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Alyse to Rainbow Bridge, Sunset and TB Mare Arrive, and More

Update: 12/30/12

Last week was tough and losing Alyse was heartbreaking.  On Friday morning I received a call from Dr. Clark – Alyse had taken a turn for the worse.  Her HR went higher – to about 120 and her WBC had gone up.  The meds were not keeping her comfortable.  Dr. Clark had spent days running tests and consulting with others about the ulcerations and other issues – they could not determine what was causing her to be sick but they did feel it was a combination of things.  One being the blisters in her mouth, on her tongue, and in her nose.  They had scoped her earlier in the week and did not see any blisters past the esophagus and believed they likely stopped there (we later learned there was a large ulcer in her colon).  The second issue being an unknown factor at the time that was causing increased HR and temperature.  We agreed from the beginning that should it get to the point where Alyse couldn’t be kept comfortable while trying to maintain her for the blisters to heal, and trying to identify and treat a secondary issue, we would not allow her to suffer.  A necropsy was done and we found that she did have a large ulceration in her colon and her gut was about to rupture – keeping her with us any longer would have been inhumane.  We gave her all the time we could and I am so thankful to the Dr. Clark and everyone at Peterson and Smith for everything they did for her.

I was with Alyse when she crossed – her head across my knees in my lap – she knows she was loved.  Dr. Clark said Alyse was a strong willed mare and had given it her best.  And her care givers had done their best.  Alyse was a beautiful and proud Arabian mare that was loved by many but God needed her more than we did and we must accept that.

Alyce in the Hospital

Letting them go takes a lot out of me – out of all of us here that are hands on at the rescue.  And I’m sure it hurts others that love and care for the horses here from a distance too – the horses are truly blessed to have so many that care for them.  I am so very sorry we could not save Alyse.  Alyse and I had shared many spontaneous rides together which I’ll never forget.  Those rides helped me put worries aside for a few minutes – they were very refreshing for the mind and body. After I left the hospital Friday I found I needed to stop in a parking lot and let the tears flow and try to regroup.  Then I went to Burger King drive through to get a drink.  I had left home without breakfast or anything to drink after Dr. Clark called to tell me Alyse was worse – I wanted to get to the hospital ASAP.  After getting a soda I stopped by the feed store to buy a few things.  While at the feed store I decided that while on my way back to the rescue I’d go by the location where the 3 Thoroughbred horses were that we had taken hay to last Wednesday night.  I tried to go there on Thursday but on my way there that evening I got a phone call that one of the horses here looked to be trying to colic so I turned around and came back.  By the time I checked on the horse it was dark and I didn’t want to go the location of the 3 horses by myself.  So, after leaving the feed store on Friday, I did go there and I found one bay mare down and looking at her tummy.  She went sternum and stretched out – she looked very uncomfortable.  I tried to get her up and she did get up with some prompting but then she went down again.  I called Dr. Ryan and he suggested we get her to the rescue since he would be on his way there as soon as he could to assess the incoming Percheron mare.  I called Bob and had him hook up the trailer and come meet me to load the mare and we went back to the rescue.  

The Percheron mare arrived shortly after we got the sick OTTB mare to the rescue.  Dr. Ryan arrived and examined both mares.  We named the OTTB mare PrimaBelle and she was treated for a gas colic.  She is Momma Sue’s daughter – she was born a year before Aaleyah Belle.  Prima means first and Belle means beautiful = “born first and beautiful”.  PrimaBelle was born a year before Aaleyah Belle and they are full sisters. Aaleyah Belle’s name means “beautiful gift from God”.  Like her momma and sister, PrimaBelle is a very nice girl with a pleasant disposition.  She raced and won about $12,000.  She had a very gassy tummy on Friday which made her very uncomfortable. She felt better after receiving medications and has been feeling ok since.  We had a family come to meet PrimaBelle today – a family that has adopted Mia from us this past year that lives not far from the rescue.  PrimaBelle still needs to get her teeth done, vaccinations need to be done, etc.  She will be up to date on everything and she needs to put some weight on before leaving for a new home.  There are still 2 horses where we picked her up from that we are providing hay for that need homes.

I named the 25 year old Percheron mare “Sunset”.  She arrived during a beautiful sunset and it came to mind that she is in her sunset years.  She’ll be able to live them without worry and with a full tummy and much deserved TLC.  She is underweight and has skin issues.  She has large lumps in her left ear described by Dr. Ryan as “cauliflower ears” likely caused from trauma which causes fluid to collect and separates cartilage causing it to die which causes fibrous tissue.  She has the number “33” branded on her left hip – the number of her stall from her PMU years.  She is a smaller Percheron – not quite as tall as Gentleman.  It will be a few weeks before she is ready to leave here but we are expecting an adoption application for her to be received by tomorrow.  If approved, Sunset will have a home not far from the rescue.  Before she leaves, her wounds will have healed, she will have had her dental work done, she will be up to date on vaccines, etc.  It will take awhile to get to that point but her road to a happy and healthy retirement has begun.  She has the sweetest face and very kind eyes.  Her ears don’t stand up but that’s ok – she is still beautiful!

Yesterday both mares had hooficures.  PrimaBelle was a good girl.  This was her front right before her hooficure.  We had Dr. Ryan x-ray it on Friday to make sure her coffin bone wasn’t affected and it wasn’t, thankfully.  Sunset was a little challenging – she didn’t want to stand still but she’s in a new place with new faces.

It was going to go into the 20’s last night so we blanketed both mares.  PrimaBelle was an angel for her blanket to be put on – she stood perfectly still and seemed to truly adore it. Sunset was a little hesitant – I don’t think she’d likely ever had one.  She moved away at first but with a little time and introduction she stood still.  And after it was on she still there for quite awhile – at least 30 minutes!  The blanket is short on her sides and left about 6” of her butt exposed but she loves it.  I am ordering one to fit her tomorrow.  She will also be getting a new fly mask.

Solace is about the same – he still has congestion in his lungs and is still coughing.  Dr. Ryan examined him again on Friday.  He will be out again late in the week to assess him again and to see if we need to modify his treatment plan.  HIs appetite remains good.  Solace really is an amazing horse.  Let’s continue to pray that he recovers.  Believe…

Holly is doing very well – what a sweet mare she is!

The Christmas trio are all doing well.  Gentleman and some others had their teeth done last week.  I’ll include those pictures in my next update – I’m really tired and have much to do.  To everyone that has sent a message or email regarding the loss of Alyse – thank you.  I appreciate your good thoughts and prayers.  I am behind on emails and PM’s but hope to get caught up on some this coming week.  

Tomorrow will be very busy – more hooficures are being done in the morning.  God bless and thank you all for your continued support.

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

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Solace – A Little Setback

December 21st, 2012

I called Dr. Ryan back out to examine Solace again today and to do another CBC.  Solace’s snotty nose was worse this am and he did cough now and then.  He has not had a temperature and his appetite has been great.  He’s drinking ok and his diarrhea cleared up.  He is more animated each day.  But something wasn’t right.  Dr. Ryan scoped him and learned that mucus was not coming from the guttural pouches.  But he did find that Solace’s trachea is surrounded by mucus – a lot of it.  An ultrasound was also done which revealed mucus on the lungs but, thankfully, no abscesses were indicated.  Dr. Ryan advised that Solace has chronic pneumonia.  Based on his symptoms and the ultrasound findings this isn’t a recent illness – he’s been sick for some time.

An IV catheter was placed so we can administer medications – Solace has been started on antibiotics.  He was a good boy – he just stood and let Dr. Ryan do what needed to be done – he was so good that Dr. Ryan gave him a couple of peppermints.

Dr. Ryan said that for a horse that is a 0.5 on the Henneke scale to be standing and doing as well as Solace is, not considering the pneumonia issue, is more than amazing.  Solace has a lot of will – there is no question about that.  For the rest of his story – which makes me believe even more that there is a reason he found his way to us – he reportedly came from a farm that slaughters horses and illegally sells horsemeat.  How would a horse in this shape get in that predicament?  One example… there are a lot of free horses on Craigslist.  I get calls from people asking for help placing more than one horse quite a bit – just today I was asked to help a family that has 4 horses that they can no longer keep. So let’s say the owner puts them on Craigslist for free – a kill buyer may contact the person running the ad and offer to take the horses – he just happened to be looking for a horse for each of his family members.  Well, when he gets there to pick up the horses, 1 out of 3 of the horses may be in bad shape, but he will take the thin one anyway just to get the other two that are of good weight. And the thin and sickly ones, like Solace, that have no fat or muscle – they are not desired by kill buyers so they get dumped.  And horses are often found wandering – just like Ambrosia.  It’s sad and sickening – but it is reality.

Solace is tucked into a stall with some heat lamps and a warm blanket.  He adores his mash.  And we adore him.  His recovery is going to take awhile.  More tests may be needed but at this time Dr. Ryan didn’t want to stress Solaces’ body anymore than it already is.  We’ll give him some time on the antibiotics – time for him to get stronger. Thank you for caring about him – please keep him in your prayers.

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

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Solace – Something Isn’t Right

December 20th, 2012

Why can’t the weather be more cooperative? Near 80 today and now it looks like it is going to pour but it’s not supposed to for another couple of hours.  Temps going to a “feels like” of about 38 degrees tonight.  Dr. Ryan is going to come tomorrow – Solace still has a runny nose and I’ve heard him cough a few times today.  But no temperature and he’s eating and drinking.  His poop actually looks about normal.

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

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Solace Update Tuesday AM

December 18th, 2012

Dr. Bess is coming late today to look at Solace’s mouth – it’s a train wreck in there.  His temp is a little low this morning and he has a snotty nose.

Solace in his little sheet.  The weather is nuts here but it’s supposed to feel like 40 degrees here tonight.  The winds on our property are horrible in the cold season but a blessing in the hot months. Dr. Ryan will also be coming today.  I will update more later.

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

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Solace – He Has Found It Here

December 16th, 2012

This horse was found wandering down a road in south Florida, very close to death.  He reportedly walked away from an illegal backyard slaughter operation.  He obviously has no meat on his bones that would bring money.  When starved, a body feeds off its fat, then muscle, then its organs which is where this horse is.  By the grace of God, and the help of a few, he found his way to us in the wee hours this morning.  Here, he has found solace just as Hollie and the Christmas Trio (Nevada, Sachet, and Noelle) have.  I don’t know why the name “Solace” came to me the first time that I touched him, but it did, and so it is.  Maybe the events of this past week – I’m sure many of us are seeking solace – I hope we all find it too.  

There are pictures below that some may consider graphic.  If you don’t want to see them then please don’t scroll down.  But I choose to share what these horses go through and what we do to help them – the good, the bad, the ugly.  It’s a roller coaster ride and you are all invited to ride with us.  You can follow his progress and see how your donations are used.  He looks like he just walked out of a concentration camp.  

Dr. Tanya scored Solace a 0.5 on the Henneke Body Condition Score scale.  Horses that get down to a 1 don’t usually survive.  This says something about his will to survive.  His stool is full of sand and he has little energy.  He was very cooperative with when he was oiled.  Dr. Tanya thinks he is still a stud but he is so thin she really couldn’t say for sure.  His rehab will take some time – it must go slow and steady.  Too much, too soon, could kill him.  He needs a miracle and hopefully, it will come.

At some point in his life Solace sustained blunt trauma to his mouth – his top front teeth are on a pretty bad angle and there is a scar in the gum line.  Dr. Tanya couldn’t tell how old he is but he is aged.  His teeth are just so messed up – we will have the dentist out soon.

His temperature was low normal.  Blood tests are being done and a stool sample was taken.

When Solace poops, it flows in the hollow under his anus which is chaffed and irritated (this can cause infection) and then it runs down his legs.  We hope to give him a warm bath very soon.

He got fluids (including vitamins) via IV.  He was a perfect patient and seems content being here.  I think he knows we care.  🙂

As much as I don’t like asking for it – we need help.  Today’s vetting was $490 and the transport cost from to get him here (he was 4 hours away) was a very good price but it wasn’t inexpensive.  

I know Christmas is upon us and pockets are empty but please know that any amount of a donation helps.  One of our volunteers told me a few minutes ago that she collected all of her lose change and it came to almost $40 – she is donating it to help Solace.  If many people do this it will all add up.  If you’d like to call a credit into the vet’s office the number is 352-237-6151 and, again, no amount is too small.

We are still nursing Hollie, Nevada, Sachet (she is better), and Noelle back to health. They were all in bad shape too but they are slowly recovering.  I don’t know why these 5 horses came to us but I’m glad they did.  But again, we need your help.  Tax deductible donations can be made via PayPal to bhfer@earthlink.net or via our “Donate” page at https://bhfer.org/donate.

His body has withered away to bones and I hate to think of his past and the stories he could tell of what he has lived through.  His love for life, and will to live, must be strong for him to have survived and find his way to us.  Most others would euthanize him.  But I see a flicker of light in his beautiful eyes.  Somehow, I think he realizes that his life is beginning again, with people that will love him unconditionally and properly care for him.  Will he recover?  We choose to believe he will.  Please keep Solace in your prayers.  

Today is our Christmas gathering with our wonderful volunteers.  They will get to meet Solace as well as Hollie, Noelle, Nevada, and Sachet.  God bless and I’ll update more when I can.  Thank you all for your support.

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

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Update on The Christmas Trio, Hollie, Blackie and Donks!

December 12th, 2012

All of the Christmas Trio horses have names now. They have all settled in well and seem to just adore humans and appreciate every little thing done for them.

Nevada (means covered in snow).

Sachet.

Noelle.

Nevada’s right front foot is the one that had the roofing nail in it. The vet said Nevada was very lucky – it was embedded at an angle and location that missed everything it could have done some nasty damage to.

Sachet’s feet were not much better but no nail. Noelle’s back right has obviously sustained some sort of damage in the past. All three were good for Fabio and they seemed very pleased to have had their hooficures.

Dr. Bess did their teeth. The worst was Nevada’s – he’s youngest (5 yrs)! He had huge hooks and ramps. Dr. Bess was amazed at how bad his teeth were at his age. Sachet is about 13 years young and Noelle is about 15. I was told by the previous owner that Noelle was a real head tosser. With, or without, a bit in her mouth it would be easy to understand possibly why. She had lose teeth! Dr. Bess pulled one and will be checking the other the next time she comes or sooner if we notice any issues.

Blackie had visitors on Saturday – he has an angel! Thank you Melissa for helping him and for his gifts – he really feels special and sends a big “Thank you!” and says he wants you to come back soon to groom him and just spend time with him.

How sweet of a face is this? VERY sweet! Hollie visits with the young ones every morning. Dora and Starbuck are in the background. Hollie is doing very well. She is moving better and she’s gained some much needed weight and muscle. We do believe she has Cushing’s disease.

I had to share this. Here is Penelope taking a roll in the sand followed by Penny taking a roll in the sand! Baby donkey see – baby donkey do!

This is Beauty wanting to know where her treat is and when Santa is coming. LOL!

Hopefully tomorrow each of the horses is going to share with me what they want for Christmas and I’ll share with all of you! It’s hard to believe another year is coming to an end soon – it seems each year goes by faster. God bless and have a great night. Hopefully I’ll be able to post again tomorrow!

PS – current bids: Christmas Decorative Runner is at $70. The necklace is at $70. The Zenyatta and Baby plushie is at $40.

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

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Racking mare exam

11/26/12
Ok, so the Racking mare is a senior – we’re not at all surprised. Dr. Ryan ages her around 20. She does seem to be walking a bit better after her shoes were removed this morning and her trim was done. She has evidence of being worked too hard or too fast in her legs (tendon, ligament damage) or both. She is a 1 on the Henneke scale.

Dr. Ryan couldn’t hear any sounds in her lungs. He said it could be that she most likely had a lung infection and, if so, she would likely have had it for some time. I noticed in the first picture of her how her nostril was flared. It is not uncommon for horses that are driven or worked hard to contract something – sometimes they are worked hard and then left to stand unprotected from cold winds. Could also have been caused by stress – from working, neglect, starvation, etc. We’ll never know. But Dr. Ryan doesn’t think it’s a new condition. He thinks an ultrasound may be needed. We’ll know more this evening after the blood work comes back.

She’s a wooly girl. I wanted to give her a bath but I don’t think the weather is good enough. Terri brought a huge bag of carrots this morning – and apples. This mare adores both! We need to boost her immune system. She does have a positive attitude and that helps a great deal.

There was just something about this mare that drew me in – when someone sent me the picture of her hitched up I just felt an emergent need to help her. She was in North Carolina. Pam was on her way back from hauling horses up north and was coming back empty. The timing worked out just right – I know God has his hands in this case. Had Pam not had been up there coming back I don’t know what would have happened. I just know I could not get this mare off of my mind. Pam said when she went to pick up the mare the owner offered to hitch the mare up to show Pam how she drives and/or to saddle her up for a ride. Those are painful thoughts. I will never understand the mentality of some.

She needs a few things – Senior Horse Formula (from The Healing Barn), APF, and Cocosoya oil. If anyone would like to help with these it would be greatly appreciated.

The mare is grateful to be here – I can feel it. Having a condition of the lungs brings back painful memories of Ambrosia. Let’s pray this mare found her way to us in time and we can help her get healthy and that she can live a long and happy life. A name will come for her, soon. Thank you all for caring about her. Please keep her in your prayers.

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

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BH 11/24/12 Update – lots of photos

November 24th, 2012…

We hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. It was beautiful here. But the nice day closed with temperatures down into the high 30’s yesterday morning. The babies and seniors were blanketed and comfortable. We’ll have to break out a few more blankets though – looks like it’s going down to freezing tonight. Brrrr!!

There’s been so much going on – it’s always busy. I wanted to make time tonight to update on some things. Mostly good things. Morning Star was adopted by his foster family which is simply awesome! I was so happy when Chris told me they wanted to adopt him! Morning Star is a very talented boy and there is never a dull moment with him! Jenna and her dad, Chris, come to help out a couple of days each month and boy it sure helps to have many hands!

Just like her momma, Dora has a special scratching spot.

So does Starbuck.

Cisco wrapped up nice and warm. He didn’t mind that the blanket is pink. He’s just that way – happy go lucky. He’s looking for a forever home.

Beauty and the boys – Genesis and Cisco. And Beauty standing for me to trace her foot so I could put some pads into her slippers – she was sore in the front. She seems to be better today.

Dr. Cogswell working chiropractic on Peaches a couple of weeks ago. And then she worked on Beauty. Dr. Cogswell comes through the Ocala area once a month and does a great job! Dr. Ryan recommended her and I do too! Her website is www.cogswellvet.com.

Lace is ready for a forever home. She’s a sweet girl. Rides nicely but I’ve only ridden her at a walk/trot.

Penny… determined to find a few crumbs. She’s become quite independent and is still as cute as she could possibly be!

Baby Girl – still gorgeous! She munched on some hay until it was her turn for a hooficure. She loves scratches!

And this is Jenny being silly with Penelope on Thanksgiving!

Princess – still a pretty girl. This is Laura doing a hooficure and Kim holding which we appreciate very much!

How the farm looks from up on Cisco and Genesis. Me on Cisco and Kylie on Genesis – it is seldom we get these little pleasures.

Cookie getting a little extra attention from a volunteer – one of the UF students.

Little Rambo now lives with a mini donkey (named Casper) that wasn’t treated very well before going to his current home. Rambo is helping Casper to learn that all humans are not bad. This is Casper getting his first hooficure since he’s been at his new home. Rambo is outside watching. Little Casper did well.

I took some time to take a short ride on Genesis on Thanksgiving Day. And I was actually able to talk Bob into going for a short walk around the paddock! I visited with all of the horses on Thanksgiving and they all got carrots. Both human kids were home and it was just a beautiful day!

Spirit is doing well. She is adjusting to her new surroundings and has made new friends! Her new human mom is doing a great job with her!

Some more good news – Rosita will be leaving for her new home late next week! Some other news – we have been asked to help a very thin Racking horse mare that needs a safe place to land. We would like to make her our holiday save. Even with somewhat of a winter coat you can see how thin she is. Even thin, she is hooked up and driving. We need help with sponsors – she needs about $500 her first month and then about $300 each month after for at least 6 months. Would anyone like to help her? If anyone can help us to help the mare please email me. Donations are tax deductible and no amount is too small. Please help us to give her a new start in life – I know she would appreciate a full tummy and warm blanket for the holiday season.

We hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend. Don’t forget about our fundraiser – the beautiful drawing of Ambrosia – current bid is $150. God bless and thank you for your continued support! And again, please help us to help this mare.

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

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Our Little Pony – Valentine

Last night I posted about Valentine on Facebook – she’s in Equus Magazine this month (picture at Myth #7)!  Valentine was a little pony that came to us in February 2009 with no name from another county.  Valentine seemed to be an appropriate name for this little cutie.  Authorities told us that her owner had recently died in a car accident while trying to get to his herd of three horses to check on them after a terrible storm.  Upon his death, his wife became very angry that she lost her husband because of his horses.  She made one trip to see the horses but never returned to see or care for them again – they were abandoned.  Two of the horses, which were healthy, were picked up by someone else. However, the third, a pony, was left behind because she appeared to be colicing. The officer that worked the case said she’d almost dug her own grave over the course of 3 days.  She also had evidence of blunt force trauma to her back and sacrum area.
Valentine

Upon arrival, Valentine was examined by our vet, Dr. Ryan Meeks, and it was apparent that she didn’t know where her backend was.  He continued to treat her as a colic case – she still wasn’t passing poop.  Dr. Meeks also did x-rays on her neck.  Valentine got acupuncture and chiropractic treatments by Dr. Hami Das.  While she improved in her backend coordination, her ability to eliminate on her own didn’t improve.  This is Dr. Meeks and Dr. Das discussing their findings and Val’s condition.
Valentine

It was believed that Val had sustained nerve damage and may never be able to pass her own poop.  While for some horses that may be a death sentence – Val wasn’t ready to give up.  With each passing day, her eyes got brighter.  We couldn’t afford to pay a vet to come and clean her out each day so I learned how to do it.  It wasn’t hard and she was extremely cooperative.  When she needed this done (at least twice a day, sometimes more) she would just stand, without even a halter, and tolerate the “cleansing” which brought relief.  She was a happy little pony.  I would often find her waiting for me at the gate to the barn in the morning – ready and willing to be cleaned out so she could enjoy her breakfast and go on about her day.
Valentine

Valentine had over two good years with us but started laying down more often in the fall of 2011.  One morning in late December, instead of greeting me at the gate, I found her down at the gate.  She clearly said it was time.  We gave our little pony with the deepest and most beautiful dark eyes a very pampered few hours before being helped to Rainbow Bridge by Dr. Meeks.  Now, our Valentine runs with the heavenly herd – pain free and happy.  She is with her best friend, Captain.

This morning I opened email and found this beautiful artwork by Greg Ambrose. Mixed bittersweet tears came. This little pony was so very much loved and I miss her. Thank you Greg.

Valentine – our little pony…

Artist:

Greg Ambrose

http://www.gravideo.com

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Thoughts of Ambrosia

I spent a good part of yesterday reading, through teary eyes, the very thoughtful and much appreciated emails and posts about Ambrosia – and the artwork is lovely.

First, let me say she is, and always will be, quite the mare – she had a heart of gold. Even though humans let her down tremendously by ignoring even her basic needs and by turning her loose to wander a rural community as a homeless horse – she didn’t hold it against us. This was Barbara comforting Ambrosia the night we met her.

The next day when we picked her up and took her to the rescue she walked off the trailer, looked around, and held her head up high – for the first time we saw light and life in her eyes. She was immediately started on antibiotics. She settled into her stall and went to eating her hay and Fibre-Beet mash – she loved food! She got groomed at least a ½ a dozen times a day and was pampered to the max. The day we loaded her up to go the hospital she loaded without hesitation. Once there, it took her all of about a minute to settle in before she started eating her hay.

After her initial assessment at the hospital, we discussed her diagnosis – pleuropneumonia (infection of the lungs and pleural space). Her care team determined that to get a good indication of whether or not there was a chance for her to recover they would need to drain her chest and see how quickly it would refill. This procedure (drained about 7 gallons of fluid) gave her quite a bit of relief. Her breathing was better – she stayed upbeat. She trusted humans to do to her what was needed – I truly believe she knew we were trying to help her. She cooperated – always. Her temperature was normal and her heart rate went significantly down – she continued to have a good appetite. She was only 13 years old.

Through every step of the way we evaluated her quality of life – it was constant throughout our decision making process. It was identified early on what aftercare would be needed and we were committed. While we knew from the start she likely would never be horse to be ridden we did think she would be happy being a pasture pal. And we agreed, from the beginning, that should her comfort level not be able to be controlled, or should she develop another issue such as laminitis, and her quality of life was poor with no relief in sight, we would help her to cross. We would not let her suffer. One of the key tools in determining her quality of life was by observing her will to live which was enormous. She had a great appetite and didn’t appear depressed. She would hold her head up high and was interested in what was going on around her – she would even whinny to Billy the goat or a passersby.

I spoke with the doctor on Thursday night – he recommended giving her some time to recover from the first surgery before going through the second. Friday morning the doctor called and said overnight Ambrosia’s temperature had risen as did her heart rate but she was quite the Champion – she was still eating and drinking fine. She did have increased swelling in her legs. The doctor decided to ultrasound her heart and said he had some concerns and said that he wanted the cardio team to conduct an ultrasound. While we waited for them we took Ambrosia out to graze for a bit, which she really enjoyed.

We went back to her stall and she became interested in a very handsome horse that was being evaluated.

Once he was left she seemed tired – her breathing had been getting more labored and she began to sweat. I played songs for her on my cell phone – she seemed to really like “Lost in Love” by Air Supply. I guess I did too – we must have listened to it about 4 times. I told her about the many people that loved her and were helping her. I apologized for what humans had, or hadn’t done, for her. And I prayed.

The cardio team arrived and did another ultrasound. The cardiologist determined that Ambrosia had developed congestive heart failure. Her heart had been working overtime to compensate for the decrease of lung function. The right side of her heart was weak. We once again reviewed her quality of life and determined that, while we could prolong her life it was not in her best interest, the time had come to let her go. This is never an easy decision or one taken lightly – but we loved her enough to do what was in her best interest.

Ambrosia had several days of a full tummy and clean fresh water, she had been kept comfortable, she was doted on constantly, light in her eyes had returned, and she was genuinely interested in humans and what was going on around her. She had regained her dignity and was loved by so many and that’s important – she crossed Rainbow Bridge knowing she mattered.

I want to believe that at some point in her life she was loved and properly cared for. We will never know but we were able to prevent her from dying alone, hungry, and in pain. We knew going into this that she could take a turn for the worse at any time and we may have to let her go. God had other plans for her and we accept that. I held on to her and told her she was so very loved and I hummed “Lost in Love” as she crossed the Bridge. I could picture her holding her head up high towards the sky and running, reaching for the stars, as her body grew whole and strong again – what a glorious vision it was! I sat by her and held her and let the tears flow.

Before returning to the rescue I sat for a long time in the car in the parking lot at the hospital. I folded my arms across each other and rested my head on them against the steering wheel – as I did I could smell her. I had washed my hands but not my arms and her scent was still on them – a sense acceptance came over me. Acceptance is needed in order to move on. And I know that Ambrosia wants us to continue to help others that end up homeless, hungry, cold, alone, or in a bad situation – and with your continued help we can.

I’m sorry that Ambrosia was dumped in a rural community and had no human to care for, or about, her. I am sorry that we could not fix her health issues. And I am sorry that we could not keep her comfortably with us for a long, long time. But I’m not sorry, not in the least, that we tried. God bless each and every one of you for caring and helping in some way. Ambrosia had a huge love for life. She would have kept going until her heart burst – she was that kind of horse. She was quite the mare and had the heart of a Champion!

I have learned to fight the good fight to the end
And if I had to I would do it all again
And when the sun goes down
I won’t fear the night
I will keep my head towards the sky
Knowing that the Lord is on my side

And when the darkness falls
I won’t fear the night
I will keep my head toward the sky
Knowing that the Lord is on my side

(From the song Heart of a Champion)

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

Ambrosia remembered…
http://iacmusic.com/stationGen.aspx?stationID=7428


Artist: Greg Jones

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