, , ,

Please Pray for SeAnna

SeAnna coughed a few times last week, but she didn’t have a temperature and her appetite had been great. But on Sunday morning at breakfast, she coughed and sounded like she may have been experiencing a choke (blockage in the esophagus) but there was no discharge from her nose or mouth. Her thyroid also appeared to be enlarged which caused concern that a cyst or tumor may have been pushing against the esophagus. I took her temperature and it was elevated at 102.6 so I gave her Banamine and called the vet.

We’ve had quite a bit of experience with choke because of Betsy Rose. She had dysphasia (difficulty swallowing) due to a neurological problem. Betsy choked multiple times over the years and, in the end, she had totally lost her ability to swallow. Sadly, we had to let her go.

Dr. Cardona examined SeAnna, and to rule out a mechanical issue in the upper airway, he scoped her. He discovered a lot of mucus at the base of her trachea which was indicative of infection. Blood was drawn and the results revealed a lower respiratory infection. SeAnna’s treatment plan includes a course of antibiotics and she will be in the quarantine paddock for awhile. It’s thought she’s not contagious but it’s better to be safe than sorry. She will be reassessed later in the week and if we aren’t seeing improvement, Dr. Cardona will ultrasound her lungs.

SeAnna had been abandoned for many weeks on a piece of property several years ago when a hurricane came up the east coast. She came to us skin on bones. Her rehab went well and she’s one of the sweetest mares you could hope to meet. She is 21 years young and once she is over this bug, she will be looking for a forever home again. Please keep her in your prayers.

We don’t know what SeAnna’s vet bill (including medications and supplements) will be, but it’s not going to be inexpensive. If you would like to help SeAnna, donations may be called directly into the vet’s office, El Sol Equine Practice, at 352-671-3737. You may also donate via various means on our website at www.bhfer.org or via our PayPal address: bhfer@earthlink.net. If donating via PayPal, please designate your donation for ‘SeAnna,’ and if you select the tab for ‘Friends or Family,’ no fees will be deducted from your contribution. All donations are greatly appreciated and no amount is ever too small. Thank you!

/by
, , , ,

A Serious Dilemma

We have a bit of a serious issue…

The mower broke and while the paddocks look beautiful and the horses and donkeys are happy, there’s simply too much grass! Long grass puts equines at risk for founder which is the last thing any of them need. Bugs are more plentiful and it also puts horses at risk for eye issues, scratches, etc. I’ve included some photos of what a simple grass seed pod can do – JoJo and Beauty have both had eye injuries from grass seed pods. Eye injuries are uncomfortable for the horse/donkey and we humans have to treat the eye several times a day, 24/7. Prevention saves a lot of stress, discomfort, time and money.

JoJo says he has a fix and the paddocks don’t need to be mowed, but they really do – the sooner the better! The cost for the mower repairs is $1421. Of this, $770 has already been raised which leaves a balance of $651. I know we keep asking for help (which I don’t like to do) but we operate totally from donations. If you can’t help financially, we completely understand, but you can still help by sharing this out – invite people to our website and Facebook pages where they can learn about us – perhaps they may even be able to help!

Please consider a tax deductible donation to assist with this emergency. Donations can be made via various means on our website at bhfer.org/donate or via our PayPal address bhfer@earthlink.net. If donating via PayPal, please designate your donation for ‘Mower,’ and if you select the tab for ‘Friends or Family,’ no fees will be deducted from your contribution. Our PayPal.me account is paypal.me/bhfer. All donations are greatly appreciated and no amount is ever too small.

On behalf of our ‘Velvet Nosers,’ thank you, all, from the bottom of our hearts!

The really long grass is beautiful but it’s something none of the horses and donkeys need as grass seed pods can cause eye injuries and grass can cause founder.

A mower is essential to keep the paddocks safe for the horses and donkeys.

JoJo has his own idea…

“Wait! Please stop! You don’t need to mow because all of us donkeys and horses will take care of it by eating it!”

Bob is still recuperating from open heart surgery but he’s looking forward to getting back to work.

JoJo had an eye injury caused by a long piece of grass that became lodged under his lower eyelid.

You could clearly see the injury once Dr. Ted stained it.

Beauty also experienced an eye issue a few years ago. Dr. Ryan, upon examination, discovered a seed pod stuck in her eye, but even after removal, the damage had already been done.

Beauty’s ulceration had to be treated several times a day around the clock, but sadly, her eye remains permanently scarred.

[social_button button=”twitter” ttext =” We have a bit of a serious issue… The mower broke and while the paddocks look beautiful and the horses and donkeys are happy, there’s simply too much grass!” tcount =”horizontal” tvia =”BHFER_EquineRes”][social_button button=”facebook” furl=”https://bhfer.org/a-serious-dilemma/” fsend=”on” flayout=”standard” fshow_faces=”on” fwidth=”450″ faction=”like” fcolorsheme=”light”]

/by
, , ,

Zahara Leaves for School!


[clear]

Zahara

Zahara is a stunnning Thoroughbred mare that was born in 2007. We were told that her original owners gave her to someone years ago. While at that home, in 2012, she sustained a neck injury. Dr. Michael Porter took x-rays which indicated a fracture at C-4/5. In 2014, her original owners took her back. Not long after, the owners called Dr. Porter because Zahara was looking poorly. Dr. Porter found her quite thin and depressed. He called us and asked the question – could we take her? Of course we would!

Zahara was transported to the rescue where she settled in nicely. She was vetted, her teeth were done, and her feet were trimmed. Her rehabilitation program went well. Dr. Porter x-rayed her neck to compare it to the original injury and he was truly amazed at how well it had healed!

Zahara is a very pleasant and honest mare. While she will never race, jump, or pull a cart or buggy, she will make a nice trail horse or wonderful companion, and now, thanks to the generosity of a dear friend and supporter, Zahara has departed for school to begin her training.
[clear]

Dr. Cardona (El Sol) was at the farm last week to check on Penny and Frodo. While he was here, he did a new Coggins on Zahara as well as microchipped her.
[clear]

Zahara left for ‘school’ on August 1st. We’re so excited that she will be learning new things! She normally doesn’t like to load, but, as usual, Pam of Double B Equine Transport, was very patient with her.
[clear]

It didn’t take long for Zahara to walk right onto the trailer and then, off to school they went!
[clear]

Zahara, is yet another Beauty’s Haven Miracle thanks to our wonderful and dedicated village of supporters. Through your generosity, love and support, you have helped us grant this beautiful mare a second chance at life, a life without pain and worry, a life with dignity and respect.

Beauty’s Haven Farm and Equine Rescue, Inc., a place where ‘Life Begins, Again!’
[clear]

/by
, ,

Frodo Needs Prayers


[clear]

BELIEVE

We would appreciate continued good thoughts and prayers for Frodo. We’re supporting him in every way possible – he’s foundered and rotated a few degrees. The indirect lightning strike must have been a horrible experience for him.

This was a concern from the beginning – after he took an indirect lightning strike, Frodo became uncomfortable in his front feet and, as a precaution, we started treating him as a laminitis case. The farrier put hoof testers on Frodo a few weeks ago and his response was not indicative of a founder case so we hoped that he just had an abscess that would resolve on its own. In fact, he did have an abscess in the right foot that recently popped so that foot is feeling better, but now, the left is more uncomfortable. Frodo has, in fact, foundered, but he is in great spirits and we’re optimistic that he will recover from this. He will. Believe…
[clear]


Our Matching Gift Challenge will be ending on July 31st at 11:59pm EDT so please take advantage of this opportunity to double your donation! All donations up to $2000 in our ‘Beauty of the Heart’ fundraiser will be matched dollar for dollar. If you would like to participate, whether through gofundme, PayPal: bhfer@earthlink.net or our website: www.bhfer.org/donate, please designate your contribution to ‘Beauty of the Heart Matching Gift.’ All donations are greatly appreciated and no donation is ever too small. If you are unable to donate at this time, we ask that you please share this fundraiser amongst your family and friends.  Thank you once again. You all truly exemplify the words of Rumi ~ ‘The only lasting beauty is the Beauty of the Heart.’
[clear]

/by
, , ,

TINSEL’S LONG AND WINDING ROAD TO RECOVERY

Tinsel_Recovery
[clear]

April 24th, 2018

Dr. Ted did x-rays on Tinsel’s hock again yesterday. She continues to fight a joint infection but her recent SAA numbers have been much lower than they were initially, albeit they’re still elevated. She will, therefore, remain on IV antibiotics.

Tinsel appears to be a content horse. Her temperature is normal and she has a great appetite. Her eyes are bright and she’s interested in everything that goes on around her. She walks on her toe much of the time, but when she does put weight on that foot, she walks quite well.  She walked really well the day after she received an acupuncture treatment by Dr. Julia last week.

All of this sounds positive, but Tinsel’s prognosis remains guarded. She is not out of the woods by far, and we don’t know how this will resolve. She came to us in very poor condition – underweight and with a horrible eye infection. But she beat the odds – we were able to save her eye and she blossomed into a beautiful mare.

Dr. Ted, Dr. Julia, and the rest of our care team are not giving up on Tinsel. And very importantly, Tinsel isn’t ready to give up either. She’s come so far and we are praying for a miracle. Tinsel needs good thoughts and prayers. A day at a time.

Thank you for caring. Believe…
[clear]

April 26th
Dr. Ted gave the ok for Tinsel to hand graze for which she is really appreciative. One of the complications that can arise when a horse puts all their weight on the right or left foot versus distributing it evenly on both feet, is laminitis.
[clear]

I am putting Rock Tape on Tinsel’s bad leg and I do believe it’s helping. Please click here to learn about this amazing product.
[clear]

Yesterday was LouAnne’s last day for awhile. We’re going to miss her and Lance but they will be back at the end of summer. We truly appreciate all of their help and wish them safe travels.
[clear]

Volunteers-needed
[clear]

Volunteers are key to what we do here and we need more! It is one of the primary reasons that we are going to relocate as soon as we find suitable property that is closer to the vet school. And right now, until I am out of a cast, we need help even more!

#volunteersneeded
[clear]

/by
,

Precious Baby Ashton Has His Wings

Ashton-Angel-Wings
[clear]
April 20th, 2018

It is with heavy hearts that we inform you that Ashton, our sweet baby Alpaca, now has his wings. The vet called Theresa a few minutes ago and suggested we stay the course tonight and regroup in the morning. However, when she returned to check on Ashton, he had taken a turn for the worse. Blood tests revealed that he was suffering from meningitis. The vet advised Theresa that it was time and Theresa gave her permission to help this innocent baby cross Rainbow Bridge.

Ashton was a premie and we knew from the beginning, when the vet stated that his chance for survival was only 50/50, that we just had to try, for that is what Beauty‘s Haven is all about – to grant a second chance at life to those in need. Little Ashton tried his best as well. In his final hours, Ashton was surrounded by warmth and love.  He didn’t die on the ground, confused and all alone.

We want to thank each and every one of you for responding so quickly to our plea for help. We are so very touched by your outpouring of love, kindness and most thoughtful generosity for this precious baby boy. We do not know yet what the final hospital bill will be, but once we do, we will ensure donations are applied and refunds for the overage will be issued.

Once again, thank you all for your love and support.
[clear]

/by
, ,

NEWBORN ALPACA IN DIRE NEED

Baby-alpaca
[clear]

April 20th, 2018

Friday Morning
We have a 24 hour baby alpaca coming in. His mother rejected him.  If so, his only hope will be for us to take him to UF.  He needs colostrum and vet care ASAP.
[clear]

The little one is trying. Please click here to see me trying to comfort him on our way to the hospital.
[clear]

We need a miracle.
[clear]

We named him Ashton.

Ashton is receiving plasma and is trying so hard.  His initial blood work is not good but we’re not giving up. They have given him a 50-50 chance.

Believe…
[clear]

Theresa has put down a $1,000 deposit at UF for Baby Ashton’s care.  The estimated cost at UF for the plasma with the antibodies he needs, along with blood work, antibiotics, fluids, etc. is $800 to $1200.

If you would like to help this very special little boy, contributions may be made via various means on our website at www.bhfer.org or via our PayPal address: bhfer@earthlink.net. If donating via PayPal, please designate your donation to: ‘Baby Ashton’ If you select the tab, ‘Send Money to Friends or Family,’ no fees will be deducted from your contribution.

Please keep little Ashton in your prayers.

/by
, , , ,

THERESA’S FRACTURE & TINSEL’S RECOVERY

Theresa-fracture
[clear]
On Monday, Theresa was accidentally kicked by one of the horses and she was knocked to the ground. She was immediately taken to the ER where x-rays of her right leg, hip, and hand were performed. Thankfully, no fracture occurred in either her hip or leg.  A CT scan, unfortunately, revealed a fracture of the third metacarpal bone on her right hand.

On Tuesday, Theresa went to the Orthopedic Institute for further evaluation. She will be in a cast for six to eight weeks and thankfully, will not require surgery. Her leg has a sizable bruise as well as quite a bit of swelling and is truly painful to say the least.

While waiting at The Orthopedic Institute, Theresa picked up a magazine and what did she see……Beauty‘s Haven, featured in an article about Mocha and Daisy with their adoptive mom – Emily Pridgen!  Needless to say, even though she was in extreme pain, this truly made Theresa’s day!

Theresa, despite her own injuries, is extremely worried about sweet Tinsel. While some hock swelling has gone down, Tinsel is once again, reluctant to put weight on that leg. She was doing much better until Sunday, and then for some unknown reason, she has taken a step backward in her recovery process.

Our Match Game for Tinsel is still in progress with $373 remaining in available funds so if anyone would like to assist with her medication/veterinary needs, it would be so greatly appreciated. Just yesterday, we had to purchase another medication which cost $400.  If you are unable to contribute, we ask that you please support Tinsel by simply sharing this email amongst family and friends. Thank you to everyone who has already contributed toward Tinsel’s Medication needs.  We are so truly blessed to have your love and support.

Contributions may be made via various means on our website at www.bhfer.org or via our PayPal address: bhfer@earthlink.net. If donating via PayPal, please designate your donation to: ‘Tinsel’s Meds.’ If you select the tab, ‘Send Money to Friends or Family,’ no fees will be deducted from your contribution. You may also contribute via the DONATE NOW button located at the bottom of this email. Please be assured that all donations are greatly appreciated and no amount is ever considered as being too small.  Thank you!

Please keep both Theresa and Tinsel in your thoughts and prayers.

#betsyrosestrong #bhfer #believe #helpneeded #tinsel #sheneedshermeds
[clear]

/by
, , , ,

TINSEL UPDATE AND A NEW MATCH GAME!

Tinsel-update
[clear]

We would like to share some good news about Tinsel! The swelling in her leg appears to have decreased ever so slightly. But that’s a start! She is putting weight on her leg occasionally, so that is a definite sign of improvement! Dr. Ted even allowed her to be hand walked for a short distance yesterday and she did better than expected!  Just click here and your heart will truly sing!

Blood tests from earlier this week indicate there is still infection and Tinsel must remain on the course of antibiotics that has been prescribed for her. One of the medications is Penicillin-G which is $48 per bottle. She requires 5 bottles a day. Another blood test will be done tomorrow.

We have yet another most generous Match Game offer from three very dear friends and each donation toward a bottle of medication, will be matched dollar for dollar, until we reach a total of $850.

We truly appreciate the donations that have come in to help Tinsel. I really don’t like having to continuously reach out for help – I know everyone assists whenever they can. Perhaps, if you support Tinsel by just sharing this out, someone else may be able to help as well.

If anyone would like to play the Match Game, they may do so via various means on our website at https://bhfer.org/donate or via our PayPal address: bhfer@earthlink.net. If donating via PayPal, please designate your donation to: ‘Tinsel’s Meds.’ If you select the tab, ‘Send Money to Friends or Family,’ no fees will be deducted from your contribution. Please be assured that all donations are greatly appreciated and no amount is ever considered as being too small.

Thank you all for your continued love and support for our sweet Tinsel. WE BELIEVE!

#betsyrosestrong #bhfer #believe #helpneeded #tinsel #sheneedshermeds

[clear]

/by
, , ,

WE HAVE TO BELIEVE SHE WILL BE OKAY

Tinsel-Believe
[clear]

We wish we had better news about Tinsel today, but we don’t. She has an infection in the hock region that is aggressively being treated. There is quite a bit of heat and swelling in the area, but she does put weight on that leg at times. It initially was thought to be a fractured bone. However, Dr. Ted Specht did x-rays which ruled out a fracture and Tinsel was started on antibiotics right away.

Cultures and other tests have been done, repeated, and more will be needed. Dr. Ted is measuring serum amyloid A values (SAA) among other things. The first set of tests didn’t disclose bacteria. However, the most recent culture is growing bacteria so we hope to know more tomorrow. In the meantime, Tinsel is getting heavy duty antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and other medications and supplements.

Dr. Ted inserted a catheter in Tinsel’s neck yesterday which makes administering daily IV meds less stressful for both Theresa and Tinsel. Medications are given around the clock and Tinsel’s water intake, how much she eats, her temperature, heart rate, etc. are all being monitored. Her temperature fluctuates – Theresa said that it was 103.9 on Saturday morning, but they were able to get it down to 100.3 in a short time. Tinsel has a great appetite even though she has lost some weight.

As long as we can keep Tinsel comfortable, and she is willing, we will not give up on her providing there is a possibility that she will be able to overcome this issue. Most horses that come to Beauty’s Haven are in a very compromised condition from neglect/starvation. Tinsel’s immune system was compromised when we were asked to take her – she was 20 years old, underweight, and she had a horrible eye infection. Theresa has also learned that Tinsel had an infection in her hip just months before her eye injury occurred. Once she arrived at Beauty’s Haven, Tinsel overcame her eye injury, gained weight and had been doing so well. Theresa says Tinsel is a pleasure to ride and has been looking for a forever home. Then, last month, Tinsel overcame pneumonia and she was so happy when she was turned back out with Little E.

Tinsel’s vet bills are rapidly mounting due to numerous farm calls by Dr. Specht, several very expensive medications/antibiotics, x-rays, blood tests, cultures, catheter placement, IV fluids/bags, leg wraps and various supplements. She has also has to be in a heavily bedded stall so we are rapidly going through shavings on a daily basis. None of this has been inexpensive and we don’t know how much more is ahead of us. To give you an idea of some of the cost – just one of the needed medications is $220 a day! You can’t put a price on life. Tinsel is a wonderful and loving mare with a lot of life in her. She is also Little E’s best friend and she is loved dearly by many humans. She needs help from our village of supporters.

A dear friend and supporter has come forth to offer a $250 Match Game to assist with Tinsel’s expenses and all donations up to $250 will be matched dollar for dollar. If anyone else would like to add to our Match Game funds, please contact us via email at bhfer@earthlink.net.

As you can imagine, Theresa is beside herself with worry about Tinsel, as well as how the rescue will bear the burden of these expenses. Please help if you can. And, share this out amongst family, friends and co-workers in hope that they would be willing to help Tinsel as well.

If you would like to play the Match Game, you may do so via various means on our website at www.bhfer.org/donate. If donating via PayPal, please designate your donation to: ‘Match Game for Tinsel.’ If you select the tab, ‘Send Money to Friends or Family,’ no fees will be deducted from your contribution. Please be assured that all donations are greatly appreciated and no amount is ever considered as being too small.

Thank you all for your love and support. Please continue to keep our beloved Tinsel in your prayers.

/by