WELCOME "Aaleyah Belle" and Momma Sue - Buttercup too!
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                                                                                                                       *Photos not to be copied without permission.

05/03/08:  We picked this mare up only a few hours after giving birth to a baby that had a wry nose.  The baby was very weak but at the same time appeared very determined at everything she did.  We named her Aaleyah Belle (after Eight Belles).  Aaleyah means "the greatest gift from God."  Eight Belles was a 3 yr old TB filly that gave her all, including her life, after winning second place at the Kentucky Derby today.  Aaleyah's mom's name is "Currently Sue" and we are calling her "Momma Sue."  She arrived very much underweight and had no vet care after giving birth just hours before.

Aaleyah Belle can't nurse because she has a wry nose.  She didn't get any milk (or colostrum) before arriving here and was very weak.  She had to have a plasma treatment because her IGG (antibody) levels were so low (17!).  We are taking shifts around the clock to bottle feed Aaleyah.  She deserves a chance - as does her mom.

We have contacted a surgeon that has performed surgery to correct a wry nose in only one operation.  We will do all we can to get Aaleyah Belle the needed surgery.  Without it, she won't be able to graze, drink, or eat grain. 

Check back often for updates.
 

Aaleyah Belle and Momma Sue arriving at the rescue
when Aaleyah was only a few hours old.

It was clear from the moment they arrived
that these two needed help.

 

Aaleyah's first night on earth - safe here at the rescue.
 

05/07/08:  This is a nurse mare foal that was born on Barbaro's birthday - April 29th.  Her mother was bred in order to be able to nurse a different foal whose mother was to be shipped off to be bred again by live cover.  This is another "business" that many people don't know about.

When this foal, now named Buttercup, arrived she hadn't been handled by humans.  She called out for her mom for the first couple of days and it was so sad.  As time passed Momma Sue and Aaleyah accepted her as part of their "family." 

The girls are great for each other and Momma Sue keeps them in line - but they are a handful!  There's never a dull minute - that's for sure. 

Please help if you can.  Every donation, no matter how big or small, makes a big difference.
Donations are 100% tax deductible.  Thank you.
 

Peek-a-boo!
 

Play time!  Charge!

Go in mommy - I think there's food in there!
 

Relaxing in the cool sand and warm sun.
 

Whew - it's been a long day.  I'm beat!

Momma Sue felt so good after her bath!
 

Buttercup first meeting Momma Sue.

05/18/08:  Momma Sue went down today and couldn't get back up.  Her temp and respiration were normal and her appetite was fine.  She did seem dehydrated. 

As soon as I listened to her gut I got a sinking feeling we may be dealing with a colic.  I called the vet and he told me to give her some Banamine.  It had started working by the time he arrived. 

We got her up and got her to her stall.  Refluxing her was normal.  He oiled her and gave her some Buscopan.  She got IV fluids.  The vet said the long term neglect she'd endured, even while pregnant, and receiving no vet care after giving birth, contributed to her condition today.  We are very careful when horses like Momma Sue arrive.  They are brought back to health slowly - the first few days are the most critical.  She was doing so well but it was very hot and humid today.  

This evening she is better but still not out of the woods.  She is supposed to leave with Aaleyah Belle on Wednesday for UF for Belle's surgery.  We'll see how she is doing but we won't put any stress on her. 

The vet bill from today alone was $297.70.  If you'd like to help please go to our "Donate" page and there are various ways to donate to help Momma Sue.  Any amount would be greatly appreciated - no amount is too small.

The picture of her standing over the 2 babies was taken yesterday.  Each day that goes by brings the 3 of them closer together as a family. 
 

Ok - nap time is over. 
It's time to play!
 

Buttercup drinks from a bottle too but she also eats
milk replacer pellets.  Each bag of milk replacer costs
$136.  A bag lasts less than a week.
 

She does love her milk!  Would you like to provide
a bag of milk replacer to Aaleyah Belle? 
You can call a credit into our feed store.
 

Aaleyah is full of life.  She does tire easy.
She doesn't get much air through her nostrils.
 

Let's play kickball!
 

May 20th:  They play hard and sleep hard!
 

05/22/08:  Aaleyah and Momma Sue were transported to the University of Florida this morning.  They did really well and we're very proud of Aaleyah for being such a trooper.  Here is a short recap of the day.

Aaleyah Belle was pretty tired this morning.   

First things first.  “Milk please!” 

Ok, I have a full belly – time for a nap in the cool sand and warm sun. 

A “mother” – daughter talk and prayer before the transporter arrives. 

Aaleyah and her mom loaded onto the trailer great and unloaded even better.
She followed Momma Sue to their “suite” and took in all the sites on the way. 

They both settled right in.  Quite a few people came to meet “the cute baby with the little crooked
nose” and they all fell in love with her – how could they not?  Dr. Brown was very nice and informative.   

“Hay!  My bottle is here!  Mom - look at the view from the window - there’s horses out there playing in a field!” 

We won't know what time the surgery is tomorrow until am.  I spoke at length with Dr. Brown today.  He said he's seen cases worse then hers that were successful.  He said that the top of little Belle's mouth will always be somewhat shorter then the bottom.  She will be able to eat grain ok and drink ok.  Only time will tell if she will be able to graze.  His technique does not require the use of one of Aaleyah’s ribs.  Recovery will take weeks.  She'll be confined to a stall for several days and then will be able to go out for short periods of time and as she heals, over time, she'll be able to stay out longer.  She will be at the hospital at least until Monday.  I did ask if Momma Sue could have her teeth done while she is there and they are going to try to arrange it.  Momma Sue seemed to be feeling good today.

Saying goodbye wasn’t easy but we know surgery is the only answer.  I’ll be at the hospital all day tomorrow and will update tomorrow night.  Buttercup is doing ok but misses Momma Sue and Aaleyah.  She will be staying in Momma Sue and little Belle's "suite" (birthing stall) until they return.  Little E will be in the paddock around the barn to keep her company.  Thank all of you for the good thoughts, emails, phone calls, prayers, and donations to help Aaleyah Belle.  I apologize to those that have emailed that I haven't responded to - I won't be on the computer for a few days. 
 

May 22nd:  Surgery started around 10 am and was over around 2 PM – I watched the whole thing.  It was quite the relief when the Dr. looked up at me and gave me a “thumbs up” before leaving the operating room.  We met in the waiting room and he said was very pleased with how things went.  Aaleyah’s nose is much better but it still has a little twist to it but it may improve as she grows.  She still has an “under bite” but it is not nearly as bad as it was.  Dr. Brown and Dr. Cleary did a great job and made sure that her jaws were lined up as much as possible.  She got many stitches, wires, and pins.  She'll be on antibiotics and pain meds for a few days.  Her once right tiny nostril is bigger and the airflow will be better.  She has a temporary trach tube and catheter in her neck which is wrapped in bandages - it somewhat limits her neck movements.  I didn't enjoy watching them cut on her, chisel away at her jaw with a mallet and punch, drill and insert pins and wires, stitch her up, and do other things but I am glad I was there – I know what they did and how they did it – it may be helpful in the future.  This surgery was long and Dr. Brown said it will take her weeks to heal.  Now we need to make sure swelling is controlled and there is no chance for infection.

We are still accepting donations to help with the surgery and hospital stay.  Also, a vet bill will be coming for $270 for Momma Sue's treatment on the 18th.  Transport funds ($150) to the hospital were donated but we still need funds ($150) to get Aaleyah and her mom back next week.  Momma Sue has to have some tests run and the stay at the hospital is longer then expected so the bill is going to be higher then originally estimated.  Please consider passing up a night out to dinner, coffee at the mall, or even a movie to help.  No amount is too small and all donations are appreciated.  Donations are tax deductible.
 

05/23/08:  Blodwyn went with me to UF today to visit Momma Sue and Aaleyah Belle.  Both looked very good.  Little Belle was bright and alert and didn't seem to be in any discomfort - she is on antibiotics and pain meds.  She welcomed attention and we were happy to give her all she wanted!

We were met with kisses....

While we were there we noticed that Aaleyah's bottle was almost full and she'd tried to drink from it a couple of times - then she'd go to Momma Sue and try to nurse but didn't get much.  She was getting frustrated so we asked for a bucket.  You can see how well it worked...

Little Belle was being fed milk from a bucket every 2 hours while someone held Momma Sue - but we wanted to find a way to have milk available to her 24/7.  We tried a foal feeder that could hang on the window.  Well, Momma Sue didn't care that it is meant to be a foal feeder - she thought it worked well for her too! 

After Aaleyah got her tummy full she did what most babies do.  She took a nap.

Now, how precious is this?

The Dr. took Aaleyah's trach tube out this evening to clean it up.  It was left out for 12 minutes and Aaleyah did fine.  They blocked off the tube a bit later and she also did fine.  They will repeat this tomorrow and if all goes well the tube may come out on Sunday! 

Momma's Sue's tests came back and there is blood and protein in her urine and there is nothing to indicate there is an infection brewing anywhere.  The Dr. is going to check tomorrow for stones.  If this is the case - it is possible that what we thought was a gassy colic a few days ago was really pain related to stones.  We'll have an update tomorrow.  Thanks everyone for your continued good thoughts, prayers, and support.
 

05/24/08:  Momma Sue and Aaleyah are doing very well.  Momma Sue was examined for bladder stones and none were found.  Her water intake and urine are normal.  The vet wants to give her a couple of days and then run the blood tests again. 

Aaleyah was more energetic today then yesterday.  She's drinking her milk by the bucket now.  Her trach was removed today for 15 minutes and she did fine.  Her catheter was removed, cleaned, and put back in the opposite side.  The wonderful folks at UF that work with her are amazed at her attitude and well she is doing. 

If all is well - both mom and filly will come home on Tuesday!

05/26/08:  Dr. Cleary called last night and said Aaleyah wasn’t feeling good and had diarrhea and a temperature.  They did blood work and tested her poop.  This morning, when we got to the hospital, Aaleyah was up and looking like her spunky little self – bright eyed and inquisitive.  I felt better the minute I saw her – yesterday she just didn’t look right and I was a worried.  The trach tube had been taken out this morning and she was wearing a soft muzzle to keep her from trying to get milk from her mom.  They quit giving her milk last night and started an IV.

Dr. Cleary said we could take them out for a short walk, which we did, and they loved it.  Momma Sue grazed and Aaleyah got to run around and jump up like a cricket. 

After a couple of minutes Dr. Cleary got back the lab results.  Aaleyah has rotavirus so she and Momma Sue had to be put back in their stall and quarantined. 

Aaleyah got tired and wandered back to her stall which, by then, had been decorated with rope and posts and a new sign that said “Rotavirus+”.  She had to check it all out.  Hugh was there to welcome her and guide her back into her stall.  Dr. Cleary, and the staff taking care of Aaleyah, really like her.  They are an awesome group of people.

After Momma Sue and Aaleyah were back in their stall, Dr. Cleary put the grazing muzzle back on Aaleyah, which Aaleyah didn’t really appreciate.  But she stood there like a good girl and Dr. Cleary praised her and gave her a hug.

She’ll be in isolation for a couple of days.  We don’t know when they will be coming back to the rescue - possibly Wednesday or Thursday.  We’d like to ask everyone to please continue sending Momma Sue and Aaleyah good thoughts and prayers.  Thank you!
 

05/26/08:  Dr. Cleary called this morning and said Aaleyah is doing well.  However, she somehow managed to get a suture or two out and milk is coming out her nose. 

The good news is that the diarrhea has about cleared up, even though a fecal test still showed her being positive for rotavirus.  She is in good spirits but I'm sure she'd rather be out playing.  Momma Sue is doing well.  She has to test negative twice before being declared over the rotavirus.  Another fecal test will be done tomorrow morning.

Late today Dr. Cleary called and said they had just finished a major surgery and tomorrow morning she and Dr. Brown will be putting the sutures back in.  They don't expect any problems. 


 

Hay - will you play peek-a-boo through the door with me?
Anything!  I'm bored in here!  I wanna go home!
 

05/27/08:  Dr. Cleary called this morning as they were getting ready to take Aaleyah back into surgery.  It wasn't until then, talking with Dr. Cleary, that I realized this was a semi-major surgery for Aaleyah.  They had to put her under general anesthesia and put her trach tube back in.  They grafted skin from inside Aaleyah's lip to the middle of her soft palate.  This should prevent the stitches from coming out again - we pray it does because there is no alternative.

Anne, one of our Directors, stopped in to visit them after the surgery and she said Aaleyah looked a little unsteady but ok.  Momma Sue looked really good.

Dr. Cleary called later in the evening and said Aaleyah did will through surgery and that they moved her and her mom to another stall in another barn where they wouldn't get the afternoon sun beating down on them.  The latest fecal test still tested positive but Aaleyah's stool was much firmer.  They will take the trach tube out again tomorrow and if there are no more complications Aaleyah and Momma Sue will come home on Friday.

Due to complications and the need for a second surgery, the hospital bill is higher then originally quoted.  We need to raise another $1000+ and will be posting a raffle soon.

Any amount of help would be greatly appreciated.
Donations are tax deductible.  Thank you!
 

05/29/08:  Aaleyah and Momma Sue are coming home tomorrow!  Dr. Cleary said she still has rotavirus as well as another (I can't remember the name) and will have to be tested again in 2 weeks.  They will stay in quarantine here for at least 3 weeks.  They'll be stalled most of the time but will also be able to use our quarantine paddock for a few hours in the evenings before being tucked back into their 12 X 24 stall for the night.  Aaleyah will have to wear her soft muzzle when she isn't drinking milk from a bucket.  We'll have to check her temperature throughout the days and nights.  We'll have to wear gloves and be very careful not to do anything that could possibly transmit the virus to Buttercup.  Adult horses don't get it.  We're currently short about $700 for the hospital bill.  Please consider participating in the raffle to help Aaleyah or buying some horse muffins?  Thank you!
 

05/30/08:  The day started out a bit stressful when we learned how much the hospital bill was but with the help caring people we were able to make payment at the very last minute - prayers were answered.  Aaleyah and Momma Sue had quite a few people show up to see them off from the hospital - even the local news station!  They loaded onto the trailer and seemed ready to come home.  We all said our goodbye's to hospital staff and students that were absolutely awesome.  The ride home was nice and smooth thanks to Teri and Stacy (thanks ladies!). 

Once we got home Momma Sue and Aaleyah were turned out for just a few minutes into the quarantine paddock.  The first thing Aaleyah did was to run all around, jump up and play.  Momma had a good roll in the sand.

Little Belle still has two virus' - one is transmittable to humans and both are transmittable to foals so we have to take extra precautions.  We'll have a person assigned day and night to care for momma and baby - we have to wear gloves and a gown and step into a solution that kills the germs when we exit their stall.  It will be this way for at least 2 weeks when the vet runs the fecal tests again. 

Aaleyah gets fed milk every 2 - 3 hours.  She wears her muzzle to prevent her from trying to nurse on her mom or to chew on things - we don't want her ripping the stitches out again in her soft palate.  Momma and Aaleyah will stay in their "suite" in the days when it is sunny and at nights.  When weather permits, they will be turned out into the quarantine paddock.

It sure is good to have them home.  Buttercup welcomed them with a lot of whinnies.  Aaleyah ran all over the place and even Momma Sue seemed to be glad to be back.  Our vet will be out next week to check out her stitches and general healing. 

How did they feel when they got back from the hospital?  Just look at them!
 

05/31/08:  Momma Sue and Aaleyah had a good night.  It was pretty hot, even at night, in their stall so today we put 2 additional fans up for them helped a lot.  They went out to the quarantine paddock in late afternoon and had a blast.  Aaleyah is so full of energy!

We had another orphan foal arrive today.  A 6 week old Palomino colt.  We were told that shortly after his birth another horse kicked him so hard he went flying in the air and landed wrapped around a fence post.  His little body is all out of sorts.  At, and behind, his tummy one side is "pushed" out and the other side is "pushed" in.  He hasn't had any handling and is a bit leery of humans.  When he was only about a month old his mom was sold and he was pretty much left to fend for himself as an orphan.

He doesn't seem to be in any discomfort.  We'll have the vet out on Monday to examine him unless there is reason to call him over the weekend.  We'd like the foal to have some time to settle in - he's been through quite a bit.  We're calling him "Golden Boy" for now.

Sand Storm (aka Golden Boy) - an orphan foal.

06/11/08:  It's been awhile since we've updated this page because we've been busy taking care of 3 babies and 3 new arrivals - two abandoned Paso's & a blind Appaloosa.

Aaleyah Belle is doing wonderful.  She and Momma Sue stay in their stall during most of the day but are turned out in early mornings and late afternoons unless we're having storms.  And we've had bad storms these last few days and there are damages to the property we have to repair / clean up.

Aaleyah had the stitches in her nose removed a few days ago and she is healing nicely.  She wears her muzzle to help deter her from nursing or chewing on things that could potentially harm the stitches inside of her mouth on her soft palate.  Her diarrhea is gone and she is feeling like a spunky young TB filly!  She is itching to run and play with Buttercup - and Buttercup is itching to play with her!

She saw her friend, Sand Storm (aka Golden Boy) leave for his new home this past Sunday and she was very happy for him.  He has his own human family and a new sister that is a couple of weeks younger.  But are very happy for him! 
 

Aaleyah is bright and enthusiastic about life.

Let's play "Ring Around Momma Sue!"




 

06/17/08:  Little Belle and her mom are doing great!  Dr. Meeks came out to check out her stitches and see how she is doing.  Just before he went to look in her mouth she decided to stick her nose in Momma Sue’s poop!  This is so like Aaleyah – she has such a strong personality – very vibrant and curious – a mischievous one. 

Momma Sue is looking so much better Dr. Meeks didn't even recognize her!

Dr. Meeks first had to wash Aaleyah's mouth out – yuck!  He was amazed at how great her upper and lower jaws now line up.  He spoke with Dr. Cleary while he was here and they agreed that she is healing nicely and she should keep the muzzle on for another week.  The only issue with that is then she will want to nurse Momma Sue.  Momma Sue doesn’t really want her to nurse and we have been trying to dry her up.  In two weeks, Aaleyah will be able to eat milk replacer pellets, if she is willing.

Aaleyah loves to come up to you and stick her face into your face.  She is adorable and loves attention and she sure gets it!  She was fascinated by Dr. Meeks cell phone and tried to borrow it.

Time to be a big girl for Dr. Meeks so he can look in her mouth to see if the stitches are healing.

But first he had to wash her mouth out - she buried her nose in her mom's poop just minutes before!

 

06/19/08:  The girls had a good day.  The weather was hot and we had a huge storm that did damages to our neighbors run-ins and lightening struck a tree 2 farms down and split it in half.  All of the horses were a bit nervous.  The lightening and thunder were incredible!  After the storms the girls went out to play.

Chloe, a 2 yr old nurse mare filly came up to visit over the fence with them and for awhile they just stood and stared at her like "oh my gosh she is really big - and so pretty!" 

I've had many talks with both Buttercup and Aaleyah Belle about Chloe.  I explained to Buttercup that Chloe was taken away from her mom when she was only days old just like she was taken from her mom.  And I've explained to Chloe that Buttercup is going through the same feelings she went through after she was taken from her mom.  Chloe seemed to understand and doesn't pin her ears at Buttercup anymore.

Chloe - a 2 yr old nurse mare filly.
She's a big girl now!


 

07/02/08:  Aaleyah Belle has had another set back.  She is currently at UF having x-rays done.  There is a large knot on her nose that could be a cyst of some sort or perhaps the pin and wire the doctors put in are making their way out.  We'll update as we learn more.  Please send good thoughts and prayers to this little girl.

The lump on her nose did not show up on X-rays or ultrasound.   Here is some of what the discharge report states:

"Her physical examination was normal except for a soft tissue swelling over the nasal bones and a reducible umbilical hernia. 

Radiographs of her head were taken and showed good implant position.  There was some mild resorption of the nasal bone at the proximal aspect of the Kirshner wire.  The right nasal passage is severely narrowed.

An ultrasound of the nasal swelling revealed one of the metal implants lifted away from the surface of the bone with a slight amount of fluid surrounding it.

These findings are consistent with a mild implant infection (at the nasal bones).  There is the potential that these implants will require removal in order for the infection to resolve.  After discussing implant removal vs. antibiotic therapy, you have elected to try the antibiotic therapy first.  If the swelling and the nasal discharge do not improve with antibiotics, or return after discontinuation of the antibiotics, then we will need to see Aaleyah back for removal of the affected implants."

So, the large lump does not show up on x-ray - it appears to be fibrous tissue that feels hard like bone.  The ultrasound showed infection over the nasal bone or around the pin and wire.  There is some doubt by the vets that the antibiotics will resolve the problem but we're praying it does.  If antibiotics don't work then Aaleyah will require another surgery to take out the pin and wire - which may be (and likely) the root of the infection.  She will also need to have her hernia repaired.
 

Here is Aaleyah upon arriving back at the rescue.
Aaleyah and Momma Sue looked exhausted and relieved.

Buttercup is VERY happy that they are back.  No sooner
did they find each other they were attached at the hip!

 

07/03/08:  Aaleyah's breathing is petty labored.  It's hot and humid but it's overcast so that is a good thing.  Her appetite is good.  The lump on her nose seems a bit bigger.  She's pretty good about taking her antibiotics.

Buttercup is very glad that Aaleyah is home - they are so good for each other.  And Momma Sue is very patient with them - even when Buttercup tries to literally climb on her when she is laying down.

Oh! One more thing - Aaleyah is GRAZING!!!!  She'd only been able to pull grass out by its roots but yesterday she started to actually bite the grass off and she ate some hay!
 

07/04/08:  I went out this morning to find Aaleyah with a very bad case of diarrhea - likely from the antibiotics.  I called the vet at UF and was told to stop the antibiotics and start her on Bio-Sponge.  She is drinking milk and water.  I'm concerned about the infection because now she is not on antibiotics.  The vet said we would discuss it once we get her over the diarrhea.

Aaleyah is no better tonight.  She hasn't had any antibiotics for 24+ hours but the diarrhea is still bad.  This evening she came up to me in the barn aisle way and I rubbed on her.  She followed me out of the barn and continued to follow me around the perimeter of the paddock around the barn - I was checking to make the gates were secure because Buttercup has learned to open them.  When I was done she stopped and I rubbed on her a bit and she laid down.  A bit later she got up and came over to me and I heard her breathing.  It was labored and she had like foam coming out of her mouth.  She's done that before but not with the labored breathing. 

I'm sure the fireworks tonight won't help her any but will only stress her more.  She had at least 4 butt washes today.  Her appetite is good and she does not have a temp.  The lump on her nose is still there - no changes except that it didn't seem to be draining today but there is a bad odor.
 

07/06/08:  Aaleyah is doing ok.  No more diarrhea - thank goodness.  There is no change in the lump.  Tomorrow am we'll contact our vet to come out and hopefully while he is here he can call and speak with Dr. Brown at UF to determine a course of action.  I have a feeling the pin and wire need to come out.  They may eventually work their way out anyway.  When I spoke with Dr. Cleary about removing the pin and wire she said it shouldn't be very hard on Aaleyah and that she'd likely be able to come home on the same day.  I forgot to ask if they could/should repair the hernia then too.

I'm not feeling well today so I likely won't update anymore until tomorrow.  Have a great day everyone and thank you for your good thoughts, prayers, emails, and donations.  Little Belle is now able to graze - it is a wonderful sight.

Aaleyah Belle

07/09/08:  Dr. Meeks came out this morning to look at Aaleyah.  We were worried about the pointing her nose in the air thing - she's doing it more and more. 

He believes she does this because of swelling from the infection or something is irritating her throat. 

07/10/08:  Aaleyah and Momma Sue went back to UF today for Aaleyah's surgery to remove the pin and wire.  The doctor found infection stemming from the pin.  An endoscope was used to examine the nasal passages and another infection from the hydroxyapatite implant was found - there is a fistula in her left nostril.  This implant remains intact and hopefully antibiotics will take care of the infection.  If not, she may have to have this implant removed also.  We are thinking positive - the antibiotics will work!

We were back home by 5 pm.  Aaleyah and Momma Sue seemed happy to be back.  Buttercup was definitely glad they were back - she missed them all day. 

The bump on Aaleyah's nose is better and will continue to go down over time.  The doctor will prescribe an antibiotic for the remaining infection on Tuesday after results from the culture are back.  The stitches will be taken out in 10 - 14 days if all goes well.

Today - bright and alert.


 

07/12/08:  Aaleyah is doing well.  Her breathing is better and the lump on her nose has gone down a little.  Her appetite is great.  She is getting bigger everyday.  So is Buttercup.  I'm very glad they have each other to play with.  And I'm glad they both have Momma Sue.

07/11/08:  It's hot!  Momma Sue and Buttercup took turns at the sprinkler today while Aaleyah stood in front of the fan.  Aaleyah doesn't care for the water like Buttercup does.  Just a couple of days ago Buttercup didn't care for it either.  I guess her watching Momma Sue enjoy herself was enough to make her want to give it a try.

Aaleyah still has a bit of a discharge in her left nostril.  We are anxiously waiting for the doctor to put her on antibiotics as soon as the results from the culture are in.

Momma Sue would only share the sprinkler
for a few minutes at a time.

She didn't hesitate to let Buttercup
know when her time was up.

Please consider participating in our raffle to help
Aaleyah.  Note cards are also available.
Aaleyah will need her stitches removed and we
will need to get her the antibiotics.  We'd like for
Dr. Meeks to come out on Tuesday to assess
how she is doing and to provide the antibiotics.
Kid also needs to be seen for his horrible rain rot.
DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE

07/25/08:  Dr. Meeks came today and removed Aaleyah's remaining stitches.  Her nose looks really good.  There are no signs of infection which makes us all very happy. 

She is doing so well that Dr. Meeks went ahead and banded her hernia.  She went out like a light but took some time to come around after he was done. 

One of our volunteers stayed with
her until she was stable on her feet.

Once she was up and moving she went off looking for Buttercup to ask her what had happened. Buttercup had
her hernia banded a weeks ago and it healed really nice. 
 

If you would like to help with Aaleyah's vet
and related costs please visit our "Donate" button.
 No amount is too small and every
donation is greatly appreciated!
 

07/31/08:  Things have been really busy here at the farm but the girls are doing great!  Aaleyah improves everyday and she is growing like a weed!  There are no signs of infection which is a true blessing. 

It appears that as she is growing her nose is straightening out - just look at how great she looks!

Aaleyah Belle welcoming a volunteer.
 

08/03/03:  The girls had a blast this morning in the water sprinkler along with Momma Sue. 

Momma demands her morning hosing down every single day.  If she doesn't get it she will kick the waterer and break it and stomp the ground! 

"Let's do the cricket dance - jump Buttercup - jump!
No - that's not right!
You can't be running when you do it.
You have to stop and stand still, make
sure at least one of the humans is watching, and
then jump straight up in the air - all four feet in the
air at once - after you land - then you can take off!
Just watch me!"

"Can we come out now, please?"

08/20/08:  Aaleyah, Buttercup, and Momma Sue got to go on an outing today - the arena!  It was an overcast day with a nice breeze so we thought we'd give it a try. 

The girls loved it!  They ran and jumped and played.  Even Momma Sue ran around.

Aaleyah had to stop and check out each barrel and cone while Buttercup was more interested in the cavaletti.

It didn't take long to tucker Aaleyah out.  She took a long nap after we took them back to the barn paddock.  Momma Sue and Buttercup went on to grazing. 

I noticed a smell this morning - like the infection she had before they took out some of the hardware used in her surgery.  Blodwyn noticed some discharge.  We'll check her later and see how she's doing.

Tonight Aaleyah has a temperature.  She's eating and drinking ok but she has that discharge from her nose again that smells really bad.  We'll have the vet out first thing in the morning. 
 

08/21/08:  Aaleyah still has a temperature and her poop is like cow patties.  She wasn't too interested in eating this morning but didn't want to leave Momma Sue's side.  She was also grinding her teeth - something she does when she doesn't feel well.

Dr. Jeremy came out and drew some blood and took some x-rays.  We're waiting on the results.  It could be infection from remaining hardware or something not even related.  We'll just have to wait and see.

I'll update as soon as we know.
 

" Life is about determination.  You don't give up just because of the obstacles...Regardless of what obstacles face you, just keep going.  Go through, go around, jump through.  But never give up."