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Cookie’s Cancer, an Adoption, & Updates on Many

April 10th, 2014

Dr. Porter examined Cookie’s eye – the cancer has progressed. We will be taking her to UF – it’s highly possible that she will lose her left eye.

Sisco’s front right was x-rayed – he’s been on and off lame. He walked pretty good for Dr. Porter yesterday but we did x-rays anyway. Sisco has navicular. So, to say that yesterday was not a good day is an understatement.

I’m recovering well from my recent injury and have been back at work a bit – careful to not do too much. My nose is healing fine but my neck has been an issue. I had my first ever acupuncture treatment yesterday and found it to be a very positive experience. I’ll be receiving treatments for the next couple of weeks and go from there. But, I will say this, I felt good when I left the acupuncturist’s office yesterday. Better than I have in a long time. Bob said I looked and moved like I felt 10 years younger when I got home. But that was before Dr. Porter’s visit. Now I better understand why Betsy Rose and Gentleman love their treatments by Dr. Julia.

Dr. Porter was out yesterday to look at Cookie’s eye, Sisco, and do some x-rays on Oscar. None of the findings were good. The most upsetting for me was Oscar. A little background for those new to Beauty’s Haven – Oscar was too weak to stand the day I picked him up in our minivan in February. We had been advised by the previous owner that they had been given misinformation on what to feed a donkey and that the had lost weight to the point of being so weak he could not get up. He rated a body condition score of 1. Once at the rescue, a vet immediately examined and treated Oscar. He got IV fluids, vitamins, etc. Blood work was done which indicated anemia and malnutrition – his liver and kidneys were pretty stressed. We really didn’t know if he would make it. But he’s a tough little guy!

Traditional and holistic vets, farriers, and a dentist are all part of our core care team – all work together. But no matter who is on your team one thing you can’t do is turn back time. Poor and improper nutrition can wreak havoc on the body – including the feet. Sometimes effects aren’t immediate. Oscar had been fed sweet feed, oats, and cracked corn by the owner before she was told by a vet tech that “she should only feed him horse quality hay but she could give them sweet feed as a treat now and then”.  This feeding regimen could have caused some real issues.

Oscar’s feet were long when he arrived here – he has had 3 trims here in the last 8 weeks with the farrier doing little bits at a time. He was treated for thrush and white line. Oscar improved and he grew stronger. We moved him to a paddock with Pistol – they would run and play and we enjoyed watching them. A few days ago Oscar popped an abscess and seemed uncomfortable so we had the farrier out again and while the farrier was doing a touch up another abscess resolved. Because of Oscar’s history, and what we were seeing, we opted for x-rays which revealed a rotated coffin bone and deep abscesses which Dr. Porter believes is the result of improper feeding. I’ve said this before but I’ll say it again – donkeys can NOT be fed like horses. Donkeys need more fiber and less protein than horses. We feed them Triple Crown Safe Starch forage and good grass hay.

Oscar is just turning 2 years old next week and he’s dealing with a serious issue. Although, I’m not sure he knows it’s serious – he doesn’t appear to be in any pain but he is lame. Dr. Porter drained another abscess yesterday and has prescribed a treatment plan. It’s going to take quite some time for Oscar to recover and he IS going to recover – he just has to. He needs time to grow out a healthy foot and he will need little adjustments often to optimize recovery. There are more abscesses that we are trying to draw out. His foot is cushioned and wrapped. So, for now, he will be staying with Betsy Rose around the barn. He will have another set of x-rays in a month. Please pray for Oscar – we need another miracle. And if anyone would like to help with Oscar’s x-rays and vetting it would be greatly appreciated.

The first photo is Oscar the day after he arrived back in February.  The second is Dr. Porter with Oscar yesterday.

OscarSling5

OscarXrayPorter1

Bo went to his adoptive home today! Thank you Jayne for giving Bo his own human family. Congratulations Bo!

April 11th

Serenity – she’s doing very well!

Hannah Morse, a journalism student from UF, visited yesterday for an interview and to take some video and photos. She got to meet most of the horses. Bryce was very interested in what she may have had in her back pack – he’s quite the character! “Got treats?”

I do believe that Bryce has a bit of a belly on him! LOL They are all doing great. Eliza, Bryce, Mahogany, Serenity. We are now taking adoption applications for Serenity and Bryce. They have lived their entire lives together and, ideally, we’d love to place them together. Please visit our Beauty’s Haven Equine Rescue Adoption Page where you can read about some of our adoption requirements.

This is Judy washing feed tubs after breakfast. And that’s a lot of feed tubs. LOL

April 12th

Lots going on here today!! I love it!

Victoria is absolutely stunning. A very sweet Arabian mare that is looking for a forever home.

April 13th

Photographing the photographer. Matilda loves to pose!

This was a really nice way to end the evening. Serenity is just a sweet, very sweet girl.

SerenityRide

April 15th

Cookie needs your help. She is battling cancer under her left eye. She needs surgery AT UF which is scheduled for late this week. We have posted a fundraiser on YouCaring to assist with the cost of Cookie’s forthcoming eye surgery. Please, help us to help Cookie. Thank you, in advance, for your love and support.

April 16th

It’s dental day!! Betsy Rose asked her friends to help entertain the boys while Dr. Bess checked them out. Cloud is growing up! She had to take out two baby teeth. They were both very good.

I’m so happy for Bella. She is happy at her new foster home. Thank you Jody and Lesley Osborn! From Lesley: “It was a glorious day today and I spent the afternoon with Bella grooming and simply enjoying being with her while slowly building a trusting and loving bond with her. She loved all the attention that I gave her today and she looks beautiful…”

Many thanks to Rosemary Meredith, Terri, Vicki, and Lorilie for spending this past Saturday here clipping some of the horses!

Oscar and Pistol going at each other through the gate at the barn. It’s hard to not let Oscar go out to play. But we don’t want him being too active with his front foot issues.

Beauty’s Haven advertising found in North Carolina! I love it!

Laura Brasile visited for a couple of days last week! It’s really nice to be able to meet people that we meet on social media – we love sharing the horses and telling their stories! We miss you Laura! Romeo is doing very well!

This is Sayan. He’s a darling little Arabian gelding that recently came back. He is just as sweet as ever!

BEAUTIFUL Greg!!! This little Arabian mare grabbed my heart when she had just turned 3 years old. She is the reason Beauty’s Haven came to be! To say she’s my heart horse would be an understatement. Thank you for this lovely artwork Greg – I have a special spot for it on my desk. Greg does beautiful work – check out more on his Greg Ambrose’s Art Page on Facebook.

“Beauty Kicks Up Her Heels”
14 year old Beauty, the mare that started it all at Beauty’s Haven Farm and Equine Rescue, shows off her energy. Join in the rescue’s Celebration of Life on April 26th.

Our “Celebration of Life” is on April 26th! Our focus this year is education – what it takes to rescue and rehab horses such as Betsy Rose, Solace, etc. There will be guest speakers, music, games, a Q&A period, silent auction, and much more! We are holding this in conjunction with the ASPCA’s Help a Horse Day. We stand to win a $10K grant – we need your help to do that by attending our Celebration!

We are in need of some supplies if anyone would like to help – EquiSpot, Endure flyspray, Equyss Micro-Tek Shampoo and Medicated Spray, sponsors for Prescend and Previcox (both are Rx’s), and some double Velcro flymasks for mini’s. We also need a load of shavings.

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. Funds are needed for hay, grain, vetting, farrier needs, dental needs, equipment maintenance, and there is so much more. There are various ways you can donate if you visit our “Donate” page on our website (theresa. 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!

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.

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Missing Solace, Another to Rainbow Bridge, Oscar, and More

February 23rd – 25th, 2014

February 23rd, 2014

I’m about to go read comments about Solace – I’ve been putting it off. My heart is still very heavy from losing him – it just isn’t the same. I find myself still looking out into the paddock to see how he’s feeling – but he’s not there.

I hoped to somewhat regroup yesterday but then a call came in – a mare had been down for 3 days – can we help? Of course, I couldn’t say no. I’m not going to get into details but we were, sadly, called too late to try to help this mare. When we got there, I took her vitals and they were not good. Her gum color was not good. She’d dug a 10″ ditch with her front legs. She didn’t respond to any sensation in her back end.

It took awhile to find a vet to respond but he determined that the mare had gone toxic and advised that the most humane thing to do was to help the mare cross. Losing Solace on Friday was still very fresh in my mind and in my heart, and, while I only knew this mare for a couple of hours yesterday, it didn’t matter – I loved her just the same and letting her go was hard. Losing any hurts – it NEVER gets easier. But, as with Solace, there is comfort in knowing that she runs with the Heavenly herd now – she knows no more pain.

Oscar no longer needs assistance to get up! He’s mobile and doing well.

Romeo is doing well also. He’s far from out of the woods but we’re staying positive and he’s brighter each day. He loves to talk!

Wanda and her son, Caleb, did a GREAT job clipping little Harvey today! Thank you both – very much!!!

Harvey looked like a little lamb! He’s going to feel much better!

Last photo for today to end my posts on a good note – Serenity is feeling better. It’s been tough getting through the sand and parasite issues but we’re working on it. She’s a sweet girl.

Februay 24th, 2014

Betsy Rose’s court case is over – the previous owner got probation, has to pay fees/fines, and can’t own large animals for a year. I wish I could change what happened to Betsy Rose before she found her way here, but I can’t. She’s a determined little mare with a huge love for life that has touched the hearts of many – it’s truly a blessing to be part of her life. There are many things Betsy Rose wants to help us with like raising awareness of what to do if you see or suspect abuse/neglect, where to reach out for help, and so much more. She wants to help educate humans about the responsibilities of owning and caring for a horse – it’s not inexpensive and proper care does take time.

February 25th, 2014

Lindsey and Ginny gave Bryce a good bath today – the weather was just beautiful! He’s putting on weight nicely, finally. Ginny’s husband, Mark, fixed fences. Bob made 2 trips to get hay and will make another trip tomorrow! Marie took some office work home with her to accomplish. I thank God for our volunteers and supporters daily – sometimes many times!

Bryce is doing better. He had a huge amount of sand in his gut. He had a high parasite load too.

Look how great Harvey looks! I kept telling people he wasn’t fat – he was just fluffy! LOL

Oscar and Vermont Teddy Bear

IT’S COMING!!!

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Solace – Not Good News

02/20/14

I was praying I would have good news about Solace but I don’t.  He made a remarkable recovery from death’s door after arriving here in December 2012.  He grew strong, put on 250+ lbs, and he was happy and doing well but a few months ago that changed.  All sorts of tests were run, x-rays, ultrasounds, more tests were accomplished, we tried various treatments – we have a great professional care team.  But he has continued to get worse and, despite all of our efforts, over the past several weeks, he has grown tired and more uncomfortable.  Our care team believes that he likely has cancer.  We love him enough to let go to Rainbow Bridge.  This has not been a quick or easy decision – it’s been a very heartbreaking one.

Solace is grateful for his time with us, for the love he’s been showered with, and for the fact that he was able to grow strong and stand tall and proud gain.  I know that he will be grateful for the release we are giving him – he will know no more pain.  Death is a part of life.  We are born in this world with no option but to face death at some point.  And I believe that death isn’t the end – it’s another birth in a much better place where hunger, pain, and sorrow do not exist.

We ask that everyone think of Solace tomorrow at 1 pm when our elderly but proud stallion will go to Rainbow Bridge where he will become a young steed again.  He won’t be alone – I’ll be right there with him until well after he leaves this earth.

Tomorrow will be very difficult so please understand if I’m absent for a couple of days.  Thank you.

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

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Our Valentine Save – He Really Needed Us

February 14th, 2014

I just want to let everyone know that we picked up up the gelding this afternoon and Dr. Julia Simonson vetted him.

Dr. Julia said he’s deteriorated in just the last couple of days and wouldn’t have lasted another day. He has diarrhea and was very dehydrated – his poop is full of sand.

He was oiled and he got some electrolytes and other goodies via GI tube. He has some bite marks on his backend. We’ll get him cleaned up tomorrow. He is skin on bones. Without that thick hair you could better see how thin he is. I’m glad he has this coat – he would have been miserable over the cold season.

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.

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Horse in Dire Need, Dr. Porter’s Visit, & More

February 13th, 2014

This is the gelding that I posted about a few days ago. We would like to pick him up tomorrow. He is very thin, (1.5 on the BCS), he has diarrhea and numerous bite marks that are trying to heal on his back side and a mane is full of burrs. We aren’t worried about the burrs and such but we are worried about the diarrhea and the amount of sand he’s likely ingested. We are able to help this boy only because Mollie left this week to go to “school” for a few weeks. I pray no more calls come until we can get some placed – we simply can’t squeeze anymore in after this guy. If you can help, please let us know ASAP – we need peldges/donations to total $300 per month for the next 6 months unless his rehab is completed and he finds a home sooner. We have curently received pledges totaling $80 per month for six months and someone has already pledged to cover his initial vetting. If you would like to donate to help him, please mark ‘For the MC1 horse.’ God bless and thank you.

The mare with him isn’t as in as bad shape as the gelding. She will be picked up by AC tomorrow. If anyone can offer her a good home I can give you contact info tomorrow. She’s thought to be about 12 yrs old – a very pretty girl.

She is dominant and constantly picks on him.

Dr. Porter came out to check on Solace and Cookie.  Solace hasn’t been feeling well.  We will be trying him on a different medication. Please pray for him – he’s come so far.

Cookie was a very good girl for her cisplatin bead treatment today under her eye. We need to pray really hard, and keep the faith, that this works.

Cookie may need one more treatment after this one. We’ll know in a few weeks. Dr. Porter and his assistant, as always, do a great job

We also had Cookie’s front right foot x-rayed and found there is mineralization of the suspensory ligament of the navicular bone and there is a sub-chondral bone cyst. She runs around like she’s a race horse at times but now we know why she’s on and off lame.

Dr. Porter’s mobile clinic is pretty amazing!

Gentleman getting his hooficure.

Oscars first hooficure.

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
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bhfer.

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Oscar, Cookie, and Others and Adoption Follow Ups

February 10th – 12th 

Monday, February 10th
We are so proud of our horses!  This mare has come so far in the care of her adoptive family – she recently won an event at the local speed show and it was the first time she had even been ridden outside of her paddock!  When she was adopted, she didn’t even want to be touched.  Congratulations Raven (Mia) and Brigitte!  Brigitte you and your family have worked wonders with her – thank you!

Cookie needs help! I call her my little “cow” in a loving way – the markings on her face are just unique. But she has been battling cancer for months now.  We are trying to save her eye.  Dr. Porter will be here on Thursday but we need to raise funds for her treatment.

Solace today. He was feeling ok. Thankfully.

Starlight – another of our rescued horses! Starlight and Jordan take great care of each other at Sprouses Corner Ranch! We are so proud of them and their accomplishments!

Oscar actually got up ON HIS OWN ACCORD this morning!  I knew last night when we went to roll him over, that it would be soon – he started kicking out with his back legs!  He’s only did it one time, but we’re hopeful he’ll continue to improve.  We do have a little setback as he may have some sort of infection going on.  Dr. Julia examined him this evening and we’re waiting for blood work to come back.

You can see Oscar didn’t feel well yesterday.  He hasn’t yet laid down again.  But hopefully, he’ll be able to continue to get up on his own.  He visited with Bill and Blodwyn today.

Wednesday, February 11th
Mahogany and Eliza are feeling a little better each day.  They will be getting hooficures tomorrow.

Wednesday, February 12th Oscar is all tucked in for the night. He hasn’t been able to get up on his own again. His blood work results from yesterday’s test came back and he has been started on antibiotics. He does have a good appetite and is drinking. But he has a long way to go. Please keep him in your prayers.  This is Bonnie giving some meds tonight before we got him back up.

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 automatic monthly donation to help us to help the horses. Funds are needed for vetting, farrier needs, hay, grain, dental needs, equipment maintenance, and there is so much more. There are various ways to donate – visit our “Donate” page on our website. Our mailing address is PO Box 53, Morriston, FL 32668. Our PayPal address is theresa. 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!

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

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Herd Rescue Effort & Updates on Many

February 7th, 2014

I spent part of the day yesterday with AC discussing the case involving Serenity, Bryce, Persuasion, and Dodger. There were six other horses remaining at the same farm – I met AC there and ended up bringing the two worst remaining mares here (very depressed, tummy ache, very emaciated) and the other four horses were taken by AC but will be available for adoption in a couple of weeks. AC determined the horses were abandoned.

I know the look Bryce had when he was experiencing painful sand colic – these two mares wore the same look. I was so worried about them – we just had to help them. Dr. Julia vetted them both as soon as I got them to the rescue. They are in about the same shape that Bryce and Serenity were in when they arrived.  I named the older Mahogany and the younger, Eliza.  Mahogany is Eliza’s mom – they seem quite close.  Like Bryce, both have a lot of sand in their poop which is not good.  Bryce is still dealing with sand colic and parasites – he’s been having quite a time but is slowly improving.  Mahogany’s temp was pretty low (95.5).  Both had tummy aches and looked so depressed.  We are awaiting the results of their blood work.  I’m sorry the photos are not great – the weather was lousy.  I want to thank everyone who made it possible for us to get another used truck – it’s saved many lives in the short time we’ve had it.

I feel badly for the entire herd but at least they are all safe now. If anyone would like to help these two mares, it would be a blessing. We brought them in with a lot of faith that help would come. If you would like to donate to help them, please mark your donation for “The 2 Mares”. They both need sponsors.

Eliza was working through some tummy discomfort last evening. I’ve been worried about this herd and am so glad they are all now safe. It’s frustrating at times, to have to follow the “rules” but laws, like them or not, are to be respected.

This is Serenity getting a treatment by Dr. Julia Simonson yesterday. Dr. Julia couldn’t believe how much better Serenity looks. While she was here, we reviewed our refeeding program for each of our new arrivals and Dr. Julia said she is very impressed with our progress with all of them – including Oscar (donkeys are a bit different then horses).

Dr. Julia visited with Bronson to make sure he forgave her for his castration. He’s looking for a home – he’s likely going to be small pony size.

Bryce enjoyed his treatment by Dr. Julia – the photo speaks for itself! He’s got a long way to go. Sand colic can wreak havoc on a body and be deadly. More tests need to be run next week.

Gentleman got a treatment as well – he has a sponsor for one treatment a month and they really make a difference. He is elderly, has high ringbone in his front right, and some issues in his back end. He is of good weight – anymore weight may work against him. He is happy and comfortable. We adore him – he is loved, very much.

Solace is still not doing well. Based on blood tests, symptoms, treatments to date, etc. it is possible he has lymphoma. Please keep him in your prayers. He’s had a good year with us and I hope he has many more. We will do our best to keep him comfortable – quality of life is always important in making decisions for these precious horses.

Oscar is so cute! I was trying to explain to him how much easier it would be for us humans if he could get up on his own. He is staying up longer when he is up though. Time – it will just take some time to build those muscles. Baby steps…

Morgan’s eye is better. There is still some swelling and the lavage is still in – she’s getting meds every four hours now and will be checked again next week.

This is a beautiful blanket that was donated to Betsy Rose several months ago which swallowed her up. It now fits!!! She loves modeling new clothing!

Oscar getting his fluids this morning. Teaching the youth of our today will only help the horses of our tomorrow’s! Roxy is a quick learner!

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 automatic monthly do…nation to help us to help the horses. Funds are needed for vetting, farrier needs, hay, grain, dental needs, equipment maintenance, and there is so much more. There are various ways to donate – visit our “Donate” page on our website at theresa. 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!

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

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Oscar Made It Through The Night & More

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.

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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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Hooficures, Dental, Studs to Geldings, Rainbow Bridge: January 10th – 15th 2014

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

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