Cookie got her wings late yesterday and joined the heavenly herd. Theresa will provide a detailed update as soon as she is up to it – this has been a devastating loss.
Forever in Our Hearts
Tag Archive for: Cookie
06/30/17, Thursday
Dr. Porter (PHD Veterinary Services) was out yesterday to reassess Cookie and to do another set of x-rays on her front feet. She is in very good spirits, her appetite is great, and she still adores attention! Another set of x-rays indicated that there has been a bit more rotation. Also, she is having issue with abscesses that need to resolve as there is risk for infection which could make its way to the coffin bone which could be a very bad thing. Dr. Porter wants Cookie to wear Soft-Ride boots so we placed an overnight order for a new pair (for a narrow-long size 6) because the pair we had for her to use are too small.
If anyone can help Cookie with her vet and related expenses it would truly be appreciated – no amount is ever considered as being too small. Tax deductible donations can be made via our website at www.bhfer.org. Our PayPal address is bhfer@earthlink.net. You can also click on the ‘DONATE‘ button below. If donating via PayPal, please designate your donation to ‘Cookie.’ If you select the tab for ‘Friends or Family,’ no fees will be deducted from your contribution.
Thank you all for your continued love and support. We are most confident that our amazing little village will come forth once again to help Cookie.
Believe!
04/18/17
Our 8th Annual Celebration of Life/ASPCA Help a Horse Day is on Saturday, April 22nd, and almost every year, a horse in need finds its way to Beauty’s Haven just before the event. Well, this year, it’s not a horse, but a baby lamb with an injured leg!
The baby will be arriving this evening and will be going to the vet tomorrow. We are praying that his leg can be fixed. If not, we will address our options then, based on information learned from the vet.
At this point in time, we are only asking for pledges to help this sweet baby boy.
Later Monday Evening ~
Meet Noah – a month old lamb with a fractured leg. He’s a happy little one. We are praying that the vet can set and cast his leg and that Noah will have many years ahead of him.
04/19/17
Baby Noah has the cutest “baaaa!” Anyone with his milk bottle is “mom.” He’s off to the vet’s office and we’re getting ready for Cookie’s surgery this morning. It is going to be a very busy day!
Please keep Noah and Cookie in your prayers.
I’ll update on both as I soon as I can.
#helpahorse#helpalamb#aspca#bhfer#believe#wecandothisforthisbaby#pledgesneeded
Earlier this year, Cookie appeared to be depressed – she just wasn’t herself. With her history of cancer, well, I was just concerned. Dr. Specht ran some blood work and some values were all over the place. Then Cookie developed chronic imflammation in her left eye and was put on eye medications which didn’t seem to help. Dr. Specht did a biopsy which came back negative (for cancer). We continued treatments but still didn’t see any improvement over the next couple of weeks. In fact, the eye worsened with the development of an an ulcer.
Dr. Mangan repeated the biopsy and it also came back negative for SCC – whew! A lavage was placed, which helped to enable us to continue treatment of the eye around the clock with various medications. Still, the eye didn’t respond. Dr. Mangan examined her a few more times, medications were adjusted, and Dr. Specht did another blood test to see how she was doing overall. Her blood test values are thankfully, much better. Dr. Mangan was out again this past weekend and Cookie’s eye has worsened. Her diagnosis – immune mediated marginal ulcerative keratitis. We regrouped and discussed options.
We truly, want what is best for Cookie. Over the course of the past several weeks she’s been adjusting to losing sight in that eye – and she is still adjusting. Since this issue started, we’ve prayed a lot while doing all we can to help the eye heal, but it’s time – we’ve made the decision to have the eye removed. We want Cookie to be comfortable and there are much worse things than losing an eye. Horses adapt and most do just fine. Dr. Mangan will be removing Cookie’s eye next week.
Please keep Cookie in your prayers – good thoughts would also be greatly appreciated.
With just one week remaining until our 8th Annual Celebration of Life/ASPCA Help A Horse Day event on April 22nd, we are hoping that our Village will come forth once again to help us meet our goal of raising $8000. These funds will be used to help pay for Cookie’s surgical/vet fees, spring vaccinations and other needs of our rescue herd, while competing for a chance to win up to $10,000 in grant prizes.
Donations are tax deductible and can be made via our website. Our PayPal address: bhfer@earthlink.net. If donating via PayPal, please designate your donation for ‘Help A Horse Day.’ If you select the tab for ‘Friends or Family,’ no fees will be deducted from your contribution.
We currently have a $2000 MATCH GAME in progress with $875 still available in matching funds. Once we raise $875, our $2000 Match Game will be complete and will instantly morph into $4000 which is halfway to our targeted goal of $8000! Can we do it? We BELIEVE we can!
As always, thank you all so very much for your love and support.
#helpahorse #bhfer #cookie #donate #matchgame #aspca #believe #ittakesavillage #wecandothis
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February 12th, 2017
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Cookie’s eye is worse. Dr. Mangan will be checking it tomorrow when he comes to hopefully, remove the lavage from Magic’s eye.
 Almost three years ago, Dr. Mangan performed surgery on Cookie at UF when she had cancer. He did a great job. He had to remove much of her lower left lid in order to save the eye and did some pretty amazing reconstructive surgery.
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February 16th
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Dr. Mangan examined Cookie’s eye over the weekend. She has an ulcer but she’s really good about having it treated – no lavage needed. She’s always been a very good girl. We were concerned that the cancer had returned, but it appears that is not the issue – thankfully.
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February 21st
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Dr. Specht was back out yesterday to do a biopsy on Cookie’s eye. There is an ulcer but it appears that something else is going on. Please keep Cookie in your prayers.
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February 27th
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It’s been overwhelmingly busy here but we want to share the good news – Cookie’s biopsy results came back – it’s not cancer!
 Cookie needs help with her vet bills. Her eye is still being treated. The healing is slow but at least her eye is no worse and we are very relieved that it’s not SCC! Donations can be made via PayPal to bhfer@earthlink.net or via various ways on our website at www.bhfer.org. No amount is too small and all donations are tax deductible and much appreciated. If you’d like to help Cookie, when making a donation, please note that it’s for her. Thank you!
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March 7th
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 Please continue to keep Cookie in your prayers. I’m sad to report that her eye appears worse. Dr. Mangan came out and did another biopsy that is going to be sent to a different lab. We’re still concerned that the cancer has returned.
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September 20th – 26th, 2015
September 20th
Zahara’s X-rays were done yesterday. She’s doing well.
Artwork by Greg Ambrose.
Birds everywhere!
Really blessed to have both of our human “kids” home today for awhile!
September 22nd
That famous tongue! Aaleyah Belle loves to slime anyone and everyone.
September 23rd
The Breakfast Club.
Donovan got a “get out of your paddock and roam free” pass today around the house. I think JoJo must have told him there’s something good in the office. I could just picture him making his way up the stairs in one giant step. OMG!
Donovan is one of many horses looking for a forever home. He’s so sweet – I hate to think of him not being here but he deserves his own home.
Lucy getting her morning makeover from Marilyn Doren. Lucy has a trach that gets cleaned each day. Everyone loves Lucy!
Well, I guess it’s official. Fall is here. There are leaves on the ground already. I just hope and pray the green grass sticks around for quite a bit longer.
September 24th
JoJo helping Chris collect feed tubs. He’s a riot!
Betsy Rose and Penny
It’s been a busy week, but we’ve been able to get a couple of needed baths in. On Monday, I opted to give Waylon a bath, clean his sheath, and check him for a bean. I got three quarters of the way done, but was summoned to do something else. Sue rinsed him off for me – thanks Sue!
We use a great product for sheath cleaning called Healing Tree Sheath Cleaner. It soothes, cleans, and dissolves dirt, grime, etc. and it smells good too! It’s veterinary formulated and the geldings seem to think it’s ok. It comes in a spray bottle which I really like. If you would like to donate this product, it’s available at this link: http://www.besthorseproductsavailable.com/products/go-way-all-natural-repellent-16oz.
Waylon was a pony horse at Calder Race Track but wasn’t wanted anymore. He ended up in a bad situation and was attacked by a stallion that took a chunk out of his backside which has healed nicely. He’s about 19 years young and is one of the sweetest horses you could ever meet! He’s been having a tough time breathing, but with the cooler weather coming, his condition will hopefully, improve.
Ruby, Cookie, and Zahara.
September 25th
Foxy and Zahara love to run along the fence line and play.
September 26th
Paul and Roxy did a great job and had a great deal of fun at the Tack Shack yard sale in Ocala today!
Thursday, April 17th, 2014
Cookie was admitted to UF today, April 17th, for an eye exam and, specifically, for evaluation of a mass on her left lower eyelid which had been treated with cryotherapy and cisplatin beads in the past few months with no resolution. During the exam, tumors were also found on her 3rd eyelids (r/l). It was recommended a scan be done to determine the extension of the tumors and to help make surgical decisions.
Marie helped me get Cookie ready for her trip to the UF Veterinary hospital this morning.
I’m so sorry that Cookie is fighting SCC. I wish there were some way they could save her eye. The SCC is below it but because they will have to remove the lower lid there will be nothing to protect the eye. We’ve had blind horses as well as horses with only one eye. Some horses don’t adjust well but I think Cookie will do just fine. I want the SCC gone. Totally. Please keep her in your prayers.
I will be away from the computer and phone for the rest of the day but I will update later about Cookie. Thanks Pam for transporting Cookie safely to the hospital!
Friday, April 18th
Cookie’s CT scan showed the mass had not invaded bony orbit. It was recommended by Dr. Mangan that resection of the lower lid mass and 3rd eyelids be followed by reconstruction of the lid margin (preserving the globe) which would preserve sight in her left eye!
Surgery under way. Dr. Mangan and his team are amazing!
Finally! About 2/3rds of the lower left eyelid, the left 3rd eyelid, and the entire right 3rd eyelid were removed. Cryotherapy was also used on the remaining left lid margins in hopes of preventing potential further spread of the cancer. Cookie’s sub-mandibular lymph nodes were somewhat enlarged so cells were taken and sent to be analyzed.
Cookie has left the OR.
Cookie did well for surgery – the area of the left eyelid resected was pretty extensive but, with reconstruction, she was able to keep her eye! To do this, they used skin from below her left eyelid to make a new lower eyelid margin. It was pretty amazing to watch and it took a quite a bit of time – the surgeons (Dr. Mangan and Dr. Martins) and the surgery team did a great job. They wanted Cookie to remain at the hospital for a few days – there were some concerns about swelling but, so far, it hasn’t been as bad as was expected. Now, we pray for an uneventful recovery – the sutures need to hold until they are scheduled to be removed in about 2 weeks. Cookie is eating and drinking and was happy to be visited by Katherine today. Katherine is a volunteer and student at UF.
Wow. We are all missing our Cookie. The barn just isn’t the same.
Monday, April 21st
Cookie settled back into her stall this afternoon just fine. It’s great to have her home. I have to change her bandage tomorrow and Thursday she goes back to UF.
She’s not very comfortable having just one eye to see out of – I’m so glad they were able to save both eyes.
Tuesday, April 22nd
Cookie’s first day back at the rescue after having surgery to remove cancer from her eyes.
I said a prayer when starting to unwrap Cookie’s face this morning – I needed to clean/treat the wounds. The tape is so darn sticky.
Well, the tape came off pretty good. Cookie was a champ about it. I truly believe that horses know when you are helping them.
I cleaned up both eyes and treated them with triple antibiotic. Then applied SSD cream to the sutures and granulation tissue.
I applied a sterile bandage and then vet wrap.
Then the eye with the protective eye cup and voila! Please continue to keep Cookie in your prayers. She’s got a lot of healing to do. Many thanks to everyone that have been praying for Cookie and to those that have donated to help with her needs.
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.
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.
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.
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.
February 27th, 2014
This is what is called a “1/2 pasture bale” of hay. We’ve bought many and they have ranged from about 592 lbs up to 915 lbs. They are great – the horses can’t pig out on them. We do have to check for metal rings that hold them together a couple of times a day.
It’s amazing how they share their feed. No arguing at all. They finish one tub then go to the next. This is Serenity, Bryce, and Eliza.
Most people know about Aaleyah Belle and her tongue. She’s loved very much but she’s still a brat! She was born with a wry nose.
Cookie needs prayers. I knew the area would look worse for a bit after the treatment. I just worry.
Princess is looking much better. She does have something potentially going on in her left eye (it was injured a few years ago) and Dr. Ryan will be out tomorrow to check her out. This is Princess following Roxy for lunch.
Oscar was trying to help Paul fill out a form. LOL Oscar has had a growth spurt! I watched him RUN today. It was awesome.
No words needed…
I miss you Solace.
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.
