February 4th

Oscar’s first night here last night was a calm one, thankfully. He’s too weak to do much – but he’s alert. He can graze for short periods of time but is still too weak to get up on his own if he goes down.

Oscar learned through the night that he could sleep in the sling and lay his head on his pillow. This sling and gantry have been a lifeline so many times – we’re very blessed to have it.

After taking Oscar out of the sling this am, he grazed a bit and then took a good long nap but when he woke up he could not get up on his own so we put him back into the sling.  He just has no muscle, no fat. Dr. Madera will be back out later today.

To the left of the photo is Dr. Madera. To the right is Dr. Bess Darrow (her assistant is in the middle). How great it this?  Two awesome vets here at the same time!  We are very blessed to have such a great care team! We reviewed Oscar’s meds, diet, etc. We should have blood work results back this evening.

We opted to run more fluids this afternoon – Oscar’s poop was too dry and we didn’t want to take any chances of an impaction or dehydration. He loves his Triple Crown Safe Starch Forage and now and then he will munch on a little orchard grass. No grain for the little guy.  He does everything in slow motion – he doesn’t have much energy to burn. He also gets supplements to help his tummy, prevent dehydration, and improve his immune system. We monitor everything – both Dr. Darrow and Dr. Monroe said we are doing a great job! Dr. Bess even suggested we write a book on our refeeding practices and rehab experiences – that was quite the compliment!

“Pistol! Kamanchee is my best friend and you can’t have him!” Mary is a sweet 27 year young Arabian mare that is looking for a forever home. What would be perfect is to find a home for her and Kamanchee together!

Wally is hilarious! He tried to get in Dr. Bess’ trailer before the ramp was even all the way down!  Dr. Bess was here to do dental work on some of the horses.

Dr. Bess trying to leave amidst an obstacle challenge of mini’s. Check out Pistol “talking” with Matilda.  That’s Lucy to the right of the photo.

February 5th

Serenity has a long way to go. But we’ve got all the time in the world to get there. The temps were near 80 today and the water heater decided it would work so she got a tea tree treatment for the rainrot. The hot water tank works sporadically but thanks to a very caring person a new replacement tank is being shipped to us!

Serenity thanks you all for caring!

This is LouAnn taking Oscar for a walk today. The photo isn’t great – I took it while I was standing under the sling.

We are supposed to be getting some rains the next couple of days so this evening we fixed up a nice stall with straw bedding for Oscar. He still can’t get up on his own – he just has no muscle. But the muscle will come over time with proper diet and exercise and rest.

Oscar’s blood work results came back – values are all over the place indicating lack of nutrition. But his organs, according to the blood work, are not too bad.  We do need to re-run some blood tests in a few days. We will be adding Wel-Gel to his forage. Please pray for this little guy.

February 6th

Good morning everyone! It’s going to be a beautiful day! We do have overcast skies and it may rain and the temps are lower than I’d like. But my day has already been blessed – I woke up this morning and I BELIEVE! Dr. Julia Simonson is coming to work on Oscar with acupuncture and electrical stimulation (like a TENS unit) which will stimulate his muscles – we need to get the nerve pathways back on track! I invite all of you to share in my day of positivity and believing – together we can move mountains!

“Good morning everyone! SMILE! It can be contagious!!”

Oscar was a good boy for Dr. Julia. Hopefully he won’t have to stay in the sling much longer. He just can’t get up on his own after he goes down.

Solace still isn’t feeling well and his temperature is up. He was just examined on Tuesday and everything was ok. I’m really worried about him. Please include him in your prayers too.

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.

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

January 10th, 2014

Maltilda’s Special Day

Dr. Julia Simonson worked on Matilda, an older Mammoth Mule, today. Matilda LOVED every minute of it! Matilda got chiropractic, acupuncture, electrical stimulation, and massage today.

After her session was finished, she did not want to move – she was so relaxed and looked so peaceful.

Dr. Julia and I were sitting on the bench at the front of the barn, talking, when Matilda finally did move. She turned around and looked as us and made the cutest little face as if to say “Thank you!”

January 11th

Dr. Julia checking Pistol today with help from Katherine and Elizabeth. He’s doing great. Yes, it took three people. LOL! He lives up to his name!

Bronson was gelded today and was a good patient.  Katherine and Elizabeth assisted Dr. Julia. Katherine wants to be a vet – she truly appreciates all the hands on experience she gets here. Experiences are so valuable, IMO. It’s an honor to have students like Katherine participate and volunteer! Elizabeth and her daughter, Bri, came out to meet CJ and helped out, too, while they were here. Paul and Roxy stayed busy with many other things that needed to be done. Thanks to everyone!

CJ has a home! Elizabeth and Bri spent some time grooming and handling him and they all just clicked! CJ is usually shy of new faces. But not today! He totally enjoyed the time they spent with him. He will be a pasture pal to one other horse they have. A pretty pasture ornament to love on and watch. I’m very happy for him!

January 12th

I lost my cell phone yesterday, but thankfully, found it today. I cannot believe that it survived the storms!

Solace and Barbara today.

January 13th

Betsy Rose getting her hooficure.

Pistol is recovering nicely from his castration.

It was a busy day today and, unfortunately, I’m not feeling well – sore throat, congestion, earache, etc. I’m headed to bed very soon. Tomorrow is another busy day. Dr. Julia will be back to examine Solace and to review his blood work results. Bronson and Pistol are doing very well. Betsy Rose is moving better. Dr. Julia worked on her last week, she got a hooficure today, and tomorrow, Dr. Bess Darrow of Tune Ups Veterinary Equine Dentistry and Services will be here to check her and Solace and to do some others. Just wanted to say good night to everyone – I wish you all sweet dreams. We’ll have a new fundraiser starting tomorrow – we need help with these vet, farrier, and dental expenses.

January 15th

My day started out by spending some time with this grand old 34 year old mare – brushing her, giving her treats and hay, just talking to her. She was crippled and was no longer able to get around – she was tired. Dr. Tenant examined her yesterday and it was decided that the kindest, most humane and loving thing to do for the mare was to help her cross Rainbow Bridge. I stayed with her for awhile after she crossed. I bet there were many stories she could have shared. Run pain free, Chancey!

Dr. Bess Darrow of Tune Ups Veterinary Equine Dentistry and Services worked on a few of the horses yesterday. This is Santana. He was a good boy – he’s good about everything.

CaryLou, Harvey, Bronson, and Wally after getting full tummies.

Aaleyah Belle got her teeth done too. She was on the list the last time Dr. Bess came but she didn’t want to behave. She was good yesterday though. It’s hard to believe she’s 5 years old now. Here is a link to her diary – we picked up Aaleyah and her Mom on the day she was born – the very day that Eight Belles died. I named her IHO of Eight Belles. Aaleyah and her mom, Momma Sue, were going to be shot because Aaleyah had been born with a wry nose. https://bhfer.org/oldSite/old/aaleyah_diary1.htm

Magnum was a good boy for Dr. Bess too. He’s a bit older than we thought. He’s a little shy with new people. I was very happy that Lindsey was able to come and help Dr. Bess yesterday. Thanks Lindsey!

Have a wonderful Thursday, 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

January 7th – 10th, 2014 Update

Betsy Rose got “the works” on Tuesday from Dr. Julia Simonson. Betsy Rose is always the perfect patient. Below is a video of part of her treatment – just watch those needles move! Her back right hip area was pretty stiff. I’ll be so glad when the cold is gone – its really hard on the older horses.

Dr. Julia worked on Betsy Rose in the much warmer feed room.

Betsy Rose having a little discussion with Dr. Julia. Dr. Julia adores this little mare – we all do!

 

Gentleman also got a massage and an acupuncture treatment which he really needed and enjoyed.

This is little Lily greeting Katherine. Welcome back Katherine and thank you for your volunteer time!

Mollie and Victoria are good friends.

Magnum and Me!

Big horses Magic, Santana, and Magnum. Many of the mini’s. And Bronson too.

 

CJ HAS AN APPOINTMENT TO MEET A POTENTIAL ADOPTIVE HUMAN ON SATURDAY! I’m so excited! He would be a pasture pal to another horse and he would be loved and cared for!

Pistol waking up from his “procedure” today.

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

January 6th, 2014

Betsy Rose taking a stroll today with Karen. The cold weather is not being kind to the older ones. Dr. Julia Simonson will be here in the morning to work on Betsy Rose – she’s having quite a time with her right side and hips. She will get acupuncture/chiro/massage. We would also like Dr. Julia to work on Gentleman. Betsy Rose’s expense is covered – would anyone like to pledge to help with the expense for Gentleman’s treatment?

Mollie has really had a growth spurt! I had to let out her belly straps at least 2 1/2″ this evening!

Gentleman (Percheron) and Matilda (Mammoth Mule). Two of our “Old Ones” that are loved, dearly loved. Dr. Julia will be working on Matilda too.

It’s hard to believe that yesterday was so warm and today is so cold. When you see me without a jacket, you now it’s really warm.

Baby Ray has settled back in nicely – it’s like he never even left. He’s just as sweet as ever. Dr. Julia will be checking him tomorrow too. It’s going to be busy! Cold and busy!

Fiona greeted me with a nose kiss yesterday. I stop in and visit with her when I can.

I’d like to apologize to anyone that I owe a PM or email to – I’m behind on everything in my life. I haven’t been in the office much. I’ll try to get back in the office tomorrow to get some work done. Have a good night – stay warm! This is Victoria and Mollie.

Sincerely,

Theresa

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

December 30th, 2013 

Many thanks to Karen and Steve – they picked up and delivered hay for us today!  This is Karen meeting Mollie.

Mollie’s HR and RR are still above normal but they are getting better.  She has more energy and is getting stronger.

This is where Mollie had a bed sore from struggling to try to get up the first few days.  The sore has healed and her new coat is growing.  It’s healthy and beautiful.  If you tilt your head a little, and use your imagination, it’s in the shape of a heart! 

I thought I got a better video today of Mollie, sorry, it’s not great but at least you can see how she is doing.  She ran and played, did the tail in the air and neck thing that Arabians do, accompanied by snorting.  She’s going to be ok.

Santana – THE perfect babysitter.  He has TONS of patience!  The mini’s take turns standing under him – it’s hilarious!  That’s Harvey’s backside you see under Santana in this photo.

We have some horses that will be needing help in order to get some vetting and x-rays done.  We need horse size Farnam Super Mask’s (double velcro) without ears.  Between the sand, sun, and lime rock dust that we have here, most of the horses wear a mask and they have to be changed daily.  We have enough of the long nose masks at this time.  

Solace – he’s been laying down more than usual, not finishing all of his food, and looks like he just doesn’t feel well at times.  He’s just not himself.  We’d like to have a physical done – including blood work.  

Sisco – he’s lame on the front right foot and needs x-rays.  Sisco is a cancer survivor and an awesome horse.  We’d like to find him a great forever home but we need to resolve this issue first.  He’s a 1987 model.  Sisco loves the mares and has no clue he’s over 15 yrs old.

CJ – he’s always had a bum left knee and is lame but he gets around pretty well but he will never be sound.  We’d like to have the knee x-rayed.  CJ needs a quiet home as a pasture pal where he won’t be as active as he is here.  He forgets about his knee and runs a lot here – it’s simply not good for him.  CJ is about 15 years young.

Cookie – I’d like to have the area where the cancer was removed near her left eye to be examined – there may be a new growth.  She also needs her front feet x-rayed.  Would anyone like to help with any of these needs?  I’d like to get on Dr. Porter’s schedule and get it all done on the same day.  

This is Little E, Sisco, and Gentleman in the photo.  Matilda is under the tree in the background.  These are our “old ones” that are simply amazing and are loved very much.

God bless and have a great night everyone!

Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Website:  https://bhfer.org      Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bhfer.tb

November 24th – 25th, 2013

We found a blanket for Mollie to wear tonight – the cold snuck up on us! It’s a bit small but her new one should arrive this week. Her eyes look better. Dr. Ryan will be out tomorrow to examine her again and do more blood work to see how… she’s progressing. Her appetite is good but she’s running a little bit of a temperature. She’s still on IV antibiotics and gets other supplements as well. You can see the Arabian in her – she’s a proud little girl and we’re very proud of her! She’s a fighter! I’m so glad she held on and that she never gave up – she had been on the ground overnight and until we got to her that day. She deserves everything she’s been deprived of, and more. Her stunted growth is some evidence of her past. Like Betsy Rose, we’ll do our best to make sure all of Mollie’s tomorrow’s are what her past should have been. We love you Mollie!

Betsy Rose introducing her new little friend with angel wings to Bronson.

This is Classy. We had to take her to UF a few years ago because she had to have a permanent tracheotomy. She can’t whinny because of it. She’s a very sweet mare.

Peggy Sue – she’s so cute! She can’t bend her back left leg. Her pelvis was fractured in 3 places when her breeder/owner pulled a baby from her years ago. Peggy Sue is adorable! She’s lost a few lbs which is a good thing!

Gentleman – he’s an icon here that is simply a treasure. He’s an older Percheron that we pray is with us for many more years to come. He’s loved so much!

CJ is doing very well. He will be looking for a home as a pasture pal. He’s beautiful.

Garan is still looking for a home! He’s handsome, funny, and loving!

It would be really nice if Ceri and Garan found a forever home together! They are both really nice registered Arabians.

This is Indy’s Rising Son. We call him Indy. He’s had a good year of training under him and is looking for a home. He’s not going to be a big boy even though his mom was a Percheron cross. His past is a sad one even though he was born here.

Can’t forget Little E! He’s an elderly Arabian – another that everyone adores!

Almost forgot Solace!

It was a very exciting day here this past Friday! Dr. Julia Simonson arranged for Janek Vluggen (from Germany) to come to Beauty’s Haven to work with Betsy Rose and Bella! Janek Vluggen D.O., MRO-EU, EDO® is recognized as the leading expert in the field of modern Equine Osteopathy. To say that I was amazed, would be an understatement! I’ll share more tomorrow – I’m crashing on a project and need to finish up some things. Have a great night all!

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

November 21st

Mollie’s left eye is better. The right one slightly better. She’s out and about walking for a bit this morning. So glad the weather is better. She really needs to get moving.

Like Betsy Rose, Mollie has learned that the sling is there to help her. She is very good about standing still when we remove the sling or when we are putting it back on her.

Many thanks to Kim Foster and her daughter, Susan Moon for helping out today! And they brought gifts! I felt bad having to run out on them but I had 3 medical appointments in Gainesville. I have bunches to do and then I’m calling it a day. Tomorrow will be here soon.

November 22nd

Mollie – getting stronger! She’s out of the sling full time now! Her eyes are still cloudy but better. She’s a very sweet girl – I’m so glad she has a fighting spirit. Mollie has a long road ahead of her and I will feel better once we get into week 4 of her rehab. Thank you all for caring about this special little girl.

November 23rd

Mollie and friends…

We currently have a GoFundMe page to assist with the veterinary bills of Baby Ray, Betsy Rose and the other members of the BHFER herd, so if you could make a contribution, it would be such a wonderful Thanksgiving gift to the horses.

Thank you all for your continued love and support.

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend.

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. 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

November 18th, 2013

I called Dr. Ryan out to look at Mollie’s eyes again. One was swollen yesterday and the vet advised us to apply antibiotic ointment throughout the day/night which we do. But today I noticed a spot in the other eye. She has ulcerations in both eyes. We are now treating both eyes with a couple of meds. Mollie’s temp is up a little today and her HR is a bit higher. Dr. Ryan has prescribed Mollie a couple of antibiotics for the next few days that we’ll give via IV.

Putting Mollie back in the sling today after a walk and nap.

Pam Freeman visited today and look what Mollie got to keep her company – a new friend! I apologize for the photo being fuzzy – I was multi-tasking. Pam brought us pizza for lunch! Thank you so much Pam – that was quite the drive! So glad you got to meet the horses!

Ask and ye shall receive…. Judy came to sit with Mollie for awhile.

November 19th

 

 

Mollie has been up and about on her own for the last 3 hours now! Dr. Ryan oiled her again today. Here she is getting ready to get her medications.

Mollie was very good for Dr. Ryan today. She’s always a good girl. Both eyes have ulcers but are being treated. Please continue to pray for her recovery. Thank you all!

Well, Mollie is still standing!

November 20th

Sitting with Mollie this am waiting for help to arrive to get her up. She will be in the sling today. It’s raining and I don’t want her going down in the rain.

 

 

 

Rain, rain go away! Mollie wants to go out to play!

Our sweet Mollie – thank you Greg Ambrose!

Have a great night 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