Tag Archive for: Rainbow Bridge

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Classy, A Beautiful Journey – Rainbow Bridge

Classy_ A Beautiful Journey
Classy is a very sweet pony that came to us many years ago, with an issue known as “roaring.” She had a tracheostomy performed at UF and recovered well.

Shortly afterwards, Classy was adopted out, but she came back to Beauty’s Haven a few years later. She had fractures in her coffin bones and she was a bit of a sinker. But her big brown, beautiful eyes that speak volumes, clearly said she wasn’t about to give up! We were very blessed to be able to provide supportive care and help her through her issues, and for the past few years, she’s been a happy little pony. However, over time, there have been changes in her bones and her arthritis has gotten worse. Acupuncture, boots/pads, supplements, a great farrier – she’s had it all. She’s also had a lot of love from many humans.

Classy has some good days and some not so good days. However, the not so good days have come to outnumber the good days. It is with a very heavy heart that I share that Dr. Ted will be helping Classy to Rainbow Bridge on Friday.

We love her so very much – enough to release her to join the heavenly herd where she will be able to run pain free through green pastures.  And, she will happily, be able to whinny once again! (Horses with trachs are unable to whinny.)

“To place your horse’s need for you to let her leave her failing body above your need to keep her with you – that – is the greatest and purest love.” ~ Cynthia Garrett

 

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Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue Inc. is a 501(c)(3) grassroots Non-Profit Organization registered in the state of Florida (EIN: 20-4783950).  We are not funded by Local, State, or Federal funds. We operate totally from donations from the public. Please consider making a one time or recurring donation to help the horses. No amount is too small and all donations are very much appreciated.  Donations are tax deductible.

Beauty’s Haven was awarded Verified status by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) in 2012. GFAS is the only globally recognized organization that provides standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries.  Awarded November 2014 Equine Hero and 2017 Eagle Rare Life Award for Heroism.  A Guidestar Exchange Silver Participant and a GreatNonprofits Top Rated Non-Profit in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017.
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Together at Rainbow Bridge

Alana’s frail little body was just too weak – she left us for Rainbow Bridge this afternoon.   Aiden, the stronger of the two, followed his sister to the Bridge a couple of hours later.  I was with them when they left – they were never alone since the minute we found them.   They were both just so small and frail.  But they did matter and they were loved.  Thank you to all that prayed for them.  They’ll always be in our hearts.

Alanna

Aiden Another Sweet Angel

Their mom, Grace, is just a kitten herself.  She is in very poor condition.  She is getting fluids, as needed, and lots of TLC.  She’s trying to get strong and we will continue to do all we can for her.  Our little amazing Grace – she’s so thankful for everything done for her.  Again, thank you all of caring.

 

#amazinggrace #aiden #alana #rainbowbridge #theywerejustbabies #theyknewlove #bher #savinggrace #graceneedsprayers

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COOKIE – LETTING GO

I apologize for not sending out an update during the past few days, but it’s been tough. Letting Cookie go was more than difficult and accepting that she is gone is just as hard.

Some history – Cookie returned to us from an adoption a few years ago with a sore on her left ear that wouldn’t heal. We feared it was cancer but a biopsy identified it as Leishmania (there are only three documented equine cases in the US – Cookie is #3). There were also sores on her face that were cancerous which were treated but, over time, a few more sores popped up. About four years ago, Dr. Porter referred Cookie to UF where she underwent surgery by Dr. Mangan and his team to remove/treat the cancer. Both third eyelids and her lower left eyelid were removed. Reconstructive surgery enabled Cookie to keep her left eye – Dr. Mangan did a great job!

Cookie UF

Cookie was doing great, but early this year, her immune system took a hit for no obvious reason – the first thing that popped into my mind was cancer. Then, her left eye had an issue. Over the course of several weeks of treatments, biopsies were done by different vets that were sent to different labs, and they all came back negative for cancer. But the eye refused to heal so we opted to have Dr. Mangan remove it. Cookie would do just fine with one eye. We opted to send the eye for biopsy and I truly wasn’t shocked when the results came back positive for cancer. It had likely been there all along.

Cookie Mangan 1

Cookie after her left eye was removed – you could often find her and Ruby sticking their heads out of their stall windows.

Cookie Ruby Window

Several days after her eye was removed, Cookie went out to the front of the barn to lay down and scratch her tummy and take a much needed nap (she would never lay down in her stall). When she woke up, she was out of sorts and hopped up quickly – her back right leg locked up under her. She panicked and ran up the hill on three legs to where I was standing. I massaged it and she calmed down but I was very concerned about the trauma it may have caused. Running uphill on two front legs and one back leg couldn’t have been easy. The next day, Cookie was lame and body sore. I prayed it was something that would quickly heal vs trauma that could cause her to founder. We started icing her feet just in case.

Cookie Roll

Dr. Julia Simonson (holistic vet) treated Cookie with massage and acupuncture. We continued to use red light therapy on her and I called Dr. Specht out to do x-rays which indicated that her front feet were ok. However, we continued to treat her as though she were a founder case anyway – sometimes the breakdown isn’t seen for days.

Cookie Julia

There was no improvement a few days later, so Dr. Porter repeated the x-rays and found rotation (about 4 degrees) in both front feet. Then came the abscesses. We regrouped and opted for Dr. Porter to return with Adam Whitehead (farrier) to do maggot debridement therapy which would help the healing process. We would also continue holistic treatments and red light therapy.   This is Ruby and Cookie enjoying some time together – they had been best friends for years.

Ruby and Cookie

Cookie then lost vision in her right eye for no apparent reason. She handled that well. But when Dr. Porter and Adam came back, there had been changes – Cookie was a sinker. We went over her history, options, and prognosis (which was grim). We just could not ask anymore of Cookie. Despite everything we were doing for her, her quality of life was deteriorating and we saw no end in sight. Letting Cookie go was the most humane and loving thing we could do – we loved her that much. That final walk and those last few moments are always so difficult.

The Last Walk

I never say goodbye when they go to the Bridge but I do remind them how very much they are loved by many. And I stay with them, always, until long after they are gone.

Cookie Theresa

So many go without ever knowing proper care and love and that is so sad. Cookie was blessed – she was loved and she knew it.  Dr. Porter reassured us that we had made the best decision for Cookie and that there should be no second guessing. He knows how much these horses mean to me, to us, and he knows that we try to do everything we can to make up for wrongs that humans have done to them before their arrival at Beauty’s Haven.

Rainbow Bridge Cookie

We were concerned about how Ruby would react to losing her best friend of many years. We gave her time with Cookie to help her understand what was happening. Nobody can convince me that horses don’t grieve and feel a sense of loss for loved ones – they do – and they cry.

Ruby Cookie Final

Cookie may be gone but she isn’t – her presence is still here. It always will be. Where we are – she will be, as are all of those that have gone to the Bridge over the years – Gentleman, Solace, Ambrosia, Casper, Captain, Jake, Layla, Tonka, Mary, Sawyer, Wally, Princess, Faith, Savannah, Tiny Tim, Momma Sue, Genesis, Doc, Admiral, Charlotte, Frosty, Handsome, Grandma Bones, Valentine, Matilda, Victoria, Zaynah, and many more that were loved beyond measure.  They are a part of us, always.

Cookie Forever in Our Hearts

Thank you all for your prayers, words of comfort, and encouragement. We appreciate all of you – volunteers near and far, supporters, care team members – we are very blessed to have the best of the best.  God bless you all.

~Theresa

#rainbowbridge #lettinggo #leishmania #horserescue #bhfer #founder #sinker #alwaysinmyheart #cookie #ruby

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In Memory of Eilian

June 2nd, 2016

Today’s voting to win $10K for the horses will done be in memory of Eilian. There are many cases I don’t post about because there is enough sadness on the Internet but I think it’s important for supporters to see how funds help horses and what we do. And, perhaps another horse can be helped in some way by sharing our experiences. Eilian’s suffering started long before we got the call about him back in late summer, 2013. I found him unable to get up and with bones scattered in his filthy paddock – proof of other animals that had died. A skull only a few feet from where he lay.
Eilian

I can’t imagine what Eilian had witnessed there over time.  Did he wonder if he be the next victim?  Did he wish death would come quickly to release him of his suffering?  Did he wonder what he’d done to deserve what was happening to him?

Dr. Ryan Meeks did everything he could – we did our best.
Eilian

After hours of doing all we could, the look in Eilian’s beautiful and proud Arabian eyes said it all – he knew and he understood there were no options but release.  Dr. Meeks helped Eilian to Rainbow Bridge.
Eilian Tried

The only good that came out of this was that in Eilian’s last few hours, he knew love, and he wasn’t alone.  It broke my heart and I know Eilian saw it in the tears that I couldn’t hold back – tears that told him that he really was loved and that he did matter.  Tears that said I was sorry, and ashamed, for how the human race had failed him.  I kissed him one last time and promised him I’d see him at the Bridge.
Eilian
What we do takes a heavy toll.  It never gets any easier. Dr. Meeks and I both had very heavy hearts that day.  But if it wasn’t for support from our Village, we wouldn’t be able to help horses like Eilian, no matter what the outcome.

We were able to help Eilian, even thought it wasn’t the outcome we wanted, only because of help from our supporters.  One key thing that will enable us to win this contest for the horses is everyone voting and sharing daily – reaching out to family and friends and asking them to vote and to share as well.  Sharing will make a ton of difference!  I truly believe we can do this.  I believe.

Vote here: http://wshe.es/65VvE5f1.  They will only let you vote once every 24 hours – it’s very important that you try to vote as close to the same time each day.  Please – help make a difference for horses like Eilian.

Thank you for your support.
Theresa

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People’s Choice Award & Horse Updates Galore! July 22nd – July 30th, 2013 Update

July 22nd, 2013

“I still fit under the golf cart! It makes a great scratching post! I’m a still morphing into a different color. I think I’m going to look like my mommy and she’s beautiful!”

Matilda and Peaches had a hooficure today.

July 23rd

A year ago today Gentleman made his journey to Rainbow Bridge to join his friend, Jake. Life hasn’t been the same here since. The stories don’t come like they used to – the “writer’s block” still lingers. The heart still hurts and the tears still come now and then. GMan was an icon here – he was loved by so many. He had the heart of a champion – he was, and always will be a champion. I still get up each morning and look out the window for him where he used to stand under his tree with his friends. He’s not there – but he is. He always will be.

We love you Gentleman, always.

July 25th

Some of you remember Samantha and Joy, I’m sure. We intercepted Sammi before she got on a truck going to a holding facility where she would have gone to slaughter in 2009. She was very much pregnant. I’ll never forget when Joy was born a couple of months later – she started running around before her feet even hit the ground! They were adopted by a dear friend, Kara that year. Sadly, we lost Sammi last year to bone cancer. But I’m so thankful for the time that Sammi had with Joy and Kara knowing love and TLC.

Kara sent me this lovely photo of Joy yesterday – isn’t she beautiful?

And then there’s Magnum – he’s looking mighty handsome! Melissa and her family adore him.

This photo was taken the day Magnum arrived at the rescue in December 2013.

And we’re very happy for Sophie Blue Eyes. She landed in the arms of her own little boy yesterday in a home where there’s shade! Sophie Blue Eyes is one of the sweetest horses ever. This is what we want for all of them – a loving forever family. They deserve this and its times like this that help us get through the tough times – just look at the smile on her young man’s face!

Foxy loves to be in the middle of everything! Here she is helping Auntie Ruth Wittmann clean Betsy Rose’s stall. lol

July 26th

Why am I not surprised to find him at the bottom of the stairs? lol

July 27th

I’m still a bit under the weather here but I have a Dr’s. appointment tomorrow. In the mean time, I want to remind everyone it’s time for Foxy and Timmie to find their loving, forever home. Foxy’s eye is healed and they are both healthy and ready to go. This is one of the hardest parts of rescue – but they deserve their own human family and home.

We are taking applications on Foxy and Timmy for the next 2 weeks. Please visit our Adoption page and read our adoption criteria. https://www.facebook.com/BHFERAdoptions?fref=ts. If you meet the criteria and are interested in applying please PM me.

Foxy is uphill in this photo which makes her look bigger than she is. She’s like a little pocket rocket all over the place. She’s curious – wants to get into everything!

Sharing some news from Loretta Armstrong! She entered her painting “JoJo and Gentleman” in the County Fair in Amador County, Plymouth, California! She was honored by the “People’s Choice” award. They all loved JoJo and Gentleman!

We will be offering note cards, coasters and other items depicting this lovely artwork. It’s just truly beautiful! JoJo and Gentleman – I just love them, always! Thank you Loretta and congratulations! I so needed a pick me up!

July 28th

Good night everyone!

July 29th

We are now taking applications for Timmie and Foxy! Timmie is a very good mommy and she has a really sweet disposition. Foxy is just a baby – full of energy and curiosity. Timmie is 8 years old and Foxy was born on June 14th, 2015.

Please share their information and help us to find them a perfect forever loving home. Adoption info is pinned at the top of our Adoption page. https://www.facebook.com/BHFERAdoptions?fref=ts

At the end of the day – another storm rolling in. The storms have been horrible lately. I’ve heard many accounts of horses and cows being struck and killed by lightening around this area.

July 30th

It would be so nice is everyday could start like this! I woke up finally feeling better this am. It was a cool morning and did something out of character for me because there is always so much to do. I texted Roe to come for a ride and that’s just what we did!

Bryce has been in training and he came back yesterday. He will be leaving early next week. He’s under saddle now and will continue to have fun learning with his adoptive mom. That’s right! He’s going to have his own human and home!

I have to wonder what Waylon and Bryce were talking about here.

We stopped to let the boys visit a bit with Baby Ray and Mishka.

I think the photo of Waylon stopping by to visit with Sophie is adorable.

It would be even nicer if we could end each day like this. But, after about 20 minutes this morning I had to go to work. But it was wonderful to get out and do this!

Foxy isn’t much bigger than Kitty Cat.

Some of you may remember Lace and Rayo? Well, look at them! I love getting updates on our horses and seeing the happiness they bring to others!

Oh – one more announcement to share before calling it a day. We have an application for JoJo and Jazzy! I get butterflies in my tummy thinking about it but it will all be ok. They will only go to the right home. We’ll be doing a site visit next week and the prospective adopters will be coming to visit. Our boys – I can’t imagine them being gone. But it’s not far from her at all. We’ll see how things pan out.

How JoJo ended up with his flymask like this, well, I have no idea.

Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue Inc. is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization registered in the state of Florida (EIN: 20-4783950). We are not funded by Local, State, of Federal funds. We operate totally from donations from the public. Please consider making a one time or recurring donation to help the horses. We truly appreciate your support – donations are tax deductible. Donations are down significantly and we truly would appreciate any amount of a donation – no amount is too small. Our PayPal address is bhfer or donations can be made via various ways through our website www.bhfer.org. We can only keep helping the horses with help from you. Thank you.

Beauty’s Haven was awarded Verified status by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) in 2012. GFAS is the only globally recognized organization that provides standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries. A Guidestar Exchange Silver Participant and a GreatNonprofits Top Rated Non-Profit 2014 and 2015. Awarded November 2014 Equine Hero.

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Silver Belle, Cisco, Donks, Peaches & More!

May 14th – 21st, 2015

May 14h

What do these two now have in common? Permanent tracheotomies!

May 16th

Good morning everyone! Daisy’s full of smiles today! It’s going to be another very busy and hot day here. Before it got too busy we wanted to wish everyone a great day!

My escorts this morning. Duke beside me in the golf cart seat, Jazzy leads, JoJo stays right beside me. LOL Have a great day everyone!

Remember Silver Belle? She was also raised by Momma Sue, Aaleyah Belles mom. She’s loved. This is what helps to motivate us to keep going – happy horses, happy humans!

May 17th

I wish I could end the day with some good news but I can’t. In fact, I’d like to ask for prayers for one of our horses and his adoptive parents. Some of you may remember Cisco – an older Haflinger pony cross that came to us in 2012 from a home where the owner was a meth user. I got a call from his adoptive humans this evening – he was colicing – thought to be a twist. I haven’t heard back from anyone yet but I hope and pray he’s working through it. He’d been given fluids, etc. Cisco is a lovely soul – he keeps watch over Tia and Tess – two donkeys that were also adopted from us.

Update – we lost Cisco to colic which is a dreadful thing. Thank you Tony and Michelle for giving him a wonderful home and the love and care he deserved. Rest in peace Cisco – we love you, always.

May 18th

JoJo’s ears are still growing!

May 20th

Betsy Rose on her evening walk about.

I’d say Serenity really hit the Jackpot! Thank you Phil for giving her a wonderful forever home!

Radar ears waiting for me at the bottom of the office stairs! JoJo is a hoot!

If only all of the property could be so green. This is Frosty’s Knoll – a very special place.

The trio of donks is never very far away. Of course, JoJo is always first followed by Jazzy and then Daisy.

Cookie is doing well. She got a hooficure this past weekend from Laura Ritonia-Castaños. And one of Cookie’s best friends, Kim Furse, held for Laura. We truly appreciate them!

Well, our snowbirds are gone until the fall. We’re going to miss you Suzanne, LouAnn, and Ginny!

LouAnn having fun with Lily.

Ginny and Fancy

May 21st

Donovan is a huge teddy bear. Such a kind horse. And big. Really big.

 

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Update November 23rd – 25th, 2013

November 23rd, 2013

Beautiful day. But very windy. This is Barbara and Delaney giving out hay.

I’d like to ask everyone to send a good thought or prayer out for mini Peaches tomorrow as she goes to Rainbow Bridge. She was at UF most of last week but her adoptive mom, Susan, took her home to spend a couple of days with her before having the vet out to help her to Rainbow Bridge. Peaches has cholesterol granulomas in her brain and her neurological function has been significantly impaired. She’s been having issues for awhile now but keeping her comfortable and functional has become too much on her. Peaches is 26 and is 1 of 14 mini Falabella horses that we rescued in a very sad case in 2010. There were 7 mares and 7 studs (now geldings). Out of the 14, Peaches will be 2nd out of the herd that we’ve lost. We truly appreciate Susan and the TLC she’s given to Peaches these past few years.

This is mini Peaches with her BFF, Callie. My thoughts and prayers will be with Peaches, Susan, and Callie tomorrow as Peaches makes that transition to the Bridge.

November 24th

Mini Peaches runs with the Heavenly Herd now. We love you Peaches – always!

Artist: Greg Ambrose

Liberty and her BFF, mini Magic. Both are mares from mini Peaches original herd of 14 – a rescue case we worked back in 2010. They are doing well and are very much loved by their adoptive mom, Lorrie.

November 25th

Some of you may remember Baby Girl – she’s another miracle. Baby Girl was adopted over a year ago to a wonderful family out of state. She recently started showing some changes around her right eye (which was the side of her face that was severely injured when she came to us). After consulting with her adoptive parents vets, and our vets, we thought it would be in her best interest to bring her back to the rescue so the same care team that she had when she was here can examine and assess her. If you read the article it may help to understand why we think it’s important – her case was pretty unique and the fact that she survived with her odds being “0 to none” says something about her love for life. She’s a very special mare. She arrived back here on Friday and settled right back in. She will be going to UF in a couple of weeks. Dr. Morton is looking forward to seeing Baby Girl again! Here’s a link to her story which was in newspapers around the world. http://www.gainesville.com/article/20111218/ARTICLES/111219630. 

Baby Girl upon arrival at Beauty’s Haven in 2011.

Wow – I really was “glowing” at work this morning!

Some of you may remember Daisy – a 4 year old miniature donkey that came to us in August 2013 with cancer around both eyes – the left eye was not even recognizable. Daisy has had many surgeries/treatments and some of the cancerous areas have improved while some are just determined to stick around. We brought her back to the rescue to continue with her care and try a different treatment. She’s full of life and is just a joy to be around. She doesn’t really know what to think of the boys – we’ve had storms all day and they have been in their stall. Maybe the sun will come out tomorrow and we will see how they do. For now, they talk through the stall gate.

“Double Trouble”! The boys, JoJo and Jazzy, over the weekend.

The boys trying to help with the semi-annual great “clean up the barn aisle way up in the rafters” task. Yes, it took from sun up until after dark. But it looks really nice now and the spiders are gone.

Sometimes when I see Little E tagging behind Mishka, I get goose bumps – the loss of Gentleman is still fresh in my head and heart. Mishka is doing well – gaining weight and muscle.

Betsy Rose enjoying a warm mash which she adores.

We are so truly proud of our excellent rating on Great Nonprofits.

Ruby’s UNselfie for #GivingTuesday.

Please join us on #GivingTuesday!

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Only-a-week-away—Are-you-ready—We-are-.html?soid=1119209466648&aid=0flbfr1DLtU

Wishing Everyone a blessed Thanksgiving!

Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization

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Beautiful Mary Has Her Wings May 31 – June 1st 2014 Update

May 31st, 2014

I need to ask for prayers and good thoughts once again – Mary had a severe reaction to something – we don’t know what. The vet said she could have been bitten by something, she could have ingested something, we just don’t know. She had welts all over and she was having trouble breathing. She got fluids and we have been keeping vigil over her all day. Tonight she went into respiratory distress again and appeared to have cramps. The vet said the stress of whatever the allergic reaction was could cause her to cramp and/or colic. We just loaded her up and Bob is on the way to the hospital with her now. No others in her paddock have had any issues.

Mary is a sweetheart – a beautiful and noble Arabian mare. Please pray for her. My heart is very, very heavy.

June 1st

AM: Mary spiked a fever through the night and her WBC is low. She’s been started on antibiotics. We still don’t know what the issue is – they are running tests and treating symptoms. I’m here with Mary – she is not doing well. Dr. Hughes will be here to review their findings in a bit. Mary is in a stall that is just across the aisle from where Wally was. Please continue to pray for her.

I also learned this weekend that a friend and supporter of Beauty’s Haven, Cayle Wingard, has gotten her wings. Cayle loved horses so very much. I hope she’s already met Momma Sue, Wally, Barbaro, and others. She will be greatly missed. And Kathy Malloy lost her beloved Wesley today – I know she is feeling a huge loss and hurt too. It just hasn’t been a good day – my heart is very, very heavy. Sometimes a rescuer needs prayers too – that’s where I am right now.

PM: Please pray that Mary has an easy transition to Rainbow Bridge. Mary is 27 years old. Surgery to attempt to repair a strangulating lipoma/remove a portion of her gut would be very hard on her and her odds low. Mary will leave this earth knowing she is loved. She is a very proud Arabian mare that has earned her wings. I have asked her to take care of our Wally. We love you Mary.

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

#bhfer #mary #rainbowbridge

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Our Beloved Wally Has Crossed Rainbow Bridge

Sunday, April 27th

Wally is not feeling well this morning. Kathy Breakall held him so I could clip him in the tack room where it’s cool. We just finished. We will be keeping him in a stall today with a fan and will be closely monitoring him. If he gets worse, I need to call the vet back.

I wished and prayed with all my might that he would feel better.

Waiting on the vet. Wally is resting. Please say prayers for him. I’m sitting right here with him.

The vet examined and oiled Wally. Now we wait and pray for poop. Grandma Bea and Auntie Ruth are babysitting Wally for a little while.

Wally is on his way to the hospital with likely an impaction colic. He will be at Peterson & Smith Equine Hospital in Ocala. He’s just a year old. Please pray for him.

Wally is being treated for an impaction colic. They are starting iv fluids. I’ll update in the morning. Thank you all for your prayers.

Monday, April 28th

Wally’s heart rate is climbing and despite oiling and fluids, he does not appear any better. No worse, except for the HR which is not a good thing. We were presented with two options – to continue to medically treat Wally or surgically remove the impaction since it does not appear to be moving. Wally’s blood work is fine and he does not appear to be uncomfortable. The vet can schedule surgery for later today, but up until that time, we decided that fluids continue to be run. I did some T-Touch Wally’s anal area and by doing so, he did pass a small amount of poop as well as gas. Last night at the rescue, I also used T-Touch with no results. I’m hand walking Wally too which will hopefully, get ‘things moving.’ I have also requested that Wally be given an enema. We are trying everything possible, up until the moment of surgery, in hope that Wally’s issue can and will resolve on its own. Please continue to keep little Wally in your prayers.

By late afternoon, it was decided that Wally needed surgery. I kissed his little nose and promised him I’d be there when he woke up. Dr. Lynch said it wouldn’t take much more than an hour.

Despite all of our prayers we lost Wally this afternoon.  I try to always be there for any surgery.  As I watched them start to prepare Wally, when he was given anesthesia, he had an adverse reaction and he was gone.  In the blink of an eye our Wally went to Rainbow Bridge.  I had promised him I’d be there when he woke up but he didn’t wake up.  I’m in shock.

I had taken Wally for a walk before surgery – he wanted to play in the water hose. Silly Wally, he loved the water. Our three boys – Wally, CaryLou, and Harvey. It will never be the same and I will always see him when I see the others. And I know I will feel him – I feel him now. I’m so sorry little guy – so very sorry. Fly with angel wings baby – I love you, always. I know you were met by Solace and others that we dearly love, that’s the only consolation I have.

Thank all of you for your support and for caring about our little Wally.  My heart hurts – I can’t believe it happened but I was there and saw it with my own eyes. I never want to experience anything like that again, ever.  I was helpless to change what I was witnessing and it was horrible.  I likely will be off the grid for a day or so but please know that I do appreciate all of you. I have to believe that God needed Wally more than we did.

Wally and me right before surgery. I called him my little Rogue Warrior – a lovable and mischievous little guy that made us laugh.

Thank you Greg, for your beautiful tribute to our beloved Wally.

A rainbow over Beauty’s Haven in honor of Wally going to Rainbow Bridge.

Thank you all for your prayers and words of comfort.

Sincerely,
Theresa

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Missing Solace, Another to Rainbow Bridge, Oscar, and More

February 23rd – 25th, 2014

February 23rd, 2014

I’m about to go read comments about Solace – I’ve been putting it off. My heart is still very heavy from losing him – it just isn’t the same. I find myself still looking out into the paddock to see how he’s feeling – but he’s not there.

I hoped to somewhat regroup yesterday but then a call came in – a mare had been down for 3 days – can we help? Of course, I couldn’t say no. I’m not going to get into details but we were, sadly, called too late to try to help this mare. When we got there, I took her vitals and they were not good. Her gum color was not good. She’d dug a 10″ ditch with her front legs. She didn’t respond to any sensation in her back end.

It took awhile to find a vet to respond but he determined that the mare had gone toxic and advised that the most humane thing to do was to help the mare cross. Losing Solace on Friday was still very fresh in my mind and in my heart, and, while I only knew this mare for a couple of hours yesterday, it didn’t matter – I loved her just the same and letting her go was hard. Losing any hurts – it NEVER gets easier. But, as with Solace, there is comfort in knowing that she runs with the Heavenly herd now – she knows no more pain.

Oscar no longer needs assistance to get up! He’s mobile and doing well.

Romeo is doing well also. He’s far from out of the woods but we’re staying positive and he’s brighter each day. He loves to talk!

Wanda and her son, Caleb, did a GREAT job clipping little Harvey today! Thank you both – very much!!!

Harvey looked like a little lamb! He’s going to feel much better!

Last photo for today to end my posts on a good note – Serenity is feeling better. It’s been tough getting through the sand and parasite issues but we’re working on it. She’s a sweet girl.

Februay 24th, 2014

Betsy Rose’s court case is over – the previous owner got probation, has to pay fees/fines, and can’t own large animals for a year. I wish I could change what happened to Betsy Rose before she found her way here, but I can’t. She’s a determined little mare with a huge love for life that has touched the hearts of many – it’s truly a blessing to be part of her life. There are many things Betsy Rose wants to help us with like raising awareness of what to do if you see or suspect abuse/neglect, where to reach out for help, and so much more. She wants to help educate humans about the responsibilities of owning and caring for a horse – it’s not inexpensive and proper care does take time.

February 25th, 2014

Lindsey and Ginny gave Bryce a good bath today – the weather was just beautiful! He’s putting on weight nicely, finally. Ginny’s husband, Mark, fixed fences. Bob made 2 trips to get hay and will make another trip tomorrow! Marie took some office work home with her to accomplish. I thank God for our volunteers and supporters daily – sometimes many times!

Bryce is doing better. He had a huge amount of sand in his gut. He had a high parasite load too.

Look how great Harvey looks! I kept telling people he wasn’t fat – he was just fluffy! LOL

Oscar and Vermont Teddy Bear

IT’S COMING!!!

/by