The joyous holiday season is here, and we'd like to remind you about an easy way to make searching and shopping for that perfect gift even more wonderful: 

Raise a penny (or more) per search, and generate donations from any of the 730+ stores listed with iGive (worth up to as much as 26% of your purchase).  Also, you'll find new searchable coupons and deals with up-to-the-minute offers and specials.

Just follow this link to make your holiday shopping easier -- plus to benefit Beauty's Haven.
Thank you!

GoodShop.Com and GoodSearch.Com:  Make a donation to Beauty's Haven each time you shop or search -- and it doesn't cost you more!

Just in Time for the Holidays!
Handmade Quilted Bag/Purse

These lovely handmade, quilted bags are fashioned with the horse lover in mind, and specifically for Beauty's Haven.  They measure approximately 15" across and 5" wide.  They have special pockets sewn inside to hold make-up, cell phone, and all those little things we lose in the bottom of our purses!

The pictures do not do them justice -- they are beautiful!

We only have a few of these bags, and they are currently available for $40.00 plus shipping.  Please email Kathi at plumcrazee60@yahoo.com to order yours today!!

Mommy Theresa, I think Baby Ray is afraid I'm going to get the door to the feed room open before he does.  Please tell him I haven't even tried to open it -- it's nice outside, and I want him to go out with me.  His mommy is calling for him and pacing, and I don't want her worried.

Baby Ray, will you be my friend and go outside while it's sunny and warm and graze with me?  Besides, your mommy is looking for you.  I don't have a horsey mommy here -- my mommy died, but I know she still watches over me from heaven, and I know she loves me like your mommy loves you.  You're really blessed to have your mommy, and I don't want her to be worried about you, so please come outside.  I know you get worried when another horse gets near you because you can't see them but, if you come out with me, I promise I won't hurt you -- I can't move very fast anyway, I'm still weak.  How about if we go out and I'll be your eyes?  If Haley comes near us, I'll let you know, OK?  Come on, your mommy is getting worried.

Baby Ray had on his :thinking" face but looked like he wanted to give it a try.

I encouraged Baby Ray to go.  Go on, Baby Ray, little Legacy is a good boy. He misses his mommy, and it would really be nice if you would be his friend. Just try it, OK?  Here comes Legs, now go on outside with him for a bit.

OK, mommy Theresa. I'll go out for a little while.  Besides, I'm thirsty and want a drink of water. Come  on, Legs, let's go so my mommy calms down -- I hear her pacing the fence.  No fast moves though, OK?

The boys went out and, after Baby Ray got his water, they grazed for a while and Sunshine did calm down.  Then Baby Ray walked over to the gate to the paddock where his mom was, and we let him back in.  It was time for Legacy's meds, so he had to go in anyway and then he took a nap.  I think the boys may become pals, over time.  Sunshine doesn't like Legacy (or any horse) near Baby Ray; but I'm going to try to resolve that slowly and safely. Sorry the picture below has spots on it -- my camera is actually broken and the lens is exposed all the time.  I'm trying to hold off sending it to get fixed until after the New Year.

Captain and Zaynah enjoyed the warm sun today, too.  Blankets came off, and it really was a picture-perfect day.

My daughter and I actually took a few minutes out of the hectic day to hop on Midnight and Riley this afternoon, and it was very nice.  It wasn't more then five minutes, but it;s the first time I've ridden in a long, long time.  The farrier was out today and trimmed their feet, and it was such a beautiful day that, on the way back to their paddock, I said, "OK, let's hop on!" and we did!  The boys were great!

I want to thank everyone for all of your support.  I know the holidays are almost here, and I'm so far behind on many things.  Time goes by here at the rescue and days run together. I'd hoped to have a lot of items posted on our website for sale by now that are absolutely beautiful.  We'll also have some nice items on eBay soon.  There will be some very nice handmade items, drawings of the some of the horses, note cards, and lots more.  The horseshoes are all made and ,because I'm so far behind on getting them out and getting the items on the website, I'm actually sending all items to Jeanne tomorrow so that she will have them -- she will be much better at getting items posted and mailed out to people than I am.  I'm pulled in so many ways each day -- for those that ordered horseshoes, I do apologize for being so late getting them out.

We hope to have a Breyer item listed on eBay tomorrow.  We need to pay the November farrier (Ola) bill on Tuesday, and our other farrier is coming this week, and that is going to be another $300.  Of course there are the daily expenses of grain and hay and I'm happy to report that Legacy needs another bucket of milk pellets!  And last week we had to bring back one of the horses that had been adopted out (Doc), which is another added expense; but we are happy that he is here and fine, but he could use a few angels -- a treatment by Dr. Das would do him a lot of good.  And I am sure the electric bill for the barn is going to be outrageous with all of the heat lamps we have going for Legs!  Baby Legacy's vet bills are high:  each bag of plasma was $350. He's still on antibiotics and has had many IV fluids.  These past few weeks we have had the extra expense of shavings, which are $4.95 a bag; and we go through about five bags a day.  Ruby is confined to her stall due to her tendon injury for a few more weeks.  With her in, Haley being stalled at night and during bad weather, and little Legacy being in a stall the majority of the time, we are going through a lot of shavings.  Since I've been out at the barn almost around the clock, I haven't had time to really look in detail at funds and bills -- but tonight I did, and it's pretty scary!  All donations are tax-deductible and very much appreciated -- and no amount is too small.

Here is one item that will be on eBay. It is a Breyer "Noelle" 2008 horse still in the box.  It's the twelfth in a series of Breyer holiday horses.  All proceeds will go 100% to the horses.  And thank you to the person that donated the item to help the horses!

Have a good night, everyone -- I'm off to take a shower and get back to the barn.  Tomorrow will be here before we know it!

P.S.  I forgot to mention, but donations can be called in directly to:

Vet bills: Peterson & Smith, 352-237-6151

Grain, milk pellets, shavings, hay, alfalpha cubes, beet pulp:  Sanders Feed: 352-873-8660

Hay: Larson Farms: 352-867-8333

If an order is placed directly with the vet's office or feed store, please send us an email to let us know so that we can be sure to thank you and issue a tax donation receipt.  We're still behind on getting these, but Bob is working on it daily.  We hope to have all issued by the end of the year, which is only a month away!  Where did the year go???

Hey, little guy, welcome to Beauty's Haven!  I haven't been here very long myself, but I can tell you it's a nice place to be.  Where I lived before, we didn't have any humans that would feed us -- we just had lots of land to roam on, but it was mostly weeds.  And then the humans left and there was nobody to care about us.  Here, the humans talk with us, brush us, and rub all over us -- we even get sprayed with stuff to keep flies off of us!  Oh, and they like to put icky stuff on pink noses, too, so they don't get sunburned!  I heard about your mom and I'm sorry she was so sick. But you'll be OK here, and I know the humans will do all they can for you.  And when you are stronger maybe you can come out and graze with me.

Thanks, HighTower.  I have lots of human friends but they're not horses.  I know they care a lot about me -- they're always fussing over me to make sure I'm comfy, and I am.  But I miss my momma, and I'm glad to have you for a horse friend now.  I thought Haley would be my friend, but she doesn't want anything to do with me.  If I get near her, she goes the other way.  Did anyone ever tell you that you're a really, really big horse?

Bernel dropped by today and brought the baby a fleece blanket to go under his weatherproof blanket.  It's a little big, but it works and it's warm!  Bernel was surprised at how little Baby Legs is -- he looks bigger in pictures than he really is.

Mommy Theresa, Im tired again -- I think I'm ready to go in for a nap now. Did you see HighTower grazing next to me?  Someday I'm going to be big and strong, too!  Thanks for being my friend, HighTower!  I'll see ya later, OK?

And Baby Ray is as cute as ever!  Bernel said he looks like a Koala bear, and I think she's right!  He's getting muscular and has filled in nicely.  It's hard to believe he was all bones with no fat whatsoever when he arrived.

Doc is so cute -- he was very happy to get his new ½ pasture bale (a 700+ lb compressed) of O&A today.  It will last him for a couple of weeks, at least. We're not sure what breed he is -- TWH/Clyde/Cross????  I asked Bernel what breed she thinks he is, and she couldn't figure it out either.  We just know that he's a sweetheart!

We bought six more heat lamps today for the baby's stall.  It's about 65 degrees in there, for now.  There's supposed to be frost on the ground in the AM, but I think we'll be just fine in his stall tonight.  I'm taking first shift; Bob is taking second so I need to get to the barn.  Legacy got a ½ liter of fluids about an hour ago and is now up and munching on his pellets.  I bet he wishes he could go to sleep in the dark, but the heat lamps are necessary.

He did have me worried when he tried to imitate a cheetah during his outside time -- I thought for sure he was going to take a rolling tumble.

Hey, mommy Theresa, look at me!  I can run fast -- I may need a little practice, but I can do it!  Oops -- yikes!  I'm ok! No worries!

OK, I'm a little tired now.  It was really nice to be out, but I think I'm ready for a nap.  I know you told me I wasn't supposed to run around because I'm still not well, but I wanted you to see that I can do it!  Can we go back inside now, please?

Xan is spending the night tonight along with her puppy, Kelly -- this means we'll be able to get SLEEP!  Much needed sleep!  Legs and Kelly have made friends already.  It will be getting pretty cold again tonight but, with all the heat lamps on and the stall all buttoned up, it stays comfortable.

Christmas Shop and Help Beauty's Haven!

Do your Christmas shopping online and help support Beauty's Haven Equine Rescue!  If you shop online for Avon Products, Sharon Cooper will donate 50% of her earnings to Beauty's Haven Equine Rescue. 

Go to www.youravon.com/sharoncooper and shop the "Online Event" for Beauty's Haven.  Many of you receive the daily updates from Beauty's Haven and know all the medical expenses associated with the new arrivals, including baby Legacy.  Please help raise money to offset these expenses and also get your shopping done. 

Legacy's temp and HR are lower than we'd like, but they are better then earlier today.  He is drinking, but not nearly enough.  We gave him a ½ liter of IV fluids not long ago and then, with a little help, he got up and is now munching on milk replacer pellets and forage.  We filled in more cracks with foam where cold air was coming in his stall.  He's got 9 heat lamps, 2 blankets, and we were going to give him an electric blanket but the controller isn't working -- but he does have a heating matt on order.  It does get toasty under the heat lamps but, by morning, it will be in the upper 30s and we'll have to see how warm it stays in his stall.  We have an electric heater if needed.  Diane loaned us a zero gravity fold up recliner that is very nice and helps us humans to be more comfy in the stall.

It was a sunny day but there were cold winds off and on.  Legacy was able to get out for a short time to soak up some sun.

Baby Legs has a long uphill road to recovery.  With intensive care, lots of love and prayers, and his strong will, we are staying positive and keeping the faith that these things combined will get him through.  He likes to lay his head in my lap and have his neck scratched.  His eyes tell you very clearly when he isn't feeling well.

Here is Jake grazing today. In the background are Gentleman, Chloe, and Velvet.

I have a ton of emails that I haven't responded to -- please know that I just haven't had much time at the computer, but I appreciate each and every one of them, and it's comforting to know that others are thinking of us and are sending good thoughts and prayers.  God bless you all!

It's going to get very cold tonight so we are moving hay bales into his stall to put against the two outside walls for insulation.  Last night the temperature in his stall didn't go below 55; it felt much colder to me.  Tonight it is going down into the 30s.

We are very blessed to have the morning chores almost done already!  Marie, Diane, Jessica, and Molly were here bright and early to help out.  The new (used) golf cart came back from the repair shop last evening, and it pulls the poop spreader just fine - yeah!

Haley's lip is healing already -- it looks funny, but it doesn't seem to be painful for her.

Doc, the horse we brought back on Monday, is doing fine; but he's lonely in the QT paddock. He looks so cute in his winter coat.  He even has a mane now.  When we brought him to the rescue from an auction the day before Easter in 2008, his mane had been completely shaved off.  He found a home only a few months later.  He's doing well, and I will be very glad when we can give him a bath - he really needs one!

Baby Legacy seemed pretty depressed when Dr. Ryan arrived.  He hadn't drunk much all day and was a bit lethargic.  He had a tough time getting up without help.  When you see them like this, it is disturbing that you can't make them feel better right away, at least it is for me.

As the plasma was dripping, he started to perk up.

I feel a little better now, mommy Theresa.  Can I come out now? I don't like being inside so much!

Baby Legacy is sleeping now.  We modified his stall a bit -- covered the grill and lowered the heat lamps to help keep him warmer.  It is getting very cold tonight and colder tomorrow night.  We had to blanket a few of the horses. Precious seemed to glow in a coat -- like she felt really special, and I assured her that she is.

Poor little (but very pregnant) Haley was run off by Sunshine tonight when Baby Ray got too close to her.  Haley ran and slipped and fell down, splitting the front of her lip.  She's tucked into her stall now and will be OK.

I'm very happy to report that the last 24 hours for Baby Legacy have been calm -- his vitals have remained constant and in the normal range.  He is eating and drinking, and I have not had to give him any fluids.  He is far from out of the woods but, for the first time (and I say this with reservation because I know how quickly babies can crash), I think I can say that we are on the path to recovery.

It rained most of the day, and Legacy didn't get to go out.  He visited with others in the barn from the center aisle.  He and Haley hold little conversations that make me smile -- they can't see each other since they're both small and the bottom of the stall doors are solid.  When Legs wakes up from a nap, his whinnies are a bit stronger -- he likes to let everyone know he's awake!  His eyes are somewhat brighter.  Nothing will change for us -- he will be constantly supervised.  We hope tomorrow brings a beautiful day and that he can get out and enjoy the sun.

It's time for my meds again!  I'll take them like a good boy, but I still don't like them!

Here is Carol, one of our visitors today, meeting Baby Legacy.  Look at those long ears!

Baby Ray gave us all a much needed laugh today.  He and his mom were out in front of the barn grazing when it started to rain.  He looked like a little bucking cricket!  He was all over the place running and kicking -- it was so good to see him feel so good!

“Hi Dr. Ryan. You want to see my gums again?  My heart sounded good – didn’t it?  I’ve been a really good boy at taking my medicines. A re you proud of me?  My mommy Theresa and my aunties say they’re proud of me!  I miss my mommy, but she was very sick and sometimes, I can feel her with me even though I can’t see her.  I’ll be OK, right?”

After a good nap and a little snack and drink, Baby Legs seems almost “normal” at times.  But we know this is far from the case, and we never let our guard down.  It was a beautiful day today, and he really enjoyed being outside more.

“Mommy Theresa, can I come out now? It was so boring yesterday with all the rain – all I wanted to do was sleep.  But today I want to go out in the sunshine and see some other horses, OK?”

Ruby’s tendon was too swollen to get a good ultrasound done today.  Dr. Weller did some acupuncture on her, which she really needed.  Dr. Weller will be back next week to try again.  In the meantime, we’re cold hosing and wrapping – something I’m all fingers at!

Baby Ray had on his natural “gotta luv me” face for a visit by one of the neighbors today.  Everybody loves Baby Ray!  Sunshine, being the good mom she is, wasn’t far away.

I received pictures today of Cash, a mare we adopted out this past year, that made me smile.  Her human family loves her terribly, and she loves them back. She is happy and healthy, and we are so proud of her!

Precious is truly precious! Now that she’s had her teeth done and her mouth isn’t sore, she’s eating like a horse!  We expect her to start putting on the pounds!

Everybody loves Baby Legs, too, and we so very much appreciate all the good thoughts, prayers, and support.  He’s taking a nap right now, and I’m washing his blue blankie.  It’s a little snug on him, but it keeps him warm under his bigger blanket.

Have a good night everyone. I’ll update more tomorrow. 

Since a portion of Princess' veterinary fees are still outstanding, please consider a donation of $10 for a chance to win the lovely Kathryn Baker drawing of Sunshine and Baby Ray (pictured at right).  Please visit our Events page for more details.  The winner will be selected on November 30, 2009.

Thank you all for your continuing love and support of Beauty's Haven Farm & Equine Rescue.

Fondly, Jeanne

Baby has had his ups and downs throughout the day.  Earlier this afternoon, his temperature was steadily dropping below normal, so Theresa heated his IV fluids to 100 degrees and, after administering them, his temperature rose to normal.  Afterwards, he did get up to eat a bit of hay and drink two ounces of milk. This was a most positive sign as he is eating very little and sleeping a great deal.  Theresa constantly monitors Baby Legs' condition and checks his temperature at least once every two hours.  He is still on IV antibiotics as well.  Dr. Ryan will return to the farm in the morning to check upon Little Legs' progress.

Please continue to keep this Precious Baby Boy in your thoughts and Prayers.

Precious had her appointment with Dr. Bess today. She had huge waves, and Dr. Bess could only do so much on this visit.  It's going to take some time to get her teeth as good as they're going to be.  She'll be getting pretty soupy meals for the next couple of days.  Dr. Bess agrees that Precious, if she is a QH, is a TWH/QH cross.

Baby Ray is doing well. He's got a healthy belly on him now along with a fuzzy winter coat.  He is brighter and more alert -- the change in diet has helped.  Unfortunately, his vision is no better.  He appears to still see shadows at times.  I'm hoping that, as Baby Legs grows, that he and Baby Ray will become friends.  Sunshine is doing great.

Granny is about the same although she did cough a little more today. Captain and Zaynah are doing really well.  Ruby is still stuck in a stall with her tendon injury but getting hand-walked throughout the day and night. Amadeus and Layla are in with Momma Sue and Aaleyah, and they are all doing great.  HighTower has filled out nicely and is absolutely one of the most pleasant horses I've ever met.  Classy has good days and not so good days -- today was a not so good day.  Her right front is still giving her discomfort at times.  Velvet is doing OK but is still looking for a home where there is less activity in hopes she wouldn't run around and stress her knee.

Kimba has settled in wonderfully at Paula's and is making new friends -- here he is meeting Max (Max is a mini).  We'll be getting updates about Kimba, and I'll make sure to share them.

PRAYERS NEEDED FOR BABY LEGS!  Hi, everyone, I just spoke to Theresa, and the news is not positive.  Dr. Ryan was out this morning, and we just received the results of Baby Leg's blood work. His white blood count and platelets are significantly lower than yesterday, while his red blood count is about the same.  Dr. Ryan is on the way to the farm as we speak to administer a plasma treatment and to change Baby Leg's antibiotics.

Please Pray for this Precious Little Boy who is so critically ill.

Please visit eBay to view and/or bid on a beautiful painting of Baby Ray and Sunshine by Alice Berkman (pictured at right)!  The link is below.  Please note that a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Beauty's Haven Farm and Equine Rescue.

Thank you!

He is alert, eating, and drinking. His heart rate is better -- low 60s. Yesterday it was in the 40s.  He gets his meds as scheduled.  He has times where he has a small burst of energy, and you can tell he just wants to be a normal healthy little baby.  But then, when he tires, he really fades and we worry -- we pray often.  He could take a dive at any time; someone is with him at all times.

We would also like to thank Dani Horton, who has been on standby and is currently working with us to help a pregnant mare.  Please visit Dani's website at http://www.freewebs.com/hopeequinerescue/.

On another note, we learned today that Precious, thankfully, is not pregnant!

He reminds me a lot of Aaleyah Belle when she first arrived.

Here you can see his hernia.  He appears tired and weak but not as depressed as he was yesterday. He loves to give kisses!

The vet bill for this baby, to date, is right at $600; but I have to buy more Gentomyacin.  Dr. Ryan says we got him here just in time.  Thank you all for caring.  Please keep him in your prayers along with Baby Ray. As for me, I survived the tumble yesterday but feel the after-effects from head to toe!

Baby Ray's blood work indicates that he is anemic, his adrenals are stressed, and the most bothersome thing is that he is not absorbing nutrients properly.  He, too, appears to be depressed, but his treatment by Dr. Das helped considerably.  Dr. Das will be back to treat Baby Ray again during the first week of December.  We changed Baby Ray's diet a week ago, which will hopefully help with his absorption of nutrients.

Dr. Ryan looked at Princess' eye tonight and it has continued to improve. We now will be treating it every 4 hours vs. every 2!

There are two more horses at the farm where the baby came from that we have been asked to help with.  One is an expectant mare, and the other is a stud.  Both are in very good condition, and they have very nice dispositions.  I'll share more about them tomorrow.  Right now I just want to take a hot shower and get back to the barn.  I'm already sore from my little spill this evening.  I was quickly reminded that I have four herniated disks!

Just a quick update -- Dr. Ryan should be here any minute.  The little colt is weak, confused, dehydrated, and his eyes aren't bright like they should be.  He did try to drink out of bottle, but it wasn't nearly enough.  My heart hurts for him.  I'm sure his mom, having cancer and dying, must have been horribly saddened and concerned about what would happen to her boy.  I hope and pray she's looking down at him and is at peace knowing he is in a good place now.  Like Baby Ray when he first arrived, this baby paces and cries. 

I had to go out and move a couple of horses just a few minutes ago and, as I was quickly walking backwards, I tripped and fell with three horses running towards me (I had carrots in my hands).  I bounced a time or two and said a prayer; and then there was sand in my face.  When the dust cleared, all I saw in front of me were four legs and a huge body.  Chloe had been one of the ones running towards me, but she had made it to me first.  She had beat the other two and then turned and stood in front of me, staring down the other two horses with a look that said she dared them to come any closer.  They put on the brakes -- Chloe may be a brat but she's a good girl.  But then she had to share the carrots anyway.  

I just got a call about a baby in dire straights.  The mother died early this morning from cancer.  The mare and baby were jointly owned by a man and woman that recently split.  When the woman left the residence, she left the horses behind until she could find a place for them.  The man knows little about caring for a baby.  The baby was born only a few weeks ago -- I am told he is only a month old!!!  We don't know the condition of the baby, but I know he's in dire straights. 

Please take a minute to visit the care2 website and vote for Beauty's Haven.  Each week a random shelter wins $500!  The ultimate prize for the winning shelter is $10,000! 

It doesn't cost anything to vote for us at the care2 contest.  Please share the info with co-workers, friends, and family and ask them to vote -- they can all make a difference to the many horses here that depend on us.  Thank you, and God bless you all!

$10,000 could buy enough hay to feed the horses here for about three months!  This is the time of the year when donations go down and my worry level goes up!  The holiday season is approaching, and we need help more at this time of the year than at any other.  The season is a joyous time of year for many but, for some of us that have to find ways to make sure those in our care continue to be properly fed and looked after, it can be -- and is -- a very stressful time.

Well, another one saved!  Yesterday I received a call from a farm that had a 2-year-old filly they no longer wanted.  Even though I was sick, and hadn't been out of bed for much over the last four days, I felt an urgency to see this filly.  Diane, a volunteer that was here with her daughter, Jessica, went with me to meet the filly.  When we arrived, we found that the filly had a chest injury (nobody knew about it -- must have just happened, yeah, right) and was demonstrating signs of colic.  Turns out this filly is out of Mystic (MJ), a mare we saved last year!  I was very worried about her condition.  I called Jeff, and he came out and hauled her to the rescue for us (our truck is broken).  You could tell the filly hasn't been handled much, and she seemed pretty leery of humans:  she was head shy and nervous.  

Dr. Tara treated her for colic, and the injury was cleaned up.  The injury was from a nail.  Although we are full, I just could not leave this girl there -- she could have died from colic or infection.  She's a sweet girl and has calmed a lot already.  This picture was taken of her while we were waiting for Jeff to come with the trailer to haul her to the rescue.  She'd get up and down and paw and turn her lip up -- you could just tell she was trying to colic.  We got her up and into a stall where we hosed down the injury while we waited for transport.  

Once at the rescue, she was tubed and oiled.  It was likely a gas colic.  It seemed apparent that she'd never been handled by a vet.  Taking her temp, oiling her, just being handled it seems -- all of it was new to her.  She did well.   

Here is the chest wound after it was cleaned up.  

She looks like her momma!  She's going to be OK and will make someone a very nice horse.

This is her mom Mystic (MJ).

Today the filly seems much more at ease.  She's pooping fine and met me the gate this morning.  She's also pretty vocal.  The vet bill was $190 -- if anyone would like to help, any amount would be appreciated, and no amount is too small.  All donations are tax-deductible.  We are quite behind on issuing our receipts but hope to get caught up this month.  Bob is now helping with this -- Anne's computer is still broken.

Granny's been having it tough -- she started getting worse a few days ago and did receive more Dex on Friday.  The winds are high, and the dust from the road and property is horrible today.  We haven't had any rain and everything is just dry and dusty.  She's resting in the shade behind a shelter today where she is somewhat protected from the blowing dust off the road but yet cooled by the winds.  The blowing dust from the lime rock road irritates eyes and lungs, and there isn't much we can do about it.  We've asked the county to pave 1500' of it down our property line, but it isn't in their plans or budget.  And when it rains, the rocks from the lime rock road wash into the pasture that goes down that property line, and then horses walk over the rocks and sometimes get bruised feet.  That road is EVIL!  

Princess is about the same.  We don't pull her eyelids apart to look into her eye to see how it is, but when she does open it a little I try to get a good look.  It does look there are more blood vessels moving across the eye, which is good.  We are now treating her eye with meds every two hours.  Dr. Ryan will be back out this week, likely on Wednesday, to examine her eye again.  Yesterday I had to start treating my mare, Beauty, for an irritation in her left eye.  She's very good about letting me apply ointment though, thankfully!  

Baby Ray is still a doll!  His vision is the same -- he doesn't appear to be able to see up close and still runs into things.  I do think he can see objects from a distance, but his depth perception isn't great.  We're still praying for a miracle and holding onto hope.  I found him napping this morning, flymask long gone and buried in the sand.

I was very excited to talk to Jeanne after her trip to visit with Buttercup and Silver Belle yesterday.  I could tell by looking at the pictures that her visit was during their usual siesta time, and I was right!  They are doing well and have adjusted to the weather there.  They have blankets and stay in the barn at night and during bad weather.  Oh, and I was advised that their new mom has ordered a big ball like the one Silver Belle loves to play with so much; they're just waiting for it to arrive.  I miss them so much!

I'm still not feeling well, and the blowing dust gave my asthma and my contacts a fit today when I was out feeding and doing chores all morning, which took me several hours.  By the time I got done, it was time to feed some all over again.  I'm glad Bob is better.  Katie is a little better, too.

Have a blessed day, everyone!  Oh, one more thing:  congratulations, Zenyatta!!!  Her personality in the first clip below reminds me of Buttercup a lot!  Buttercup is a bit prissy and always wants to be first and the center of attention.  Zenyatta is absolutely stunning!

Zenyatta prior to the race....  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzEICzL0PLs&feature=sub

You can see the new blood vessels at the top of the eye and some starting to the left of the ulcer traveling right -- OMG it's awesome!  It's nothing short of a miracle!  The ulcer is in the bottom left of her eye, and it has improved remarkably!  I may be sick from many long nights and lots of stress, but just look what the reward is!  I can't imagine if we'd had to have done this without the help of our volunteers -- they have been putting in extra hours, too, and we are so very grateful.  And to everyone that has kept Princess in good thoughts and prayers:  thank you!  God bless you all! 

Dr. Das came to pull blood on Haley today.  Foal watch will start on her in December, which will be here before we know it!

While Dr. Das was here, we asked her to work on Princess.  She said Princess was pretty sore all over and responded well to chiropractic and acupuncture.  Dr. Eric will be out in the morning to reassess Princess' eye.

Robin, Blodwyn, and Marie were here today; and I can't thank them all enough.  It's day 3 for me being in bed sick and it's driving me nutty.  When I think I'm feeling better, I get up and start to move around and then in about 15 minutes I'm ready for bed again.  I'm so glad that Bob is better.  Katie, our daughter, is also sick.  I'm trying to avoid volunteers and visitors so I don't potentially get anyone else sick. 

Baby Ray seems to be growing inches everyday.  We still haven't seen any change in his vision, but we aren't giving up hope.  Please keep him in your prayers.

Tried to get the below out last night, but I was too sick to stay up to wait for the ISP to start working.

It was a beautiful day today.  The temps were down and there was a nice breeze.  Granny was better, thank God!  Thank you all for your prayers.  I'm a true believer in prayer, and I can't tell you how good it was to see Granny better!  

Blodwyn and Marie were here all day to help, and Mel visited.  Here she is with Amadeus; he really is a big boy!  Layla is behind him.  The area below her right ear where the cyst was removed has healed beautifully.  She still has the cyst thing under her left ear, and a droopiness to her ear and eye, but she's fine and healthy, a really sweet girl.  Layla and Amadeus are good friends.  He's almost as tall as she is.

Mel visiting with GMan, MJ, and Velvet.

Velvet was feeling good today.  As always, she's a beautiful girl.  She's still looking for a good home within a couple of hours of the rescue that has a lot less activity going on.  Less activity means less chance of her reinjuring her bad knee.  Here, when a couple of others get to running or playing, she gets to running and bucking and jumping around -- and then she is in discomfort for days.

Awwww, Auntie Mel - I love you, too!  The last time you saw me I was pretty small; look at me now!  What took you so long to come back to visit?  I'm so glad to see you!  Don't stay away so long this time, OK?  It isn't the same without my sisters, Buttercup and Silver Belle.  But I have a new friend that wants to meet you!

Hey, Aaleyah!  Your slime thing makes everyone smile -- let me help! 
Cheyenne is a 3-year-old paint gelding that is looking for a forever home.  He's absolutely beautiful and has an awesome personality.  He reminds me of Buttercup at times; he loves attention and loves to please.

Princess' eye cup has been a lifesaver.  I'm convinced that, without it, she would have lost her eye.  She's not out of the woods yet -- we're still aggressively treating it and will continue to do so as long as it takes.  We had to buy refills for two of her eye meds today, and I'm sure we'll have to buy a lot more before this is over.  This is going to take weeks to get through, and we continue to pray for a good outcome.

We bought her another mask/cup today so, when this one gets dirty, we can change it out.  Bob drilled holes in the cup for ventilation.  If you leave it off her for just a few seconds, she will try to rub her eye on her leg, the door, window, anything.

Zaynah likes to stay in the shade of the shelter when there's a hay rack of alfalpha.  She's such a beautiful mare.  She's all Arabian!

Captain is doing well.  I'm sure he's happy that cooler temps have arrived; let's just hope they stick around.

Mel shared an apple with HighTower.  He's such a nice horse, he's like a big puppy dog!

It was a very beautiful day.  I wish I had felt better; as the day went by I started to feel worse.  By late this evening, this bug really kicked me.  Bob is better, though, thankfully.  I'm off to bed now and will likely be there all day tomorrow.  I need to shake it before Thursday when Dr. Das comes.  She's coming to pull blood on Haley but, if we can raise enough funds for her to treat Granny, that would be awesome! 

Here are Mel and Tim, Blodwyn, and Marie. 

Baby Ray's vision seems unchanged, but we hold onto hope.  He was tired when Auntie Mel met him; it was nap time.  He's really growing up!  He's such a love.  I'd love to write a children's book about his story and have it come with a little stuffed toy that looks like Baby Ray; I think it would make a nice Christmas gift for kids. 

Haley shook her mask off, and it surprised her.  She stared at it for a few minutes like she was wondering if it was alive!

Well, it seems HighTower has decided to be keeper of the gate.  I don't know what Little E will think about this -- Little E is the official meeter and greeter for the rescue, and he does a great job.  Well, maybe Little E will welcome everyone, and HighTower will see them off?  We'll let them work it out.

I really do have a bad cold and will likely be out of touch tomorrow.  I'm getting achy all over.  I can't afford any time to be sick especially with Princess needing around-the-clock care.  I'm not good at staying in bed, but I really do feel bad.  Bob is going to have to pull most of the shift tonight; I'm so glad he feels better.  

Hi, everyone ...

Thankfully, with the cooler weather, Granny is much better today, and her breathing rate is normal.  Princess' eye remains unchanged.  Thank you, Blodwyn, for picking up her renewed prescriptions today.  In addition to Princess' previous vet bill, the cost of her prescriptions today was an additional $95.00.  Thank you to everyone who has contributed to Princess' veterinary fund -- thus far, we have already received $420.00 in donations!!!

Mel visited Beauty's Haven today, and I was told that Miss Aaleyah Belle slobbered on her from head to foot!!!  Whatever are we going to do with our feisty girl?  Mel also took a number of photographs while at the farm.  At right is an adorable image of Sweet Baby Ray.

Since Theresa will be unable to assist Baby Ray with selecting a winner for the horsehair bracelet, I am going to attempt having my Maine Coon cat pick a name from a hat tomorrow -- how I am going to accomplish this, I honestly do not know, but it should be most interesting to say the least!!!

Princess' eye appears unchanged, but she is much more uneasy today.  She seemed to be trying to colic earlier today, but is OK now.  Granny was at the barn at the time and Princess is in estrus -- being around Granny made her uneasy.  She's in estrus and just isn't a happy girl.  Princess has been under a lot of stress for the last several days.  She's still getting her meds hourly.  The vet will be back out tomorrow unless she gets worse in any way.

Granny has COPD and is not doing well at all.  Please keep her in your prayers along with Princess.  We have our hands full here, that's for sure.  I'm so thankful that Bernice and John came today.  Marie is also coming later.

There are three pictures below.  The bottom picture may be graphic to some.  I like sharing pictures so that people that have never experienced eye injuries can have a reference.

Here is Princess today.

Here you can see the outline of the hard eye cup that covers her left eye.  She has a fly mask on with another mask below it that has a hard eye cup sewn into it.  Without the hard cup, she rubs on anything she can, which is probably what caused the ulcer to get worse in the first place.