Tag Archive for: Mishka

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Never a Dull Moment Here!


It is so hard to believe that spring is just around the corner! And, as always, every six weeks or so, brings yet another round of hooficures.

Mishka was first to receive his hooficure this week and we are forever grateful to have stocks which ensure that our big old Teddy Bear, does indeed, have ‘Happy Feet!’ Mishka also has quite the little harem which does not make Valley Girl very happy. The other day, Jo and Dancer were in the paddock with Valley Girl and Mishka and Jo seemed quite smitten with the big guy. Dancer stayed a little distance away and watched from afar. They all got along quite well, but Dancer was happy when Jo finally joined her to return to another paddock.

And then there are JoJo and Jazzy, having the time of their lives while awaiting their turn with the farrier. There is never a dull moment here at Beauty’s Haven which you can see in the video below.

So, if anyone would like to sponsor a hooficure for one of our ‘Velvet Nosers,’ we would be forever grateful. You may forward your contribution simply by clicking on the ‘DONATE’ button below. If donating via PayPal, please designate your contribution to ‘Happy Feet’ or the name of the horse that you wish to sponsor. All donations are tax deductible and no amount is ever too small.

Thank you for your continued love and support.
Theresa

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Our Beloved Teddy Bear, Mishka

Mishka is a 20 year-old Percheron gelding that was headed to slaughter when we intercepted him a few years ago. He was very thin with a condition called Equine Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy (EPSM) which causes severe muscle wasting and weakness. Recently, Mishka has been having issues in his front left foot which was thought to be an abscess. After days of poulticing, the abscess thankfully worked its way out of the coronet band which was a mighty mess, one which flies truly love to feast upon.

It would have benefitted all of us if we could have placed a Silver Whinnys sock on Mishka as it would have covered the coronet band in order to promote healing as well as serve as a barrier for bacteria and flies. However, we couldn’t keep his foot up long enough to put on a sock. We contacted the lovely folks at Sox for Horses who gave us some great advice – to sacrifice a pair of socks we had on hand and wrap/tape it over the wound. Within two days, the wound significantly improved and Mishka is now a much happier and mobile boy.

Unfortunately, the necessary care we provided to Mishka is quite costly. He also has arthritis and skin allergies and he must be sedated once he is placed in the stocks for each farrier trim.

Farrier care, prescription medication and supplements are $750 thus far for the month of October, so we are reaching out to see if anyone would like to help Mishka with his current expenses.

CUDDLY, a wonderful advocate for animals, is assisting us with a fundraiser for Mishka which you can view as well as donate by clicking on the image above. Contributions may also be made here on our website by clicking on the ‘DONATE’ button below (please be sure to note it’s for Mishka).

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Thank you all, from the bottom of our hearts.
Theresa

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Hurricane Ian Update

We are doing okay. The winds and rains have not been as bad as expected. The barn is a mess but manageable, everyone is good here. Had Ian not changed course, it would have been devastating here. Simply devastating. The horses have their ID bands and breakaway halters on. They are doing pretty well except that Mishka is dealing with a horrible abscess in his front left foot. The abscess blew out of the coronet band yesterday but he’s pretty tender. It’s tough being such a big horse when your foot or feet hurt, I’m sure.

We are very saddened by the impact Ian has had on everyone in its path. We will continue to pray for those that have been impacted.

The winds and rain are starting to get worse. We will update again soon. Thank you all for your good thoughts and prayers.

IMPORTANT: The trail ride fundraiser for Saturday, October 1 is POSTPONED, new date TBA.

Sincerely,
Theresa

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Look at him move!

This is worth all the days of trying to keep Mishka comfortable while working through abscesses in both front feet. There’s about 2000 lbs of horse on those feet! The stocks helped tremendously.

Our gentle giant made a new friend while he stayed in a different paddock closer to the barn – Valley Girl. Today they were turned out together in one of the larger paddocks. They loved it, and we loved watching them!

Thank you to all who contributed toward the stocks, you truly made a difference!

 

 

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A Special Thank You from Mishka

Mishka, which means “Big Teddy Bear,” arrived at Beauty’s Haven at the end of October, 2014. He was on his way to auction when we intercepted him.

A beautiful black Percheron, Mishka was very thin upon arrival, weighing in at just 1430 pounds. He had very little muscle tone, no mane, a very short, docked tail, and a body covered with numerous sores. His ears had no hair and were swollen and raw. But despite all he had endured, Mishka was, and continues to be, a very sweet and gentle soul.

Mishka has been diagnosed with EPSM (equine polysaccharide storage myopathy) which is being addressed through a special diet and a variety of supplements. Sadly, he recently has also been experiencing some hoof issues with rotation in his front right together with worsening side bones on both feet. Mishka has thankfully been gifted with shoeing stocks which will hopefully make a great difference in addressing his issues.

Mishka, a permanent resident of our Sanctuary herd, brings such an innate amount of joy to all who meet him. Our big teddy bear has a huge personality and when one speaks to him, he vigorously moves his lips as if he is truly engaged in a deep conversation! He is an amazing presence and such a joy to behold.

And it is because of each and every one of you that horses like Mishka have been granted a second chance at life, a life filled with comfort and joy, a life where they will be forever safe and loved.

Thank you.

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Match Game for Mishka

Mishka has been having some worrisome issues. Sometimes his feet get packed after it rains which can cause him to become tender footed. We dread this because when we are able to pick up a front foot, he tends to throw it forward rather abruptly which makes it dangerous for the human tending to his needs. And, if we’re lucky enough to get a foot up, we can’t make him keep it up. Trying to maintain proper balance in his feet has always been quite challenging and proper balance is very important.

After a recent rain storm, we discovered Mishka to be lame the next day – he simply would not cooperate in order for us to examine and clean out his feet. After a couple of days, we moved him into Penny’s paddock with Peaches, which is closer to the barn where we could keep a better eye on him and ensure he was drinking enough water. Because the lameness issue arose suddenly, an abscess was suspected – his pulses were not elevated and there was no heat in his feet.

The day before the farrier was to arrive, as I was trimming hair around Mishka’s coronary band, I poked around above his left coronary band a bit with my fingers to see if I’d get a response from him and suddenly, an abscess opened up at his heel. The smell was horrible! While he may have gotten some relief, he wasn’t close to being much better. Because Mishka had been bearing more weight on his right foot due to the abscess in his left, we placed icepacks around the right foot as a precaution. Bearing most of the weight on the right foot could cause laminitis.

We scheduled the vet to come out to do x-rays and we are quite concerned with the findings. Mishka’s front right does have rotation and his side bone has gotten worse in both feet.

Bloodwork done which indicated he was slightly dehydrated. Results from one blood test will not be ready until next week. The farrier came yesterday and, as always, Andrew did the best he could, but to do the job right, and to provide Mishka with balanced feet and shoes, we need stocks. Using boots isn’t an option because we can’t keep his feet up long enough to put them on. Stocks not only enable the handler to restrain a horse without hurting him, but prevent injury to the handler as well.

We have needed stocks for a long time, but now, it is an absolute necessity as we want to keep Mishka as comfortable as possible so he can be with us for many more years.

This isn’t going to be an inexpensive investment but we have faith that, with help from others, we will be able to procure the needed stocks and raise enough funds to cover Mishka’s present and future vet bills and x-rays. We don’t have the recent vet bill yet but Mishka will need additional x-rays and more “hooficures” to make adjustments over the next several weeks. The stocks are about $2400 which includes shipping – other horses will benefit from them as well.

A very dear friend and supporter is offering a most generous Match Game whereby all donations up to $1000 will be matched dollar for dollar!

If you would like to help Mishka while doubling your donation at the same time, just click on the ‘Donate’ button below. All contributions are tax deductible and please be assured, that no amount is ever too small.

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Thank you, all, for your love and support,
Theresa

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HAY! From Mishka & Mo

Mishka and Mo here, letting you all know that it is time for a Hay Run again! The grass is dormant and, for the last couple of nights, it’s been cool enough that a couple of the minis have had to wear light blankets. Sadly, the weekly hay run is going to have to turn into an almost twice-a-week run. If anyone would like to help the current hay need, it would truly make our tummies happy!

Our beloved herd is in need of a ton of orchard hay @ $610, 2 bales of alfalfa @ $38 and $225 for coastal for a total of $873.

If anyone would like to help with this need, please click the DONATE button below and note that your donation is for ‘Hay Match Game.’

Love,
Mishka & Mo

P.S. Mo here. Mishka really eats a lot of hay!

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A Message from Mishka

 

Hey Everyone!

All the humans here at the farm are busy taking care of my horse and donkey friends, Hope the baby cow, and the cats and dogs, so I thought I would try to help raise funds for this week’s Hay and Forage Run. We only have enough hay to last the day, so we hope to raise $610 for a ton of 3 string orchard hay and $154 for 7 bags of Triple Crown Forage. We also need to order vaccines to help keep all of equines here at the rescue healthy and happy. We need two ten-dose vials of 5-way vaccines at a cost of $240 per vial. If anyone would like to help with these needs ($1224), we would be forever grateful!

A wonderful friend and supporter has also come forth to offer a Match Game whereby all donations up to $250 will be matched dollar for dollar so this is a great opportunity to double your donation!

There are many ways in which to donate. You may forward your donation via various means here on our website or via PayPalMe. If donating via PayPal, please designate your donation to ‘Hay/Vaccines Match Game.’ 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 donation is ever too small.

Thank you!

Love,
Mishka

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A DAY WITH ANIMAL WARRIORS

September 10th, 2016

Members from Animal Warriors spent a good part of the day helping out – we got some projects done and some of the horses even got a bath! Animal Warriors is a group of like minded individuals from all walks of life who share a common goal of helping animals with active volunteer groups.  All of the horses really enjoyed the extra attention.
Animal Warriors

Aaleyah Belle – there’s that famous tongue doing what it does best!Aaleyah Belle

I think Aaleyah Belle slimed everyone!
Aaleyah Belle AW

Bouie and Frodo got a much needed bath.
Bouie Frodo Bath AW

JoJo opted to lead the group on a tour. He’s such a big little helper! He even kept his flymask on!

JoJo is always the little charmer!
JoJo Charmer

Mishka got lots of attention – he’s a really big guy.  His name suits him well – it means “teddy bear.”
Mishka AW

Mishka also got a bath which he truly enjoyed!
Mishka Bath AW

Animal Warriors is a non-profit organization – they have a Facebook page and you can visit them on their website.  We truly appreciate their help and hope that they come back again!

Please remember to cast your daily vote today in the Eagle Rare Life contest. It could help to win $5K to $50K for the horses! Just click on this link and cast your vote daily – it takes less than a minute!  Then, share it out and ask family and friends to vote too.  Thank you!
Betsy Rose Present

#horsesareheros #bhfer #believe #eaglerarelife #vote #animalwarriors

Wishing everyone a wonderful day!

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Then’s and Now’s AND JoJo in the House?

February 1st, 2013

“Mommy Theresa I know you’re in there! I just want to come in and see you for a little while. We all miss Princess and I know you’re sad but if I can come in I’ll cheer you up some!”

Well, JoJo did come in and cheered us up. He looked for the Christmas tree and couldn’t understand why it couldn’t live in the house. He kept staring at where it was – his brain was certainly trying to understand.

We have so much to be thankful for – we need to cherish each and every minute. Take time to make memories. Someday, that’s all you will have of those that you love.

February 2nd

Check out Bouie’s beard.

I don’t know who was more fascinated by size – Mishka or the mini’s next door!

February 3rd

Happy Tuesday morning! That’s Peaches munching from one of our slow hay feeder nets. Wonder what Ebony is thinking? Little Lily is so darned cute.

Amber and Baby Ray playing – just beautiful!

Little E is our Senior resident now. Another noble Arabian that is adored by all of us. We had awesome visitors today and I have quite a few pics to post but will have to get caught up tomorrow afternoon.

February 4th

Jessie spent the day here yesterday – Baby Ray enjoyed seeing her again (so did we)! We look forward to her visit at this time each year when she and her husband, Ron, come down from a northern state for a few days.

Jessie has known Baby Ray since he came to us as an orphan baby in August 2009. We brought him home in our mini-van. Baby Ray had cataracts and couldn’t see. Once he grew healthy, we took him to UF where they removed the cataracts. He is visually impaired but he can see.

Aaleyah Belle also enjoyed seeing Jessie again.

We named Aaleyah after Eight Belles. We picked her up only a few hours after she was born – it was the day that Eight Belles died. Aaleyah and her mom, Currently Sue (aka Momma Sue), were going to be shot because Aaleyah was born with a wry nose. Momma Sue was skin on bones – it’s amazing that they survived.

Aaleyah Belle before and after surgery.

Yesterday, Serenity got to personally thank someone that has helped her since the day she arrived. It’s always nice when humans come to meet the horses they help. Thank you Phil!

Serenity arrived at about this time last year – we intercepted her just before she was going to be shot by the local rendering company. She’s a beautiful girl – inside and out.

Handsome (Saddlebred) is still looking for a forever home. Mishka (Percheron) is still in rehab. He’s gained weight but still needs quite a bit more muscling up. Some horses recover quicker than others from EPSM – it could take a few months. Proper diet is key.

Matilda – she’s a very loving long ears. And yes, she is still huge.

Remember Cisco, Tia, and Tess? Cisco came to us in September 2012 – he was 20+ years young. He had been removed from a bad situation – I’ll just say that he came to us known as the “Meth Pony”. Tia and Tess came to us in the Spring of 2013 – Tess was about 3 months old. All three were adopted together by a wonderful couple that volunteered at the time. Cisco takes care of his two girls. Tia, Tess, and Cisco are loved by their humans, very much.

Ginger is doing well with her adoptive family – she has a new BFF.

Daisy doesn’t realize she’s different – she’s full of love and life. She has a large tumor (sarcoid) under her right eye and another over her left eye. Dr.’s Mangan and Porter started her treatments (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG)) about …3 weeks ago when she got her first injections. She is also getting a daily supplement and we apply a topical cream to the tumors. Daisy was examined again last Friday and there have been positive changes at both eyes! She is scheduled to receive her 2nd injections this coming Friday. Daisy is only 5 years old and deserves a chance – we hope others will help us give her that chance. If anyone would like to help this darling little long ears with her needed treatments our PayPal address is bhfer@earthlink.net (please note it’s for Daisy). No amount is too small and all donations are tax deductible.

Please keep Daisy in your prayers. Thank you!

Athena is another beautiful mare. She is having lameness issues (its not in her feet) and really needs to be examined but she needs sponsors. She currently does not have enough sponsors to even cover her monthly routine care costs. Would anyone like to help Athena with a one time or monthly donation?

Athena the day I met her.

I’ve put this off but need to ask – would anyone like to help with Princess’ emergency vet, hospital, and burial expenses? We are several hundred dollars short. If you would like to help, our PayPal address is bhfer@earthlink.net – please mark it for “Princess”. Other ways to donate can be found on our website at www.bhfer.org. No amount is too small and all donations are tax deductible. While we wish she were still here with us, we are very thankful for the years we had with her. This was Princess a few years ago. She’s always been a beautiful girl.

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