Tag Archive for: Gabe

Our Hearts are Forever Broken

Love leaves precious memories. I have no words tonight, only heartache.

Yesterday, I took our sweet Benjamin to the hospital for the second time this week. He had been sick after chewing up part of a pillow from a cat bed. We were unaware of just how much he had ingested, but he thankfully, threw up, as well as passed, some of the pillow contents. Sadly, he began vomiting after having eaten his meal, so we took Benjamin to the vet on Monday where x-rays were taken and fluids were administered – he was quite dehydrated. As nothing was found on the x-rays, and his bloodwork was good, medication to alleviate his nausea was prescribed which would hopefully, enable Benjamin to begin eating once again. Sadly, he continued to refuse his meals and subsequently, he lost quite a bit of weight. I continued to run fluids while constantly monitoring his vitals.

As there still was no sign of improvement, Benjamin was taken to the hospital again yesterday, whereupon, a second set of x-rays were performed which now revealed a blockage. Benjamin immediately went into surgery and the vet felt confidently, that all had gone well. Benjamin was released to return home at the end of the day. We got him comfortably settled into the home office and monitored him closely as he rested. A couple of hours later, as I was talking to him, holding his head across my lap, Benjamin, unexpectedly, but peacefully, transitioned to Rainbow Bridge.

And, there’s more.

Most of you are aware that Gabe has been fighting COPD ever since he arrived at Beauty’s Haven three years ago. Against all odds, we were able to get his COPD under control to a degree where he was comfortable. A few months ago, however, Gabe’s condition worsened, so our last hope was to send him to a foster home where there would be less dust. While there, Gabe initially was so much better, but he recently started to take a dive. Our care team determined that Gabe was at the point where his quality of life was just not where it should be and would only further deteriorate. We made the sad and painful decision to release him from his pain and yesterday morning. Surrounded by those who loved him dearly, our beloved Gabe peacefully transitioned to Rainbow Bridge.

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A Bit of a Chess Game!

Photo collage of Gabe

Click on the photo above to view video!

Last Thursday, I took Gabe to stay with Rissie, a volunteer and friend, who adopted Waylon and Rio several months ago. Gabe has asthma, and while we have tried to keep him as comfortable as possible during the course of the summer months, it simply wasn’t enough. As Beauty’s Haven lies parallel to a lime rock road, lime rock dust constantly blows across the farm which greatly affects Gabe’s breathing and overall well-being. As there is little dust at Rissie’s farm, and with temperatures getting cooler, we are hoping and praying that Gabe’s asthma will improve and he regains some much-needed weight.

By Saturday, Gabe had settled nicely into his foster home. He’s so happy to be reunited with his old friends, Rio and Waylon. As Willow, Gabe’s best friend, was now alone, we immediately granted her access to Mishka and Valley Girl’s paddock. As the girls chose to remain together in one paddock, Mishka was now left alone in the paddock next to them. So, we took Walker down to meet Mishka and the boys, thankfully, hit it off! And, while it was a bit of a chess game, as you can see by clicking on the image above, everyone is happy and content!

Happy Feet Match Game

A wonderful friend and supporter has come forth and is offering a Match Game for Happy Feet whereby all donations up to $200 will be matched dollar for dollar! Since the average cost per hooficure is $45, we would be so very appreciative of any donation to assist with this need. So, if you wish to help our beloved little herd, while doubling your donation at the same time, just click on the ‘DONATE’ button below to contribute. Thank you!

Sincerely,
Theresa

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Gabe, Willow & Aaleyah Updates

After finally winning the war on Gabe‘s abscessed and ulcerated eye, which we have been treating since the end of August, our poor boy was sadly stricken with a bout of colic on Friday. Thankfully, we managed to get him through this episode; within a few hours he passed gas, had a bowel movement and was, once again, drinking. And then a few days ago, Willow, an eighteen year-old Thoroughbred mare we adopted out in 2016, came back to Beauty’s Haven through no fault of her own.

Willow and Gabe are both in need of sponsors to help with their daily ongoing care, so if anyone would like to sponsor either of these precious horses, just click on the ‘DONATE’ button below. Gabe and Willow, who have now become the very best of friends, would most assuredly, be eternally grateful.

We also have a substantial balance remaining on Aaleyah’s veterinary bill following her surgery and subsequent hospitalization a few months ago, so if anyone would like to assist us with this need, it would be truly appreciated. If you would like to help Aaleyah, you may do so, by once again, clicking on the ‘DONATE’ button below. Donations may also be called directly into PetersonSmith Equine Hospital at 352-861-1251 or 352-237-6151, account #95501.

Thank you for your love and support. We most certainly could not do what we do without our amazing village of supporters .

Sincerely,
Theresa

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When it Rains, It Pours

On Saturday, when I was at the hospital with Aaleyah Belle, Jo somehow managed to lodge a sliver in her neck which became quite swollen and sore, but we are treating her accordingly, and she is, thankfully, doing okay. And then there is Gabe, who somehow injured his eye which caused him much discomfort and despite our daily administration of eye medications, there was little sign of improvement.

Since I had to attend to Jo and Gabe, I decided to remain at the farm on Sunday and asked Jenny to visit with Aaleyah at the hospital. I also decided that it would be the perfect time to call the vet out to assess Gabe’s eye. Upon examination, the vet discerned that not only does Gabe have a corneal ulcer, he has an abscess as well! Gabe’s eye medications were adjusted accordingly and a subpalpebral lavage was put in place which will make it much easier for us to treat his eye.

Chloe is, thankfully, doing okay – she has settled in nicely in the main paddock with her ‘new friend,’ Peaches, eagerly awaiting the return of her best friend, Aaleyah. Mo is adjusting to the loss of his beloved Oasis, thanks to our resident ‘wise old soul,’ Waylon, and his happy go lucky sidekick, Walker. I also visited Aaleyah today. She is having a fairly good day but she is not at all happy with her muzzle or stall. She did slime Jenny today so I’m taking that as a good sign!

Our vet bills are growing exponentially, so if anyone would like to assist with Gabe or Aaleyah’s veterinary expenses, it would be so greatly appreciated.

Thank you all, from the bottom of our hearts.

Sincerely,
Theresa

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Maggie – Near or far, she’ll always be in our hearts

Maggie came to us last November as a county seizure. She had been living alone in a small sand paddock for many years. The case is still pending, but last week we were advised we had to release her to her previous owner. She was picked up on Saturday. It broke many hearts – especially Gabe’s. I can only hope and pray that there were lessons learned and that Maggie will be loved and properly cared for this time – and that she will have a friend. She truly appreciated having companionship.

Watching Gabe run around and hearing him call for her when she left and her call for him as the trailer drove away broke my heart. Animals certainly do feel happiness, love, pain, sorrow, and even a sense of loss.

Walking her to the transport trailer was a very hard thing to do and I feel like I betrayed her. I had promised her safety, food, and happiness. I’m sure she didn’t understand that we had no choice – we do have to follow the law. We all adore this mare and we cherish the bond that these two horses, each one having lived alone for many years before coming to us, had formed.

Together, Gabe and Maggie flourished. Maggie stays in my heart and in my prayers. The door is always open for her to come back.

Updated to address questions: We know where Maggie went. The State Attorney approved of the boarding facility where she was taken which is a couple of hours away. It’s off the beaten path so there is really no way to check on her by doing a drive-by. There was no restriction put on how long Maggie had to stay at the boarding facility.

Sincerely,
Theresa

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Gabe, Maggie & Nadia

It was wonderful seeing Gabe and Maggie (a recent county seizure) together exploring new places and making new friends. They are both such very sweet horses. Gabe has COPD, which we are trying to manage, whilst sweet Maggie does not sweat at times. Maggie’s neglect case is still pending with the county but her owner has been charged. Maggie and Gabe both need sponsors for their care including hay, grain, farrier work, etc., so if you would like to sponsor or help either horse, please click on the ‘DONATE’ button at the bottom of this post where you can make a one-time contribution or sign up for monthly automatic donations which help tremendously.


ABOVE: Gabe and Maggie experiencing the innate joy of just being horses.

Nadia is still searching for a perfect friend since we lost Venus in November. Nadia and Venus had been together for twenty-five plus years. A few weeks after Venus passed, Peaches sensed that Nadia was grieving and remained by her side. Peaches has always helped others cope with the loss of a friend, but since she has always been a loner, her comfort to others is only temporary and after a few weeks of giving the other horse time to adjust, Peaches is ready for the other horse to move on. Nadia has Degenerative Suspensory Ligament Desmitis (DSLD), a progressive condition that leads to chronic breakdown of tendons and ligaments. Her condition will only worsen and at some point, we will have to make the decision to let her join Venus. We will keep her comfortable for as long as possible, but in the meantime, we will continue our quest to find Nadia another very best friend from within our herd.

Sincerely,
Theresa

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Tag Archive for: Gabe