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Bria’s Story

 

In mid-November we received a call about three horses that had been abandoned on foreclosed property. We had just taken in Dancer and Jo and had no plans to bring in more horses for the cold season – resources were very tight. But we had to do something so we went to work reaching out to others to see if we could find help for them. We were very blessed to find a great home for two of the horses.

The third horse, a mare named Bria who was almost 30 years old, would need special care so we decided she would live out her sunset years here at the rescue.

We promised Bria that we would do everything we could to make her comfortable for as long as possible. We also promised her that when she got to a point where her quality of life was not good, and there was nothing more we could do to help her, we would love her enough to let her go. She was quite thin and she had Cushing’s Disease along with degenerative suspensory ligament disease (DSLD). Unfortunately, there is no cure for DSLD – it progressively gets worse and, at some point, the horse’s quality of life declines to a point where the most humane thing to do is euthanasia. Bria’s coat was terribly unhealthy and her mane and tail hadn’t been brushed in years. Her teeth needed attention as well, as she had sharp points and waves. Her front feet were a mess – she had thin soles and coffin bone rotation (with bone loss) in both.

Fortunately, Bria was comfortable in Soft Ride boots. She wore them 24/7 and, at times, she could even be seen trotting around. She was a beautiful mare and had a way of communicating very well – I’m sure in her younger days she could be very opinionated, sassy, and a fireball of energy. Little E became Bria’s best friend and they could usually be found hanging out together under the Friendship Tree by our house or wandering about, grazing. Bria made other friends, too – Peggy Sue, Cricket, Tilly, Lucy, and even Nina would hang out with her. She also made friends with many humans – all of the volunteers truly loved her.

Over the last couple of weeks, Bria had been less active as were some of the other horses – we’d had some pretty high temps and humidity. But this past Friday morning, Bria didn’t want to move when I took breakfast to her.

She gave me a look that clearly said she needed help and she was resting her back left leg in an odd way. I can’t feel anything with my hands (due to my spinal cord injury) so I couldn’t tell if there was heat in her back foot and/or leg. I gave Bria pain meds and waited to see how she would respond. When she tried to walk, it was obvious that her back leg/foot had issues so we called the vet to come out to the farm.

Dr. Rigby found heat (increased pulses) not only in Bria’s back foot but also in both front feet. Bria was a horse trying to walk on one good foot and that is just not possible. Dr. Rigby advised the most humane thing to do would be to help Bria go to Rainbow Bridge.

Little E had stayed close to Bria all morning – I’m sure he knew what was happening. We let them have time together as Dr. Rigby got meds ready that would release Bria from her pain.

As much as it broke our hearts, we kept our promise to Bria to let her go when the time came. I prayed for a smooth transition and she did go peacefully – I stayed with her the entire time.

After awhile, I left Little E alone with Bria so he could have time to process what had happened. He’s up there in years (37) and sadly, he has had to say good-bye to many of his friends – I do worry about him.

I’m sure Cricket, Nina, and Bria met up at Rainbow Bridge where they now frolic in green grass free of pain. They will always be in my heart and I know we’ll meet them again someday. They were all loved and we were blessed to have them with us for as long as we did.

Thank you all for caring.

Sincerely,
Theresa

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Niña’s Blessed Last Months

It’s been a tough few days here, losing Niña and then Bria the day after. I want to share what happened with each special mare but will first start with Niña. I’ll share about Bria tomorrow.

When Niña came to us in late February, she was shy, underweight and a bit frail. She hadn’t lived with another horse for years. She was vetted the day after her arrival and on the following day, we found her down and unable to get up. After running fluids and giving her time to rest, she did get up, with assistance. After Niña’s blood tests came back and speaking with the vet, we adjusted her feed and added Succeed to the supplements she received and she started to improve and gain weight.

Niña was in our quarantine (QT) paddock for the first two weeks where she would stand by the fence and watch the other horses. She received lots of attention and warmed up to humans.

After two weeks in QT, we opened the gate to her paddock so she could wander about on the two acres surrounding our house, get good exercise, and make friends – but she did not do so. Niña would simply, walk to the gate and stand for a bit but she wouldn’t leave the paddock. We haltered her and hand walked her around the property a few times, and tried to encourage her to go out, but we weren’t going to force her. But then one morning, I went by her paddock, opened the gate, and continued up to Frosty’s Knoll to start soaking hay. I thought I heard something behind me and smiled when I realized she was there. We went up the Knoll and she stood and looked out over the farm (it’s the highest part of the property) for a couple of minutes.

I gave her some scratches and then she trotted down to the fence line at the main paddock and followed it to the far side of the house where I couldn’t see her. I later found her under the “Friendship Tree” with Peggy Sue and Cricket – it really did my heart good!

Niña continued to put on much needed weight and muscle – her transformation in such a short period of time was truly amazing. She was beautiful inside and out. She would go out and graze with her new friends and could sometimes be found just hanging out under the “Friendship Tree” with them. Unfortunately, we found her down again in early March, but after getting some fluids and rest, Niña was able to get up (with assistance). Niña had her 30th birthday in March.

Niña did well throughout April. It was a pleasure to see her trot around here and there. Sometimes, she’d take off and run like she was going to be late for something and she looked so happy. Cricket adored her and they could often be found together.

In early May, Niña was exploring a paddock she hadn’t been in before when she took off, slipped and fell on wet grass, and couldn’t get up. We let her rest for a bit and tried to help her up but we weren’t successful. I called the vet and gave her some fluids and her meds. When he arrived, Niña received additional fluids/meds, and DMSO. Thankfully, after the meds/DMSO took effect, we were finally able to help Niña stand after several attempts to do so.

This past Thursday, Niña went down for no apparent reason while she was up on Frosty’s Knoll. It was like a rerun of the previous falls but sadly, this time, even with help from the vet, we couldn’t get Niña up.

The look in her eyes reinforced what we knew – it was time. The decision to let any of them go to Rainbow Bridge is never easy.

But if there is nothing more our care team can do to help them, and it’s in their best interest, we love them enough to let them go knowing we will see them again someday – and I do believe this.

Many thanks to everyone who helped Niña and cared about her. And even though we wish she were still here, we feel blessed to have had her with us, where she was surrounded by love, if only for a few months.

Sincerely,
Theresa

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It’s Spring Vaccination Time!

Hey Everyone!

It’s time for the Beauty’s Haven herd to receive their annual Spring Vaccines to ensure that each of our precious “Velvet Nosers” remain healthy and safe.

Our goal is to raise $600, but thanks to the generosity of a wonderful friend and supporter, all donations up to $300 will be matched dollar for dollar! Donations may be made here on our website, just click the Donate button below. Please note that your contribution is for “Spring Vaccines.”

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All donations are tax deductible and no amount is ever too small. If you are unable to donate at this time, we truly understand, but you can still help by sharing this need amongst family and friends!

Thank you, all, so very much.

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Max’s Surgery & Recovery

I’ve been meaning to share an update about Max for over a week now, but we’ve been super busy. Max had surgery a few days ago to have a large tumor removed from his right hip. He was supposed to have surgery weeks ago but it was rescheduled to a date TBD by UF. The tumor was getting larger and Max was becoming pretty uncomfortable – we felt that Max simply couldn’t wait any longer. Thankfully, Dr. Schirmer at West End Animal Hospital in Newberry, took on Max’s case.

Surgery lasted almost two hours, but Dr. Schirmer and his staff did a great job. Max stayed at the hospital for a couple of days and came home this past Friday.

He wasn’t able to get up or walk at first, but he’s gradually getting better. We help him get up by supporting him with a sling in order to put him into Hope’s wheelchair.

His eyes are bright again and today, he barked at someone going down the road for the first time since he’s been home!

Max has watched over this herd for the last 10+ years and deserves to stick around as long as he is comfortable. He’s more comfortable now than he was before surgery and he should have many more years with us. He watches over the farm every night and alerts us to anything amiss. He’s awesome and we all love him dearly. I’ll update more about his progress whenever I can.

If you would like to forward a donation to assist with the cost of Max’s surgery, please click the button below and be sure to designate your donation to ‘Max.’ All donations are tax deductible and no amount is ever too small.

Thank you, all, so very much!

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Aaleyah Belle, A Beauty’s Haven Miracle

“Life is about determination. Don’t give up because of the obstacles… Regardless of what obstacles face you, just keep going! Go through, go around, jump over – but never give up!”

A registered Thoroughbred mare named ‘Currently Sue,’ foaled during the early morning hours of May 3, 2008. Her filly was born with a condition known as wry nose syndrome which prevented the foal from nursing and receiving the vital colostrum that she needed after birth, thus making her chance of survival extremely slim.

That very same day, Theresa received a phone call from an individual expressing concern about the filly and her Momma, as they were in imminent danger of being shot that afternoon. Theresa immediately, contacted the owner to see if they would surrender Momma and baby to Beauty’s Haven and they were more than happy to oblige – it would save them the time and energy of having to dig a grave. Without delay, Theresa went to pick up Momma and her filly and transport them to the rescue.

Time was of the essence – the baby was several hours old and hadn’t received any nourishment or colostrum – she could not nurse due to her wry nose. Momma had obviously, given her baby all the nourishment she could in utero, as she, herself, was merely skin on bones and simply had no milk to offer her baby.

Both were promptly vetted and the filly received plasma and colostrum. Momma, who we lovingly, called ‘Momma Sue,’ was put on a re-feeding program. There are no words to describe how blessed we felt as we watched the look of worry and hunger in Momma’s Sue’s eyes morph into a look of gratefulness, comfort, and relief. It was obvious that she adored her baby girl.

On this very same day, Eight Belles, a determined and kind, steel-gray 3 year-old filly, ran in the Kentucky Derby against 19 colts. Against the odds, Eight Belles finished second on the 1 1/4 mile track, following the winner, Big Brown. Sadly, within seconds of crossing the finish line, Eight Belles broke down and had to be euthanized.

In Eight Belles’s memory, we named Momma Sue’s determined little filly, ‘Aaleyah Belle,’ who would have to overcome immeasurable odds in order to survive.

Aaleyah Belle, thankfully, was able to drink from a bottle. As soon as she was stable and stronger, she needed to have surgery at the University of Florida to correct her wry nose which would forever, improve her quality of life. A few weeks later, Aaleyah Belle, accompanied by her beloved Momma, was transported to UF where her nose would be surgically corrected, as much as possible, thus allowing her to run and play with all the other horses.

Her recovery was successful, and as she grew stronger and her breathing became easier, our sweet little girl started kicking up her heels. She showed the world and all those who loved her, a very special ‘Cricket Dance.’ Aaleyah became a dancer of joy, a spirited young girl with a full life ahead of her. Aaleyah Belle was born with an innate beauty, a beauty that encompasses the true meaning of grace, happiness, and love. Aaleyah is yet another, Beauty’s Haven miracle.

In Honor of Aaleyah’s 12th Birthday, a wonderful Auntie has come forth and is offering a Match Game whereby all donations up to $300 will be matched dollar for dollar, which will be applied to this week’s Hay Run.

If you would like to forward a donation in Honor of Aaleyah’s birthday, you may do so here on our website or via PayPalMe. If donating via PayPal, please designate your donation to ‘Aaleyah’s Birthday.’ If you select the tab, ‘Send Money to Friends or Family,’ no fees will be deducted from your contribution. All donations are tax deductible and no amount is ever too small.

Thank you, all, so very much!

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Poor Niña!

Niña truly gave us a scare today. She apparently got spooked by a sprinkler and took off running, then sadly, she slipped and fell and was unable to get up. We immediately ran some fluids and gave meds as per the vet’s instructions while we awaited his arrival.

Our poor girl was truly headed in the wrong direction but got a much-needed boost with some DMSO thanks to Dr. Becker, coupled with the power of prayer.

Niña is now resting comfortably and is tucked in for the night.

God is good. Believe.

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Cricket Has Her Wings

In Loving Memory

On Monday afternoon, the vet was called out to the farm to treat our precious Cricket for colic. After doing all that could be done and being unsuccessful with clearing her impaction, and surgery not an option, it was decided that we could no longer let her suffer. She was simply in too much pain. Cricket was such a wise and brave little mare to the very end and she even enjoyed some time with her dear friend, Tilly. The vet returned last evening and Cricket was peacefully transitioned to Rainbow Bridge at 9:00pm, surrounded by all who loved her so dearly.

We know in our hearts that her beloved Jiminy was awaiting her arrival, and both, with youth restored and free of pain, crossed the Rainbow Bridge together.

We love you, sweet Cricket, forever & always.

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Reunited

Hi Everyone,

Thank you, all, for your messages of condolence during this most difficult time. Cricket was so very blessed to have experienced such an inordinate amount of love and joy in recent years. She was truly, a very wise old soul and I am certain that she had many stories to tell during the course of her thirty-five years here on earth. We do find comfort with the knowledge that Cricket has been reunited with her beloved companion, Jiminy, who went to Rainbow Bridge just a few months ago.

While the vet was here to care for Cricket, bloodwork was also done on Bria, and we are currently, awaiting the results.

While we never like to ask for funds, especially during this time of heartbreak and sorrow, we do need assistance for Bria’s testing as well as for both visits from the vet yesterday.

The first to help resolve Crickets’s colic, and the second, an evening emergency visit, to assist with her peaceful transition to Rainbow Bridge. We also are asking for assistance to cover Cricket’s burial fees.

If you would like to assist with these fees, which we estimate to be in the range of $600, you may forward your donation via various means here on our secure website or via PayPalMe. If donating via PayPal, please designate your donation to ‘Bria’ and/or ‘Cricket.’ If you select the tab, ‘Send Money to Friends or Family,’ no fees will be deducted from your contribution. All donations are tax deductible and no amount is ever too small.

Lastly, please keep Beauty in your prayers.

Thank you all, so very much, for your love and support.

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Niña, Penny & Bria all fixed up!

Niña

Niña is looking much better. When she lays down now, she’s strong enough to get up on her own. Niña recently, managed to injure her lip, but she was such a good girl and great patient when getting her wound cleaned and treated.

Penny’s Happy Mouth

Dr. Bess Darrow (Tune Ups Veterinary Equine Dentistry and Services) worked on Penny’s teeth last week. Penny had recently started to quid. Penny is a blind 30+ year old Belgian. Elyza Rose is her seeing eye pony and BFF.

Bria’s Happy Feet

“Got treats?”

Bria is holding her own and is most comfortable in her SoftRides boots. Take them off and it’s a different story – she has thin soles and some rotation in both front feet. But you can sometimes see her sprinting around looking for Little E or Cricket.

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Niña – A Sudden Scare!

We were a bit worried about Niña during her first 48 hours here at the rescue. We learned that she had access to a tub of grain on her transport here and we didn’t know how much, if any, she had consumed. She went down the morning after she arrived and couldn’t get up. We had to roll her over in order to help her stand.

After receiving some fluids, Niña started to perk up a bit. She gets a warm soupy mash several times a day which she seems to enjoy. Her blood test results indicated highs and lows – typical values for a malnourished horse. Her immune system is quite compromised, she likely has ulcers, her kidneys are a bit stressed, she has a high parasite load, she’s pretty anemic, etc. Appropriate supplements have been been identified that we are adding to her re-feeding program.

Perking Up

Feeling Proud

Watching

 

Yesterday, we put a blanket on Niña – I don’t know if she’s ever worn one before, but I believe that she felt very special. She looked like a different horse in the blanket. She held her head high and it appeared that she was very very proud!

Niña watches the other horses all of the time. She hasn’t been with another horse in at least 16 years and I have to wonder what she’s thinking. When she is stronger, and the time is right, she’ll be introduced to another.

A wonderful friend and supporter has come forth to offer a Match Game to assist with the initial and ongoing care of sweet Niña. All donations up to $150, will thereby, be matched dollar for dollar.

Niña does not have any monthly sponsors thus far, so if you would like to be her ‘Angel’ for a few months or longer, you can sign up for as little as five dollars per month via our Website. If you would prefer to make a one time donation, you can do so here on our website, or via PayPal.me. If donating via PayPal, please designate your contribution to ‘Match Game.’ Please know that all contributions are so greatly appreciated and no amount is ever too small.

We would also like to thank everyone who has assisted with Niña’s expenses thus far. We are forever grateful for your extremely generous contributions, loving prayers and most thoughtful well-wishes. And we know that this sweet girl is truly, feeling your love as well!

Wishing everyone a lovely weekend!

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