A very sad ending ~ so heartbreaking

Beautiful Diaz

Surrendered on the 18th of Dec in shocking condition, Diaz couldn't even walk. He was in so much pain and his spirit was completely gone. He had no fight at all left in him but I kept fighting and fighting in the hope that he would brighten up and his pain would go away. Sadly this wasn't the case. I had xrays done on the 11th of Jan after corrective shoeing wasn't working and I personally wasn't there when they were done because I was out in flood effected areas trying to rescuing horses from flood water. That afternoon I was told that his hooves where worse than we thought. The vet suggested putting him down and after spending the whole day recovering 4 dead horses from flood water I just needed a night to gather my thoughts. But Diaz didn't want to wait and that night I made a mad dash out to Allanview Rehab Centre because he laid down and wouldn't get up... There, in the pouring rain at 10pm, Diaz just gave up and i had him put to sleep at 10.30pm on the 11th of Jan 2011 ~ His body was freezing cold and I sat there, in the paddock with Karen and Steph and we stroked him. Diaz was a lost soul and his death has gotten to me more than any of the others ~ his heart was broken, you could just see it in his soul...

He is at peace now.. RIP baby boy and see you at Rainbow bridge... xxx

Diaz on arrival

A few weeks in care

The week before being put to sleep

~ Rescuers Prayer ~

Oh that I could spare your pain

And tell the world how beautiful you are to me

I see your eyes through cloud and rain

Your spirit is a light beyond the cruelty

You trust in the ones that confine you

You love when the hurt has downed you

Oh if only dreams came true

Oh if only I could save you

Gentle is your heart so near
Broken in a world that never knew your name

I will hold your memory dear

Burning in my soul a precious candle flame

We rescue the ones we believe in

We care ever more in our grieving

Parting is our sorrow's work

Dear Lord make their voices heard...

Oh that I could spare your pain

And tell the world how beautiful you are to me...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tI5_hEKOuD8

 

Flood Update

It has been a crazy week for so many people who have been affected both directly and indirectly by the South East Queensland Floods ~ but for many Central and North Queenslander’s it has been a crazy month. There has been so much publicity about SE QLD but not much about the remainder of the state. Sadly, lives have been lost and the RSPCA has estimated that 3000 animals are missing throughout QLD which is just devastating. The rescue mission has only just begun and the water has subsided enough to allow rescue crews in without risking their own lives and many groups and individuals are out there helping the victims, searching for injured wildlife and domestic animals and volunteering with the cleanup which will take months. It will take QLD 2 years to fully recover from this disaster and with the human spirit at its highest there is much support and love flowing freely. After the floods the amount of people posting wanting to help was amazing and the RSPCA was inundated with emails and calls offering assistance and volunteering. But on the other hand it has brought out the worst in some people with looting, profiteering and scams so please be careful who you give your money to when wanting to donate to flood relief funds.


Jen Mallock and Yvonne Lucus are two very amazing women who have gone far beyond helping with arranging a helicopter to drop feed to stranded horses not once but twice and have now arranged for the QLD police to pull dinghy’s filled with feed out to them on police jet skis. This is just one story ~ The Burpengary RDA needed help urgently with donations of items and help with the cleanup of their grounds and during their first working B hundreds of people showed up which was more than amazing. The QLD Horse Council has developed a database for lost and found horses which will reunite animals and owners quicker. The RSPCA and Animals Welfare League have been working around the clock with rescues, injuries and emergency accommodation for all animals including horses. Becca Niit arranged for so much feed to be donated and she delivered it to the area in need the most at that time which was Gatton ~ she is still needing feed donations if you can help her please call 0433284725. Lynette Sutton and her daughter Steph from Hoofs2010 Inc have arranged for 1000 bales of hay to be sent from NSW to the most affected area as well and from what I have been told, she in on her way with it today ~ just amazing.

There are many more individuals reaching out their hands and their hearts in a time when so many people need it the most and for that we all have to be grateful. I have seen many comments saying “what about Rockhampton” and “who is helping the 30 horses stranded” or “why are you helping the RDA when they can fundraise themselves” the answer to all of this is “we are all doing the best we can with the recourses we have.” The media was in full swing when Toowoomba got flooded and the water started heading down the lockyer Valley which is why so many people have put their hand up to help SE QLD, instead of being negative it’s much more constructive to get your issue known. If you know of an issue/person/animals needing help ~ reach your hand out and ask for help. No one will know about it if the message isn’t shared with the wider community and I can assure you there will be 100 people willing to help with the issue at hand.

The RSPCA are an amazing organisation in times like this and they need recourses as well. If you can help with cash donations then please jump on the link below and help them rescue as many animals as they can. https://donate.rspcaqld.org.au/flood


Horse deals have also set up a flood appeal ~ please have a look at their website http://www.horsedeals.com.au/gallery.php?showID=12813


And Quest Horse Rescue have set up a flood appeal ~ please have a look at their website http://questequinewelfare.org/equine-flood-assistance.html


Please know that these groups are all set up professionally and all legally. There are many groups out there asking for donations and money but please be careful and make sure you are 100% comfortable with the organisation. Ask them for the not for profit number (this is not an ABN) and make sure they are registered with their governing body in the state they are fundraising in. In QLD this is the office of fair trading. The flood victims need all the help they can get so please just be careful were to send your money to.


Well done to each and every person who has donated time, money or items in this horrible time ~ well done to the people who have offered accommodation and housing for people and animals and well done to the thousands of people who are registered to volunteer ~ this is true human spirit, with no ego and no need for recognition but with and open, loving heart ready to give and expecting nothing in return.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE HELP

The Burpengary RDA have lost everything. We are ralleying together to get them some urgent items ~ saddles, bridles, brushes, halters, anything at all. If you have unwanted useable gear PLEASE PLEASE call me. If your on the Gold Coast I can pick this stuff up just call me 0405053740, if not please post to:

Burpengary RDA CO/ Save A Horse Australia
PO Box 451 Helensvale QLD 4212

They are having a working B this Sat and next onsite at 9 - 11 am. If you can come along please do. Ill be there 2morrow.

85 Kilkenny Dr
Burpengary QLD

Also ~ Crowson Park RDA is also a drop off point for people living in or around Greenbank ~ 129 Crowson Lane Greenbank ~ Call Sharna on 0412316228

QLD's Darkest Hour

Sadly Queensland is in crisis. On the 11th of Jan 2011 QLD has faced a flood equivalent to the 1974 floods which devastated Brisbane City only this time 75% of QLD is affected and declared a disaster zone. Hundreds of horses as well as other animals are missing, dead and needing urgent medical help. The RSPCA are run off their feet and are requiring monetary donations asap.


RSPCA donations can be made at https://donate.rspcaqld.org.au/flood

If you have lost or found an animal feel free to email me photos and details and ill post here as well as on our Facebook page “lost and found animals in the QLD floods”

www.saveahorseaustralia@hotmail.com

Fundraiser raffle to help with vet costs

As most of you know we have had a few very hard cases come through lately requiring immediate medical treatment which has seen my vet account grow quiet quickly. We are launching a raffle to help with this expense so if you can spare $5 for a ticket that would be just amazing.


1st prize is a stunning original painting of a beautiful Quarter Horse painted and donated by Jo Frederiks worth $2000 (http://www.visualartist.info/visualartist/artist/default.asp?artistId=1974)

2nd prize is an A1 size (60cm x 84cm) poster printed on photo satin paper designed and donated by Vibe Creative (http://www.vibecreative.net.au/) This can be a photo or collage of photos of your horses, children, or anything at all.

Tickets are $5 each.

Jo and Sharron were kind enough to donate amazing prizes for this raffle and we are hoping to raise some money to help with the every growing vet account. If you want to buy some tickets please email saveahorseaustralia@hotmail.com and Pricilla will give you instructions on how to buy tickets.

Thank you so much to everyone for your ongoing love and support; it is with your help that Save A Horse Australia can rescue as many horses as we do ~ including the very difficult cases. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and from the rescue horses.

Massive thank you to Sharron and Jo for your kind donation of prizes ~ both of you are amazing.

Painting from Jo. Original worth $2000

Non- SAHA Horse Needs Home

Free to a Good Home


Comical Queen (NZ) 1993
Good looking bay
Father is the famous "Kingdom Bay" (NZ)
Australian ID 0550590
Very gentle, amazing mother
She is 15.2hh
Available for placement to a kind, caring home.
Located close to the coastal border of Queensland and NSW.

She does suffer from the "Qld itch" so her owner would prefer for her to go somewhere where this would not be a problem. She has been well looked after and must go to a good home only. She isn't rideable.

Please contact Shirani on 02 66771238

We lost Yogi today

Sadly we lost our beautiful Yogi today in a freak accident. He was run through a post and rail fence by another one of our rescue horses, fell down and enbankment and broke the vertebrea in his wither. I am heartbroken and Yogi was in so much pain he was immediately euthinaised. RIP beautiful boy *tears*

Unlike most days at Rainbow Bridge, this day dawned cold and gray, damp as a swamp and as dismal as could be imagined. All of the recent arrivals had no idea what to think, as they had never experienced a day like this before. But the animals who had been waiting for their beloved people knew exactly what was going on and started to gather at the pathway leading to The Bridge to watch.


It wasn't long before an elderly animal came into view, head hung low and tail dragging. The other animals, the ones who had been there for a while, knew what his story was right away, for they had seen this happen far too often.

He approached slowly, obviously in great emotional pain, but with no sign of injury or illness. Unlike all of the other animals waiting at The Bridge, this animal had not been restored to youth and made healthy and vigorous again. As he walked toward The Bridge, he watched all of the other animals watching him. He knew he was out of place here and the sooner he could cross over, the happier he would be.

But, alas, as he approached The Bridge, his way was barred by the appearance of an Angel who apologized, but told him that he would not be able to pass. Only those animals who were with their people could pass over Rainbow Bridge.

With no place else to turn to, the elderly animal turned towards the fields before The Bridge and saw a group of other animals like himself, also elderly and infirm. They weren't playing, but rather simply lying on the green grass, forlornly staring out at the pathway leading to The Bridge. And so, he took his place among them, watching the pathway and waiting.

One of the newest arrivals at The Bridge didn't understand what he had just witnessed and asked one of the animals that had been there for a while to explain it to him.

You see, that poor animal was a rescue. He was turned in to rescue just as you see him now, an older animal with his fur graying and his eyes clouding. He never made it out of rescue and passed on with only the love of his rescuer to comfort him as he left his earthly existence. Because he had no family to give his love to, he has no one to escort him across The Bridge.

The first animal thought about this for a minute and then asked, "So what will happen now?" As he was about to receive his answer, the clouds suddenly parted and the gloom lifted. Approaching The Bridge could be seen a single person and among the older animals, a whole group was suddenly bathed in a golden light and they were all young and healthy again, just as they were in the prime of life.

"Watch, and see" said the second animal. A second group of animals from those waiting came to the pathway and bowed low as the person neared. At each bowed head, the person offered a pat on the head or a scratch behind the ears. The newly restored animals fell into line and followed him towards The Bridge. They all crossed The Bridge together.

"What happened?"

"That was a rescuer." The animals you saw bowing in respect were those who found new homes because of his work. They will cross when their new families arrive. Those you saw restored were those who never found homes. When a rescuer arrives, they are allowed to perform one, final act of rescue. They are allowed to escort those poor animals that they couldn't place on earth, across The Rainbow Bridge.

"I think I like rescuers," said the first animal.

"So does GOD," was the reply.

Diaz

Diaz arrived 2 weeks ago extremely lame. He has chronic laminitis and abscess in both front hooves. The poor fellow really struggled for the first two weeks but is now walking around with his new hooves perfectly fine. The farrier molded him new soles with padding making it more comfortable for him to walk around. It will be a long road to recovery for Diaz but we are very confident he will make it through.

On arrival

Week 2

On the road to recovery

Having his feet done for the second time in 2 weeks. They were really bad.

Bandit

Bandit is our latest rescue and arrived two week ago. His registered name is Riverstone and he won quiet a lot of money racing. Bandit is a lovely man, about 15.2hh and very solid built. He came a little light in condition and covered from hoof to tail in rain scald. Bandit is 8 years old and was OTT 2 years ago before being left in a paddock. When he arrived he was a little grumpy so I put him on some ulcer treatment and he has settled in really well.

Bandit on arrival

week 2

Abbey

Abbey arrived just before Christmas and is going really well. She is 20+ years and about 13.3hh. She is very poor and is coming along nicely. Abbey is the sweetest old mare and you can do anything with her.

Abbey week one

The day she arrived

Abbey having her watermelon

Abbey's mud fever when she arrived

Abbey week 2

Beautiful Jade Will Be Put To Sleep

Jade arrived 2 weeks ago and when she got off the float she was extremely lame. I have had xrays done on her front legs and her flexon tendon on her bad leg needs surgery to cut it due to all of her tendons separating. She has chronic laminitis in both front hooves and her pedal bone rotation is extremely bad in both hooves making it extremely painful to walk or even stand up. Her sole is only a mm thick which is causing the pedal bone to wear away. The pedal bone is arched rather than being straight at the top of her hoof and there is only 1 cm between the bone and the hoof but at the bottom there is 5 cm. Her hoof will never grow at the right angle and she will always be in pain requiring special shoes just to be able to walk and will never be able to gallop around the paddock like a normal horse.


This is what my specialist had to say:

Vet and surgeon at Veresdale Equine Centre David Bartholomeusz “We can do surgery and cut the flexon tendon but this is a major operation and the issues with her laminitis and clubbed hoof will make the healing process more difficult. The chances of her being pain free are very slim and I will need the farrier present during the surgery to fit her shoes otherwise we won’t get shoes on her because she cannot bear weight on her leg at all, in my opinion i would have the mare humanely euthanized.


Vet at Veresdale Equine Centre Kylie “She is in a lot of pain and will be for the rest of her life. Surgery may help her walk properly but she will be in pain and have ongoing problems for the next 20+ years.”


Surgeon at the Gold Coast Equine Horse Hospital Paul Robertson “This type of surgery is very successful in horses 2 years and younger but anything older is very risky. It will fix the way she is walking but won’t fix the damage already done to the pedal bone and it’s in a pretty bad way. The tendons in her other leg are also very damaged from supporting her bad leg for such a long period of time. I’m not confident with this and think the best and humane thing would be immediate euthanasia”.


Master and corrective farrier Tim Heeb “Amanda this horse is in a bad way and im my opinion you should have her euthanatized. Both of her front hooves and legs are badly damaged and the pain is chronic”

Equine Podiatrist, Equine Barehoof Care Carola Alolf  ~ email.
"Dear Amanda,

before I read the history you forwarded, I looked at the pictures. Even though the photographs are useless to what I would need to see (nice grass....), I can see on the x-ray that the pedal bone has demineralized (and is actively doing so, with possible abscess activity as well) to a state that the mare will never be able to regrow a remotely functional hoof - and therefore will be in discomfort for the rest of her life, even with expert hoofcare. No shoe will fix the problem.The surgery they are talking about will only benefit your vet's welfare - not the horse's, so do not even consider that option.
You know that quality of life is what we all try to provide to the animals in our care - and as respectful owners, this must be out guiding light, so to speak.
I know how hard it is to make "the final" decision. I just had to make this one myself today for one of my own horses (not a hoof issue, though), and as hard as it is to us, animals deserve to move on when they can't have what nature has meant for them to have: Quality of life - and in the horse's mind, that would be running in a herd and playing or grazing with its peers - enjoying life and doing what they were put on this earth for to do: Moving about and using their beautiful, powerful bodies to go for a run..... on healthy feet.
The feet that guarantee their survival. They know that instinctively.
From a hoof expert's perspective, I agree with most of the opinions - and this would mean that if I had to make this decision myself, I would follow the advise you were already given.
I am so sorry.
The only comfort that I can give you is to say that quality of life is paramount. Prolonging the inevitable is against what you (and I) believe in: Giving a horse a better life. That is what rescuing is all about.
Do not hesitate to fulfil the promise you made to this horse when you rescue her, so prevent her from more pain and the inability to enjoy life as horses do enjoy it. Moving with joy.
My heart goes out to you - and your mare.
Hugs,
Carola"


 
We have made the decision to have her put to sleep to end her suffering.
 
 

Hope is not currently up for adoption

I have just been made aware of an advertisement in the Horse Deals magazine for Hope. This is a mistake and Hope is currently not for adoption. Please note that all of my horse deals advertisements say "Free under a life time adoption contract" and my website is also posted in the advertisement. I'm not sure how her ad ended up in horse deals and their office is currently closed, but Hope is still needing a hernia operation and is still a while off being ready for adoption.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

This is the last post before Christmas and I want to wish each and every one of you a wonderful, safe Christmas and New Year. I hope that 2011 brings amazing adventures and wonderful experiences to everyone.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for EVERY donation that we received this year. Whether it was the donation of an item, donation of time or the purchase or a raffle ticket you have helped me, the team at SAHA and the horses more than you know and for that I am forever grateful. Thank you so much.

In 2010 we have rescued 41 horses from slaughter, abuse or neglect and we have successfully re-homed 19 of those horses. One dear mare "Mustang Sally" was laid to rest and we still have 21 horses in care receiving treatment. This number of horses wouldn't have been so great if it wasn't for your ongoing love and support. We at SAHA didn't rescue these horses alone, we did it with your help and support.

In 2010 we also lost a beautiful mare who was rescued in 2009 "Brandy". She was with us for 10 months and we fought our hardest to save her. Sadly, god wanted her and we had to listen. RIP to Brandy and Sally ~ both are loved and will never be forgotten.

2011 will be a new year with new goals and new adventures but one thing is for sure ~ there will be many more lost, unwanted souls needing a loving home. We are hoping to have our charity approved as a tax deductible gift recipient in the new year and will be able to offer tax receipts to those people who wish to donated some money. We will also be holding some fundraising events and raffles which is all exciting and we have already had some amazing prizes donated. Thank you to the many people who have donated these items, you are all amazing.

If you would like to help the horses in some way now please feel free to donate some money towards our ever growing vet account (I have posted details below) or have a look in our "wish list" for items that we are always needing. In 2011 and will be holding a "winter rug" drive as well to get some winter rugs in ready for the cold season.

Thank you once again to absolutely everyone who has donated, helped, supported SAHA, myself and the team. xxx

Nerang Equine Veterinary Practice P/L

P.O. Box 88 - NERANG QLD 4211
ANZ-NERANG
BSB: 014-679
A/C No: 181332599
Reference: VELLAP
Please remember to use the reference so that the accounts department can place the payment with my account.

Ma before

Ma after

Gabby before

Gabby after

Benita before

Benita after

Diaz, Jade and Abby have arrived.

Diaz and Jade arrived at our allenview Rehabilitation Centre last night after dark and both were very lame. They were both given bute and locked up for the night. This morning both are still quiet lame and the farrier is booked into treat them tomorrow.

Abby also arrived yesterday afternoon at our Gilston Rehabilitation Centre. She is very poor and was given electrolyghts and a small yummy dinner. She will stay in the stable and day yard for a little while before being paddocked with Zena.

Diaz

Diaz

Jade

Jade

I don't have any photo's of Abby yet.

Two Aged Donkey's Need a Home.

Non SAHA equines needing a new home. Both were rescued and both are aged. One Jack and one Jenny. Please call the owner for more information. $200 each but neg if they go together. A loving caring home is a must.

Sophie 0438615574

Rug Washing and Repair Business Supports Rescue Horses

The lovely Corrina Duke who owns and runs Horse N Around rug repairs and washing has donated her services to Save A Horse Australia in our quest to keep clean comfy clothing on our rescue babies. Corrina charges a very reasonable rate for her services so if you're needing rugs repaired or washed please support the business that supports the rescue horses. Massive thank you Corrina Duke xxxx

Corrina (07) 55437279 or 0407961650

Urgently Needed Items

We have had quiet a few big TB's come in over the past week and we are urgently seeking 6'6 rainsheets (no fill) and 6'6 Fly mesh sheets and 6'6 Cotton rugs and combo's.
If you can help out the rescue horses by donating one please let me know.

We are also in need of FULL SIZE fly masks ~ Dark colours if possible but any colour is fine.

Amanda Vella
0405053740
saveahorseqld@yahoo.com.au
 PO Box 451 Helensvale QLD 4212

Many thanks for your support. xx

Rescue Horse of the Week

This week our rescue horse of the week is Hopey Dopey. Hope was advertised for sale from Brian Munro for $100 and i couldn't go past her beautiful face. She was almost two years old and a TB filly but was the size of a small weanling (11.2hh). She arrived on the 31st of July and my vet said he would be surprised if her muscles developed properly due to extreme starvation.

I wormed her, vaccinated her and turned her out into the paddock for 6 weeks with Ma to learn to trust and heal her broken heart. She would come up for attention but if you reached out to touch her she would run away. After 6 weeks I decided it was time for her to come into the handling yard for some handling. Catching her was a complete mission and she would fight and resist. I ended up with massive rope burn and she ended up with some skin off her leg but after a good hour she walked happily up to the stables with me.

After some grooming, baths and lots and lots of love and treats Hopey is now a massive sook, loves human attention and will walk all over you for cuddles. She gets jealous of other horses and rubs herself all over anyone and everyone. She definitely needs to learn some ground manners.

Hopey is having her hernia surgery next week than she will be rested for a little longer before going up for adoption. She is now 2 years old,14.2hh and will make an awesome little horse for someone.

Hope on arrival 31st July 2010

Hope October 2010

Hope November 2010

The swamp Monster ~ December 2010

Hope should be ready for adoption around Feb/March 2011. She will be posted in the horses for adoption section of this website when she is ready.

We are now at full capacity

We are currently extremely full with 21 rescue horses in care. Sadly, we do not have room for any more this year but if you have a horse you need re-homed and were thinking of surrendering please let me know and I can help you re-home it.

There is the perfect home out there for every horse.

New Rescue horses

We have 4 new rescue horses coming into care:

1. 18 year old ex Paralympics horse named Diaz. He has nasty hoof abscesses and chronic Laminitis, is 16.3hh and will be going out to our Allanview rehab centre. Surrendered on the 18th Dec 2010 and we are currently arranging transport to have him picked up. He will be assessed by our vet as soon as he arrives.

Photo taken by old owner

2. 9 year old, 16.3hh TB gelding named Yogi. Surrendered on the 16th of December. Sydney horse transport picked him up today and he is currently in their holding yards in Bundal and will be delivered to our Allanview rehab centre on Monday. He has a nasty hoof issue as well and will be assessed by our vet on arrival.

Photo taken by old owner

3. Abbey is an aged 20+ Arab mare in very very poor condition. She is also a surrender from a lady in Ipswich. This mare is currently running on 800 acres and we are currently trying to arrange transport. She is about 14hh and im not sure on what colour. We don't have any photos yet. Hoping to have her picked up on Tuesday and she will go into care with Vicki and Mark at Yatala Produce before coming back to our Gilston Rehab centre. She will have her teeth done etc as soon as she gets to Yatala Produces property. Will post photos soon.

4. Jade is a young QH mare who was rescued back in Jan 2010 by a group called Soquilichi. This rescue than rehomed her to Farm Animal Rescue for rehabilitation. The lady at Farm Animals rescue did a good job of getting her weight up but sadly they couldn't fix her badly injured hoof (which is in need of attention). She was then re-homed to a lovely lady who surrendered her to SAHA. We are currently in the process of arranging transport and are hoping to have her next week for urgent hoof treatment. Will post updated photos when she arrives. Her old name was Becky.

This photo was given to me by her old owner and was taken in April 2010

I will post updated photos when she arrives.

Confucius (551-479 BCE) defined the meaning of Jade:

"The wise have likened jade to virtue. For them, its polish and brilliancy represent the whole of purity. Its perfect compactness and extreme hardness represent the sureness of intelligence. Its angles, which do not cut, although they seem sharp, represent justice. The pure and prolonged sound, which it gives forth when one strikes it, represents music. Its color represents loyalty. Its interior flaws, always showing themselves through the transparency, call to mind sincerity. Its iridescent brightness represents heaven. Its admirable substance, born of mountain and of water, represents the earth. Used alone without ornamentation it represents chastity. The price that the entire world attaches to it represents the truth. To support these comparisons, the Book of Verse says: 'When I think of a wise man, his merits appear to be like jade.'

We thought this mare deserved a strong meaningful name.