A few weeks ago, the owners decided to check on her and found her and the baby; the baby had sustained an eye injury.  The owners decided they didn't want to deal with it.  A caring human took them in last night hoping she'd be able to help; she had been told the baby had a runny eye.  But in the morning light, she could tell it was much worse.  She had the vet out, and the report was not good; and she realized she could not provide what the baby needs.  I spoke with the examining vet this afternoon.  The baby has an infected and swollen eye with retina protruding.  He may lose this eye; he will lose it if it goes untreated.  Treatment is going to be time-consuming and expensive; we went through this with Princess many months ago but, by God's grace and many man hours and treatment, we did save her eye.  Can I turn this baby and his mom away?  No, I can't.  I simply can't.  Could you?  By many of us working together, can we help this mare and her baby?  Only with help from others can we make this happen:  this baby needs help ASAP.  It's going to cost $200 just to get them here; they are down near Ft. Myers, 3+ hours away.

The lady that contacted me said she did an Internet search and it was because of Baby Ray's story she contacted us.  She tried to find local rescues to help but had no luck.  We are this baby's future. Please help.

These two have not had it easy -- I feel horrible for the mom and how she lived alone for the past year.  She had her baby and did the best she could.  Here is the baby's eye -- it may be too late, but we don't know if we don't try.

Armani has been doing very well -- he's a big boy! Benita is a sweet girl, very smart and inquisitive.

Velvet will be treated by Dr. Das on Tuesday.  Here she is when Bernice and I visited with her on Friday.

And Doc is still as cute as ever!  He's always close by.

The Lucky 7 are doing well.  It's really nice to see the babies run and play.  Little Paprika is really getting spoiled!

Here are the two mares and baby that we are picking up on Wednesday.  This is a 28-year-old Arabian mare.  I'm told that the baby has bonded more to this mare than to his mom.

The baby is four months old.  She doesn't look very happy.  Neither does her mom.

The baby's mom likely isn't making milk.  Both mares have been exposed to studs.

We had a ton of hay and grain delivered to the remaining horses on Friday.  Once we remove these three on Wednesday, there will be no babies remaining but there are others that need homes, including some studs.  The studs are not in as bad shape as the mares -- they are very nice looking and just need to put on some weight.  A court date of August 2nd has been established and, if the court determines the owner can no longer have horses and awards the horses to DAS, they will go to auction unless the judge determines otherwise.

They tend to stay in the shade most of the day, but there is sometimes more of a breeze just outside of it where Spice, Paprika, and Fancy were resting in this picture.  Fancy was hiding in the shelter.

All but Tiny Belle got their feet trimmed today.  Joy has something going on in her left hip; Dr. Das will be out next Tuesday afternoon to work on her.  She's a beautiful mare.

Spice did very well.

And little Paprika had her first ever trim:  she was wonderful!  She has really come to love human attention.

Tiny Belle just relaxed and watched the others get their trims.

Fancy did well also.  Her breathing was better today.

Lana is just a sweetheart.

Even Sapphire was a good girl, except for when it came time to do her back feet. She is a kicker!

As the evening came around and the temps cooled a little, they ventured out to try out their pedicures. All seemed happy!

We will be bringing in two mares and another baby in a few days from the same place these horses came from.  As far as we can tell, these are the worst of the remaining horses.  Jeff and Christine (Quality Care Equine Rescue) will be taking a couple from here to enable us to be able to help the two additional mares and babies; Jeff and Christine are neighbors and are only five minutes away.

A court date of August 2nd has been set:  Collier County Animal Services has filed a petition to take custody of the remaining horses.  But if the county takes them, they could end up at auction.  We'd like to see them all placed in good homes before the court date, but we just don't have the ability to take more at this time.  We are having a ton of hay delivered to the remaining horses tomorrow, and the owner is working on placing more and trying to get donations to help feed them until they are placed or the court seizes them.

I'd like to ask everyone to keep Velvet in your prayers.  Dr. Ryan went out today to draw blood and check on her.  She has an infection going on and is being treated with antibiotics.  Dr. Ryan says it is possible she has an impaction or twist, but we're praying this isn't the case.  I hope to visit with Velvet tomorrow if I can get away from here for a bit.

She got lots of hugs and kisses:  she knows she was loved.

The last kiss and "I love you" is never easy.

Nuvita is in a better place now.  While we prayed for a miracle, it just wasn't meant to be.  We did our best, but I promised Nuvita from the beginning that we wouldn't allow her to suffer.  God had other plans for her, and I respect that. Bernice and John are here today; they've been here to help and walk beside us up Frosty's Knoll many times.  Dr. Ryan also shares our pain and sense of loss with us.

Run free, our sweet Nuvita:  we look forward to seeing you again someday.  We love you, forever.

It was three years ago today that Nicky left us.  I'd like to believe that he was leading our heavenly herd of horses to greet Nuvita on the other side of Rainbow Bridge today.  And what a beautiful herd it is:  I can just picture them in my mind!

Dr. Ryan will be out in the morning to help her cross.  It's a shame and I'm very disappointed and sad.  I'm also angry that she suffered for so long before she came here; I just can't imagine the pain she must have endured.  I wanted badly to give her some good years to enjoy life.  We were able to keep her comfortable for a while but unfortunately, I'm afraid the cancer has won.

It's heartbreaking to come to love one so much, to only have them with you for a short time, and then to have to let them go when you want so much to give them quality time.  At least in the few weeks she has been with us, she's been very much loved and cared for.  Maybe that is why God leads some to us:  so they don't die alone, in pain, or without knowing love or having their dignity restored before we help them cross.

Nuvita knows she is loved. After being here a few weeks, I saw her run with her tail and head held high; and for that I will forever be grateful to her.  I know I'm supposed to find comfort in knowing she'll no longer be uncomfortable, but it's hard -- it's very hard.  The emotional rollercoaster ride here lately has been extra tough.  Many thanks to everyone that helped Nuvita; she will never be forgotten, and she will always be loved and remembered.

Tiny Belle's mom is making more milk, which makes us all happy.  Baby Belle and Paprika are both on Gastroguard.  They actually ran a little sprint together this morning; it was a wonderful thing to see.  Belle does have an umbilical hernia, but Dr. Ryan thinks it may be small enough that we may not have to worry about it; time will tell.  She really loves to be loved on.

Lana worried me the most after Sapphire and the babies.  She slipped her foal a couple of months ago.  She is very thin and weak but is improving daily. She's a very sweet girl.

Five-month-old Paprika is learning to like human touch.  She will now come up and ask for scratches.  She's pretty independent, and she doesn't spend much time with her mom, Spice.  Spice is a TB/Arabian cross.  Paprika only scored a 2 on the Henneke scale.

Joy is very beautiful and approaches anyone for attention.  I'm going to contact Dr. Das to make an appointment for Joy to be worked on; she has a catch in her hips.

Even Sapphire was pretty good -- she has a habit of kicking out.  She only tried to kick Dr. Ryan once.

Fancy has been having labored breathing, but her lungs are clear.  She has allergies, and we've started her on a supplement to help.

Tiny Belle is standing stronger, and the look of worry is diminishing.  The heat and humidity have been horrible, but they spend most of the day under the shelter eating hay.  They usually wander out in late evening to graze.

Aren't they just beautiful?

While it's going to take some time, we think all the girls will make it.  Their CBC results came back supporting what you see -- their bodies have taken a toll due to lack of proper feed and care.  But they are on the road to recovery; it will just take some time.  They have all been exposed to studs, so they could be bred again.  They've been through a lot these last few days.  They will be getting their hooficures on Thursday.  Next week they will get vaccines.  When they are stronger, Dr. Ryan will palpate them to see if any are pregnant; let's pray they are not.  Fancy is 20 years old and lost a baby last year, but she looks pregnant now.

I'm not looking forward to tomorrow:  Nuvita will be crossing around 11 am.  She will be buried on Frosty's Knoll.  The walk up to the Knoll will be very hard. We've had so many losses.  But she will be rid of the cancer and know no more pain or discomfort.

This is Spice and her five-month-old baby girl, Paprika.  Papi doesn't like being caught, so I was told.  Well, this evening, she told me that was just a rumor. She's a sweetie and so is her mom.  Spice likes to be right there in your pocket.

Tiny Belle has all of us wrapped around her little hooves.

She really enjoys being scratched.  I'm very glad she's feeling better.

All of the horses seemed to have a little bit more energy today -- they sure do love their hay!

Peaches and Heart left for their foster homes; I checked in on both of them tonight, and they're doing fine.  Peaches will be back as soon as we are able to place some of the new arrivals.  She is at foster mom Kathleen's; she and her husband adopted Pongo last year.  Heart is with Bud at foster mom Cheri's until Sayan puts on some weight; and then we may switch him out and bring Heart back -- we'll see how it all goes.  But Peaches and Heart are both in great places getting great care, and it frees up some time the new arrivals need from us right now.

Armani was moved into Nuvita's paddock; I thought he was becoming a bit too attached to Reva.  With her due to have her baby anytime, I thought it best to move him.  Plus, he's feeling much better now that his hernia is about healed. He's actually doing the cricket dance at times and gets to running around;  he's a big boy and you have to move fast to get out of his way -- I don't move as fast as I used to!  He paced a bit for Reva today after I moved him but, by evening when Nuvita came out of her shelter, he stopped pacing and started grazing with her.  Nuvita stays in her shelter looking out the window where there is usually a breeze almost all of the day, every day.

All of the new arrivals are doing well. Today, looking at their expressions and demeanor, you'd think they'd been here for a while; they seem very comfortable. They got a good bath, and four of the mares had a visit with Dr. Bess to get their teeth done -- Dr. Bess always does a great job.  The oldest, Fancy, didn't get her teeth done; Dr. Bess thought it best to wait because her breathing was a bit labored.  Oh, and we've named the tiny itty bitty baby.  She reminded some of Tiny Tim, and she reminded me of Aaleyah Belle when she first arrived; so now we have our "Tiny Belle."

There are over 20 remaining where these came from, and we will continue to try to get more out.  It's going to be tough because we are full and then some, but we have to try.  If anyone has any connections with any Cracker organizations that could help, please let me know -- there are three pregnant Cracker mares (have had minimal handling) that need to get out of there.  The thought of any more babies being lost to panther attacks just makes me cringe.  There is also an 18-year-old mare that recently lost a baby that is blind in one eye, and many more -- please keep all of these horses in your prayers.

Tiny Belle just loves to plop and lay in the grass.  She's a doll, and I so enjoy spending time with her.  While we were waiting on the additional fencing to be put up, Barbara carried around an umbrella to hold over Tiny Belle to keep her shaded.  Everyone doted on her for a bit today.

The additional fencing was up before the hottest part of the day, which allowed the horses access to the shelter for shade.

Most were hesitant at first about getting a bath but, once they realized it felt good, they enjoyed it.

They all enjoy the hay, and I love watching them.

This is Fancy, the eldest at 20 years old.

They've been without for so long; they seem appreciative of everything.

But their days of hunger are behind them now.

Look at how big Legacy has grown!  Xan, Marie, and Barbara gave him a much needed bath today.

At the yard sale in town today were Diane, Jessica, Ruth, Lynda, Brian, Cherri, Lucy, and Kathleen ; they had an awesome day!  It was hot, very hot!!  I'm sure it was a lot of work, and I can't tell all these wonderful people how very grateful we are for all their hard work and support!

Tomorrow will be another very busy day.  Heart and Peaches will be going to their foster homes for the summer.  I'm sure they will be happy; they'll have much more shade and get lots more one-on-one attention.  Katie will miss her afternoon rides on Heart, but there are others she can ride instead.

Reva has softened up quite a bit -- her baby has just got to come out soon, very soon!  I hope and pray someone is watching on MareStare tonight because I know I'm going to sleep tonight, which is very rare!

Nuvita is doing OK.  We haven't seen any improvement, but she's no worse.  Dr. Porter said it could take quite a few days to see any improvement.  We continue to pray that she gets better.

They are pretty thin, wormy, and look a little worn; most have terrible rain rot and some minor wounds, but they are OK -- they are survivors.  I've lots of pictures to share but have much to do to get ready for tomorrow, but here are a few for now.

As they were unloaded, they all got the BHFER official welcome hug, kiss, and promise of a new start of life with no worries before them.

This is the youngest at only one month old.

The eldest at 20 something.

This three-year-old lost her baby about two months ago.

This five-month-old filly was a bit unsure of what was going on today.  I'm sure they all must have felt that way.

A beautiful sunset.

I can't tell you how good it feels to have them here and tucked in.  We have lots more work to do in the morning running some more fencing to expand on the QT area.  Dr. Bess will be here, and we're having a fundraiser yard sale in town; I likely won't be able to update again until tomorrow afternoon or evening.

We are still working on homes for the remaining ones that will still be there after tomorrow; we want no horse left behind, so our job is not done yet.  Please keep all of them in your prayers.  A big thank you to everyone that has helped us these past few days:  there are some unnamed heroes that we owe much to.  God bless you all!

Please send good thoughts and prayers to help these horses find the courage to get on that trailer so they can start their life over again.  And please, say prayers for those that will be left behind today.
 

Based on the condition of these horses and the unsafe conditions they are living in, time is critical; and we are picking up seven of these horses right now -- including two mares -- each with a baby by their side -- and three more mares (all but one mare may be bred).  We're moving some of our horses into foster homes in order to make room for these that need help now, and we are networking to try to help even more.  Another rescue is taking six more on Saturday but there are many others, including pregnant mares and studs, that need homes.  I wish I could share more information, but at this time I can't. But if anyone can possibly provide a safe haven for one or more of these other horses, please contact me ASAP (but only if you are serious and able to care for a horse such as I've described).  Some of the horses have had very little, if any, handling.  They are in poor body condition and will need vetting, dental and farrier work, worming, etc., and lots of TLC and patience to adjust to a new way of living.  They are not used to having their needs tended to and food before them regularly.

I know I always ask for help and here I go again, but it is only because of help from others that we can help the horses.  If anyone can donate to help with this effort, we would truly appreciate it.  We need funds for vetting, dental needs, farrier needs, feed, vaccines, wormer, etc.; their rehab is going to be costly. Transportation to get the horses here is $300.  I'm asking everyone to please dig into your pocket, between your sofa cushions, etc., and help if you can.  We are applying for emergency grants but so far, no luck.  Any amount will help, and no amount is too small.  We committed to helping these horses on faith and prayer; once I got my first report, with pictures, there was no way I could walk away:  helping these horses became a priority.

God bless, thank you for any support you may be able to give, and please pray for these horses.

While Dr. Porter feels the cancer may have spread into bone, we remain positive and hopeful.  His recommendation is to assess Nuvita in two weeks and, if there is improvement, to repeat the treatment.  We are to continue her on antibiotics for 10 days.

She was very good today and had to have felt much better after Dr. Bess removed the large blood clot mess from her mouth.  We're hoping the remaining injury heals soon and this doesn't happen any more.

You can see light in Nuvita's eyes -- she's a tough girl and has a desire for life. We hope and pray today's treatment will help.  She's got a great team of professionals helping her.

Dr. Ryan administered formalin and aminocaproic acid via IV catheter.  He advised the Donna what to do tonight, and she's a very good foster mom; I can bet that she won't sleep much tonight.  Duncan isn't feeling very well tonight but he should be feeling better by morning.

Duncan has already put on a good amount of weight and is simply stunning.  His teeth say he's about 3 years old, and he has likely had some training.  Our vet bill today for Duncan was $404.  This was for the castration, a coggins, tetanus, and this evening's emergency call and treatment.

If anyone would like to help with today's vetting, I can't tell you how much it would be appreciated.  No amount is too small, and every donation is greatly appreciated.  Please keep Duncan in your prayers and hopefully tomorrow I'll have a good report on him.

Dr. Porter called, and Nuvita is scheduled to receive her first chemo treatment on Wednesday.  Please also keep her in your prayers.  She's no better but no worse.  Reva is still very pregnant.  Armani is doing very well.  His leg injury is almost healed.  Casper still isn't himself -- Dr. Das will be here on Friday to work on him.  He could use prayers, too.

It's time to resupply our annual wormer stock!  This worked out very well last year and saved us a lot of worry and funds throughout the year.  Country Supply sells a one-year dewormer pack for $24.99 plus shipping, which totals $31.98 (see below).

Here is the link:  http://www.horse.com/Standard-1-Year-(6-tube)-Rotational-Dewormer-Pack-BBK10.html

If you would like to sponsor an annual dewormer kit for one of the horses listed below, please let me know.  If a horse's name is not listed, it is because they already have a sponsor for a kit.  We'd like to ask that the funds ($24.99) be sent to us along with the name of the horse you want to sponsor a kit for; and we'll place one big order -- this will save on overall shipping charges.  We need to order the kits by the August 14th in order to have the wormer here in time.

     Aaleyah Belle, Chloe, Jake, Peaches, Amadeus, Classy, Kami, Princess

     Armani, Dude, Legacy, Reva, Baby Ray, Duncan, Little E, Sayan, Benita

     Gentleman, Momma Sue, Ruby, Bud, Heart, Nash, Casper, LadyBug, Nuvita

After Benita arrived today, she went to the area where Captain is buried -- she put her head down for about 10 seconds, turned and looked at me and gave a little whinny, and then she ran off like she felt really good to be here.  It was almost like she paid her respects and then said "thank you" before running off to check out her new surroundings.  This filly is going to be just fine -- her personality is bright, and she seems pretty happy.  She seemed really happy to see other horses -- Little E likes her a lot!

It's been a very busy day here.  After settling Benita in, I received a call about a young (maybe 2 years old, if that) colt -- we have another new and unexpected arrival -- but he will be staying at a foster home for now.  Monday, if Dr. Ryan feels the colt is healthy enough, he will be gelded.  If not, we'll give him some time.  Meet Duncan:  a beautiful paint colt that was abandoned in the night on vacant property.

Dr. Porter is planning to come out next week for Nuvita's first chemo treatment. Her blood work tests came back, and overall she is better.

Casper hasn't been feeling well lately:  he's a bit stiff all over and lame on his front, but it doesn't seem to be in his feet.  Dr. Das will be working on him soon.  He is 42 years old and has been babysitting Legacy and Baby Ray.  I'm starting to wonder if the boys are too much for him, but if I moved him into another paddock he would be sad (I tried it for a day); and after losing Granny Jewels, I just can't take the boys away from him.  He does herd them, and he acts as a protector from horses in adjoining paddocks.

Just before I got the call on Duncan today, I worked another call that is really troubling me.  It involves 30+ horses that need help; they include 2 or 3 studs, a couple pregnant mares, and a couple mares that each have a baby by their side.  I'll know more tomorrow and have pictures, I hope -- I'll update when I can.

She's trotting around checking out everything -- sort of reminds me of a happy kid in a toy store seeing all new and fun things!

As Dr. Ryan helped Captain cross, I held Captain and kept talking to him. Captain quietly and gently laid down his head, like he just went to sleep.  It was very peaceful.  The breath was knocked out of me; I knew when he had slipped from us and gently landed on the other side of Rainbow Bridge where he was met by many of his friends.

It's so hard to let go.  I find comfort knowing that Captain is now holding his head and tail up high and running with the heavenly herd.  He won't have any more trouble getting up or down -- he can now graze with all of his teeth, and he will never know pain or discomfort again.

Captain wasn't buried on Frosty's Knoll; he was laid to rest in his favorite sandy spot.  The paddock that had become his home is now known as Captain's Place.  Nuvita was present the whole time.  She stayed under the shelter but watched as Captain crossed; she seemed to understand.

Thank you all for your emails, phone calls, thoughts, and prayers -- it's comforting to know that so many loved Captain and thought of him as he crossed today.  We miss him much already.

Shortly after Captain left us, I received a call about a QH filly, about 2 years old, that needs help.  While I wanted to curl up in bed and cry, I knew that Captain would be disappointed if I ignored the call.  According to the owner, the filly was a rescue when he got her over a year ago.  She originally came from a breeding farm where many horses died after being fed poison; somehow she survived.  The owner can't care for her because he recently had surgery and can't do anything for the next 6 months.  She's living in an unsafe environment:   barbed wire, glass, and other debris in her sandy paddock.  She's separated the wire fencing from the top board by putting her head through to get grass from the other side of the fence.  There were nails protruding from the top board she had separated from the wire, and I took a rock and hammered them up as best I could so she can't accidentally jab herself into a nail.  She hasn't had her feet done in months; she needs a coggins, vaccines, and to be wormed.  She's a petite, sweet girl.

I would like to help her in memory of Captain; I know he'd be proud.  Would anyone like to help by being an angel to her?  We need enough help to cover $175 per month for her care.  That's seven angels donating $25 each month,  but there is no minimum amount for monthly or a one-time donation.  Any amount would help us to reach our needed $175 per month total.  For now, we'd like to ask for pledges -- I can't bring her in without her care being sponsored. I'd love to remove her from where she is now before she sustains any sort of injury -- it's not a safe place, by far.

Dr. Das visited yesterday and worked on Captain, Nuvita, and Momma Sue.

Dr. Das even worked on Taco.  His heart murmur is worse, and he has started to cough.  He still doesn't want to eat much and has been started on supplements to help his liver and overall condition.  When Dr. Wade called yesterday morning to check on Taco, he was surprised that Taco was still with us.  When Dr. Das looked over Taco's blood test results, she was amazed that he is doing as well as he is.  We hope and pray for much more time with Taco.  I don't know what Belle would do without him.  Belle is about a year younger than him.

Today Dr. Bess came to work on Chloe, Dude, and Sayan.  But the first thing she wanted to do was to visit with Nuvita!

Dr. Bess was happy to see that Nuvita has put on a little weight and is stronger now than when she arrived.

Dr. Bess has added a shade awning onto her awesome mobile unit.  When most horses get their teeth done, Dr. Bess loads them right onto the back of the trailer; and they walk out the right side door when they are done.  And if she wants, Dr. Bess can button up the doors and turn on the AC!

I don't want that thing in my itty bitty mouth, Dr. Bess!  My mouth is OK -- the little lump thing is gone -- no worries!

Chloe was a good girl and was pretty curious about all the neat things in Dr. Bess' trailer.  I think she would have walked in through the side people entry door if I'd have let her!  Chloe had a wolf tooth and a couple of caps removed.

Dude was good also.  His teeth needed a lot of work.

Sayan's mouth was a train wreck.  Dr. Bess pulled one tooth out with her hand. He had waves and hooks -- his mouth had been terribly neglected for quite a while.  We expect him to start putting on some weight now.  He was a very good boy and seemed to welcome Dr. Bess' work; he knew she was going to make him better.

Perhaps everyone can have a minute of silence at the time he is to cross tomorrow, to think of him and to send him good thoughts?  If I talk with any of you on the phone for the next couple of days, please, I can't talk about this -- I'll need some time.  I'm very far behind on emails; I'm not ignoring any of them, I just haven't had time at the computer.

Dr. Das worked on Captain yesterday. He lay down for most of his treatment.

He got up near the end of his treatment.  We weren't sure he'd get up at all.

When he is up, Nuvita is never far away.  She is holding her own as we await lab work results from blood drawn by Dr. Das yesterday.

Thank you all for caring and for all you do -- you're our extended family, and I know this isn't easy for you either.

Jennifer from Painted Star Equine Rescue transported Haley, and she said Haley seemed calm and did not seem to be in any distress for the trip.  They did go through some rain showers on the way to her new home.  Upon arrival, Haley and Rusty did some bucks and kicks and ran around; they were having a lot of fun!  When they got tired, they went to grazing.  Haley was not 100% sure what to think of the llama and goats, but they were very friendly and did not bother Haley -- they just stood still and looked at her and she did the same, then everyone went their own ways.  It all went very well!

Enjoy the pictures -- they made us smile!!  Remember the skinny little stud named Rusty that arrived here this time last year with Haley?  Just look at this adorable gelding now:  he looks great!

Nuvita isn't feeling very well today but she is no worse.  I'm anxious for Monday to come so Dr. Das will be here to treat her.

Captain is having a tough time.  We started him on another supplement a few days ago to hopefully help his arthritis.  The weather is being kinder with overhead clouds and a breeze.  Captain was supposed to get a trim this morning but we rescheduled it because they called for rain -- we have to put him in a sling at his shelter to trim him.

Kami is the same, no worse, so that is good.

I'd like to ask for continued prayers for Nuvita, and if you would include Captain it would be appreciated.  He was used and abused for so many years -- it is sad. I would have loved to have known him in his younger days -- I bet he was quite a spitfire!  He won over $700 in his racing career almost 30 years ago.  I am going to try to get Dr. Das to work on him a little when she is here on Monday to work on Nuvita and Momma Sue.  So far we've received $40 towards Momma Sue's treatment.  Any donations to help with this would be greatly appreciated.

Dr. Das has rearranged her schedule to allow her to be here on Monday to work on Nuvita and Momma Sue.  Nuvita has me a bit worried.  She's eating and drinking fine, but she just seems a bit down.  Dr. Das will run blood work on her on Monday.  We'll get those results and regroup with Dr. Porter and Dr. Ryan -- please keep her in your prayers.  We still need help with donations to have Momma Sue worked on by Dr. Das on Monday.  Any amount would be greatly appreciated.

One of our Chihuahuas (actually he's our daughter's dog) isn't doing well.  He had a seizure a few weeks ago and hasn't fully recovered.  He's down to just over 8 lbs., and we have a hard time getting him to eat.  Bob took Taco back to the vet today, and he has jaundice.  We no longer can give him is Phenobarbital for his seizures because of the liver issues.  We started him on milk thistle today, and Dr. Das will be bringing him some other treatment on Monday.  He is also on something prescribed by the vet today.

Reva is getting closer to having her baby.  She's softened up quite a bit.  Maybe we'll have an Independence Day baby!  Armani is doing well; he's a good boy. His leg injury is healing very nicely.

We've had a few things break down in the past couple of days:  the golf cart (we use it to pull the poop spreader) broke down, the AC in the truck doesn't work consistently, and the hinges on the emergency door of the horse trailer broke today.  We'll be coming up with an item or two to offer on eBay soon to help pay for these needed repairs; we'll update when we figure it out.  I just hope we don't need to use the trailer anytime soon.  I don't like being without it -- you never know when an emergency will arise.

Ladybug is such a sweet mare and loves attention.  She's gained a bit of weight since she's been here, so we're watching her diet.

Aaleyah Belle still likes to put her tongue on anything she comes across.  Kathy kept her busy with the lead rope so she didn't get slimed!

Momma Sue is having quite the time with her hindquarters.  We hope to have Dr. Das work on her next Friday when she comes to work on Nuvita.  Momma Sue has always been weak in her back end, but it's been getting progressively worse.  If anyone would like to donate towards a treatment for Momma Sue, it would be greatly appreciated.  The treatment will run $135 - $165.  She'll likely get chiropractic, acupuncture, and likely electrical stimulation.  We may have to start using the sling for her trims.

Kami is still such a little Miss Priss!  She seems to enjoy living in a good size paddock that she shares with her mom and Val.  She and Val have become friends, and this is what we hoped for -- sooner or later Haley will be going to her new home where Rusty lives.  Sayan likes Kami and even escorted her to the barn today for her trim.  That's Little E in the background.

At least this time Kami didn't get mad and throw herself down on the ground for her feet to be trimmed like she did last time!

Chloe is still growing:  she's a big girl!

Gentleman loves it when Vince comes:  he gets lots of belly rubs.  Just look at that cute face and smile!  He's is doing very well -- he's bleached out like most of the horses but he's still handsome!

And this is Dude.  Isn't he stunning?  He's looking for a forever home.  He's a 9-year-old Arabian that has some training but hasn't been ridden in about three years.  He's very sweet and easy to handle.  He was watching my mare, Beauty, being led past him today when I took this picture of him.  He was very interested in her.

And this is my mare, Beauty. She got some round pen work today with my daughter.

I will be calling Dr. Ryan to come out tomorrow.  Kami has swelling in her left jaw.  We don't see any bite mark -- perhaps it is an abscess?  It's no bigger tonight than it was this morning, but it's not gone down any either.  While Dr. Ryan is here we will review Nuvita's progress plan:  she's had more nasal discharge today than she has in awhile and wasn't as active today.  It was overcast most of the day so I don't think it was the heat that had her feeling a bit down.  Dr. Das is coming next Friday to work on Nuvita and run more blood tests.  We're hoping that Dr. Porter will be able to do her first chemo treatment soon.  It's a race against time, I know.  But we're keeping the faith and making sure Nuvita is comfortable while we try to boost her immune system.  Armani is doing well, and we're checking his banded hernia throughout the day.  He seems to be making friends, slowly, with Reva.  Reva is a bit grouchy at times with him and pins her ears at him, but she's so pregnant I can understand that.  She's bagged up, but I can't express any milk.  No waxing.  But she is huge!!

Kitty Cat is doing very well and is able to go on short walks outside now.  She hasn't wandered past the house yet, and we're hoping she won't.  She's lame but seems comfortable and is as talkative as ever.

My foot felt better today for the first time and hopefully will continue to get better.  I've been trying to stay off it, but it's hard with much going on here. Tomorrow we'll be getting out the sling to prepare for Saturday -- Captain has an appointment with the farrier along with Little E.  I've been working on trying to place several Arabians and one Morgan cross mare.  I think we have homes for all of them, but it's been exhausting work.