positive things with my posts – I don’t want to forget the pure hell Betsy Rose endured. If her story can prevent just one animal from being treated as she did what a blessing that would be. And if, through her rehab, others can learn what rehabing a horse in her condition entails and it helps them to help others – that too would be a blessing. It’s not easy. It’s an emotional roller coaster ride. It’s physically and mentally challenging. But it’s so worth it. I adore this mare and I thank God and all of you for helping us to make sure that her future will be everything her past should have been.

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

Betsy Rose and Freckles want to help Divinity!

Hey everyone, Freckles had a great idea for a fundraiser! Here is how the idea came about:

Freckles – "Betsy Rose, I heard the humans talking about Divinity and her cancer. They said she needs to go to UF to have her eye removed. But …she has a cancer place at her nostril and the vets there need to determine if it can be treated or not. It’s in a place where, if it is deep enough, they may not be able to remove it because it would go into her gum. But no matter what – can we please help Mommy Theresa raise money to help with this?"

Betsy Rose – "How can we help, Freckles?"

Freckles – "Well, would you be willing to give up some of your tail hair? Everyone loves you – the humans could make a horsehair bracelet from your tail hair and auction it off! If we could raise the money it would take a lot of worry off of Mommy Theresa."

Betsy Rose – "Wow! That’s a GREAT idea! Here – cut it now! Go get Mommy Theresa and let’s do it! Everyone has been so good to me and Divinity is such a nice mare! She deserves a chance just like I did! I DO want to help! You’re an awesome and thoughtful friend Freckles!"

So, today we will start the bidding on a beautiful horse hair bracelet made from Betsy Rose’s hair! Bidding will start at $50. Please bid in $5 increments. Bidding will end 8-20-13 at noon. Please share and happy bidding!! Current bid: $330 PS: please don’t worry – we are collecting Betsy Rose’s tail hairs when we brush her tail – they are falling out. So is her mane. But this is ok – new hair is growing in.

Betsy Rose whinnying in excitement about the thought of helping Divinity!

This is Divinity – the mare that Freckles and Betsy Rose are helping to raise funds for. Dr. Porter referred her to the University of Florida for an assessment and to potentially have her left eye removed – she has squamous cell carcinoma…. She also has SCC under her right nostril – this area is of most concern. The vets at UF will have to determine if this area can be treated – it may be too large and too deep. We hope to get her in on Wednesday. Divinity is otherwise, in good health and is perky and interested in everything around her – especially the boys. Divi is at a foster home where she has her own stall and a green grass paddock where she can go at night.

Betsy Rose patiently waits to get out of her sling.

Betsy after a meal and now sleepy. But it doesn’t stop her from visiting the feed room door (again)!

Lucy is a miniature horse that has Big Head Disease. The vets had recommended she be put down – she had multiple issues and her prognosis was grim. I went to meet her at the hospital and felt a connection. She was only 3 years old and deserved a chance to get better – and she did! She is another miracle! She gets fed a special diet due to her condition. Lucy needs a large container of Well-Gel which is $232. Would anyone like to help Lucy? It will last her several weeks. Donations towards this can be called directly into the vet’s office at 352-237-6151. Thank you! – UPDATE – this has been covered.

For those of you who remember Kami (Comet), her mom, Haley, and dad, Rusty…. She’s still a hoot! Could you imagine her with CaryLou? Thanks for sharing this Melissa and George!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=-Yxeqrp8NHY

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

Dr. Porter visited with Betsy Rose today.

Divinity was also seen by Dr. Porter today. She has cancer below and in her left eye. Dr. Porter has referred her to UF. We expect a call back from UF on Monday to discuss having her left eye removed and to have an area on her nostril treated. Otherwise, she is in good health and is perky and interested in everything around her – especially the boys. Divi is at a foster home where there she has her own stall and a green grass paddock to go out in at night.

We are dealing with 3 patients with SCC at this time. Cookie, Sisco, and Divinity. Cookie had surgery to remove the SCC from under her eye and a spot on her face a couple of weeks ago. The area looks good. There is a very small spot lower on the same side of her face that is also being treated with creme. Sisco is doing well too. Dr. Porter is very happy with his progress. He has one little spot that we will continue to treat with cream for awhile.

Ceri and Nadia were late for breakfast. Peaches was having a feast – but not for long. I haven’t seen Ceri move that fast in awhile!

Nevada picked today to be sound. Why does this happen? He’s lame everyday. But today he was sound. We’re going to put him back to work slowly and see how he does.

Harvey – he’s so cute but is growing like a weed!

Have a great weekend, Everyone!

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

Dr. Julia Simonson and Remona Seckinger came by to see Betsy Rose yesterday. We wanted to review the meds/supplements that Betsy Rose is getting and rule out any potential lung issues – she still has a cough and a snotty nose off and on. Dr. Julia ultra-sounded Betsy’s lungs and they looked good – whew! It was really nice to meet Remona – meeting people in person who we are friends with over the Internet is great – I love sharing Betsy Rose with others! She’s just adorable!

Bonnie is a new volunteer at the rescue. Where she gets her energy I have no clue! LOL! But we sure do appreciate her and her time. And the horses love her – thank you Bonnie!

Look where we are! Thank you Dutch Henry and TrailBlazer magazine!

This is sweet little Morgan – she is available for adoption. Pamela Zarem has been fostering Morgan. Pam’s daughter, Brittany, has been riding her. Thanks Pam and Brittany!

This is Nevada. He was 1 of 3 horses we took in this past December. We called them the Christmas Trio – all were very thin. The other 2 were mares we named Sachet and Noelle. Authorities working the case asked us if we could take them – otherwise they would end up at auction. Taking 3 in at once was a huge undertaking but they needed help and it was the holidays. Over time, all recovered. Sachet and Noelle have found homes. I have ridden Nevada – he is a very nice horse. One day, I saw him running and playing with the 3 year olds and he came in lame. Dr. Porter will be out tomorrow to examine Nevada, check on Cookie’s eye and a new spot on the side of her face, examine the mare with the SCC in her eye and on her nose, and to follow-up on Solace. We are looking for sponsors to help with Dr. Porter’s visit tomorrow with the exception of Cookie – she should be covered thanks to funds raised by the Equine Cancer Society through an online auction fundraiser (many thanks to ECS and the participants of that too!). The first was taken after Nevada’s arrival this past December. The one on the right was taken a couple of weeks ago. He deserves his very own human but until we figure out why he is lame and identify a treatment plan and any possible limitations, he will remain at Beauty’s Haven.

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

Tuesday: "Betsy Rose it’s great to see you feeling better and stronger each day! But you need to rest more so you can get well – that cough doesn’t sound good and it makes Mommy Theresa worry. Let’s get a good night’s sleep – the farrier is coming on Wednesday and a lot of the horses are getting hooficures!"

Freckles keeps Betsy Rose company around the clock. We’re so thankful for both of them!

"Please Auntie Karen – just one more apple?"

Wednesday Morning nap. We need some clouds. And a breeze.

Many have emailed or PM’d me asking about the status of charges against the person(s) that allowed Betsy Rose to get in this condition. Instead of answering directly, I’m putting the answer here for everyone. The case was sent by authorities to the State Attorney’s Office in Gilchrist County weeks ago for evaluation (cruelty charges as a misdemeanor) and was assigned to an attorney. As of today NOTHING more has been done. I know the "system" moves slowly sometimes. I just hope and pray it works as it should. The Deputy who worked the case has called on occasion just to see how Betsy Rose is doing. But the case is out of his hands – it’s at a higher level. This mare lived, and almost died, because her basic needs went neglected. It’s wrong. Just plain wrong.

We are an all volunteer 501(c)(3) organization that operates solely from donations to help horses in need. No amount of a donation is too small – all donations are greatly appreciated! Donations can be made via different ways through our "Donate" page on our website. Our PayPal address is theresa

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

"Come on over Freckles – I got another present! Look – there’s another box in here! And a card! Oh – and another card with a picture of a beautiful Arabian horsey all dressed up!"

"Mommy Theresa, will you please read me the card that is in the envelope? And then let’s open the box! I’m excited!"

"Oh my – what is it? It’s beautiful, but I don’t know what it is! There are 3 presents in one pretty box! It’s a halter! It looks like the beautiful Arabian halters I saw on the horses in the magazine!"

"Next! Quick – I want to see! What is it? Oh my goodness – it’s a blanket to match!" Betsy Rose is so expressive. She pays attention to details! It’s like each new experience is one that she wants to hold on to forever.

"Ok, and what is this? It’s a necklace to match! Can I try them on now – please?? Freckles don’t look – turn around and I’ll let you know when to look, ok?"

"Ok, what do you think Freckles? Wait – we’re not done yet – still have to put on the blanket! I’m so excited!"

"Well, how do I look? I feel beautiful! Freckles – what do you think? Mommy Theresa says that Auntie Nancy Gates made this beautiful set by hand – with lots of love!"

And there Betsy Rose stood – tall and proud for the world to see through pictures. She has the heart of a champion and an iron will that I’m sure helped her to survive when she was at death’s door. While she lay on the ground like garbage, unable to stand, waiting for death to take her away – she didn’t know that God had other plans for her here on earth. Having her with us is a true blessing. Betsy Rose is amazing, forgiving, loving, and just a beautiful soul. All of us, together, are making her future what her past should have been. She is grateful. She radiates love and kindness – her presence makes you feel good. You just want to hug her, a lot. And we do!

And then Betsy Rose stood down, closed her eyes, and appeared to say a prayer of thanks.

"Get a picture from my other side Mommy Theresa!"

"I feel like a princess! I wish all the little ponies in the world could feel like I do now – it feels really good!"

"I promise you Betsy Rose that everything will stay nice and safe in this lovely box. Betsy Rose – thank you for sharing your life with us. You ARE a princess and you ARE loved by people from around the world!"

This was quite an experience to share with her. Sometimes, it’s almost like Betsy Rose is human – we have conversations. She speaks very clearly without saying a word. She soaks up all the love she is given – she is one of the lucky ones. God led her to us for a reason. I believe…

Wishing everyone a wonderful evening.

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

"Good morning everyone! I’m Betsy Rose! Look what I got from Auntie Nancy Gates! How do I look? Mommy Theresa says I look "regal" whatever that means! Poor Freckles fell off the hoist when she saw me all dressed up! It’s ok, she didn’t get hurt. She just kept saying "awwwe!" I’ve never had anything like this! I saw pictures of horses wearing beautiful sets such as these in a magazine when Mommy Theresa read a story to me one night about a beautiful Arabian horse but I never dreamed I’d have my own set!

Everyone has been so kind to me – I feel so special – this beautiful set, treats, halters, spa products, supplements, really nice notes, cards, a fly mask, leads, and more! Thank you all so much for making me feel so good – hugs and kisses to everyone! We wanted to share this picture with you in hopes that you start your week out with a smile! Time to go walking – have a great day everyone! And thank you Auntie Nancy!"

I have some really priceless pictures to share of her opening this gift I’ll share later today.

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

Betsy Rose got a couple of gifts over the last few days. As usual, her expressions speak for themselves.

She must know how to read because as soon as she saw the label "Winnie’s Cookies," she started licking in anticipation! Thank you so much Nona!

Out grazing for a few minutes.

Betsy Rose is coughing and does have a snotty nose again. But she has a great appetite and is perky. She did well out of sling today – it was a record for her! Combined time out was about 5 1/2 hours! The edema is better. This is Bonnie giving her a good brushing which she really loved!

Betsy Rose is still slowly gaining weight and strength. She’s truly a mare that is determined to overcome. And she believes.

Betsy Rose has really come a long way. This picture was taken the first week she was with us.

I have other things to post but will try to get it done tomorrow. Have a good night everyone – please keep Betsy Rose in your prayers.

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

It was another busy day. Betsy’s blood work was ok. Improvements are in a couple of areas. Betsy Rose has been started on antibiotics – her snotty nose is a bit worse. No coughing. Appetite is good. Temp, HR, RR all about the same. Urine sample was collected today – results tomorrow. Betsy seems to be a bit better each day.

Cookie received a box of presents!!! A really beautiful halter – the color is perfect and it looks great on her! And she adores the cookies!

She just sees one of the containers of cookies and she starts talking!

Betsy Rose also got presents! Thank you so much Ellie M. and Sherie (Equi-Spa)! Betsy Rose and I both love the aromas!

Look at the curiosity in those eyes!

Freckles was just as interested!

Well I’m not sure there can be two Mayor’s. Yes, Betsy Rose has her ears pinned.

Betsy Rose’s blood work (CBC/SMAC) results were better than last time. Dr. Julia took a urine sample today. Betsy Rose has been started on a course of antibiotics. The snotty nose has gotten a little worse. No cough. She has a great appetite and attitude. Thank you all for caring about this little mare!

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

Betsy Rose enjoying a little walk.

Betsy Rose was so interested in Penny and Penelope this morning. She’s very interested in everything going on around her – always.

Betsy Rose is even mastering the little knoll at the front of the barn. She’s pretty much solo now for periods of time. I can tell when she’s ready for some human support near her and we comply. Today she tripped and caught herself really well. She stood up and looked to be very proud of her accomplishment! Soon, she will be strong enough to stay out of the sling. God bless this dear heart!!

Cookie today. Her left eye is healing nicely. She hasn’t rubbed it or anything. I hope and pray she will never have another issue with the "c" word.

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