Tag Archive for: Jo

Sweet Jo

Jo hasn’t been herself for the past couple of days. Her vitals have been normal, but she really hasn’t been interested in her meals, which is very unusual.

On Friday morning, when I took Jo’s temperature, it was elevated at 102.7 and she did not eat her breakfast. Dr. Valle came out and examined her and performed blood tests.

Jo is thirty-six years old and was diagnosed with dementia a few years ago based upon observed and documented changes over time. At first, we saw changes in Jo’s normal habits – for example, at times, she gets ‘stuck’ in one place for a while unless we assist her in moving along. At times, she forgets to eat her meals which is most unusual as she adores her meals and can never get enough, but when she has an ‘episode,’ we have to keep taking her food to her.

Jo also appears to be deaf and looks lost, disoriented, and/or confused at times. Her good days, however, thankfully, far outweigh her bumpy days.

Jo was skin on bones when we picked her up in 2019. Dancer, her very best friend, who is thirty-three years old, was also in poor shape upon her arrival at Beauty’s Haven. Both have a physical examination at the minimum of once yearly and bloodwork is performed every six months. Komanchee, our resident forty-year old pony, has also been diagnosed with dementia.

Lastly, I am so happy to report that Jo is pretty much back to her normal self today. Her bloodwork, however, indicates that her liver is a bit stressed. We are witnessing changes that are a part of life and aging, not only with Jo, but with others here too, including Dancer. You can’t negotiate with Father Time, but we will always support them nutritionally, physically, and in any way possible until their quality of life becomes an issue. That is the promise we make to each and every precious being who enters through our gates ~ ‘that all of their tomorrows will be everything that their past should have been.’

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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Walker & Waylen Improving, Jo Needs Prayers

Walker and Waylen did great for their eye exams last week. Walker has some old scarring in his left eye but, thankfully it doesn’t bother him. Both of these very sweet boys have gained weight and are looking good!

Jo, however, could use some good thoughts and prayers today. Her dementia was on full display this morning. She has been given medication and is being hosed down. Her best friend of thirty-plus years, Dancer, is never far away. I’ve spoken to the vet and I’ve done everything I could. If Jo takes a turn for the worse, the vet will be called out. Jo, presently, is swallowing, so we’re on the right track.

Jo’s Symptoms: Dazed, aimless wandering when she did move, standing looking lost, confusion, staggering, withdrawn, not swallowing, unable to pull her tongue back into her mouth, a moment of being totally startled as if she’d just come out of a period of “nothingness.”

Jo’s Treatment: Banamine, craniosacral massage – bending the neck to get release, using what I call a ‘thumper’ adjusting tool on her and observation time.

Thank you!

Sincerely,
Theresa

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Jo’s Wish for Christmas

We brought Jo to Beauty’s Haven on the evening of October 20, 2019. Time was truly, of the essence, as we did not know how much longer she would have survived. At the time, we were unsure if Jo had hours, days, weeks, months, or hopefully, many years left on this earth, but we did know that she would get the very best of care in her sunset years.

Jo’s initial vetting and bloodwork were performed soon thereafter and revealed that her kidneys and liver were stressed and she was fighting infection. She had a heart murmur, severe muscle atrophy, and was at least 300 pounds underweight with a Body Condition Score of barely a 1. She had a poor coat, patches of rain rot, and she was treated for stomach ulcers.

During her first days at the rescue, Jo received a much-needed bath and spa treatment which she thoroughly enjoyed, and she even seemed to hold her head a bit higher afterward! Her sores were treated and her mane and tail were brushed.

Jo also received necessary farrier and dental care; Dr. Bess Darrow, our equine dentist, determined that many of Jo’s issues arose due to the condition of her teeth. Ulcers were discovered in Jo’s cheeks, gums, tongue, and soft palate due to sharp points.

One sharp tooth point put the palatine artery at significant risk of being cut which could have caused Jo to bleed out. There were large “ramps” and her front teeth were on a slant due to misalignment which physically obstructed the motion she needed to properly chew. Because Jo couldn’t chew, it decreased the ability of her digestive system to extract much needed nutrients from any food she did manage to get down. It also put her at risk for choke and colic. The day after Dr. Bess did Jo’s teeth, it felt wonderful knowing that she could finally use her mouth without the pain and discomfort that she had experienced for quite some time. Jo actually looked brighter and happier!

Jo, thankfully, overcame her most recent crisis, thanks to our amazing care team, coupled with the countless heartfelt prayers offered by our wonderful village of supporters. Jo is now able to graze, once again with Dancer, her very best friend, both experiencing the innate joy of ‘just being a horse.’

Jo’s wish this Christmas is for contributions toward her vet bill, coupled with her much needed supplement, Cosequin.

If anyone would like to contribute toward such, it would truly warm precious Jo’s heart! And, a very special ‘Auntie’ has offered to match all contributions up to $500 in order to help fulfill Jo’s Christmas wish! Just click on the ‘Donate’ button below and note your contribution to ‘Jo.’

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Wishing you a Blessed Christmas.

Sincerely,
Theresa

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Candace thriving, Jo holding her own

She’s Got Legs!

Candace was barely holding on the day we picked her up together with her momma, Sophia, (who has since asked that her name be changed to “Lady Sophia” so, “Lady Sophia” it is!). Both were in very poor condition, but they pulled through and I truly believe that they are going to be just fine. Both are happy and healthier and Candace is growing stronger by the day. Lady Sophia is simply stunning and is truly one of the sweetest mares I’ve ever met.

And now, for a guaranteed smile-maker: Click on the image above to view a video of Candace, and be certain that you watch until the end! Candace is a survivor, just like her momma and she is having a blast discovering just what her long legs can do!

This is what three short weeks of TLC can accomplish thanks to the love and support of our amazing little village.

It is because of each and every one of you that this little miracle and her momma are with us today.

Update on Jo

Dr. Wyman examined Jo last Tuesday. Blood tests were done and based upon the results, it appears that Jo (35 years old) is having age related kidney issues. We will be constantly monitoring Jo and modifying her diet and supplements. She’s such a very sweet mare. If anyone would like to help Jo with her recent vet bill and needed supplements (about $400), it would be so greatly appreciated. All contributions are tax deductible and no amount is ever too small. Thank you!

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Prayers for Sweet Jo

Our precious 35 year old mare, Jo, is having a tough time today. She has a high temperature and refused to eat her breakfast which is quite unusual as Jo always looks forward to all of her five daily soupy meals. She is, however, trying to munch on some alfalfa. The vet has been scheduled to come out today.

Jo came to us in horrible condition in October, 2019 (Photo on the left). It took some time, but her rehab went well. She has few teeth which is the reason why she receives mushy meals. Her best friend, Dancer, (Pictured with Jo in the photo on the right) is also up there in age.

Would anyone like to pledge to help with Jo’s vet/health needs today? I don’t know what the cost will be but she’s going to need an examination to include bloodwork. Prayers would be appreciated as well.

Sincerely,
Theresa

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Illness Strikes Beauty’s Haven

I am reaching out to you on behalf of Theresa who has been dealing with sick horses for the past few days. On top of her routine daily chores, the necessity of keeping the sick horses isolated from the remainder of the herd has created quite a bit more work for Theresa.

Luiji, Warrior, Sassy, Peggy Sue and then, Dancer, started coughing over the weekend. By Saturday afternoon, some started running a fever and by yesterday, they all were feverish.

Thankfully, none of them have stopped eating. The vet was out yesterday morning to examine and do bloodwork on all of the sick members of our little herd, so, hopefully, we will have the results sometime today.

A few weeks ago, Jo was examined by the vet and bloodwork was done. Based on her behavior and symptoms, the vet advised that Jo was displaying symptoms of Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (dementia). Over the past several months, changes were noticed in both Jo’s personality and behavior. At times, Jo has appeared to be lost – she would just stand in one place and stare off into space, she has spooked a few times (which is new), and oftentimes, she takes a bite or two of a meal and then wanders off which is totally out of character for her. In addition, Jo has been fighting an eye ulceration which thankfully, after a few months of treatment, appears to have finally healed.

Jo’s blood test results were not great – there were some high and low values. She is anemic (a symptom of a larger health issue TBD) and her liver is a bit sluggish, both of which has greatly affected her immune system.

Anemia is caused by blood loss, blood destruction, or by the body not making enough red cells. Because she was walking away from her food at times, and she was due for her annual dental exam, her teeth were addressed last week but nothing of significance was apparent. She started running a fever a few days ago (it is currently normal) but there is now a foul odor emanating from her mouth which could indicate that there is something amiss in either her sinus passages or respiratory system. Theresa is making adjustments to Jo’s diet and supplements, and she will likely need additional diagnostics.

Days such as these are the reason why Theresa doesn’t post on social media as much as she would like to as she, Bob and our wonderful team of volunteers are literally caring for horses around the clock.

By the time the horses are all tucked in at night, there is little time for sleep before the next morning arrives. Volunteers help on most days until mid-afternoon and they make a tremendous difference. We are so truly grateful for them – they are such a blessing and we couldn’t do what we do without them!

Sadly, we must once again ask for assistance due to the additional and unexpected vet expenses, medications and supplements created by this current crisis.

If you would like to assist with this emergency situation, just click on the “Donate” button below to forward your contribution and please know that each and every donation is greatly appreciated and no amount is ever too small.

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Thank you, all, for your love and support. Please keep Jo, Dancer, Peggy Sue and our “Littles” in your prayers.

Warmly,
Jeanne

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Eat. Play. Love.

Remi has reached yet another milestone! She’s finally decided that she likes her milk pellets. Soon it will be bye-bye bottle! Remi is a quick learner. She’s very curious and likes to learn and experience new things and she simply, loves to please. She loves to snuggle too! Remi is growing like a weed and it is quite amusing to see her run like the wind when she gets her “zoomies.”

If you click on the image above you will see, firsthand, what a good little girl she is!

When Dr. Julia came out yesterday to examine Jo, Remi got lots of hugs and kisses. The child just plants herself in front of you and gives you that “gotta love me’ look and it’s automatic – you just want to hug her! She wraps everyone around her little hoof.

Remi was a “dummy foal” and didn’t receive colostrum from her mom – she couldn’t nurse. She was in a very bad way when she came to us 24+ hours after birth. Her white blood cell count was only 1 and her blood glucose level was only 2! The odds were stacked against her. She received plasma, around the clock care, and many prayers were said for her.

Remi is our little long-ear miracle girl who didn’t give up and a perfect reminder of why we do what we do.

This is made possible by your kind and most generous support. You all make an incredible difference.

 

An Update on Jo

We brought Jo to the rescue in October, 2019. She was fighting infection – her kidneys and liver were stressed. She had blotches of skin without hair, no fat, and severe muscle atrophy. Jo was at least 300 pounds underweight – her immune system was weakened due to malnutrition and starvation. Her feet needed attention and her teeth were in such poor condition, it wasn’t possible for her to chew. And when she did try to chew, it was very painful for her.

Dr. Bess Darrow, our equine dentist, discovered ulcerations in Jo’s cheeks, gums, tongue, and soft palate, due to sharp points. One sharp point put the palatine artery at significant risk of being cut which could have caused Jo to bleed out. Jo’s front teeth were on a slant due to misalignment. This caused limited mobility of her jaw and physically obstructed the right/left and forward/back motion which a horse needs to properly chew. Jo was starving to death.

About two weeks after Jo arrived, we were able to bring her best friend, Dancer, to Beauty’s Haven. Dancer was also in poor condition but, together, they grew strong and healthy and have been doing well. Both are in their 30s. Jo does require multiple smaller meals a day due to her teeth.

A few days ago, Jo seemed a little off, but she was eating and didn’t have a temperature. It was a day after a pretty bad thunderstorm. Jo got back to normal over the next couple of days and was doing okay. We had another thunderstorm in the wee hours of the morning and a couple of hours later, we found Jo off again.

She reminded me somewhat of what Frodo and Victoria were like after they took indirect lightning strikes several years ago.

Dr. Julia came out to examine Jo on Friday morning although Jo did seem to be her old self at the time. We should have bloodwork results back today and I’ll update again once they are reviewed. Jo does need to have her teeth re-checked which will get taken care of next week.

Jo could use some good thoughts and prayers. Thank you.

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Welcome Home, Jo!

Jo loaded like a champion and unloaded just fine too. She’s a 35 years young QH mare that’s likely, a “been there, done that,” type of horse. I don’t know how much longer she would have lasted and yes, reaching out for help should have come sooner, but she’s here now and she has a chance. Please keep Jo in your prayers. She’s truly a very sweet and kind old soul.

Jo’s First Meal

It’s always very gratifying to watch a horse enjoy their first meal here. The look on their face is priceless and it reassures us that we are making a difference. And we are only able to do what we do because of help from others – we operate totally from donations. So, know that all of you are making an incredible difference in Jo’s life. We don’t know if Jo has days, weeks, months, or hopefully, many years left on this earth, but we do know that she will get the best of care in her sunset years.

We have had many calls about horses that need help lately and the cold season isn’t even upon us yet. Hay is expensive here and the calls for help always increase when the grass goes dormant – many people just can’t afford needed hay and the horses suffer. Sadly, we expect the number of calls will only increase over the next couple of months.

Skin on Bones

Jo’s vetting will soon be done (including bloodwork), to identify issues, including if there is damage to her organs. Weight loss can be due to dental issues, chronic infection, parasites, cancer, or other issues or a combination of issues. When a body starves, it feeds off its own fat, then muscle, then organs and once a horse reaches a body condition score (BCS) of 1, its prognosis for recovery is very poor – Jo’s BCS is 1. Other than being skin on bones, her skin is unhealthy with open sores, and she needs to see the dentist and the farrier.

The “Other Two” Horses

We weren’t planning on taking in any horses for awhile, our paddocks are full and resources are very tight, but this mare needed help and it was obvious that time was of the essence. There are two other horses where Jo came from – a mare that is somewhat underweight and a gelding that is slightly underweight. We need to find a good home for the other mare – we’ll be working on that. We’re not 100% sure if this will change, but the gelding isn’t looking for a home at this time. However, in the meantime, we want to take 2 salt blocks and 2 large compressed bales (est. 800 lbs each) of hay to the 2 horses on Monday. They live in separate paddocks and can’t share a bale. This will cost at least $210 but the hay should last at least 2 to 3 weeks. If anyone can help with hay for the other 2 horses, please designate your donation for “The Other 2.”

Also, the farrier is coming on Monday to do several horses and we need help with that as well. If you would like to help any of the horses with their hooficures, please note that your donation is for “hooficures.”

Jo is also in need of sponsors so it you would like to help Jo, please note “Jo” on your donation. You may forward your donation via various means here on our website or via PayPalMe. Donations are tax-deductible and no amount is ever too small.

Many thanks to everyone – you are all amazing and we truly appreciate you!

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