Welcome, Legacy!

Please click on the thumbnails below to see a larger image ... 

Dr. Ryan and I talked about Legacy on Saturday.  After I took him out of the paddock with Baby Ray on Thursday evening, he only improved!  I let him hang out at the barn after that.  I would sit on the bench to watch him for a bit at the front of the barn, and he'd come over and scoot up to me sideways, putting his tummy over my knees so I can love on him.  Watching him over the weekend, he has only continued to improve. I think Baby Ray was being such a bully to Legacy it was stressing him much -- the poor little guy!  They'd run and have a great time, but Legacy would run out of gas before Baby Ray but Baby Ray doesn't understand and keeps pushing Legacy around trying to get him to play. Stress can cause havoc to the body -- I know!  We're hoping that, after Baby Ray is gelded, he will calm down enough that Legacy will enjoy being back with him.  On Friday, Legacy was feeling good enough to explore the main paddock. He got to meet Nash and they became friends.

Legacy ran around a bit and made friends with Jake, too.
 

Baby Legacy is getting so tall!  He's not "round" like Baby Ray and weighs less even though he is taller.  Baby Ray is very round and solid!
 

Baby Legs, come on -- let's play tag or something.  We haven't run and jumped since Monday morning right before Dr. Ryan got here.  I don't know what happened, but when he was here I felt a pinch in the neck, and then it seemed like I took a long nap.  It took me a while to wake up, and I heard the humans say Dr. Ryan will have to come back in a month or so; and it will be my turn.  My turn for what????

Come here, Baby Ray, and I'll tell you what Dr. Ryan did to me.  I felt the pinch in the neck like you did, and I then went to sleep, too.  Only when I woke up, I knew something was different!  Mommy Theresa said I was gelded!  I'm not 100% sure what that means, but you're going to be gelded, too, in a month or so!

No bucking and playing for me today, Baby Ray.  How about we just play ring around the tree?

Baby Legacy became a Little Man today!

But alas, Baby Ray was unable to join his little brother in achieving his manhood, as one of his testicles stayed in hiding from Dr. Ryan.
 

Installation of fencing for the new paddock was started today, and it should be done tomorrow.  The materials didn't arrive until about 2 pm today.

The new paddock is next to the main paddock and the paddock behind the barn.  We'll be installing a camera at the barn to allow us to see this area at all times.

Next, the area around the hernia was shaved.

The intestines are pushed back into the body, the skin is pulled tightly over the hernia location, and then bands are applied.  They are almost like rubber bands but much heavier duty.  About eight bands were applied.

While Dr. Ryan was working, Jenny thought it would be a good time to stretch those long legs!

You can see the many bands around the excess skin above the hernia location.

Dr. Ryan stayed to make sure Legacy would get up and would be OK.  Here is a link to a website that explains the procedure in detail:

http://www.horsetalk.co.nz/health/hernia.shtml

Aw, Dr. Ryan, I don't think I like this -- I'm sorta sleepy and I don't know why.  I had a good nap just before you got here.  After you got here, I don't know what happened!  Is everything OK?

Mommy Theresa, something is different but I don't know what it is -- my tummy feels funny.  Dr. Ryan is still here -- did he come just to visit with me?  I'm a little tired but want to go visit with Haley now, OK?

Chris and Pat were here today with their parents; Legs and Haley loved the extra attention.  It was a very busy day and having more volunteers really helped.  Robin was here today, too, and Jenny flew in from Puerto Rico and arrived not long before going with Bob to pick up LadyBug this afternoon. Welcome back Jenny!

Robin loves to spoil Legs -- we all do!

This was taken yesterday morning -- I was very proud of the Legs for minding his manners while Sue held Baby Ray's bucket for him to finish his grain. Baby Ray looks pretty big next to Legs, but Baby Legs has had a growth spurt -- seems likes he's about 3 feet taller then he was last week!

We'll wait another week and run another CBC and, hopefully, all will be within the normal range!  God does answer prayers! 

Baby Legacy did get out today for a bit -- he runs with his tail held high! He's a stinker -- loves to pull anything down he can that is in the aisle way.  He gets pretty bored in his stall.  He has a ball but never plays with it.  We'll have to come up with some toys.  He has gained some much needed weight,  and some muscles!

And they're off!  Let's go behind the barn Legs were my mommy can see me, OK?  I don't want her to get upset.  Then we can graze some and then play.  I heard mommy Theresa say Auntie Robin is going to be watching us and that you'll have to come back inside in a little bit -- the weather is going to get worse.

OK, Baby Ray, we ate our hay and now I'm ready to run -- come on!  TAG! You're IT!  Here I go -- you can't catch me!

Wow, Baby Ray!  You're pretty brave to run that fast without being able to see where you're going!  Great job!  Yipee!  Look at that giant leap!

I'm behind you now, Baby Ray!  OK, that's enough tag.  How about running and bucking and playing like we're wild and free like Cloud and his herd! Yahoo!!  Go, Baby Ray!  Go!  You look like a wild Mustang sometimes! Mommy Theresa has told me all about Cloud and the other horses that the government is rounding up -- it's terrible what is going on and it makes me sad.  We have to pray that the humans in charge come to their senses before it's too late.

Hey, mommy, look at us!  I like having a friend to play with!  Baby Legs is being nice, but he is full of himself and I can't keep up with him sometimes -- but he lets me know where he is and so far we haven't had any accidents! Whiipppeee!  Whew - I think I'm getting tired now!

That was a lot of fun, Baby Ray!  Thanks for being my friend.  Let's get some water and chill for a bit.  I think your mommy wants you to go home now anyway.

Hi, Kitty Cat -- do you want to be my friend and play with me?

H,i Sunshine -- good morning!  Can Baby Ray and I be friends so we can play?  Babies are supposed to run and play and have fun, and I bet he wants a friend his size, too. I'm still not all the way well, and I don't really feel like I can run and jump around today; but I would really like to spend some time with Baby Ray just hanging out, OK?  I promise we'll stay behind the barn where you can see him.

Hey, Baby Ray!  Ask your mom if you can come out here to play for a little bit. I talked to her earlier this morning -- maybe she'll say it's OK!

Are there any other horses around there, Legs? If not, I'll ask my mom -- but I think I smell Layla -- is she there?

Well, Layla is here but I'll ask mommy Theresa to put her in her stall until after we play, OK?  I can't play much, I'm sorta tired; but we can eat some hay for a bit. And don't feel bad about Layla chasing you -- she does that to me sometimes. too. But when she's in her stall. she likes to talk with me. And I got her to smile again last night! OK, let me tell mommy Theresa about Layla -- you go ask your mom if you can come out for a bit.

OK. Baby Ray, Layla is in her stall now -- is it OK with your mom for you to come out?

Thanks, mommy Theresa, for putting Layla in while we hang out for a bit. Layla likes to chase me off sometimes, and it scares me and makes my mommy upset. It's OK, mommy, we're just going to stay here behind the barn where you can see us, OK?  Baby Legs is tired so we're just going to walk around a little and eat some hay. I'll come back to you soon, OK? Thanks, mommy!

It's kind of cool to have a friend my size, Legs.  You must be small but then again, you'e only a few weeks old.  But still, you seem to be almost as tall as me -- hey, maybe that means I'm pretty small -- but I'm a lot older than you are!  Maybe I'll just be a pony when I'm all grown up?

Let's try this, Baby Ray. You stand uphill and I'll stand downhill; that way you'll sense you're bigger than me.  You really are -- you have a lot of muscles and a much bigger belly!  But I'm gaining a little weight. I'm going to get muscles, too.  We have some things in common, you know.  Your mommy was taken from you when you were only about four weeks old.  My mommy was taken from me when I was only a couple of weeks.  My mommy had been sick for a long time.  But you got your mommy back -- my mommy died.  Do you think Sunshine would sort of let me be your little brother? Maybe just sometimes? The humans here love us all, and I know we're all family, but I'd like to have a horsey family, too. What do you think?

I don't know what secrets or conspiracies that the boys were whispering about when I snapped this picture of them with their mouths open wide!

Baby Legacy was tuckered out after his time with Baby Ray. Being out in the sun was good for him. He'd been in pretty much all of the last couple of days because of the weather. He's still on antibiotics, he's eating and drinking well, his respiration is a bit up, his HR is normal.

To everyone that is keeping up with Baby Legs, Baby Ray, and others here:   thank you for caring!  We appreciate all support:  prayers, donations, emails, calls, etc.  I'm still behind on emails, but I'm trying to get caught up.

We are getting caught up with the November vet bill -- we're down to just about $200 short.

Hey, Layla!  Don't be so sad that you have to be in a stall today -- look at me -- I'll make faces to cheer you up!  I heard mommy Theresa say that, if the sun comes out, you'll get to go out for a bit.  I wish I could, but it's pretty cold out there!  Baby Ray is all bundled up -- I can't wait until the day when we can play. If you see Sunshine, will you let her know I'm not a bad kid and that I won't hurt Baby Ray?  I just want him to be my friend.

Baby Legs, you're something else!  OK, I'm smiling!  Now go see if you can make Ruby smile!  She snorts and bites out at all of us horses that walk by her when she's in her stall -- maybe you can get her to lighten up some!

OK, I'll give it a try!  Ruby?  Are you sad about being stalled for so long?  You have a boo boo that has to heal, but it's only going to take a few weeks. Don't be grumpy -- laugh a little - I'll come make faces at you, OK?

Come on, Ruby -- stop snorting for a second and look at the silly faces I'm making just for you!  Come on, you can do it -- don't be such a grouch!  And look, you even have a Christmas wreath on your stall because you're special!

Please keep Baby Legs in your prayers, and Meagan, too. She hasn't been transported yet, but we hope to have her here soon.
 

Good morning Layla!  How's your boo boo?  It looks like it hurts, but you're not even limping on it!  Did you meet Auntie Jean?

Jean stayed with Baby Legacy last night so we could get some sleep.  Thanks so much, Jean!  The weather was horrible yesterday evening and into the night -- lots of rain.  The barn was full with Jake, Layla, Haley, Legacy, and Sunshine and Baby Ray.  But by morning the rains had gone.

It's wake up time???  But I'm so comfy!  Just a few more minutes, OK?

Today was mostly nice, but the winds were a bit cool; and the next couple of days are supposed to be bad.

Hey, the sun is out!  I'm going to go see Baby Ray and anybody else that's out there!  Maybe Sunshine will be nicer to me today.  I had a good night with Auntie Jean -- she's pretty cool.  She tried to teach me some dance steps!  OK, here I go -- off to practice using my legs again!

Good morning, Baby Ray, you're putting some weight on!  And you've got lots of muscles -- I hope that I'll be as strong as you someday.  I'm still learning how to use my legs -- I'm getting better!  I'm going to go practice running some now!

Yipeeee!!!  Look at me!  I can run and kick!  Am I getting better? Whaaahooooo!

I'm played out now!  Whew!  That took a lot of energy!  This sun feels sooooo good!

OK, time for a nap.  It feels really good to stretch out in the sun.  Can you sit with me for a while, mommy Theresa?

Dr. Ryan came by later in the morning and drew more blood.  Baby Legacy is always a good boy for him.

Legacy's body is either using (possible infection) or loosing a lot of its white blood cells, or it simply isn't making enough.  We're going to keep him on antibiotics at this time, treat symptoms as we have been, monitor him 24/7, and pray hard.  The fact that he is eating well and drinking is very good.  He has a huge will to live and love for life, which he really needs to get him through this.  And he has a lot of wonderful and caring people praying for him, and that helps incredibly!

We have bad weather on the way but hope to keep him toasty with his wonderful "cow jumped over the moon!" blanket, his weatherproof blanket, a heating pad to lie on that arrived today, and 15 heat lamps.  His stall has been sealed up pretty well.  Our hope is that his body will kick in and start making the needed cells as he gets stronger.

LEGACY UPDATE:  Dr. Ryan pulled blood on Baby Legacy today.  The results came back this evening and we're all scratching our heads.  We expected it to be better.  Once again his WBC is very low.  His RBC is at the low end of normal.  The readings are almost identical to what they were the day he arrived.

Dr. Ryan will be reviewing everything with others at Peterson & Smith in the morning and will be out later in the morning.  Since Baby Legacy has been on antibiotics for over two weeks, Dr. Ryan's concern is that the baby isn't making enough bone marrow.

Just look at how high Legacy is holding his head up now!  He's a little stronger each day.  Chris said he had been a good boy all night but was more than ready to get outside this morning!

Look at this handsome and determined face!  Hay mommy Theresa!  Look, is that Auntie Bernice coming?  Come on, let's go see!  It is her!

Bernice and John had gone to New York for Thanksgiving, but they came back early.  Baby Legs greeted Bernice as Doc watched.  Awww ...

Baby Ray also greeted Bernice.

Auntie Bernice, I'm glad you're back -- we missed you and Uncle John!  Have I told you how much I care about you and appreciate you?  You and all of my aunties and uncles are family to me, and I'm a very blessed little boy!  Even though Baby Legs is here, I'm still "the baby" right?  Gotta luv me!  Will you please let me back in with my mommy now?  She gets upset if I'm gone for very long; and mommy Theresa has to give Legs his medicines, so we can't play right now.

Baby Legacy got to meet Layla today.  He casually made his way over to her stall after her injury was treated.  She stuck her head over her door, and the conversation quickly started.

Hi, Layla!  I'm Legacy!  I'm just a baby and don't know many horses here yet. I met HighTower and he was nice to me -- will you be my friend and be nice to me, too?  Sometimes when I'm out, I see you running around with Amadeus -- do you think he would be my friend?  He's a BIG boy!  I lost my mommy and miss her a lot.  But the more friends I make, the better I feel.  Oh, I know Baby Ray, too -- his momma doesn't seem to like me, though, but she's getting better about him being near me.  She doesn't charge me at the fence anymore.  Do you know that Baby Ray can't see?  He's a pretty brave kid -- don't you think?  I think I'd be afraid if I couldn't see -- especially without my momma to help me and protect me.  The humans are really nice here, but they're not horses, you know?  I saw your boo boo, and it looks like it hurts!  I know mommy Theresa and the other humans here will take good care of it.  It's nice to meet you -- I'm a little tired and want to go take a nap now.  I'll be in the stall just across from you -- the one with all the warm lights in it.

A package arrived in the mail yesterday, and today I opened it and the contents took my breath away!  LOOK AT THIS DARLING BLANKET that was made with lots of TLC!!!

Look at me, mommy Theresa!  I'm wearing a special "the cat and the fiddle" blankie!  I remember you told me that nursery rhyme one of the first nights I was here.  You didn't think I'd remember -- did you!  It's so soft -- I love it!  I feel very special -- I hope my mommy knows I'm OK.  I'm going to be OK, I just know it.  I feel better -- I'm stronger every day!

OK, I'm smiling for the camera!  Thank you, everybody, for caring about me and helping me!  Have a good night -- I'm going to eat some more hay now. Oh, guess what!!??  I got a new feed holder put in my stall tonight -- this means I won't knock my feed dish over any more!

And so ends another day at Beauty's Haven.  Thank you, all, and we wish you all a blessed day tomorrow!
 

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.

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.

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, I'm 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?

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.

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.

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!

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. 
 

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?”

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.

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.

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.