Lotus Haven

10/16/2024

The hardest part of this rescue business is loss. We hadn't had one in a while and were not expecting it at all but today I came home to Miss Willow who had already crossed the rainbow bridge. Sweet girl.....Emmett seems to be doing ok and still eating but I am sure he's still sad as they have been together for ever! So thankful for my neighbor who runs Green Is Great Lawn Care, LLC. who brought over some equipment and dug a hole and helped me put her to her final resting spot where she will rest with the rest of her herd. We love you Willow!!

10/14/2024

Needed to share some pretty cool Lotus Haven news!!! A few weeks ago one of Lex's friends came over so her almost 3y old could meet the donkeys. So far her son is struggling with speech and sees a speech therapist. He is pretty much non-verbal. When he came a few weeks ago he actually said DONKEY!! He has been talking about donkey since. Then Saturday they attended our event and fell in love with our baby, Rainbow. She just told us that all night and day the next day he was saying donkey and rainbow!! You just don't know the healing power of my babies!!! (photo not shared for privacy) Now that our angel donor has gifted us a trailer we are ready to start booking therapeutic visits. What we will be open to booking if you have contacts would be:
Children therapy type settings
Foster children events
speech and/or mental health therapy visits
Nursing Homes
VA hospital
Children's hospitals
Therapeutic children living centers
If you have contacts with people in these type of situations please reach out. Would also be willing to book 'for donation' type events such as a trunk or treat or some sort of fall party, Christmas events. We will be appearing at the Lights on the Lake a couple times again this year as well! Would also be looking for some volunteers who want to be animal handlers at these events.

10/03/2024

Finally I feel like I can share what Lotus Haven has been going through. Since we had court today. This likely will be long...

Last January our wonderful friend/supporter Trish Mills donated a great blessing to us (a Ford f350 truck) it needed a little love but had a newer transmission and rebuilt engine and we just needed something safe and powerful enough to pull animals and do some minor farm chores like get hay and feed etc.

I posted on FB looking for help for a reasonable mechanic and someone reached out to me saying they used to own a diesel shop and could help me out. They went and picked up the truck from Frederick and took it back to their house in Martinsburg to fix it. This was mid January 2024. They 'assessed the truck' and said they could fix it for $2500 in parts. He said he loved what the rescue did and wanted to do the work for free. I offered to pay him some at the end but he didn't seem worried about it.

Long story as short as I can make it there were so many excuses, he was busy, family issues, 4 car accidents, child in hospital, work etc. He was so nice and really seemed to know what he was talking about. I gave him the $2500 for parts upfront cause he couldn't afford to front it. Yet I never saw any progress happening.

Finally I decided enough was enough and I wanted the truck back, which they blocked in so I couldn't get it and I had to get the sheriff involved. It is here I found out that this person has an extensive criminal history in 4 states for doing this exact thing to others. Upon the police picking up the truck and getting it towed it was discovered that there was a new hole in the transmission (leaking everywhere) and seats had now been cut with razor and as well as things like catalytic converter and exhaust has been removed and likely sold as that is the most common things to be stolen and resold off vehicles.

The Sheriff dept pressed criminal felony charges against him for this whole ordeal and I filed a civil suit to get a judgement for what this has cost me/the rescue. He finally has been charged and we had court today. The judge agreed that nothing he said was credible and his stories didn't make sense. The judge issued us a judgement for $8500. I am aware that collecting this is a whole other issue and may not happen but the hope is that once he is convicted criminally (charged but not had court yet for that part) the prosecutor will order restitution in the amount of our judgement.

I just don't understand the world we live in sometimes people having no issue to scam non-profits, churches, children, elderly and have no shame about it. I thought I had good intuition but learning not always the case.

I am telling you guys this not because I want sympathy but because I feel I owe the public information because the $2500 was all donations that we raised from Lights on the Lake and some other private donors and the truck was graciously given to us for a need we had for a long time.

I did finally go and purchase a truck (similar to this one used in working condition) to use for these purchases with a loan and high monthly payments. If I ever get the funds back from this guy they will still go towards paying off the truck and/or purchase of a trailer for the rescue. Hoping to have resolve by spring so we can actually start doing some therapeutic visits.

Praising God for stepping in today and for finally having some progress forward in resolving this issue as it has caused me much stress and heartache this year.

Adding pic of new to me truck just so algorithm will let you see this post. Thank you to each and every person who has listened to me unload about this situation the last few months. Please continue to pray for this situation as there is sure to be more court dates and stuff in the near future for the criminal side of things.

10/02/2024

Adorable 12h pony looking for his next cowboy/cowgirl.
My little guy, Trigger needs a new cowboy because his is getting too big for him. Trigger is a 14y (vet aged) 12h pony. He is not a deadhead beginner pony. He doesn't enjoy ring work (but will do it) so he won't make a great lesson pony and is a bit forward for lead line walking. He really wants his own little cowboy/cowgirl who isn't a total beginner but who wants to learn to cowboy a pony and be completely safe while doing it. He is a good boy who wants to move, he gets bored easy. I personally think he would be great for some kid to wants to work cattle along side their parents as I think he could control some cows and he has been in fields with them so I am sure he has done this on his own lol. He has been fox hunted (1st line) and has a blast! He will W/T/C all day long and your kid will feel like a real cowboy! If he thinks your kid is falling he'll stop and wait for him to reposition himself.
He has been in a couple low level 4h shows and was unphased by the commotion there so I think he could handle that as well. You could probably rope off him with a little work, he really is not phased by much. He has been ridden western and English and doesn't mind either. He enjoys trail riding but does want to be in front and is forward moving again not a full beginner pony (he keeps up with my TWH no problem). But if your little cowboy/girl has outgrown a mini and you want next level for them to really grow their cowboy/girl skills but stay safe while doing it this might be the guy for you.
Trigger is UTD on shots and Coggins. He loads a trailer and rides easy. He will stand in crossties and pick up his feet. He is super adorable, one blue eye, one brown. He is currently in a mixed herd of mares and geldings along with minis, donkeys, sheep and pigs. He will cross water and bridges, dog and small animal friendly. He is outside 24/7 and an easy keeper with no grain needed. He is sound and in fantastic health. No biting, bucking or kicking or bolting. He is not buddy or barn sour. We love him dearly but my son is getting too big for him we need something bigger but we are out of space, and this guy needs a job.
Reach out for more pictures or videos happy to share!
Located in Martinsburg WV

08/15/2024

Shout out to Mountaineer Meat Smokers for donating scraps for the 🐷. They were in heaven!!

08/03/2024

We have a couple of wonderful fuzzy butts ready for adoption.

- 1 Jenny & 1 John (gelded donkey) both about 12/13y mini donkeys. Friendly. Currently housed with horses. UTD on vaccines. Must go together as they are a bonded pair.

- 13 y old mini pony about 9 hands. Loves children isn’t broke to ride but has had a couple driving lessons and appears willing and eager to learn. She will take a kid for leadline riding and adores being loved on by kids. UTD on vaccines.

We are a 5013c non-profit located in Martinsburg. Adoption application and contract required. Reach out for more questions.

06/30/2024

A dear sweet friend of the rescue asked me for a link to help with vaccines and teeth that are highly needed so I created this link and wanted to share incase anyone else felt led to help. I still can't fully share the story because we are awaiting a few things to happen before police can press criminal charges but over $2500 was stolen from the rescue putting us in a bad spot and with non-profit your rarely in a good spot. And we just had a large vet bill last week for a sick animal (over $500). I will share the story once the police do their thing. In the meantime if anyone wants to help out with shots/teeth or if anyone has a good idea of a quick/easy fundraiser (does that exist ?) that they want to help with please let me know!! I generally just cover the gaps but we have some major personal stuff going on right now too and I am struggling to do so.

If you can't give that's fine please pray for God to bless us with enough to cover these expenses and for God to step into a couple situations that are making this nonprofit thing kick my butt. Every $ Counts. GiveButter doesn't take any part of your donation but does give you a receipt which you can use for your taxes as a deduction.

https://givebutter.com/xEVBho

06/29/2024

Running Lotus Haven has helped me meet so many wonderful people and one of those is because of photographers! I love so many different photographers in my life. About a week ago a new one reached out to me asking if she could do some bo***ir photos with Dragonfly and she would make a donation to the rescue for using him. We are really struggling with the funds for shots since I have had some personal stuff going on and someone stole $ from the rescue and pics with pets didn't happen so I eagerly agreed to get help in any way possible. Last night she came and did a demo. Dragonfly is a true angel for sure!! AND these came out great! Go to her FB Boheme Bridal & Bo***ir and watch for the link to book the sessions if you're interested in doing a western shoot or western/bo***ir. She is having a professional hair and makeup artist on scene these are going to be EPIC! If you book please pm me and let me know! This is happening just 2 weeks away! Here are just a couple of the demo shots Misty Higgins has shared with me so far.

05/19/2024

Today is the last day to vote!!!

Get those votes in and pre-order your calendars!!! The girls will be on the cover!!!

05/10/2024

Lotus Haven was blessed to be one of the charities supported by the Eastern Panhandle Board of REALTORS, Inc. Co****le tournament this year!! Did you know if you have an event that we can be part of we’ll bring some party with us!!
Jubal and Seneca love taking selfies!!

05/05/2024

Most of you have seen we have a new baby on the farm! Future therapy donkey- 🌈 Rainbow is sassy and sweet.

Thought it would be nice to do a little giveaway to help us grow our reach!

If you share this post and invite at least 10 friends that you think will fall in love with my little 🌈 you will be entered to win a farm visit! You and your immediate family can come meet the crew including little 🌈. Take selfies with them and get a donkey hug.

I’ll randomly pick one person who completes the task then I’ll reach out to arrange a mutually convenient time for the visit!!

04/08/2024

Lotus Haven will getting back some ponies that we previously adopted out. Their life circumstances have changed and they need to re-surrender them. I will have a couple mini ponies, a 12h pony, mini donkey and a goat needing a home. So hit me up if you're in the market. Will come with adoption contract.

02/22/2024

Best view EVER!!!

01/19/2024

Look who went to their new home today!!! Even the snow didn’t stop them because they are only 2 houses down from us!! So excited I’ll still get to visit and see their progress. Also Murray is so loud and whinnies a lot so I’ll likely hear him across the street! Good luck with your new beautiful life guys!!! I know you will be so loved!

01/11/2024

🌟 Help Us Roll Into Spring with a Purpose! 🌷🐾

Dear Friends and Supporters,

Exciting news! 🚀 We are embarking on a mission to bring joy and healing to our community through therapeutic animal visits this spring! 🌼

To make this dream a reality, we're on a quest to secure a dedicated trailer for our beloved farm animals. This trailer will not only transport our furry friends but also open doors to uplifting visits at nursing homes, hospitals, and schools.

🌈 How You Can Help:
Every contribution, big or small, will propel us closer to our goal! Join us in creating a haven of happiness and well-being. 🌟

💖 Donate Now: https://givebutter.com/pevgjd
Your support ensures that our animal-assisted therapy reaches those who need it most.

📣 Spread the Word:
Share this post, tell your friends, and let's build a community of kindness and compassion together!

🐾 Why It Matters:
Animal-assisted therapy has profound effects on mental health, and your contribution will help us extend this transformative experience to those facing challenges.

Thank you for being the driving force behind our mission. Let's roll into spring with purpose and make a positive impact together! 🌷🚚

By Lotus Haven

01/09/2024

When supporting a small business which would you rather participate in?
- Raffle for one or two good prizes? or an online auction?
If raffle what price ticket would you most likely purchase?

Trying to come up with a bigger fundraising event for Lotus Haven wanting to see what people are more likely to participate in.

12/31/2023

Meet Murry a 14yr old gelding and Tootsie a 12yr old mare.
They have been together for a good number of years and we would love if they could stay together. Murry is terrified and is trying to challenge all the big horses here but seems to get along fine with the donkeys, other minis and even the sheep. There were sheep and donkeys in his old home as well but no bigger horses. His confirmation is so cute. He really is cute as a button and has not attempted to kick, bite or be mean to me or my 12y old son at all. I think he would make a great kids pony. I was told that he has done pony rides and even some in hand show/jumping competitions and I believe it!
His sister tootsie is the sweetest little mini there is. She loves to be loved. She has followed me around the farm from the second she got here. Just wanting to stand by me or get some love. She will make someone a fantastic best friend for sure.
They both load right up into the trailer. I was told they were impossible to catch at their old home but so far both let me walk right up and catch them and they both lead perfect on lead line.

They will both be available for adoption to an approved home but we are also looking for foster homes if that is something that you might be interested in doing for us now or in the future. We only take minis and donkeys no larger horses so must be set up for that. Please reach out if you are interested in possibly adopting Murry and Tootsie.

12/31/2023

Great day today for a donkey/sheep nap!!