Good morning Alex and sweet angel Barbaro...

Brrrr it's brutal out there - be careful Alex!

Good morning Alex & Fans of Barbaro,Stay warm it is brutal out there,have warm thoughts of Barbaro

Good morning, all!

Getting ready to head out into the cold--Alex, bundle up! Bet those water buckets are frozen today.

Will watch the clip later--I need not to cry right now, or my tears will freeze on my cheeks.

Good morning all of you terrific people. Warm here near Boston. Love you Big Boy

Just kidding , its very cold but warm thoughts of our boy.

It fascinates me that the deep freeze started to set in after Barbaro crossed the Rainbow Bridge...it matches my frozen heart!

Barbaro, sweet spirit horse, let your light shine down on us all today to warm our hearts with sweet memories of you. I love you and miss you...but I'm happy that you are restored to the full glory of health. Don't ever forget that you are always the CHAMPION OF MY HEART!
Nancy

Good morning Alex and FOB'S

It's -2 here in the Cleveland area. Don't even want to know the wind chill. Be careful outside today. It doesn't take long for frostbite.

3250 Candles lit this morning. May they never burn out.

I haven't had much time to scroll through yesterdays posts. Has anything been established as far as a time and place for a get together for Barbaro's birthday? You guys are a really great bunch of people. All of you have been truly inspirational and very informative. I have recieved great comfort in being here and reading all of your posts.

Barbaro- RUN LIKE THE WIND. ON 4 HEALTHY LEGS.

Thanks Alex for keeping this site open and for sharing all the great tributes with us.

Good morning, Barbaro! Good morning, Alex! Good morning, fellow Fans!

I can't wait to get to work to watch the latest from the Hennegans. I am contacting our local film festival to lobby for their inclusion this year.

VERY cold here this morning...and not much hope in sight this week. Stay warm, fellow Fans. Alex, we worry about you but I suspect by now you have figured out how to dress for the weahter. But some days even all the right clothes don't make any difference, right?

Off to start my day.

Marg
Proud Fan of Barbaro forever

Super-duper cold for Virginia. This reminds me of growing up in Ohio, a typical cold February day.

RUN HOOFS RUN! Have a good all. Go MR. BOXCAR!

Good tuesday morning Alex, Barbaro and fellow FsOB

Today just has to be better than yesterday (I'm not talking about the weather). I'm so grateful for all the tributes and film clips of our boy. Wish he were still here, though.

To those in the frigid areas - bundle up good and bundle up your pets. I feel bad for the animals who can't put coats or gloves on. I hope the weather warms up soon.

Janice
A Barbaro fan forever

Morning Alex,

Thanks again for the great links and all u do.

Stay warm. Bitter in OH again today -4 with w/c -24 in NE Ohio. For all who are dealing with this take care

Hennegan Brothers-thank u

Good morning, everyone.
In spite of all the wonderful things we have to say about NBC, there are really big issues out there about the limitied number of students selecting this path. The following is an interesting article on the sad state of large animal veterinary medicine. Although this article focuses on cattle, I think it is indicative of a growing problem. Hopefully, some of the recent scholarship programs being made available to prospective students will encourage a turn-around.

Trouble in locating large animal vets

Hiya, FsOB! Oh, my goodness, "brrr!" doesn't come close to describing the cold here on the banks of the Thames. The portions of the river that are adjacent to the riverbank are flowing so slowly that they may be getting ready to freeze ... like our upstairs bathroom pipes almost did yesterday. It's so cold that Ms. Nikita was waking me in the middle of the night, but I wouldn't let her outside. Believe it or not, one of the doves was outside in our "Japanese garden" this AM so I put lots of extra food out for the bird.
To Cal: Yes, I am eager for news about any anticipated get-together.
To Lou Ann: I'll answer your delightful e-mail while having my "Lean Cuisine" at work today.
To Alex: Are there any addresses posted for Lael Farms and Fair Hill? I'd like to send my sympathy notes out this weekend.
To Nancy in CT: I sure hope that you aren't at a bus stop this AM. Please try to avoid frostbite if you are.
Wishing all FsOB a day of continued healing. Peace, RMH

Good morning Alex and all FOB's. Everyone try to stay warm!!!

MJ

Morning Alex and FOB,

Cold here in Poland, Ohio as well, -6. Don't know the wind chill. My one dog just came in limping from the cold. She was only out a few minutes.

Alex, thanks for keeping this site open. We need to know there is a place to go that someone will understand how we feel. Take care of yourself.

Off to light some candles. God bless you all.

Cold here in NC!

ALEX: DO YOU EVER SLEEP??? :-) Thanks for the continued updates.....you're amazing....I always look forward to my morning visit...

Good morning Alex and Fobs,

It's 8 degrees in the northern suburbs of NYC. I hope everyone is trying to stay warm.

Thank you Alex for keeping us updated. You really are a good person. Good luck with Hawty Creek today!!!!

As a previous post asked, is there any update on celebrating our boys life on 4/29? I went into the message board and there are over 400 responses so it so it is very hard to navigate for any new information. Perhaps a separate link could be set up with just updated information. My husband and I are looking forward to celebrating Barbaro and meeting the wonderful FOBs.

Barbaro, each day it gets a little easier even though I am right now shedding some tears. I know you are all healed and running your heart out with all of your new friends.

Have a great day all and stay warm.

Adrienne, Nanuet, NY

Alex -
Thanks for being there for us.

I'll always love Barbaro. Not only did he illuminate issues that need attention, but he always helped me in so many ways. I miss him.

Prayers for the Jacksons, Dr. Richardson and all who cared for him so kindly and lovingly.

Everyone try to keep warm.

Pam

Good morning Precious Barbaro, Alex, & FOB's-
Bless you in Heaven my prince.
Bundle up Alex, but I think a warmer trend is coming (way up in the 20's?).
Keep warm everybody...love you Big B

Good morning FOB's,
Cold here in Ohio. -5 degrees right now. Hope today is a better day than yesterday. Still missing you Barbaro. Hope everyone keeps warm!!

Good morning Alex and all,
Keep warm out there, it's brutal.
Thanks to the Hennegan Brothers for the clips..helping me cope a bit! Thanks for posting them Alex.

Nancy in Va Beach :)

10 degrees here in the Syracuse area of NY. The little lately-arrived brood from OK still thinks I am demented when I ask her to go out. She is almost 9, and is a lucky girl to get out of the underbelly of the GH racing business. I've been in GH rescue and adoption for 15 years, and have known some GREAT people. And, make no mistake, there's lots of bad. Animals and gambling: a combination destined for trouble for many of the animal participants.

I'm taking feisty Loretta in for a dental this morning...one thing you guys don't have to worry about...you all just have to float those back teeth, right> But no plaque build-up etc. Say a little prayer for her. They are very anesthesia-sensitive, and our great, great Vets know all this....but I always worry.

I wanted to say to the AR folks, that put 99% of "retired racers" near a track when that lure starts zinging along the rail, and they'll go ballistic. I was once transporting 10 greys fresh out of the kennel compounds, and when we turned the first corner of the track in our trip out of the area, they all whipped over to the track-side windows of the van at once/ Totally excited and ramped up by the side of the lure running and the hounds chasing. I thought we'd tip over.

Greys--like the TBs--are born to run--borne of the desert sands and winds--an ancient race driven to chase and run. And if anyone doubts this, all they need to do is be at track side when the hounds are loaded into the eight boxes. The hounds are berserk with excitement. The vast majority WANT to run...and remember, there's no tiny jockey aboard. Just sheer ancient instinct. BTW: they WILL continue to run even with terrible leg breaks.

I know we're a race HORSE site, so I won't go any deeper into this. But me--and anyone else with racing GH--understands the drive of the thoroughbred. Watching them run is a miracle to me. A frightening miracle at this point--because of our Barbaro, and all the recent breakdowns. I have seen awful GH spills too, so I watch races between spread fingers--just as I now watch TB racing. With prayers for the safety of the animals.

I send out prayer this cold morning for healing for all FOBs and the participants in the intimate details of B's life.

Thank you Hennegan's again for the lovely glimpse into the backstory of Barbaro's life before the Derby. I love the murmur of his name as Peter and Michael ride among the people...

OK guys, one step, then another. We can do this, and we will do it all in the name of Barbaro. We are his legacy-keepers. And there is much to be done.

Love to all, especially Alex, who keeps us connected: jonna in frigid liverpool ny with Greyhounds of Central NY, Inc.

Good morning Alex and FOBS....and Angel Barbaro.

It is COLD in NC. I've got to go to work this am, so I'm layered in silk longjohns!!

Nice article.

http://www.edailynews.info/articles/2007/02/05/news/opinion/op02.txt

Excerpt:

He battled against all odds, for a time beating the odds, only to suffer more and more setbacks. But no matter how many setbacks Barbaro suffered, he hung in there. Oddly, while horse-players such as myself and non horse-players were watching day by day as Barbaro battled for his life, the real hero was the vet, a very unassuming guy named Dean Richardson.

Good Morning,
It's quite cold here in NC too...20 something degrees...keep warm all of you up north. Thanks to everyone for facilitating healing. It helps to know people all over feel the same way.
Angela
Charlotte, NC

Dear Alex, thank you for all you've done for us. I hope you stay warm today. It's 8 in Hershey Pennsylvania.

One week without you, Sweet Prince, and I still miss you so much. Rock on, in the meadows of Heaven.

Dear Alex, thank you for all you've done for us. I hope you stay warm today. It's 8 in Hershey Pennsylvania.

One week without you, Sweet Prince, and I still miss you so much. Rock on, in the meadows of Heaven.

Thought you all might be interested...concerns anti-slaughter efforts & a bracelet. It says all bracelet proceeds go toward stopping the slaughter.

http://www.habitatforhorses.org/getinvolved/untiltheyaresafe.html

Hello again Alex,

Forgot to mention that I ordered the book you recommended yesterday. Can't wait to get it.

Janice
A Barbaro fan forever

Good Morning all
its a brisk 11 degrees in nyc--brrrr!!

good morning Barbaro--miss you beatuiful boy

####
Sarah in NC. Nice article. Isn't it great to read something that seems to be out of genuine feeling? There have been many this past week.

I believe this writer, like many other people were left confused, and that's not a comfortable place to be.

RIP Mr. B.

Love ya,
Edie

####
Sarah in NC. Nice article. Isn't it great to read something that seems to be out of genuine feeling? There have been many this past week.

I believe this writer, like many other people were left confused, and that's not a comfortable place to be.

RIP Mr. B.

Love ya,
Edie

Sorry about the duplication.

DUE TO EXTREME COLD,RACING HAS BEEN CANCELED AT PHILADELPHIA PARK.

Looks like Hawty Creek and Boxcar will have to run another day!!

I can't believe it's been a week since Barbaro has been gone.

I guess it's getting easier-I still think of him all the time and miss him so.

Bless the Jacksons and Dr. Richardson- and especially our dear Bobby-God be with you.

I really miss him, just like everyone else! I've been reading every article in every newspaper across the country that has been written through my Google Alerts about Barbaro...
To All FOB's...stay warm with thoughts of our boy running across green grass with the sunshine on his face!

Alex - ordered the book you recommended. Thanks!

###

Sarah from NC

Although I haven't read the article you posted above, I did read the excerpt..."unassuming" is the last adj. I would choose to describe Dr. R!!!

It just made me giggle a little. Thanks. :)

*********

Stay warm all you great people, and four leggeds. And have a blessed day.

Oh, I got my Barbaro beanie baby yesterday(from ebay) in the mail, and the very kind lady who sent it also sent me a condolence card as well, with a very nice message insided. I am continually amazed at the scope of people this horse reached. He truly has left his mark and it shows itself in the most unsuspect places.

Missing the boy, badly.

Hang in there everyone.

Alex: forgot to add: I too ordered the book. Can't wait to get it. Thanks for the recommendation. Stay warm, all: j

A very grateful and appreciative thanks to Alex for the great work he continues to do.

Thanks also, via Alex, for the Hennegans clips.
It's wonderful to see Barbaro in his perfect form.

I want to remember him that way.

Alex, thanks for the video clips of Beautiful Barbaro. He looks so handsome and healthy. I was so sad this morning when I woke up. I feel so much better seeing those clips of beloved Barbaro.
I can't wait to see the film.

Barbaro, I still hurt so much for you. I love you so much. I know you are happy and pain-free. I would give anything to change the outcome, but I can't. I have a big colored picture of you framed and I have an angel collection. I put your picture right in the center of the angels. It gives me some comfort to know you are right with the angels. I love you so much and I miss you terribly!!!!

Good morning everyone, it is really cold here in Pittsburgh -4. Stay warm today.

Good morning Barbaro, have a wonderful day in Heaven. God Bless, love and miss you.

Alex, thanks for everything.

Good Morning FOB's

Anti Slaughter Update.....

House of Representatives:
We have 99 co-sponsors. HR503 is currently in two committees: Energy & Commerce Committee and the Agricultural Committee.

Senate:
We now have 17 co-sponsors. (the latest 3 senators (Leiberman, Feinstein and Bayh) may not appear on the list yet.
S311 is in the Commerce, Science & Transportation Committee.

It has been suggested that, along with contacting our own representatives (one congressman and two senators), we also contact the leadership of these committees and urge them to get their respective bills out of committee and to a vote.

LINKS TO THESE COMMITTEE MEMBERS WILL FOLLOW SHORTLY.

If anyone has new co-sponsors, please share the good news. Each new co-sponsor is AWFB (Another Win For Barbaro)

I understand we have more information about the pro-slaughter movement. It will be posted shortly.

Shelley and Debra

S 311 now has 19 cosponsors - 5 more then yesterday.

Newest cosponsors

Maria Cantwell (WA)
Sherrod Brown (OH)
Joe Lieberman (CT)
Dianne Feinstein (CA)
Ted Stevens (AK)

Big Boy, a week later the intensity of the love we all have for you has not diminished. Trust me, it won't. You brought so much good to this country at a time when we are in complete disarray.

Love you always

Stay warm everyone! I grew up in the midwest and so remember those below zero temps!

Off to work.

If it's a slow day at the office I'm going to bug my congressmen. In the name of our warrior horse Barbaro.

# Just a reminder:

Please check the thread on the discussion board in the General Folder entitled "Artwork for Dr. R"

Thanks. See ya tonight.

Yay! Sherrord Brown (OH) signed up! Thanks, Edie, I hadn't heard that.

laura

Good morning, Alex,dear Barbaro, and our Barbaro fans. Miss you terribly, sweet prince.
Thank you Alex, for continuing to keep us informed not only about the Barbaro tributes, but, the rest of the horses we are interested in.

Question for Alex or anyone..

Do you know how to order the book on the last update so that part of the proceeds go toward maintaining this site and other horse issues? Do you just click on the link or is there a step in Amazon that will tell them Alex recommended it?

Alex-Could you maybe post the book link one more time on this page so people who missed it can see it?

Speaking of questions, I read Alex's FAQ page and found answers to lots of questions I've asked on this site.

Good Morning Fellow FOB's:

I was inspired to create a video montage for dear Barbaro to remember him in all his magnificent glory. I would like to share it with everyone here. Making it has helped me to deal with my grief.

Good Morning Barbaro....

I heard you had a wonderful night...have fun, Big Boy...we hope you are running like the wind...

Good Morning Fans/Family..
I pray everyone is doing good today..a new day, new beginnings.

Alex...stay warm..you are our knight....(what book??)

Hawty Creek and Box Car...you stay warm...plus everyone...this weather is so brutal...I pray all of you are safe plus our animals that are out in this bitter cold.

Please do not forget we have unfinished tasks...call, fax, email, and shout top of our lungs...Barbaro Bill...will be passed...rescues will be funded, and lamintis will be cured.

Wonderful day...WE ARE THE HOUSE THAT BARBARO BUILT...WE ARE PROUD....WE LOVE, AND WE CARE.

Have a wonderful, blessed day...cannot wait to hear from Equine Heaven...and Barbaro today..

Alex--Thanks so much for the book recommendation (in update 199). I assume any other books we buy at the same time after using your direct link will ALSO be credited to you? There are many others I want to add to my "vast" collection, so figured I'd buy them at the same time if it helps out!

Thank you for EVERYTHING!

Keep warm today Alex.

We miss you, Barbaro. Dr. R and Barbaro are both heroes of mine.

Daphne and Pee

Good morning Sweet Barbaro!!! Yes, I still rub your nose every morning, have you framed in my living room, pet my Barbaro beanie, am waiting for my Barbaro mouse pad, and am putting together another collage of my favorite Barbaro pics. You're spirit is alive and I fell you all around. SWEET BARBARO YOU ROCK!!! Take it easy on the fillies up there in horsey heaven big guy.

Good morning all. Did Stu say warm in Boston? Brrr!

P.S. I still have Barbaro's little brother on my desktop and it makes me smile every morning, each day is a little better!

I'll have to watch the 7th Barbaro clip when I arrive home from work. Just can't wait to watch this clip. They are the best.

Daphne

Thanks for the H clips of our boy. It's nice to see him.

Good Morning Alex and all FOB; My first post but had to let everyone know how much I appreciate the information and news posted on this site by Alex and others who loved Barbaro. Each day I still find myself going to this website first thing to read somehow expecting to read another comfortable night but not so. Just being able to continue to read about the weather and news at Fair Hill though does make the loss of Barbaro easier. He became such a part of our lives and letting go will take time like losing a good friend. Again thanks Alex for understanding how so many feel and how horse racing has become a bigger part of many who may not have ever shown an interest had it not been for BARBARO!

Good morning Alex and all FoB's. I really do miss beautiful Bobby, but I know that he's now pain free.

I've been away for few days, so someone may have already posted this link. If so, I apologize. Below is a link to a piece on Barbaro that was done by Roger Rosenblatt for the Lehrer NewsHour:

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/media/jan-june07/barbaro_02-02.html

Good Morning All!

Barbaro did you accidentally leave the fridge door open in Heaven?

It is brutally cold here in New York!

Ro & Brady

Good Morning Alex, just watching the film clips of Barbaro. He really did like the cammera. He noticed everything. I really miss him. Hope all is well. Thank you so much for not closing this board yet. I really need it.

To all Ohio Fans of Barbaro. Call or email a thank you to Sherrod Brown for sponsoring the anti- slaughter bill.

DeWine wouldn't commit, but we now have Brown, who replaced him, committed. We just have to work on Voinovich. La Tourette is once again on board. Let's make it three for three.

Brrrr from icy-cold NE Ohio. - 5 with the sun shining. My Jacks love to play in the snow, but not the last three days. I can barely coax them to go out.

Everyone in the Ohio, PA, NY snow belt stay safe and warm.

###
Patricia. Welcome to the greatest family on Earth.

Hope you keep comming back

Repost from Monday night
####
Nancy in CT

CC's update (1/24/2007)
" He is available for adoption. The injury to right rear (tendon shealth rupture) will probably prevent him from being ridden. He did accept the saddle and cinching. CC and Stan get along well and play together. "

Jennifer from HSMO says emails will be sent in a few days to those who registered for emails with HSMO. Updates will be given and pictures will be included, two of the horses are being ridden. This is such good news!!

Amy A Barbaro

Thank you Amy is wonderful!

Good morning, 0 degrees in Saratoga Springs, NY.
Hug your pets today (and everyday)!

just finished the outside my refrigerator with pictures and headlines of Barbaro for all who to visit to read about the legacy of this wonderful horse.

Also am having a Barbara Livingston picture of him framed to go next to Funny Cide for the living room (this one will be hard to look at without tearing up).

STILL cannot look at the video clips or pictures. When will that stop? I want to be able to see him without getting so upset.

I will be faxing the MO legislators today, we've got Claire McCaskill now who has replaced Talent - Talent did not support this bill. But I am really hopeful that Claire will. Would love to see her name on the list of co-sponsors. Anyone else in MO please send your letters to Claire!

Stay warm. I guess I feel fortunate here in St. Louis to be waking up to a balmy 17 degrees.

Please say a prayer for the condition of Sweetening, who went down in the 9th at Fair Grounds yesterday, with my own favorite Emma-Jayne Wilson aboard. Prayers for your speedy recovery EJ.

The good news is that Sweetening was not PTS on the track, but there is no word about injuries.

I feel a 'lightening' of the grief since the one week anniversary passed of the death of Barbaro.

He's still constantly in my thoughts, and what could be done to prevent laminitis in an injured horse. I "see" a pad on the floor under the horse that can monitor the pressure on each hoof, connected to a computer that can calculate the danger point and sound a warning. After that, I'm not sure if a sling could be made for just one leg to take the pressure off. Any inventors out there?????

Good morning sweet colt! I'm sure it's nice & warm where you are. Enjoy the sun on your back & the fresh daily batch of buttercups. Love you, Barbaro.

Alex~ bundle up & keep warm!! It IS cold!

#### Donna in caNADA - or maybe, lithium-battery powered shoes that record the pressure of each individual hoof... I think I know what PTS means, (does it mean euthanized?), but can you translate for me?

Sheila,
I am the same way--cannot watch any video of Barbaro at all. Can only look at photos. And if God forbid there is music to them, I am done. My heart just breaks. Maybe one day we will be able to look at the videos & smile & remember how wonderful he was. But for now, it hurts too much!!

Amy A

thanks for the beautiful video--i loved the Josh Groban song--it was so moving

Good Morning Barbaro - I love you!

Good Morning all FOB's - hope you have a nice day!

Does anyone know if there are wristbands for Barbaro still available? I had emailed to the Barbaro Wristband Fundraiser, but did not receive a response. Just wondering if that has not been completed. Thanks.

Pam

###

Wonderful news Rosemary....stay warm...and thank you...

What a gift the Hennegan brothers have given the world with all this candid footage of Bobby.

If you are in touch with them, Alex, please thank them.

#####

Amy, just beautiful. I didn't have the sound on, the music would have brought me to tears. It's still so hard to look at B's pictures. I don't know when I'll be able to without a tear.

Good morning angel...you are missed so much.

New meaning for ACN... ANOTHER COLD NIGHT!

Good morning FOBs. Still missing our boy, still hurting. Do believe he is at his happiest. Vision of him in heaven makes the hurt less.

Horse Hands Across America and the World!
Keep the Faith!
God spoke "Horse" and it was amazing!

OK, I have bought everything Barbaro I possibly could without breaking the bank.

Ro & Brady

Amy A.,
Thanks for the wonderful video. Of course there are tears. Thank you also for not putting in the Preakness. I just can't watch that anymore.

Rosemary,
I will email Sherrod Brown.

Alex,
I was wondering about ordering other books from Amazon. I want to preorder the Barbaro books coming out and if it helps out this site I will do it that way.

Rosemarie,
You made me laugh in a week where laughs have been few.

God bless all.

Good Morning Sweet Barbaro - Miss You So but know you are running free.

Hurt is not stopping yet.

Alex and all FOB's in midwest and back east - stay warm. Glad they cancelled races today.

Almost embarrassed to say here in Southern California it is going to be 75 degrees.

Thinking of you all and the animals - stay warm

Amy,

Thank you for "You're Still You". You have most of my favorite photos included. Awesome!!

Janice
A forever Barbaro fan

####
LINDA posted yesterday at Timestamp 11:25 PM:
"Loretta, I read Nancy in Ct's post and you missed a key phrase - she said "I would imagine". To me that means that is how she envisioned it, she's not saying that is what happened."

DEAR LINDA-
With all due respect, I'm afraid you're mistaken. I did not "miss" that "key phrase". In fact, it is clear from my comments that I was well aware of it. Had you given my post more than just a cursory glance, you would have noticed that I chose my words carefully. Thus, it is YOU who missed some of MY "key phrases", and not the other way around. I shall explain.

First, though, it is not my intent to belabor the issue here, but fair is fair. If you'll be so kind as to reread my post to Nancy, you'll see my usage of two specific nouns that reveal that I did NOT "miss" her "key phrase": "I would imagine".

For ex., I wrote in one sentence, "I'm sure your SENSE of what Dr. R and the Jacksons did that morning..." (emphasis mine); and in another sentence, "...your NOTION of what happened..." (emphasis mine). Had I "missed" Nancy's "key phrase", as you mistakenly assumed, I would not have chosen those specific nouns: SENSE and NOTION, both of which support my recognition of her phrase, "I would imagine".

Merriam-Webster defines NOTION as: "An individual's conception or impression of something known, experienced, or IMAGINED" (emphasis mine). Since Nancy did say "imagine", it is obvious that I did not "miss" that, as you would have one believe. The dictionary also defines SENSE as: "Sensation, feeling, mechanism of PERCEPTION" (emphasis mine). Therefore, since I indicated, by my choice of words, that she "perceived" something, or "felt" something, then it could not follow that I also indicated that she meant that Dr. R. or the Jacksons actually verbalized something that they did not verbalize. She "perceived", "sensed" or, in her own words, "imagine(d)" what they said. Quite obviously, I did not "miss" that.

I also said more than once in my post that her "sense" or "notion" was probably accurate. And I stated that my concern was of a cautionary nature, so that "...in our attempt to illustrate the peaceful scene that most assuredly took place around Barbaro, that we be careful not to put words in Dr. R's mouth that were not said during the press conference." Please NOTE, Linda: I did not say to Nancy that she put words in Dr. R's mouth, rather that I was CAUTIONING ALL OF US (I said "WE") to be CAREFUL NOT to do that.

Additionally, not only did I thank Nancy for her comments, but I also closed by telling her that I appreciated her "efforts to bring comfort and peace to all who are grieving." And I reiterated my concern that Dr. R's comments not be "embellished" with statements that he didn't say. Again, the purpose of that statement was to alert her to the possibility that her imagined scenario could be misunderstood by other readers.

Perhaps, Linda, had you read my post more thoroughly, and given it the same careful reading that I gave to Nancy's, you would not have assumed, erroneously, that I "missed" something in her post, that I did not miss.

It is exactly because of careless reading -- whether intentional or unintentional -- that I issued a "CAUTION" to Nancy in the first place, so that she could take into consideration that some readers might mistakenly conclude that Dr. R and/or the Jacksons actually said the things that Nancy imagined, perceived, or sensed that they said. The issue is not that Nancy's comments are innocuous, rather that they not be misunderstood, for the sake of Dr. R. and M/M Jackson. Obviously, you "missed" that point.

My post to Nancy was not written to criticize her own (as it seems yours was, with regard to mine), it was simply to alert her to the fact -- as said above -- that many times, posts are not read thoroughly or carefully, resulting in a distorted view of the facts.

One wonders why you felt compelled to JUDGE my post, when it wasn't even addressed to you, without even bothering to put forth the effort required to UNDERSTAND it, which is clear from your hastily dashed off one-liner to me. I read Nancy's post thoroughly...more than once...before commenting on it. But you did not give mine the same consideration, or you would not have arrived at the false conclusion that you did.

One wonders also why you would set out to DEFEND a post, which needed no defense, because it was not under attack by anyone...certainly not by me.

Ideas get misstated, misjudged, and misapprehended on this board all too frequently. But that would not happen if folks were not so quick to judge another's post without THOROUGHLY READING it and making more than a half-hearted attempt at UNDERSTANDING it. One would be well advised to take these things into consideration. Respectfully submitted.

###
Wishing all my FOB family residing in cold climate areas were here with me. Sunny with a projected 83 in the Palm Springs area.
Reagardless of the temps it is always cozy to be in the HOUSE THAT BARBARO BUILT. Everybody...stay safe and warm.
Please....we need to convince our House & Senate Reps to get on board and co-sponsor the Barbaro Bill. Reach out to friends, family and anybody you can think of out of state.

83>?? wow, it was -10 when I woke up this morning in Ohio!!! send some of that here!!! PLEASE!! now we have a snow storm coming, I am soooo tired of this stuff!!!

Good news, they canceled races at Philly and other tracks today!! Too cold

Amy A. in NJ - thanks for the beautiful video in tribute to Barbaro.

Hennegan Brothers - thanks so much for sharing the clips...and hope that your documentary will find a sponsor/funding/venue and a large audience soon!

Alex - bought the book you recommended, and so glad that we can help the site this way!

To all FOB's - thanks for every single comment, poem, video, parable, story, prayer, link, expression of love, info on what we can do, and word of action taken. Barbaro has indeed brought us together, and it is a great comfort to know there are others of like minds and hearts everywhere.

Somehow I think Barbaro finished all the tasks that were in his destiny, but WE each still have unfinished tasks to do, in his honor and memory. It is our responsibility and our privilege.

Hi Alex and Everyone in the house that Barbaro built.
Sheila: I am the same way with the videos.... It is just going to take time....... that's all.......

Barba..... How's my champ? I am going to the races today and gonna go see some of my 4 legged friends.... I may skate as well..... I am still hurting from falling on the ice Friday but I will prevail.... You have made me stronger than EVER......... Tell Slew to go ahead and leave me a message on my voice mail to let me know the stats on the phone numbers for you and tell Sea Biscuit and Secretariat that I am waiting on the emails..........
My beautiful Barbaro.... your brother is sooooooooooooooooooooo cute...... aaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh same eyes......

Renee: Did your house get raided today? I have one bag left of peppermint candy.......

All you guys that are freezing over there, hop on a jet and come see me..... We will have a slumber party till it warms up for you guys.......... Man I can just imagine that weather..... I couldn't take Minneapolis...... NOT AT ALL...... Spent one winter there and NEVER again....... Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My Sweet Angel Barbaro 4-EVER..............

Good morning sweet Barbaro, I'm feeling a little less sad today. Seeing the video's of you has helped. You are in your prime and so beautiful and strong. We all miss you so very much and will love you for all eternity. God has you with him now, and as I've heard said before, run with the wind sweet colt!

Amy A: Thank you, thank you. Such a beautiful tribute to our boy.

Alex: Stay warm! It looks like we all are getting bombarded with the cold; even here in KY we are expecting 6 inches of snow today. Brrrrr!

Big Boss Horse in the Sky: We miss you terribly Barbaro, every day. God bless and keep you. We are fighting under your banner!!

Keep warm all FOBs. Lots to do.

###

Loretta please watch your "tongue" lashing of people, I really don't want to see your postings degenerate to what they were a couple of months ago.

It's a balmy 28 degrees in South Carolina this morning.

Amy - that montage is beautiful. It brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for sharing it with us.

Nancy in PA - I had a Great Dane, Carolina, who had bone cancer. She lasted only three months after the diagnosis. I knew that last day from looking in her eyes that she was in just too much pain to go on. She was 9 years old and I'll never forget her.

How do you get the videos on youtube to play? I'm not having any success at that. I have to bring it up on my computer at home which is dial up. Could that be the problem? I would appreciate any help here as I would love to see the videos of our boy.

I'll be checking in later to see if anyone has any helpful hints for me.

Also - for the horse racing folks out there. I was interested in how horses get qualified for the Triple Crown races. I always wondered about that and when the list came out a day or so ago of the nominees for this year I started thinking about it again. If anyone knows how this works I would like to hear from you.

Proud to be an FOB!!!

Good morning everyone.
Good morming big boy.
I just wanted to thank everyone for being here. thanx to Alex as well.
Alex...I was glad to see that our boy BRETT is coming back for another year. Go Packers!!! Okay, I digress.

I bought a Barbaro Beanie Baby the other day. I didn't even know they exhisted before I came to this site. Guess I need to get out more, huh? I have learned a great deal from reading all of your posts.

I have figured out almost all of the acronyms so many people use here, except for one. Would someone please tell me what the acronym for ACN is?

Thank you all again for being here. You have helped me cope with my grief more than you know.

Sabra in Nv

Good morning to everyone and I hope everyone in cold weather will be able to keep warm enough. I wish I could read more of the comments sections but I can only get on in the mornings, for some reason I can only get to the discussion boards in the evenings. So I miss a lot, I only get bits and pieces of the conversations here but I want to at least say good morning once a day and thank Alex for being here and letting us be here.

###DORA CROW, you might not have to fiddle with the little sliding thing while the videos load. I just open another window and read other stuff while a video is loading. Once in a while I will hear a snatch of sound as it loads, is all that happens. Then finally the whole thing will be loaded and I can push play and watch it as many times as I like. I'm so glad I can watch the videos now, only I am afraid the Hennegan brothers videos will make me cry so I haven't tried to watch them yet.

Barbaro we miss you.

###
Anita,
PTS = Put to sleep

#### Sabra - ACN = Another Comfortable Night

Good Morning Barbaromaniacs,
If anyone has a few extra hot flashes I'll take them. It is sooooooooo cold. Burrrrrr. Another day of sunshine, Barbaro is outdoing himself.

Amy,
Your video was beautiful, I love Josh Groban.

Good Morning Sweet Spirit Barbaro,
Have fun today. Just be careful of what hand you bite up there in heaven. I love you and miss you terribly.

Nina,
I woke up this morning, the fridge door was open my pears were gone and the cores were on the counter, a few wrappers were in the bathroom. he leaves his trail. OMG my trail mix!

LINKS FOR SHELLELY A

HOUSE AGRICULTURAL COMMITTEE

FROM SHELLEY A

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND COMMERCE

Good Morning, FOB's!

Am glad to see today's racing was cancelled. Was worrying about Mr. Boxcar and Miss Hawty out in this cold. This is the first day in 11 days that I don't have to go outside for more than a few minutes. The cats are thrilled that I'm home today.

To the Hennegan Bros. - thank you so much for the film clips. It helps deal with the sadness to see Barbaro around the people who love him.

Amy- your video also brought the tears, but they are tears of love.

Alex, keep warm. Give all the horses big hugs from me.

Healing, Love, Peace,
ONS,
Lyn Gilbert

503 HOUSE CO SPONSORS">

###DALE,
I cross-posted with you but see my note to Dora Crow just above on how to watch videos with a dial-up. I used to think I couldn't do it either but I found out I can. It works, it just takes a really, really long time to load them.

###SABRA,
ACN means A Comfortable Night for Barbaro at New Bolton Clinic (NBC), I feel funny explaining because I am only a newcomer here too but I don't want to ignore your question which is in the last post as I am typing this. It was what everyone looked forward to and hoped to see in the morning updates.

OOSPY, I LEFT MY HR (503) OFF THE ABOVE, BUT U ALL KNOW WHAT I MEAN. :>)

THANKS,
LUV,
cHERYL G

Has anyone posted this yet?

http://www.upenn.edu/almanac/volumes/v53/n21/barbaro.html

Remembering Barbaro: ‘America’s Horse’ Who Touched the World
February 6, 2007, Volume 53, No. 21 Print Issue

FROM SHELLEY A-

SENATE COSPONSORS

Lynda,
Thank you for the link.

Thank you Lynda,

Janice
A forever fan of Barbaro

To all FOBs,

I worked for a veterinarian for 16 years and unfortunately had to hold too many animals that had to be put to sleep after sickness and injuries.

I want you all to know that in my mind there are NOT memories of a painful ending. They simply close their eyes as if they are going to sleep. And because of the emotions involved by the family the doctor and me was always compelled to treat the animal in nothing but a loving way. It was like the animal was our pet too. Touching and speaking lovingly was always the norm.

If you have any doubts, please let me put your mind at ease. Putting a pet to sleep becomes another part of loving your pet when they can no longer live happily and without pain.

Horse Hands Across America and the World!
Keep the Faith!
God spoke "Horse" and it was amazing!

Good morning all,

Have a joyful day in honor of Barbaro.

Alex, I bought the book. Thanks.

Sally in Louisiana

Calling on all New Yorkers to please call your representative and Senators Clinton and Schumer to get on board. Congresswoman Maloney (my district) is a co-sponsor.

Ro & Brady

LYNDA P, THANKS FOR THAT LINK, I LOVE THAT PHOTO OF MR. BARBARO AND DR. DEAN!! :>)
GREAT ARTICLE AND SO TRUE!!!!

LOVE YA ALL,
CHERYL G

Hi Ro

will do---Congresswoman Maloney is my district also!

linda

Good morning, sweet Boy. We love you so much!

Good morning Alex, FOB's. Keep warm and safe wherever you are.

Thanks Linda......going to call Congressman John Hall's Office in NY this morning.

Good morning, Big Boy, is it as cold up there by you as it is down here by all us FOBs?

Ken Z

Thanks Linda......going to call Congressman John Hall's Office in NY this morning.

Good morning, Big Boy, is it as cold up there by you as it is down here by all us FOBs?

Ken Z

It is O degrees here today and now it is starting to snow! Picked up the People magazine at the grocery store last night. It has a really nice tribute to Bobby.

Stay warm,

Patti
Schaumburg, IL

Thanks Patti, I'll be sure to pick-up a copy of People :)

Good Morning FOB's

Anti Slaughter Update.....

House of Representatives:
We have 99 co-sponsors.  HR503 is currently in two committees: Energy & Commerce Committee and the Agricultural Committee.
Senate:
We now have 17 co-sponsors. (the latest 3 senators (Leiberman, Feinstein and Bayh) may not appear on the list yet.
S311 is in the Commerce, Science & Transportation Committee. 

It has been suggested that, along with contacting our own representatives (one congressman and two senators), we also contact the leadership of these committees and urge them to get their respective bills out of committee and to a vote.

LINKS TO THESE COMMITTEE MEMBERS WILL FOLLOW SHORTLY.

If anyone has new co-sponsors, please share the good news.  Each new co-sponsor is AWFB (Another Win For Barbaro)

Shelley and Debra

Hey Lovely Fans of Barbaro!
Please write this "man" (and I'm using that word loosely) who wrote this heartless piece on Barbaro...IT HAS TO GO!

Someone has to make these people accountable, or at least considerate. Thanks.

Joe at TB Friends, continuation of his musings yesterday on the fate of the horses...

------------------

Tuesday, February 6th... Mixed messages. Some say the horse world is rebounding, and prices will zoom. Some say the horse world suffers from over population, and slaughter will continue. We are in the middle. The good and bad. Fade To Blue was a major race horse, and it was two years ago when we brought him to our ranch. Below on the left is a picture of Fade To Blue on the day he arrived. Dave Barrett provided the shipping. After 9 months of let down time, we found Fade To Blue a wonderful home with a girl who jumps and trains. Her name is Alice, and she has adopted several horses from us in the past. Alice is young, still in college, and yesterday she phones because of my morning journal. Yesterday I wrote how some horses are doing really well, as they are resold and climb the performance ladder. The horse market seems to be taking a nice turn. On the phone Alice says she sold Fade To Blue to an Olympic jumper, and she received enormous money. Like winning the lotto. Alice said she cried and cried. Fade To Blue was not even for sale. But the money offered was unreal, and she has college loans to pay off. Fade To Blue is now living in a fancy fancy barn. His own personal groom.

I phoned the lady who bought Fade To Blue and she says sure, when his career is over he can return to Woodland and live in our fly infested fields. Of course our fly infested fields will probably be a housing development. Maybe a 7-11 where our driveway once was. The lady says she expects Fade To Blue to have a long and rewarding career. The lady tells me not to hold my breath...

Good for Fade To Blue. Not so good for many other horses we deal with. And hear about. The other side of our current horse market. Here we go. If you cannot afford one more horse, then please do not call. Sarah McDowell, Jodi Tuft, Brian Gill, or myself will come a knocking. We screen very carefully...

There is an older thoroughbred gelding who can never be ridden.

There is an older thoroughbred mare who is pregnant, and due to foal in March.

Another thoroughbred gelding who is chronically lame, and he can never be ridden.

An unbroke two year old filly, not sure of her breed.

An unbroke three year old gelding, not sure of his breed.

All of the above are free.

I keep a list of important phone calls. I am old and blemished, so everything is written down. Since January 1st there have been 74 callers who ask me to take their horses. Some threaten to have their horses killed. Or shipped off to slaughter, or a local auction. Emotional blackmail. These horses are also free.

Call if you can help. I am currently working 20 hours a day, and I love to gab on the phone. But please be serious. And remember, there is never really a free horse. They are expensive to maintain. Most will no doubt need dental work. Vaccinations and trims. Gobs of groceries. Your wallet will take a hit.

My cell is 530-383-2120. Our dial up computer is disfunctional, so please phone instead of writing.

It is Tuesday, and we might see rain tonight or tomorrow. An American Idol night. The Kings have won three in a row. Enjoy your day and be sure to hug your horses. Raleys has an apple coffee cake on sale, and it is the size of a large pizza. Good stuff. Thought you should know...

---------------

His website has the photos... TB Friends

Good morning Barbaro, F.O.B.s and Alex,
Well, I am almost embarassed to tell you the temperature in L.A. yesterday(can you say 90). The weather man began the news by saying we are 100 plus degrees hoter than much of the country.
Please stay warm, keep your fur babies in and have a good albeit cold day in the name of our boy, Barbaro

It's tough not hearing "ACN." I'm still strugging and have to check in here at least twice a day. God bless all of you.

Sunday was Lost in the Fog's birthday, and I just seem unable to get these two beautiful shooting stars off my mind. I wrote Fog a note...

Dear Fog,

I went to GGF on Sunday to see your big sister, BRITE 'N HAPPY, race in person. There was Harry with his cowboy hat and jeans and boots, hands in his pockets as always, as you remember. BRITE 'N HAPPY sure is a pretty girl, with a blaze like yours, too. She had a good fight right up close, and was third by a hair from second, and almost first! Your little brother, VICARINO, is recovering from a stray limp a couple of weeks ago, but I know Harry was hoping he could send him out to help keep the family going - VIC is resting up, but you know, he has awfully big shoes to fill. Nearly every track he will race has sprint records that YOU set! He might even get to race in the stakes race in Arizona that has been named for you!

We can't forget little sister VICTORINA who is also pushing the family name, and REALLY little sister QUITE A RUSH who gets people very excited when she wins with a blaze on her face which reminds people of you! People laugh because Harry keeps naming horses very similar names and everyone gets tongue tied! You remember SMOKEY STOVER, who was always in the back behind you, learning the ropes when you were out - SMOKIN' them yourself? Well, he's trying hard to figure out how you won those sprints so easily - and he did the family proud a week ago, winning a Sunshine Millions race over some guys who've been around a while and thought they had it wired! Of course, whenever anyone mentioned SMOKEY, they mentioned you! I swear, I don't know if those kids are going to be able to get past this high barrier of convincing the racing public that they can measure up to YOU! Speaking of SMOKEY and funny names, Harry, because he misses you so much, went out and found another little boy he has named SNUFFY SMITH for another of those cartoon characters he remembers from when HE was a boy reading the comics! So you'll have a big family out there trying to make up for your loss - they all know HOW MUCH Harry misses you, he still has that sadness in his eyes, and your wonderful groom still wears the jacket with your name on it when he walks the horses in the paddock before the race. Whenever your name comes up, Harry says, "There will never be another Fog".

Greg is still hurting, too, but I guess you would know that. You were just his favorite horse ever, and he was so proud to have helped you travel the country and see the sights. He always thought of your welfare, you know, and it still tears up both Harry and Greg that they didn't know you were sick - they know you didn't want them to worry about you, and since you are such a warrior you thought it was the right thing to do.

One thing is for sure, Fog, you sure did make the stars shine brighter, and you shot through here, in Northern California, like a superstar but you always remembered your roots. We know you loved it here, and whenever the fog comes in the Golden Gate and drifts across the Bay, softly moving around the backside at Golden Gate Fields, we think of you. It is amazing to think you traveled so far in such a short time, but we always welcomed you home where we knew you loved it and you were so incredibly loved.

You, dear boy, and your East Coast brother, BARBARO, have enriched our world in ways we can only begin to count. In your leaving you have both achieved a greatness we could only have imagined in our dreams. You will never be forgotten.

Until we meet again, happy birthday in the higher realms... Say hello to all those new and old friends at the Birthday Races, especially BARBARO and GALLANT SECRET and PINE ISLAND and EXCESS IN THE CITY and KNIGHTS TEMPLAR, your special charge... In the meantime, we'll keep a hopeful eye on your family left here on earth, and give Harry and Greg comfort that you will never be forgotten.

You're ever in our dreams...

Shelley, missing the Fog, in Northern California

####
JONNA-
Thank you so much for your post last night telling me where Seabiscuit is buried. That's really intriguing. I think they used Hillenbrand's book to write the screenplay for the movie. Thanks for reminding me about the book. I have not had a chance to read it yet, but sure would like to do so, esp. since Seabiscuit didn't end up like our poor Barbaro.

Good morning eveyone.
It's cold here in Cincinnati too. It was 1 this morning and going to get about 5 inches of snow.
Have some info on HS for you, you may have not seen.
Fist I wanted to respond to Dale in Aiken:
Yes dial up is the problem, several have posted about it and for those of us not lucky enough to have broadband, the best way to get the video's is to have "A LOT" of patients, but it is worth it. You can do what I do. I open another page and let it load and click back here (or wherever I may be) and let it load in the background. Once it has fully loaded it will begin to play. On my computer you can hear the music or talking without any breaks and then you know its ready, other wise you can click back and forth between pages until it has loaded. Hopes this helps :)

I will be emailing Sharrod Brown to thank him for getting on board on HS.

Below are some sites to link to on HS that may help some of you. Also the updated version of the anti HS booklet is available from Michelle. If you would like to get it you can go to the forum and post to me (verna9060) and request a copy, I will be happy to send it. Please be sure to include your email address in your request.
Thanks and keep warm... except for 83 in Calif. haha.

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

www.endhorseslaughering.com

www.saplonline.org

www.hsus.org

www.horse-protection.org

www.equineadvocates.com

http://www.netposse.com/index.html

www.fund4horses.org

www.kaufmanzoning.net/horsemeat

http://www.trfinc.org/news/TRF_WhitePaper.pdf

www.sharkonline.com

www.stopwyeth.org

www.commonhorsesense.com

http://tlo2.tlc.state.tx.us/statutes/docs/AG/content/htm/148.02

http://energycommerce.house.gov/reparchives/108/Hearings/07252006hearing1992/Hogan.pdf

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/story?id=2770416&page=1&CMP=OTC-RSSFeeds0312

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-wyeth30jan30,1,7798716.story?coll=la-headlines-business

Good morning FOB's !

Alex,

Could you create a link to a list of the books you recommend as you add them? It would be great to be able to find them without going through the archived posts.

Thanks, Alex !

Missing the life and light of Barbaro !

RUN HOOF RUN !
RUN LIKE THE WIND ON 4 HEALTHY LEGS !
ACN above !

Good new mantras . . .

Just got a response back on where to order the Barbaro car magnet. I was told to email swaleu@sbcglobal.net to order one.

I'll let you know what I find out.

Good morning all - wishing each of you a blessed and peaceful day. My prayers and thoughts are with all of you.

God bless........

Dear Alex:

Thank you for all the articles, videos, and insites on Barbaro that you give us access to.

We love them all, and can't get enough of reading about him, and hearing praise for our sweet, and special horse.

You are so kind to do this for us, and I am thankful. Especially you, because we know you loved him as much as we all do, and understood why we loved him so much.

We will forever miss him, but I am thankful that any pain he had is ended.

Much love to you Alex, may you always be blessed.

I MISS YOU SO MUCH MR. BARBARO, BUT AM WORKING ON ENDING HORSE SLAUGHTER TODAY!

THOUGHT I'D LINK THIS FOR LINDA P -- GOOD ARTICLE AND PIX OF MR. B!!!

LOVE YA,
CHERYL G

U PENN ALMANAC BARBARO ARTICLE

Thank you Alex for everything, I will order the book. So glad you and Hawty Creek can relax today and stay warmer inside. Glad she has found her appetite to stay strong for her future journey. Have contributed a larger amount to the laminitis fund yesterday at 10:30, and will continue doing so every 29th of the month in honour of our sweet Big B., who's courage, grace, dignity, humility, determination and indomitable spirit has been my constant inspiration in my own fight during all these last almost 9 months. My hearts is still so very heavy, but the desire to fulfill his legacy will give me strengh to move forward.
Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Jackson, Dr. R and NBC staff, Alex, Tim, Michael and Peter and staff, for letting ous share Barbaro's journey, I will always be gratefull. God bless my FOB family and 'Barbaro Champion of Our Hearts Forever I Love You'.

Jonna,
I hope all goes well at the vet. I have been involved with GH for the same time as you. Aren't they the best? Have you seen my favorite picture Meeting of the Racers? It is just beautiful.

####
LINDA LEE-
My cousin told me a story about his own pet that he took to have euthanized some years ago, and although I don't remember the details now, he told me the experience was so bad for his pet...apparently something went VERY WRONG, that he said he could NEVER do it again. So things don't always go well. Because of his experience, I hope I don't ever have to make that decision. His pet suffered before the drug took effect.

Sometimes I think I would like to be a Vet Tech, but wasn't it hard for you to do that aspect of the job? Also, did you ever have to assist in the euthanization of a HEALTHY pet, that the owner did not want anymore? I know some owners will try to go that route when they no longer want their pet, but I wonder how many Veterinarians would go along with that. I cannot imagine putting down a completely healthy pet. But I know that it is done by some owners. Please comment. Thanks!

I read these posts every day. We are and will always be F.O.B.s. He is still an inspiration. I have his matted and framed photo by Tom chapman in the living room, it is right by the door. I see it all the time. The light in his eyes! What a grand animal. I miss him.

Amy, thanks for your exquisite video about our glorious Barbaro. I had to watch it a couple of times to see it all through my tears. You captured him perfectly.

Dear Alex:
As always thankyou! This new tribute to Barbaro is simply heartbreaking, breathtaking and so true! Barbaro will always be alive and well in our hearts! From above he will always be by our side, guiding and helping us to continue in his legacy. It still hurts very much and I know it will for time to come.
Please stay warm and healthy, we need you!
May today be a sunnier day!
hugs;
Jenny

Dale in Aiken SC:

You don't ahahahahahaha!!!!! You have to download them to whatever player you want to use in your computer. At least that is what I have to do. I usally use Music Match Or Windows Media..... I had the same problem and it is weird but some of those videos play automatically but a lot of them have to be transfered to your own player....

Renee: Geeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeesh the pears.... Well my bananas are gone this morning. Barba left the skins on MY counter. Now I have to go out and get some more. Oh man I have trail mix too.... I better go check on that now............

Barba my Angel........... I need to hear from Sea Biscuit, Secretariat and Slew so that I can put some information here for everyone OK? That is the least you can do for eating all my bannanas and Renees pairs........ :-)

Love to All Nina.............

What happened with Barbaro will live in our minds and hearts forever. It's quite amazing what these animals do for their counterparts. How much they inspire us, and drive us.

My own horse, Bert, is a soon-to-be 29 year old Appaloosa who I rescued nearly 8 years ago in a knee deep mud pasture. At the time he was a chubby pasture horse, nearly forgotten by his owner who had this little blonde haired college girl coming by at an increasing rate stuffing him full of as many carrots and apples as the boy could eat. He and I developed a bond nearly instantly to which we carry to this day.

Technically I'm still not his owner as I can not afford to pay for his board and medical bills, but I am his care taker. His pseudo-owner. I make medical decisions for him. I was the one fighting his owner to get him on medicine to control his cushings disease when his owner thought treatment was 'useless'. The girl that totaled her car on the way home from the barn in a teriffic ice storm a few years ago because he needed to be blanketed. The girl who stood outside for 2 hours yesterday in -25* to get the boys feet trimmed. I'm not his owner, but I fully believe he's my mom.

About 3-4 years ago the years of knee deep mud before I came along had caught up to him. He has a problem in his right hind leg which is still "undiagnosed". I've had countless Vets look at him, enough x-rays to wall paper a room, ultrasounds, acupressure, acupuncture, endless hours of research done by myself and my current vet, you name it. Basically we think it's a chronic groin muscle pull. He walks normally, he's fully rideable, but when he stands, he leans severely on his left hind leg.

The final days of Barbaro hit close to home with me because of Bert. Laminitis has been my fear all along, and it usually takes as quickly as it shows up.

The story of Barbaro has had an impact on all of us. His saga, while captivating a nation, has also brought back two memories for me. The first is with Ruffian. I was young at the time but recall a certain match race between two horses. I remember the race well, not because I even knew who Ruffian was but because of what happened during the race and the unfortunate outcome. Subconsciously, it may have been one of those memories from childhood that propelled me to my current occupation- equine veterinarian. The second event was early in my veterinary career when our family's stallion fractured his leg. He underwent 3 surgeries and multiple cast changes and finally succumbed in a similar fashion- to laminitis of his other front leg. I remember the day to day decisions we had to make- is he comfortable, is he happy, what are the chances of recovery� I feel for the Jacksons, I know what they went through. I have also had the opportunity to be on the other side, talking with clients about their horses with serious conditions trying to help them make the best decision for their animal. Medicine, in some ways is like placing a bet on your favorite horse, though the stakes are much higher. You can have a favorite and have him lose or have a long shot and see him to victory. There are never certainties even with the simplest procedures. Because we have all seen miraculous recoveries from seemingly impossible odds we, as equine veterinarians, always hope for the improbable recovery, such a Barbaro's. But even more importantly, we make sure our human patients truly understand the odds and what the patient will endure in the process. Barbaro will live on in the hearts and minds of many of us. Like Ruffian, he will be remembered not only for his feats on the track but for his courage and strength after his injury. I hope that the Jacksons will be remembered as well- as owners who did the right thing. They let their horse tell them when it was time to let go.

David Trachtenberg, DVM
Ledgewood Equine Veterinary Clinic

With his words, everything my horse has taught me, Barbaro's legacy, Dr. Richardson's inspiration.. (provided I can find the funding) I will be going to vet school this fall to persue my dream of becoming a large animal vet.

HEY GUYS...

I received this tasteful video in an email from a fellow FOB...It shows the horses in their holding pens in Texas, awaiting slaughter.

It is a poignant reminder of what we are fighting for.

It gives links to other sites...I will only recommend the HSUS link because I did NOT visit the others for fear of seeing actual slaughter.

This is a nonviolent video that shows the horses standing in the pens. You will see that they appear to be horses that ANYONE would love to care for...Indeed, HSUS offered to take the horses...THE S/H OWNERS REFUSED...

www.kaufmanzoning.net/horsemeat/takemeaway020307.wmv

Thanks again, Alex. I still check in daily, great way to begin the day watching the Hennegan clips. Hope they try to enter the Cinequest Film Festival held in San Jose, CA every year.
Sincerely,
Moureen

Loretta,

The healing, helping, and saving lives WAY outweigh this part of the job.

This was 20 years ago and in cases that the owner did not want the animal we would try to find a home. Not always successful. Forms needed to be filled out before the euthanasia was done. I believe there are more cases of animals not being wanted now then 20 years ago. We are not people that are satisfied to love no matter what the responsibilities are.

Sorry for your cousin's experience. I will said now that I wish I have not bought this up in this forum, because I was trying to help folks feel better. I didn't think about folks having to relive some bad experience. I will say that if and when I need to make that decision the way it is done will not be a factor for me. The letting go will be.

Horse Hands Across America and the World!
Keep the Faith!
God spoke "Horse" and it was amazing!

Pamie,
It's Great to see you!

To Dale: I had dial up before and videos on youtube just took along time to load with stops and starts ( just let it go at it's own pace and you can view them) Have to admit though that dsl makes it all better. lol.
Thanks Alex for your efforts in keeping site. Stay warm......
I Believe in Barbaro!

###

can someone give me the addresses of Senator Hutchison and Senator Cornyn.

doing alot of flyers and putting copies of postcards so individuals can mail or email to them...

yes...email addresses...too...PLEASE

Thank you CHERYLG for the blue link!!!

####
kay-
my post was not addressed to you, but it was not disrespectful; it was accurate and articulate. It is my duty to correct a misunderstanding of my own post. The only tongue lashing I see here, is that which you yourself have engaged in...which is totally unwarranted. But when people are incapable of presenting their thoughts in a coherent manner, they lash out at others who can.

Please be so kind as to read my post from last night, so that you will know what I'm referring to. Otherwise, feel free to scroll past the comments that do not interest you. Thanks!

Amy:

I do not want to cry anymore, but your video of Barbaro was amazing. The tears came anyway.

Barbaro was here on this earth for such a short time, but my gosh, he touched us so deeply. You brought out his personality so well. His playfulness, his athleticism, his humor, his energy. Thank you Amy and God bless.

****

Hey Renee...I just made a huge post, which is being "held" for review...in order to prevent MALICIOUS posting...Good Grief...You'd think by now they would know that my posts are as pure as the driven snow...LOL...After all, I haven't mentioned our BELOVED DR DEAN in quite some time!

Good morning, Sweet Prince! I see you were on the prowl for snacks again last night. I have some missing apples that no one will own up to,hmmmmm, and I see Renee and Nina have been raided as well. You are naughty but we love you anyway.

Judy

Slaughterhouse Resumes Killing Horses After Court Upholds Ban
on Sale of Horsemeat for Human Consumption

Belgian-Owned Dallas Crown Ignored HSUS Offer to Take Custody of Horses Stuck in Pipeline and Place them at Horse Sanctuaries

WASHINGTON (Feb. 5, 2007) – Despite an offer by The Humane Society of the United States to take custody of approximately 100 horses caught for up to two weeks in the slaughter pipeline after a federal court ruling upheld a Texas state law banning the sale of horsemeat for human consumption, Kaufman-based Dallas Crown, Inc. resumed slaughtering the animals this
afternoon. A trailer from Cosco Container Lines Americas, Inc. was seen parked outside the plant, but it is unclear whether the horsemeat will be shipped overseas for human consumption,
which is illegal in Texas.

The HSUS wrote to Cosco late Friday and informed the company that shipping horsemeat for human consumption is illegal in the state Texas. The HSUS also received a letter of confirmation
today from Delta Air Lines that it has ceased the shipment of horse meat; American Airlines and Continental Airlines also have said they stopped their involvement in the horse slaughter
industry.

Eyewitnesses at Dallas Crown said the horses were packed in the holding pen to overcapacity and had concerns they may have had little to no access to hay and water. In a letter sent on Jan. 31 to Michiel de Beukelaar’s, president of Belgian-owned Dallas Crown, Inc., HSUS President and CEO Wayne Pacelle wrote, “[W]e are prepared to take custody of, provide care and transport and
assume all legal responsibility immediately for the horses owned or in the custody of Dallas Crown.� The slaughter plant did not respond.

“Dallas Crown’s decision to allow these animals to languish for days while the company maneuvered to slaughter them is consistent with their absolute disregard for animal welfare.
Unfortunately, this is what happens to so many horses -- tens of thousands a year routinely endure long-distance transport and holding prior to slaughter,� Pacelle said. “We’re hopeful
that with Texas law on our side and a strong movement in Congress to ban horse slaughter nationwide and stop the export of American horses for slaughter, this grisly industry is in
its last throes.�

Legislation to ban the slaughter of American horses nationwide was introduced in both the U.S. House and Senate earlier this month by Sens. Mary Landrieu (D-La.) and John Ensign (R-Nev.),
and Reps. Janice Schakowsky (D-Ill.) Ed Whitfield (R-Ky.), John Spratt (D-S.C.), and Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.) introduced a companion bill, H.R. 503.

The measure received tremendous bipartisan support in the 109th Congress, winning a vote of 263 to 146 in the House. It stalled in the Senate in late 2006, however, and was not brought up for
a vote before Congress adjourned, even though a similar effort had been overwhelmingly approved by the Senate in 2005.

The Humane Society of the United State s is the nation's largest animal protection organization with nearly 10 million members and constituents. The HSUS is a mainstream voice for animals, with active programs in companion animals, disaster
preparedness and response, wildlife and habitat protection, marine mammals, animals in research, equine protection and farm animal welfare. The HSUS protects all animals through education, investigation, litigation, legislation, advocacy and field work. The nonprofit organization is based in Washington and has field representatives and offices across the country.

The Humane Society of the United States

2100 L Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20037

www.humanesociety.org

Hello everyone. Just finished watching Amy's tribute. That was lovely. Hard to watch, but lovely.

Gayle

House Energy and Commerce Committee Special Calling-Faxing Campaign

As you surely already know, last Tuesday 17th the American Horse Slaughter
Prevention Act (HR 503/S. 311) was reintroduced in both the House and the
Senate by Representatives Schakowsky and Whitfield and Senators Landrieu and
Ensign.

Like the previous Congress’ version, HR 503 was referred to the House
Committee on Energy and Commerce and additionally to the House Committee on
Agriculture, where it is pending of action by these Committees.

While we await action on HR 503, the pro-slaughter forces are already taking
positions within the Energy and Commerce Committee in an attempt to wane our
ranks for supporters and, once again, derail the passage of our bills.

In addition, with the recent news regarding the 5th Circuit’s US Court of
Appeals ruling upholding an old Texas state law banning the trade of horse
meat for human consumption, the horse slaughter industry and its cohorts in
Congress are building up their efforts to defeat HR 503/S. 311, fighting
them at every inch.

Therefore it is of vital importance that we start contacting the members of
the House Committee on Energy and Commerce in order to counter the attempts
from the pro-slaughter lobby to defeat HR 503 at the Committee level and get
it out of the Committee and ready for a vote on the House floor.

In order to achieve this goal we have organized a special calling and faxing
effort for this week focused on Committee members. In this special calling
and faxing effort we should call and fax the members of the House Committee
on Energy and Commerce urging them to cosponsor HR 503 and to take action on
it quickly.

TODAY... Tuesday 6th, please call and fax all the members of the House
Committee on Energy and Commerce who have not yet cosponsored HR 503
requesting them to do it so and urging them to act quickly on this bill.
Also, please, keep calling and faxing during the rest of the week.

Please, note that it is very important that you do not contact those
legislators who are already cosponsoring HR 503, since they are already on
our side.

In addition, please forward this alert to all yours contacts (family,
friends, co-workers, etc…) and ask them to do the same.

Wow, that's the best one yet. Great photo's of the boy and all his connections! It's a keeper. Thanks Alex!

Lisa in California

Pamie,
I miss your posts and you being here.You always made good points and have a great personality. So how is Dr.R? He is a precious man!

Below is an updated phone and fax directory of the House Committee on Energy
and Commerce, including contact information for its members sorted
alphabetically and showing the current cosponsors of the bills.

------- HOUSE COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND COMMERCE CONTACT INFO DIRECTORY
--------

NOTES: Those legislators who already cosponsor HR 503 are marked with an
asterisk (*).

Chair and Ranking Min. Member Phone Fax

Chair: John M. Dingell (D-MI) 202-225-4071 202-226-0371
Rnk. : Joe Barton (R-TX) 202-225-2002 202-225-3052

Rest of Members:

Tom Allen (D-ME) 202-225-6116 202-225-5590
Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) 202-225-2906 202-225-6942
John Barrow (D-GA) 202-225-2823 202-225-3377
Mary Bono (R-CA)* 202-225-5330 202-225-2961
Rick Boucher (D-VA) 202-225-3861 202-225-0442
Michael Burguess (R-TX) 202-225-7772 202-225-2919
G. K. Butterfield, Jr. (D-NC) 202-225-3101 202-225-3354
Stephen Buyer (R-IN) 202-225-5037 202-225-2267
Lois Capps (D-CA)* 202-225-3601 202-225-5632
Barbara Cubin (R-WY) 202-225-2311 202-225-3057
Nathan Deal (R-GA) 202-225-5211 202-225-8272
Diana DeGette (D-CO) 202-225-4431 202-225-5657
Michael F. Doyle (D-PA)* 202-225-2135 202-225-3084
Eliot L. Engel (D-NY)* 202-225-2464 202-225-5513
Anna G. Eshoo (D-CA) 202-225-8104 202-225-8890
Michael Ferguson (R-NJ)* 202-225-5361 202-225-9460
Vito Fossella (R-NY) 202-225-3371 202-226-1272
Charles Gonzalez (D-TX) 202-225-3236 202-225-1915
Bart Gordon (D-TN) 202-225-4231 202-225-6887
Gene Green (D-TX) 202-225-1688 202-225-9903
Ralph Hall (R-TX) 202-225-6673 202-225-3332
Jane Harman (D-CA) 202-225-8220 202-226-7290
J. Dennis Hastert (R-IL) 202-225-2976 202-225-0697
Baron P. Hill (D-IN) 202-225-5315 202-226-6866
Darlene Hooley (D-OR) 202-225-5711 202-225-5699
Jay Inslee (D-WA)* 202-225-6311 202-226-1606
Edward Markey (D-MA)* 202-225-2836 202-226-0092
James D. Matheson (D-UT) 202-225-3011 202-225-5638
Charlie Melancon (D-LA) 202-225-4031 202-226-3944
Tim Murphy (R-PA) 202-225-2301 202-225-1844
Sue Myrik (R-NC)* 202-225-1976 202-225-3389
Charlie Norwood (R-GA) 202-225-4101 202-226-0776
Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ)* 202-225-4671 202-225-9665
Charles Pickering (R-MS) 202-225-5031 202-225-5797
Joseph Pitts (R-PA) 202-225-2411 202-225-2013
George Radanovich (R-CA) 202-225-4540 202-225-3402
Mike Rogers (R-MI) 202-225-4872 202-225-5820
Mike Ross (D-AR) 202-225-3772 202-225-1314
Bobby Rush (D-IL) 202-225-4372 202-226-0333
Janice Schakowsky (D-IL)* 202-225-2111 202-226-6890
John B. Shadegg (R-AZ) 202-225-3361 202-225-3462
John Shimkus (R-IL) 202-225-5271 202-225-5880
Hilda L. Solis (D-CA) 202-225-5464 202-225-5467
Cliff Stearns (R-FL) 202-225-5744 202-225-3973
Bart Stupak (D-MI) 202-225-4735 202-225-4744
John Sullivan (R-OK) 202-225-2211 202-225-9187
Lee Terry (R-NE) 202-225-4155 202-226-5452
Edolphus Towns (D-NY) 202-225-5936 202-225-1018
Fred Upton (R-MI) 202-225-3761 202-225-4986
Greg Walden (R-OR) 202-225-6730 202-225-5774
Henry Waxman (D-CA) 202-225-3976 202-225-4099
Anthony Weiner (D-NY)* 202-225-6616 202-226-7253
Edward Whitfield (R-KY)* 202-225-3115 202-225-3547
Heather Wilson (R-NM) 202-225-6316 202-225-4975
Albert R. Wynn (D-MD) 202-225-8699 202-225-8714

House Energy and Commerce Committee Special Calling-Faxing Campaign

As you surely already know, last Tuesday 17th the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (HR 503/S. 311) was reintroduced in both the House and the Senate by Representatives Schakowsky and Whitfield and Senators Landrieu and Ensign.

Like the previous Congress' version, HR 503 was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and additionally to the House
Committee on Agriculture, where it is pending of action by these Committees, especially the Energy and Commerce one.

While we await action on HR 503, the pro-slaughter forces are already taking positions within the Energy and Commerce Committee in an
attempt to wane our ranks for supporters and, once again, derail the passage of our bills.

In addition, with the recent news regarding the 5th Circuit's US Court of Appeals ruling upholding an old Texas state law banning the
trade of horse meat for human consumption, the horse slaughter industry and its cohorts in Congress are building up their efforts to
defeat HR 503/S. 311, fighting them at every inch.

Therefore it is of vital importance that we start contacting the members of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce in order to counter the attempts from the pro-slaughter lobby to defeat HR 503 at the Committee level and get it out of the Committee and ready for a vote on the House floor.

In order to achieve this goal we have organized a special calling and faxing effort for this week focused on Committee members. In this special calling and faxing effort we should call and fax the members of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce urging them to cosponsor HR 503 and to take action on it quickly.

Tomorrow Tuesday 6th, please call and fax all the members of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce who have not yet cosponsored HR 503 requesting them to do it so and urging them to act quickly on this bill. Also, please, keep calling and faxing during the rest of
the week.

Please, note that it is very important that you do NOT contact those legislators who are already cosponsoring HR 503, since they are already on our side.

In addition, please forward this alert to all yours contacts (family, friends, co-workers, etc…) and ask them to do the same.

It is very important that as many people as possible contact Committee members during this week in order to counter the lies and
the pressure of the pro-slaughter forces and their expensive lobbyists and to make Committee members clear that Americans want horse slaughter for human consumption abroad banned.

Point legislators out that with the recent ruling of the 5th Circuit's US Court of Appeals upholding a Texas state law banning the
trade of horse meat of human consumption, now, more than ever, it is vital to pass HR 503 quickly to prevent the plants from moving to an
adjacent state or Mexico, where they would endure even a crueler and more inhumane treatment, since the bill will ban the exportation of horses for the purpose of slaughter abroad.

Below is an updated phone and fax directory of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, including contact information for its members
sorted alphabetically and showing the current cosponsors of the bills. You can download a copy of directory on Word format (which includes active links where you can find out district offices contact info) from the Habitat for Horses website:

http://www.habitatf orhorses. org/joincampaign s/docs/110energy committee.
doc

To locate your legislators' contact info click on their name on the document from the link above or go to http://www.visi. com/juan/ congress/ index.html

You can find more information on horse slaughter and the bills to ban it as well as facts and talking points on its support here:

http://www.horse- protection. org
http://www.saplonli ne.org/horses. htm

If you have any questions please feel free to contact us at fletosojoi@hotmail. com or post them on the board.

Thank you.

Daniel

-- HOUSE COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND COMMERCE CONTACT INFO DIRECTORY --

NOTES: Those legislators who already cosponsor HR 503 are marked with
an asterisk (*).

Chair and Ranking Min. Member Phone Fax

Chair: John M. Dingell (D-MI) 202-225-4071 202-226-0371
Rnk. : Joe Barton (R-TX) 202-225-2002 202-225-3052

Rest of Members:

Tom Allen (D-ME) 202-225-6116 202-225-5590
Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) 202-225-2906 202-225-6942
John Barrow (D-GA) 202-225-2823 202-225-3377
Mary Bono (R-CA)* 202-225-5330 202-225-2961
Rick Boucher (D-VA) 202-225-3861 202-225-0442
Michael Burguess (R-TX) 202-225-7772 202-225-2919
G. K. Butterfield, Jr. (D-NC) 202-225-3101 202-225-3354
Stephen Buyer (R-IN) 202-225-5037 202-225-2267
Lois Capps (D-CA)* 202-225-3601 202-225-5632
Barbara Cubin (R-WY) 202-225-2311 202-225-3057
Nathan Deal (R-GA) 202-225-5211 202-225-8272
Diana DeGette (D-CO) 202-225-4431 202-225-5657
Michael F. Doyle (D-PA)* 202-225-2135 202-225-3084
Eliot L. Engel (D-NY)* 202-225-2464 202-225-5513
Anna G. Eshoo (D-CA) 202-225-8104 202-225-8890
Michael Ferguson (R-NJ)* 202-225-5361 202-225-9460
Vito Fossella (R-NY) 202-225-3371 202-226-1272
Charles Gonzalez (D-TX) 202-225-3236 202-225-1915
Bart Gordon (D-TN) 202-225-4231 202-225-6887
Gene Green (D-TX) 202-225-1688 202-225-9903
Ralph Hall (R-TX) 202-225-6673 202-225-3332
Jane Harman (D-CA) 202-225-8220 202-226-7290
J. Dennis Hastert (R-IL) 202-225-2976 202-225-0697
Baron P. Hill (D-IN) 202-225-5315 202-226-6866
Darlene Hooley (D-OR) 202-225-5711 202-225-5699
Jay Inslee (D-WA)* 202-225-6311 202-226-1606
Edward Markey (D-MA)* 202-225-2836 202-226-0092
James D. Matheson (D-UT) 202-225-3011 202-225-5638
Charlie Melancon (D-LA) 202-225-4031 202-226-3944
Tim Murphy (R-PA) 202-225-2301 202-225-1844
Sue Myrik (R-NC)* 202-225-1976 202-225-3389
Charlie Norwood (R-GA) 202-225-4101 202-226-0776
Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ)* 202-225-4671 202-225-9665
Charles Pickering (R-MS) 202-225-5031 202-225-5797
Joseph Pitts (R-PA) 202-225-2411 202-225-2013
George Radanovich (R-CA) 202-225-4540 202-225-3402
Mike Rogers (R-MI) 202-225-4872 202-225-5820
Mike Ross (D-AR) 202-225-3772 202-225-1314
Bobby Rush (D-IL) 202-225-4372 202-226-0333
Janice Schakowsky (D-IL)* 202-225-2111 202-226-6890
John B. Shadegg (R-AZ) 202-225-3361 202-225-3462
John Shimkus (R-IL) 202-225-5271 202-225-5880
Hilda L. Solis (D-CA) 202-225-5464 202-225-5467
Cliff Stearns (R-FL) 202-225-5744 202-225-3973
Bart Stupak (D-MI) 202-225-4735 202-225-4744
John Sullivan (R-OK) 202-225-2211 202-225-9187
Lee Terry (R-NE) 202-225-4155 202-226-5452
Edolphus Towns (D-NY) 202-225-5936 202-225-1018
Fred Upton (R-MI) 202-225-3761 202-225-4986
Greg Walden (R-OR) 202-225-6730 202-225-5774
Henry Waxman (D-CA) 202-225-3976 202-225-4099
Anthony Weiner (D-NY)* 202-225-6616 202-226-7253
Edward Whitfield (R-KY)* 202-225-3115 202-225-3547
Heather Wilson (R-NM) 202-225-6316 202-225-4975
Albert R. Wynn (D-MD) 202-225-8699 202-225-8714

Judy: Don't tell me, let me guess.. They were green apples right????? Barba has cleaned me out of all of my green apples and left the red ones..... Tell me, did he leave you the cores all nice and neat on the kitchen counter? He is really good about cleaning up his messes.

You better start checking your car, your cubbords, just about everything... Things will dissapear. I think that some of the other horses with him now are asking him to do all their dirty work and bring things back to them.......... :-)

With much Love................... Love you my ANGEL Barba............... Next time you come done here, will you take the car and go have it cleaned for me please?????? It is an automatic and it really needs a good detail. Barba you are going to start "working" for all of these free things that you are getting from us..... LOL!!!!!!!! Aaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh we love you sooooooooooooooooo much that your welcome to anything you want......... :-)

######

Renee... Sorry about the twin posts, but it was the only way to get around the Malicious thingy...

I fervently hope that our BELOVED DR DEAN knows how dearly we hold him in our hearts...If it wasn't for him, we would have NEVER had BARBARO at all...

Late morning energetic skritches to the BBH of Forever...!

#####
Five (!) more wins for Barbaro with the newest
co-sponsors. Yes. Thanks Edie for posting!
S 311 now has 19 cosponsors - 5 more then yesterday.
Newest cosponsors
Maria Cantwell (WA)
Sherrod Brown (OH)
Joe Lieberman (CT)
Dianne Feinstein (CA)
Ted Stevens (AK)

####
FsOB:
Check out www.Equine-Heaven.com. Sounds like Barbaro is extremely busy today, which frees us up to work diligently on his behalf. Thanks Shelley A, Debra, WI and Daryl S for your posts.

####
Congratulations Becky...That's brilliant.

Cheers,
Friar Tuck

Amy, thank you so much for the touching tribute to the BBH. All those images show how happy and truly loved he was.

RE: JOAN ROYA at February 6, 2007 4:19 PM -- can someone give me the addresses of Senator Hutchison
Don't have her email address but this might help:

Kay Bailey Hutchison
284 Russell Building
WDC 20510
(202) 224-5922

Dear Loretta,
I to was a vet tech for almost 12 years. I have seen seveal "healthy" pets put down because the owner no longer wanted them. I found this to be very selfish on the part of the owner... if the dog was adoptable. There were several who were so mean they would have been VERY hard to place in a new home. As far as suffering. Was your cousins dog put down by the vet or a tech? I have only seen it go wrong 1 time and it was because the dog was very mean and it pulled out of the hold of 3 techs and pulled the needle out and having had some of the medication injected, it fought very hard and more extreme measures were take to put it down, but let me assure you this is an exception. Out of hundreds of dogs and cats put to sleep over 12yrs this was the only time it went wrong. I too had to have several dogs put to sleep. I had 2 dogs at the same time get into antifreeze a neighbor left out near our fence. The dogs loved the taste so much they actually lapped it up through the fence. The youngest a 10 mo old mix showed the signs first and I took him right in. He was given charcole treatments right away, but his bloodwork came back and it didnt look good, but I "had" to try. He was treated with very high amounts of alchol and was completly out of it, the next morning my beautiful black chow began to show signs. I took him in right away too, knowing it wasnt going to be good news, but I could only hope,since he didnt seem as bad. The bloodwork came back, he to had injested a "lethal" amount of antifreeze. I had to make a decision, have him put through what the pup was being put through... with no sucess, or save him from a slow death. I opted to get it over fast and not have him suffer. When he walked in he was happy and waging his tail, but staggering from the effects of the antifreeze as well. I looked at what appeared to be a happy, healthy and loyal dog and felt like I was going to die with him, but I couldnt let him suffer. So the vet put him on the table and we had him lay down and I cradeled his head in my arms and just held him as he went off to sleep, and that is what it is like. They just drift off peacefully, no pain.
Please don't ever let a dog suffer because of what happened with your cousins dog. That is NOT the norm, but I can't tell you it doesnt happen sometimes. But, please also remeber, most dogs and cats are term. ill and have no fight in them like the one I mentioned above. I got out of the field because I couldnt handle seeing sick animals anymore and the way some people let them get before they would bring them in, not because of putting them to sleep. It is the kindest gift you can give a pet that is suffering and I stress suffering. I don't condone putting down animals just because they are no longer wanted. I hope this helps you some, if the day comes you ever have to make the decision. And if you own a pet, you may very well have to, that is just one of the many things you have to consider before bringing any animal into your family. I stll have dogs, I train them in personal protection, obdience and confimation and know "someday" I will be faced with this again. If you know you cant do it, then please reconsider getting a pet. I have watched to many suffer and if you saw day after day what I did, you wouldnt think twice about it being the right thing to do.
Just my thoughts on this, having lived it first hand. Oh, also, choose a vet wisely, not because of price or location. That is the worst way to find medical help for your pet. I doubt you go to your doctor because they are cheap or convient for you to get to. just something else to think about.
With true heartfelt love to you and all FOB's
Verna

#######

Pamela Thanks for the laugh! You always come through.

Forwarding the anti-slaughter info to my father. He lives in Iowa and has decided to get involved.

Could someone BLUE LINK equine heaven as I can't pull it up.

Hello FOBS, hello Barbaro,
tough night last night, couldn't hardly sleep. My teeth hurt- dentists are scary people- they drilled a bunch of holes in my teeth over these past few weeks. So what, I get the cavities myself- Dentists are the one who make 'em hurt! ;)
But I'm gla that we're moving forward with the anti-slaughter bill!
Good luck to all!

I want to thank everyone for the advice. I will try again this weekend as I have very little time during the week.

I wish I lived where I can get dsl or something like that - the price I pay to live in country. I wouldn't trade it for anything. I'm originally from Long Island and never saw a horse up close until I moved down here. My friend used to have a quarter horse and that was the only horse I ever knew - but she was real nice. I have dogs (7) and goats (4) now and may one day get either a miniature horse, a pony or a horse. I have to get a barn first and don't know how much that will cost. Oh well, what's the point if you can't dream?

I'm dreaming of Barbaro all the time. He's only with us in spirit now, so while he's always in my thoughts, I'm going to follow BBB and BBTB to see how they do.

Proud to be an FOB!!!

Alex...... I know how to solve this.... If you would be so kind to post Barbaros favorite treats, we could better keep him stocked up. It seems that he is coming down here and helping himself to whatever he wants...

Are you the one that taught him such good manners? Geeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeesh he is better than most men (barring you guys of course hahahahahahaha)!!!!!

With love to all Barba you are my true ANGEL now............ :-)

pamie,
I have the utmost respect for that great man, and more. I hope he is doing Ok and finding peace of mind. He went way beyond his calling as a Vet.

Don't worry about the second post.

Nina,
ROFL

Barbaro
111111 Un-Defeated Road
Derby Champion Ave.
Edgar Mansion #8
Heaven
042903-012907

1-777-431-0129

I am still waiting on Sea Buiscut, Secrateriat and Slew to bring me more information....... Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh patience my friends in this house that Barbaro built...... :-)

######

WOWIE...CHERYL G...so sorry to post all that stuff, when you had posted those gorgeous links of yours!

Hmmm, I guess learning to read would be a good thing for me to do! OOPSY. BFF...FOR SURE!

Man it is 1-777-429-0129 Sorry........

Good morning all,

You'll want to head over to www.thoroughbredtimes.com and look at the link right below the series of articles on "Remembering Barbaro". Thoroughbred Times has a special memorial issue that can be special ordered. When I called to place my order, the lady I spoke with said they had just posted the link "a few moments ago". (Explains why my call was answered on the first ring!)

Lissa in PA

##Nina, now I know it was him, my family are not very good at housekeeping. I'll have to keep an eye on the fruit basket, he hasn't discovered the candy drawer yet or the stash in the basement. Whoops, LOL.

Love you Barbaro, midnight snacker.

Judy

Daily postings are now on:

www.equine-heaven.com

##3

Does anyone have Senator Cornyn's address...please

BARBARO IS IN OUR HEARTS FOREVER. what good news Sherrod Brown from Ohio has joined. I am from Ohio and have been calling regularly. Our house representative is also pro that just leaves George Voinovich left in Ohio. Still missing our beautiful Barbaro. love to everyone

Thank You Equine Heaven.

Ro & Brady

we are finally warming up a bit here in the Rockies.........missing Barbaro and grateful to Alex for this site....thank you's always to: the jacksons, michael matz, peter brette, eduardo, edgar prado, dean richardson and staff at new bolton......

Yes! Seattle Slew does enjoy food his food !

:)

Jo at TB Friends

Race horse Fade To Blue to an Olympic jumper.
Jo is a great guy!

Will someone please tell me hoe DR richardson is doing. I am still so hurt over BARBARO i know its 10 times worse for him. what happens to all these comments does any body read them Where can i buy a good picture of my sweet BARBARO? marge

Anita: PTS...put to sleep

I just had a nice conversation with Rachel at KF. She told me they still see Mrs. Jackson fairly frequently and if you'd like to send a card to the Jacksons, you can send it to KF and they will be happy to deliver it.

She told me that spirits have picked up a little at NBC, although last week was bad, as you'd expect. They are starting to take down some of the items on display, for example, the big card that was signed at Churchill Downs. She said she thought they might send that back to CD, wasn't really sure.

The happiest news was that conversations continue to go on between Mike Rea's family and the producers of Extreme Home Makeover--one lasted 2 hours! Given Mike's connection with Fair Hill, Barbaro, and even Dr. R (she told me that Dr. R was Mike's vet for one of his horses whom Mike loved so much he practically slept in the stall), I think we might, just might, have another miracle in the works. All fingers crossed!

Today I was in Borders and found my gaze falling on a road atlas of Pennsylvania. I am a Philly native and lived in a tiny town called Glenmoore on a big farm until I was 9 when my father died. I have always called Pa. my real home and have wanted so much to return there. So there I was sitting in Borders gazing at place names that have become so familiar to me--Kennett Square and West Grove, not to mention Coatesville, which wasn't far from where I lived and also it's where Michael Matz lives. You would have thought I was a zombie in a trance. All of these places and all the wonderful people have such a warm and real connection for me now.

Anyway, I almost got through the phone conversation OK, but started to break down, then Rachael said, no fair, no crying alone...so I got myself together (sort of), but you can tell, it's still affecting everyone there. They are so grateful for all the FOBs who have been in touch and have become part of their extended family, too. She is feeling much better, too, she just has to watch her iron levels.

I do feel better today. Knowing that Barbaro is stealing apples and mints and challenging the old-timers in equine heaven to a race brings a smile to my face.

To everyone who has created a video of Barbaro -- thank you! I have been using them as part of my grieving process; it hurts but in a good way. I ordered a Barbaro beanie baby the day after he left us and I rush home every night hoping that it has been delivered. Maybe it will be today!

Barbaro, God bless you. I know you are up in horse heaven with Secretariat (you're not letting him win all of the races, are you?) as well as one of my all time favorites: Seabiscuit.

Everyone, have a good day and try to stay warm. It was a whopping 11 degrees this AM in No. VA.

Kathleen
Centreville, VA

####

Well...Barbaro...open the races for all to join in...is that not our Barbaro..SUCH A BIG HEART...IN EQUINE HEAVEN...

Good Morning FOB's - Morning Angel Barbaro!!!

###
Equine Heaven - thanks for the update. Always uplifting!! Smiling as usual :)

Have a good day everyone

Just love Equine-Heaven.
Has been added to my favorites.

JOAN,
What race? Barbaro is already at the finish line.

Hi folks,
Just wanted to let you know that I emailed my Rep. Tim Holden who is Vice Chair of one of the committees that the amendment to the Horse Protection Act (aka anti-slaughter bill) is currently in. I also emailed Senator Specter. I forgot to add the recent court decision in Texas though...
My letters are below:

Honorable Holden:

Congratulations on your reelection, and your appointment as the Vice Chairman of the Agriculture Committee. Your hard work within our District 17 is appreciated.

I am writing to ask for your support on H.R.503. This is the amendment to the Horse Protection Act to prohibit the shipping, transporting, moving, delivering, receiving, possessing, purchasing, selling, or donation of horses and other equines to be slaughtered for human consumption, and for other purposes.

The location of Penn National racetrack, auction markets as well as equine rescue organizations within our district inspires me to ask you to reconsider your stance on this bill. We both know how important racing is as an agricultural business to our district and state. Included in that important commodity is the wellbeing of racing’s lifeblood-horses.

The horse is an American icon, solidified in every American’s mind by the likes of John Wayne and Clint Eastwood among others. There is a reason all horsemeat is shipped out of the United States, we don’t eat an animal that has carried us to the West and throughout this country.

I have an agricultural degree as well as common sense. I am not a vegetarian, I have worked on a dairy farm and I support farming and racing as lifestyles. It makes sense to me to support H.R. 503, the amendment to the Horse Protection Act. It is the right thing to do to protect our unique agricultural commodity; America’s horses.

Thank you for reconsidering supporting H.R. 503, the amendment to the Horse Protection Act.
Sincerely, Sabrina
________________________________________________

Dear Senator Specter:

Thank you for support and co-sponsorship of several animal welfare bills during last legislative session, including the amendment to the Horse Protection Act . Your hard work for our state is appreciated. Let’s continue positive changes for animal welfare in this legislative session.

I am writing to ask for your support and co-sponsorship on S. 311. This is the amendment to the Horse Protection Act to prohibit the shipping, transporting, moving, delivering, receiving, possessing, purchasing, selling, or donation of horses and other equines to be slaughtered for human consumption, and for other purposes.

The location of racetracks including Philadelphia Park, auction markets as well as equine rescue organizations within our state inspires me to ask for your support on the S. 311 bill. We both know how important racing is as an agricultural business to our district and state. Included in that important commodity is the wellbeing of racing’s lifeblood-horses.

The horse is an American icon, solidified in every American’s mind by the likes of John Wayne and Clint Eastwood among others. There is a reason all horsemeat is shipped out of the United States, we don’t eat an animal that has carried us to the West and throughout this country.

I have an agricultural degree as well as common sense. I am not a vegetarian, I have worked on a dairy farm and I support farming and racing as lifestyles. It makes sense to me to support S. 311, the amendment to the Horse Protection Act. It is the right thing to do to protect our unique agricultural commodity; America’s horses.

Thank you for considering co-sponsoring S. 311, the amendment to the Horse Protection Act.
Sincerely, Sabrina

Friar - Thank you :)

#Jane in CT, thank you for passing along your conversation with Rachel. It must have been truly hard to get through last week. I, along with everyone here I'm sure, really appreciated all that they did for Barbaro. They treated him so well.

Thank you for sharing.

Judy

Amy~ thank you for your poignant video tribute to Barbaro. You really captured it all. Tears are falling again......

This is a bit sad ---- I am also following the saga of Vivi - the lost whippet - and although I am lighting candles for both her and Barbaro - it is sad to see that her candles are more than Barbaro's now.......Wish they could both be in the number one spot

Good morning, my angel.

Alex: thanks for the book recommendation. I have orderd it. Glad to hear you, Hawty and the others are keeping as warm as you can. My signal that its time for my horses to leave Summit County for the winter and go out on pasture is when the water begins to consistently every night...It's miserable, so i know all too well what you are dealing with. Makes me hands cold just thinking about it.

I still wake up thinking about Big B, multiple times through the night and in the morning - Had a travel day yesterday and was in the Denver airport before my flight - I bought People (beautiful pictures of Big B) and Ladies Home Journal, even though I knew that article would be heartbreaking under the circumstances. It was, but it only increased my already abundant respect for Gretchen Jackson. B was so very loved by all his connections, and the world.

Lisa in Colorado

Thank you for posting the link to "You're Still You" tribute to Barbaro. I cried the whole time watching it, it's beautiful, just beautiful. Barbaro, You're Still You. Love,

Jane in CT - I was born and raised outside of Philadelphia. Lived in Coatesville and Boyertown as well. Your post struck me, because I am having those same feelings of terrible homesickness now.

What to do!? :(

Candles for Barbaro

Sorry blue didn't work.

Alex - Thanks for the update on Nobiz. I followed Funny Cide's Derby trail and would love to see Barclay Tagg and Robin Smullen win another Derby! Of course, I have a few other favorites this year too - Stormello and Rutledge Cat (who I saw run at Laurel). And I saw that Michael Matz had nominated Chelokee!

It feels really good to be working on the slaughter issue in Barbaro's memory. Somehow, three phone calls didn't seem like enough; so, onward to the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

Californians, both of our senators are IN! But we are such a huge state, with lots of agricultural areas where the reps won't necessarily feel they can support the bill. If you have relatives and friends in the agricultural and other rural (e.g. northern) counties, we really need them!!!!

The "Forever Barbaro" video is so beautiful! God has left me with a hole in my heart forever!

Run Barbaro Run!

Barbaro ... What a Beautiful Difference One Life Has Made!

I just saw " Your Still You". That will make you cry. He was just beautiful. This void we all have is incredible. Love you Big Boy Always.

Yeah well with all the treats he is coming down here and taking from Renee, myslf and now Judy........ It is no wonder that he is at the finish line.... Geeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeesh sooooooooooooooo much energy...........

My sweet adorable ANGEL Barbaro.......

Judy...... Don't let him know where you keep your treats...... I think he is comeing down here and grabbing stuff for Slew too cause some of the stuff that dissapears is not Barbs favorite but it is Slews... Of course Slew will eat anything...........................:-)

Good Morning FOB's

Suggestion to those with dial-up connections having problems viewing videos. I too have dial-up and couldn't view many of the videos. Our local library has many computer stations with high-speed internet connections. While it's not as convenient as viewing at home, I go to the library periodically and use their computer to catch up on videos of Barbaro.

Extremely cold here in NW Ohio.

Still loving and missing Barbaro so very much, but a very peaceful feeling came over me yesterday
as I stopped to honor Barbaro at 10:30 am. Perhaps I've moved into the acceptance phase of grief for him. From all I've read here and elsewhere, it appears the Jackson's and Dr. Richardson made the right decision. Let's all continue the work and donate to the UPenn Laminitis fund so other horses can be healed.

Love to Barbaro forever.

Carol L.
Sylvania, OH

Amy, the "You're Still You" tribute is my favorite so far. You captured so many facets of the BBH's personality. But the most amazing thing to me, what really brought the tears, was noticing the looks on the faces of his people - the love, joy, and reverence in their eyes for just being in his presence. Those faces really say it all.

Alex, you rock! I've added your first book recommendation to my amazon wishlist. What with losing my job yesterday, book buying is on temporary hold, but I don't want to forget this one.

Laurie

Hi all,

Just on the phone with an aide to Joseph Pitts
congressman from Pa. I had met Mr Pitts at several
area meetings(which I mentioned.. never hurts to name drop). I stressed the urgency of cosponsoring HR503. The aide stated that Mr Pitts had signed on to cosponsor the bill
previously and it is probable he'd do it again.

Please continue to post the lists of legislators as often as possible. I have difficulty skirting thru all the messages. I work fulltime at the postoffice and get a 2 hr lunch in which I'd like to become more involved in this fight....I feel like picketing New Holland animal auction some Monday !!!
I'd even take a vacation day to do it!

Thanks so much Alex for everything you do, please
repost your link to the book you recommended.

Sue in Lancaster co

##Nina, ok, I'll keep it a secret, but he's got his ways, you know.

Love you Sweet Prince, run free, run with the wind.

Judy

Laurie, sorry about the job loss - were you downsized and laid off? That's what happened my last job - merger.

Alex: thanks for posting Steve Haskin's article - It is fun kowing who the contenders areand following the progress...

mike c: wasn't Adore the Gold who you saw and was very impressed by early on? are you still a believer there or has some one else impressed you more?

Hi, Chris

No...I was fired. I've been working for 30 years and for the first time I was fired. But it's a good thing - saved me the stress of quitting. LOL!

I'd only been at the job for six weeks but knew I needed to get out asap. They said I wasn't a "team player", and I suppose they're right. The team referred to women as "girls" and the "girls" who succeeded accepted that label and behaved as girls, not professional women. The manager thought it was okay to yell and scream and verbally abuse people, often because he was stressed out about something that had nothing to do with them, and I politely asked him not to yell at me when he started. I was asked to work a lot of extra hours so the office manager could take off whenever she wanted, and I refused several times because I had other commitments. Oh, and they wouldn't train me on anything until I'd been on the job for six months - so I basically did NOTHING all day. Crazy place. Not a "team" I wanted to play on. LOL!

Wonder if anyone has ever written a book on jobs from heck? Might be a good use of my spare time. LOL!

Laurie

Good Morning Everyone,

MHR still has not seen the arrival of Bobbies' Lil Angel. We asked Rosie to hang in there, because today we are suppose to be receiving the equipment from "MARE STARE", they have generously donated the equipment for MHR's usage until the babies are born and then we will return it to them. I explained to them (Mare Stare) that all of you, the FOB's were the reason these mares will have their babies in a safe environment.

This morning I shared something that happened to me at 2:31 am with Cathy Potter, and I do hope that all of you will not think I am off my rocker.

I awoke from a very sound sleep, I thought I had been dreaming, but it seemed so very very real. It was Barbaro standing before me, standing very proud, neck arched, the wind was blowing his mane and tail, and a swirl of clouds was around him and the light that surrounded was incredible. To be honest I was a little scared because as I said before it seemed so real. As I spoke to Cathy, she said it was a sign that he was watching over Rosie and that all would be well.

I needed to share this expierence in hopes that maybe others have had something of this nature occur to them as well, and maybe they as well can offer up an explanation.

Will let you all know when the MHR Mare Stare is up and operational as well.

Stephanie

Alex,

I ordered the book that you discussed yesterday. I've wanted to learn more about horse racing - this looked like a really good book to start with. Now I just have to find time to read it!

Thanks for the suggestion (and for all you do.)

Nina, Get a grip Babe! You are so out there.........

Thanks, Alex, for giving us access to more insights on the racing world. And sympathies on the frozen buckets and snaps...been there, though right now we're not frozen. I used to have to carry a wrench out to break the ice off the snaps so I could get the gates open. Barrel snaps have the great advantage that even my overly oral and talented old gelding can't open--but once they've got ice inside them...it's misery time. And breaking ice over and over and carrying kettles of boiling water out to try to keep the big trough open a little longer...ick. And trying to keep the snow from balling up in their feet (but this was in Canada, not here. If it's snowing here, I'm not riding!

And to the rest of the FOBs, for being here. It's relaxing and healing to come into a place where enthusiasm and concern for an animal aren't ridiculed.

A question for anyone who knows: what is the difference between Polytrack and Tapeta?

Troll Alert Timestamp 6:34 --- Name I don't recognize and appears to be a "bashing" comment. If not, I apologize.

Linda R

Hello all !

Brrr it is coldddd ! I have been going to the librbary to keep up on the updates and printing out the articles of Barbaro - There are so many nice pieces about our handsome boy!

Thanks Alex for keeping us connected ! You are the tie that binds us and Barbaro is the reason !

I have been getting updates from my equibase- I am keeping an eye of Dreaming of Anna - she was nominated for the Derby - she was my pick for the Breeders cup Juv. Fillies and she won ! I wish her some great racing with the boys ! Also watching Scat Daddy and Night at the Roxy, (Not sure if he was nominated)to name a few.

I have really enjoyed the video tributes to Barbaro and especially love "You're still you Barbaro, Forever in our hearts!" Made me smile, some great shots I had not seen before!

WEll all- stay warm ! Happy B-day to the FOG !

Barbaro your always on my mind and in my heart!

Wow Stephanie, wish I was lucky enough to have that vision! I do believe he is watching and protecting Rosie and the baby.

Ro & Brady

Nina, you're doing just fine.

Everybody expresses things in their own way. As long as it isn't harmful.

FOB forever.

Nina, you're doing just fine.

Everybody expresses things in their own way. As long as it isn't harmful.

FOB forever.

Posted by: ca at February 6, 2007 6:46 PM

Re-post. I forgot the "L" in my name.

###
Stephanie - I would have been a little scared too - he's HUGE!!!! Love you Big B

Nina, you're doing just fine.

Everybody expresses things in their own way. As long as it isn't harmful.

FOB forever.

Posted by: ca at February 6, 2007 6:46 PM

Re-post. I forgot the "L" in my name.

Still can't believe Barbaro is gone. Each day since his passing has been a little easier, up until today. Can't really explain why today has been nearly as tough as last Monday. Can't get the imagine of poor Mrs. J asking "Please say a prayer for Barbaro".

Marybeth in Massachusetts

Laurie, it sounds like a freak show and not worth the adverse affect on your health with the stress.

I know something better for you will come your way.

Hang in there!

Nina ... God love you for handling your grief in your OWN special way! You are adorable!

Hi all,

I have been out of town for 5 days so was unable to check in. Glad to see that everyone is healing - slowly but surely, the pain will decrease. I still think of Barbaro everyday and think that having followed his story has made me look at life differently. I know he is no longer here with us on this earth, but he is still in our hearts and still teaching us how to be like him.

My handsome boy, run free and keep inspiring those who look to you for hope and strength. I will forever love you. My inspiration, my strength, my boy, Barbaro

"Grazin' in the Grass" by the Sounds of Distinction is on the radio !

I will always thing of Big Boss with this song.

Dave,

Did you find out anything on the Barbaro car magnet? I just hope it is not Cafe Press, they had some really unkind and cruel items.

Patti
Schaumburg, IL

"It sounds like a freak show and not worth the adverse affect on your health with the stress."

Exactly, Chris! I had a headache 24/7 for the six weeks I was there. Woke up this morning feeling great!

Thanks for the good thoughts!

Laurie

"Grazin' in the Grass" by the Sounds of Distinction is on the radio !

I will always thing of Big Boss with this song.

Posted by: chris byers at February 6, 2007 6:57 PM
************************************************
Hi Chris - I'll bet Barbaro is "Grazin' in the Grass" right now and he's a happy boy!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Artist: The Friends of Distinction Lyrics
Song: Grazing in the Grass Lyrics
It sure is mellow grazin' in the grass
(Grazin' in the grass is a gas, baby, can you dig it)
What a trip just watchin' as the world goes past
(Grazin' in the grass is a gas, baby, can you dig it)
There are so many good things to see
While grazin' in the grass
(Grazin' in the grass is a gas, baby, can you dig it)
Flowers with colours for takin'
Everything outta sight in the grass
(Grazin' in the grass is a gas, baby, can you dig it)
The sun beaming down between the leaves
(Grazin' in the grass is a gas, baby, can you dig it)
And the bir-ir-ir-irds dartin' in and out of the trees
(Grazin' in the grass is a gas, baby, can you dig it)

Everything here is so clear, you can see it
And everything here is so real, you can feel it
And it's real, so real, so real, so real, so real, so real
Can you dig it
Whooo-oooh

I can dig it, he can dig it
She can dig it, we can dig it
They can dig it, you can dig it
Oh, let's dig it
Can you dig it, baby
I can dig it, he can dig it
She can dig it, we can dig it
They can dig it, you can dig it
Oh, let's dig it
Can you dig it, baby

The sun beaming down between the leaves
(Grazin' in the grass is a gas, baby, can you dig it)
And the bir-ir-ir-irds dartin' in and out of the trees
(Grazin' in the grass is a gas, baby, can you dig it)
Everything here is so clear, you can see it
And everything here is so real, you can feel it
And it's real, so real, so real, so real, so real, so real
Can you dig it
Whooo-oooh, yeah
I can dig it, he can dig it
She can dig it, we can dig it
They can dig it, you can dig it
Oh, let's dig it
Can you dig it, baby
I can dig it, he can dig it
She can dig it, we can dig it
They can dig it, you can dig it
Oh, let's dig it
Can you dig it, baby

I can dig it, he can dig it
She can dig it, we can dig it
They can dig it, you can dig it
Oh, let's dig it
Can you dig it, baby

I can dig it, he can dig it
(Grazin' in the grass is a gas, baby, can you dig it)
She can dig it, we can dig it
They can dig it, you can dig it
(Grazin' in the grass is a gas, baby, can you dig it)
Oh, let's dig it....

I wonder is the she in this song could be "Pine Island" :)

Wow....... I sent this post and as soon as I did "A horse with no name " started playing on the oldies channel....... wow..........
COOL!

##Nina, Just be you.

##Laurie, sounds like you're better off. No one deserves to be treated like that in the workplace and shouldn't have to put up with it. Good for you for speaking up for yourself. Something else will come along, these things generally happen for the best and in this case I think they'll find out it's their loss.

Judy

Nina,
Don't you dare change. Barbaro won't know whos house he is in.

Precious Barbaro: Beautiful boy, how I miss you. Someday, Barbaro, I will be coming home and I will be happy beyond belief to finally get to see you. Run and play happily with your "horsey" friends in our Father's green, green pasture. I love you, big boy, and will keep you in my heart forever.

Father, thank you for the "Miracle of Barbaro"

Lost in the Fog: Your candle is lit for today, my angel horse. Missing you and loving you even more.

Father, thank you for "The Fog"

Barbaro Family: You are on my mind and in my heart 24/7. I wish the best for all of you. May you have a glorious day as the "Barbaro Effect" will move mountains for our Precious Barbaro. Prayers to all in need and the "furry" ones, too.

Alex: As always thank you for everything. Where would we be without you?

ALERT, ALERT, ALERT!!!!!

Just came back from lighting candles for our Precious Barbaro and Foggy......our boy is #2. Please keep those candles glowing for our Barbaro. He can feel our love from the warmth of their glow. Thanks

"Please Pray for the Horses"

"No Horse Left Behind"

Daryl -

How can Dallas Crown have started to slaughter again in Texas - I thought it was ruled illegal?

Pamela and Cheryl: Check myspace - is that you?????

;)

####
Alex. thanks for the artical "American's Horse" Who Touched the World, it was great.

Barbaro has touched the world, how true is that!

Michael Matz has more than Chelokee nominated for the Triple Crown races. He also has;

Vine Hill
Paco
Crusader Rabbit
Diamond Fever

Ahh, FOBs, this has been the worst day yet for me. Monday was BAD, Tuesday was not good, every other day was pretty okay... except today I feel like I got plowed with a dump truck. Today sucks.

Good news is my teeth stopped throbbing- took tylenol. Funny thing, I think it was more psychosomatic than anything. It never fails to fascinate me how a drug with no effect on the mind can cure an "imaginary" pain within minutes.

To top it off, I just found one of those brand-new fillings cracked-off in my gum. Pbbbbbt, sucky day.

This time last week might just have been worse, though. On Tuesday I saw an anti-marijuana commercial and found it so depressing that I cried (??) Someone smack me.

tuesday,february 6th,2007-
-the rain. the snow
of tears. .
threads for .our comfort and joy
is in the music of his great heart.
..and soul
all the great hearts he lived ,LIVES with
i thank the FOB,
for the beautiful weaving and writing and painting and crying...
there is private courage in grieving
in my own grief
i follow gretchen jackson's lead.
..to find my own path in this tragedy..and loss
how to mine the gold there in,
to give honor to Barbaro
i know in my deepest of heart.
that there has to be a meeting of minds..
as he made by following the lead
...the miracle of god's choosing
...on a larger scale
the jacksons
...who would understand unconditional love
...NBC and its staff.
..who shoulder on.with out missing a beat..
the brilliance and humility they all feel
at the miracle before their feet.------.
we do not find the meaning of life
by ourselves alone--we find it
with another...-thomas merotn..said
that..-------------------------------------------
i have an idea that seems to be working for me..
to go back and look at what alex,
the magna carta man--
gave us..in the history already made..
THE ENGLISH IN their customary reserve,
,LAY THINGS DOWN DEEP quietly//underneath.
....IN LAYERS..
maybe truffles?
LOOK BACK ON THE site
--my coach says ---GO BACK TO GO FORWARD--
to ,maybe, FIND YOUR PATH OUT OF THE BEAUTIFUL 'WEAVINGS..'
i ask myself
what is my path
contemplate the next miracle..
the first,
BARBARO
--because
he is looking
he is looking down and over and around
i wager,
with
secretariat, the fog,precisionist,so many dear horses felled by injury
or disease on earth
serving their passions..and their owners..
in my tears..
i let em flow
cant get to the side of
,IT IS WHAT IT IS..
without the pain and the tears..
do not worry..
the passion of my love for this horse
is fed by the loss of humanity on other fronts..
world peace the poor and defenseless..
i love Barbaro
i recognize his presence
is the
mark of a champion..-------------------------..
gratitude..
brings peace to my aching heart
and those two words,
thank you

Barbaro.
..
in the light
martita..

Just found an article from the Dallas Morning News 1/25 by Jim Getz. Apparently we have opposition to passing the horse slaughter bill from the heads of the committees:

"Congress is considering a nationwide ban on horse slaughter. But, in what Mr. Sheon called a "rare, if not unprecedented move," the Republican and Democratic heads of two committees in the House – Agriculture, and Energy and Commerce – issued a bipartisan letter Thursday urging fellow members not to vote for a ban."

#Alex, thank you for the link to Old Friends article. I have been away from my childhood love of horses and horseracing for a long time (too long) and have come back in the last few years due to a young colleague of mine, Barbaro and this site. I have learned so much here but the saddest was and is the treatment of the racehorses who no longer compete or were never good enough on the track. I guess I was blissfully unaware of what goes on, but that has changed.

I agree that Michael's idea of setting aside monies, such as the slots, or even a small percentage of the purses or whatever else would and should be a big step in giving our horses their place to live in dignity and well being.

I hope that this will be a part of Barbaro's legacy.

Judy

Marybeth, I pray for you today to have peace in your heart through this tough time. I know we will all find it in our own way. Sorry you are having a hard day...........

###
Jackie ... I am sending you Cyber Hugs!!
Tomorow will be better!!

Barbaro ... What a Beautiful Difference One Life Has Made!

Hello Barbaro Fans -

Love the piece by Michael Blowen on older horses.
They definitely have a place in our hearts.

Hope all the FOB's are doing better. I've never seen such an outpouring of beautiful words and their love for Barbaro. I share the same love but can't write poems or beautiful stories as some of you do. Thanks again FOB's - you sure have helped me. You too Alex for this wonderful
website.

######

SMACK...there ya go Jackie! Hope that helps!

I know how you feel, I'm feeling kind of sad today. Of course I did look at the video tribute...I guess I shouldn't have. He was so beautiful,so brave.

"The way to heaven is on horseback."

Thanks Ruth and Sue! Hugs are awesome. Even the slap felt good :) (ooh, don't take that the wrong way!)
Feeling a bit better now. Good to see all of your supporting words!

###
Sue ... Barbaro's beauty and bravery are overwhelming! I still recall that video of the first time he walked without his cast. Oh, Oh ... tear alert!!

Jackie,
Here comes another one. HUGS

Love and miss you so much Sweet Bobby J, Barbaro.

As you read Michael Blowens letter, I ask you to visit the Old Friends website ...www.OldFriendsEquine.Org, and see all the good he is going. Aside from pensioning retired racehorses, he is making sure that all our champions overseas are monitored and raising money to make sure there is plane fare home when their stud days are over.
If you read my thread, In Honor of Barbaro, you would have seen a member of our Barbaro family singlehandedly donated money $1500 for a run in shed with the plaque reading "Believe in Miracles. Believe in Barbaro".
Old Friends does need more run ins...so please find it in your heart to donate anything so we can have another protective shed in Bobbys name.
the address is.

All checks for the Run-In Shed should be made out to:
Old Friends
Barbaro's Run-In Shed from TWR
1841 Paynes Depot Rd.
Georgetown, KY 40324

I am and would suggest putting a note in there too.
They are at a new farm and need these...
If you visit the Old Friends site, try not to cry at the memorial to Precisionist. I do everytime I see it. (the picture of Precisionist and M.B.)

###########
DebG. got your email, will do so tonight.

###########
Spirit Horse Loretta
Thank you so much information you gave last night on the harnesses. My rescue dog Roy came to me with his collar embedded in his neck, which I had to cut off him, needless to say, he is very wary of a collar, I have to keep one on him looser than I would like, but that harness looks like something he might be able to get used to.
Thanks again.
Love to Family,
Susan
Believe in our hero Barbaro.

SusanW: Will look forward to helping...

:-)

#####

Belinda: Thank you for:
"The way to heaven is on horseback"

In my prayers every morning and night and in between is that when my day comes to go home that my Heavenly Father will send Barbaro and Lost in the Fog to take me home. I have never ridden a horse in my lifetime (and it's a pretty long lifetime), so I pray my Father will give me that honor when my "number is called".....thanks.

"Please Pray for the Horses"

"No Horse Left Behind"

my tears too...Martita...beautiful as always.

##Jackie Tundra, don't despair, we are in for a lot of bad days and good days. We will be facing a lot of firsts without Barbaro and it's bound to bring us tears. It's ok to cry and to smile.

Hugs to everyone needing one today.

Judy

Alex again a wonderful assortment of articles
My deepest appreciation.

You're Still You Barbaro, Forever in Our Hearts amazing tribute.

Equine Heaven- now a favorite, thanks, I check in daily.

I am baffled at these politicians who "in a rare and unprecedented" situation want others to vote against the ban....

There HAS TO BE some politicians who are doing this who have an inside vested interested in the horse slaughter industry. Somehow, someway, money is going into someone's pockets or venture or business in regards to each horse slaughtered or the operation of the plant - point blank. Months ago, I sent emails to several news entities, Greta Vansusteren, etc....asking for an investigation into the slaughterhouses. Wouldn't this be a GREAT investigation trail to find out WHY and WHO the politicians are who have an interest in the slaughterhouses STAYING OPEN....If I had the time, I would do it myself!

Jeanette, Have a great day!

SusanW,
What kind of dog do you have.I'm thinking of a humane slip collars that we greyhound people use.

Good day Alex and FOBs.

Geez, I'm okay until I watch another video tribute and then I start sobbing like a big ole baby again. I love the tributes, but they're SO emotional...they make my heart ache, literally.

In the latest tribute, there was a picture of Barbaro looking at a cat sitting on top of a fence post with Dr. Richardson looking on. I had never seen that picture before. Can anyone tell me where I can find it?

Have a great day everyone.

Alex and Tim, thank you for "another day" here at TWR.

Sweet boy, I miss you terribly, but I will forever carry you in my heart. I love you Barbaro.

Susan W ... That picture of Precisionist is heartbreaking! I remember reading about him when he first passed. Another Horse Angel! I just wish that Barbaro had been able to live as long a life. But God had other plans for Barbaro.

I just miss him so!! I'm going home to hug my Beanie Baby and plant a kiss on his nose!

Barbaro Nation,

A nice article from a FOB...like so many of us unsettled that Sunday night and early Monday.

Alex my Amazon book order shipped today TY! I look forward to learning more.

Back to work grrr

((((Barbaro))))

thank you karen for that information about the heads of the energy and agriculture committees. Lets all try and call the heads #s mentioned on this site are john dingell 2022254071, joe barton 2022252002 for energy . i dont have the numbers but i think collin peterson is the chairman and bob goodlatte ranking minority leader for agriculture. BARBARO LIVES IN OUR HEARTS FOREVER

Hello, all -

I haven't been on here for days, it seems. Husband's birthday on Sunday, with a house full, and very busy day at work yesterday.

Haven't had time to read all posts, but must extend good thoughts to Robyn Hoffmann's uncle Stephen - hope the surgery went well.

Dale - Much sympathy in the loss of your uncle, and
Mary C. - So many losses. I'm sorry.

jonna - You are far from invisible. I think we just get smushed by how much there is to respond to... No matter how hard I try, I always, always, ALWAYS forget several people to whom I wish to speak... That being said, I have appreciated many of the things you have written...

Rosalind - I loved the prayer for animals you posted yesterday - or Sunday... I'm lost in space.

Susan W - I love the idea of the run-in shed. I would like to contribute my very small mite to that.

To everyone who made tributes, you are amazing, and I have to save them all. Like many others, I still get VERY emotional over these, but as someone said today, it is healing emotion.

Welcome to all who are new to the site.

Thanks to Mr. Brown for the book recommendations. Now I know what to do on payday.

I work at a moving company in central California, and I have put a Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation jar on my reception counter. (I'll alternate it with a Laminitis Fund jar, Linnie!.) Lots of people ask about it, quite a few have made little contributions, (which we'll collect and forward once a month), and almost everyone seems more interested in horses than they were before the Boss Hoss made us all sit up and take notice.

Love and comfort to all in need, four-legged and two-legged, and thank you so much to Mr. Woolley and Mr. Brown.

Have a Barbaro day - courage and kindness.

- Jean

Can someone please tell me what a run-in shed is?

Marybeth, today is a tough day for me too. It's almost like I can't believe he's gone. Tears in my eyes all day at work, and sneaking onto this site. I know that healing takes time, with lots of ups and downs. It's still just so sad for me, even though I know he is in a better place, happy and whole, running wild and free.

###Jean,
I am in Central California too, in Fresno. :)

Good Afternoon Fellow FOB's:

I think Mr B just sent me a message from above--I was being interviewed for a job when I noticed a picture of a child and a horse-both of whom belonged to my interviewer-that prompted me to show my Barbaro bracelet and we proceed to discuss
Barbaro. Well--it turns out she grew up near the Jacsons--is a friend of their daughter Lucy-has known them all of her life-and thinks they are wonderful people!
In addition--she knows Michael Matz and his wife for many years--
she met Dr R a few weeks ago and had a conversation with him--and lastly--she worked at New Bolten for a few summers when she was in school.
I don't know of I'll get the job--but I loved meeting this lady and sharing my Barbaro info with her

Nice to read the story about Mepache - a story with a happy ending. I was always partial to offspring of Iron Constitution. Eventually I'll get to read this story in my copy of the Thoroughbread Times. It takes awhile to arrive - I think the folks at the USPS read it and pass it along to me when they are finished.

Personal Ensign retired from breeding last year - another great mare who deserves it.

I hope to find all my FOB doing better today.
For me it is one secound at a time. I think I
am doing better then it sets in like an Oklahoma thunderstorm. Quick and with little notice.
I hope Barbaro knows how many people he has touched. God Bless and comfort everyone.
Love and Kisses Barbaro!!!!

###
After reading the Old Friends article I have this question. How much does it cost to keep a horse alive (and happy) for one year? Thanks for the answer.

Horse Hands Across America and the World!
Keep the Faith!
God spoke "Horse" and it was amazing!

Amy --

Thank you for the piece that you put together on our Hero Barbaro. Very Well Done and it is really a true story of the Big Guy. Thanks Also for not putting in the pictures from the Preakness. It seems that most things have those shots in them. Not what most of us want to see. He was such a Big Lover. The picture of Barbaro and Edgar, The Dean of New Bolton scratching his favorite spot, the pictures of Boss Hoss and Dr. Richardson, the picture of Barbaro and Alex and the one of him sniffing out the kitty on the fence post are some of my favorite pictures. Thanks for including them.

It appears that perhaps momentum is beginning to start with the anti-slaughter bill. I am contacting every editor of a newspaper I can in my end of the world to try and get the news out to everyone that reads newspapers to bring to their attention the terrible mis-deeds that happen to our 4 legged friends and to try and gain support there.

God Bless Barbaro and God Bless All Of His Angels That Are Continuing His Work.

47 degrees in Nebraska as I write this. What a change for us. Very welcome change I might ad.

(((Bobby)))...I miss you so much....I miss worrying about you...I miss waiting for the next update....I miss waiting for the "next" picture/video of you (I lived for those)....I miss worrying about what farm you were going to be sent to...I miss the NBC updates..I miss worrying about wether or not there were enough treats for you each day....I miss watching your Derby video each day (I hope I can bring myself to watch it again)...I miss reading articles about you....(((Bobby)))...I just plain miss you!!!!

(((Alex)))

Pat G
Proud Member
Fans of Barbaro

"....Grief is the price you pay for love"....Gretchen Jackson

Could one of my fellow FOB's tell me where I can view the B/W photos of Barbaro that are in some of the videos Please.

An FOB Forever

####
VERNA & LINDA LEE...Are you still out there?-

What informative posts! Thank you so much! Well, I'm not sure now about exploring a career as a Vet Tech. Going to school full time would be tricky anyway. Verna, you said you saw hundreds of animals put down in 12 yrs...that sounds like more than I could stand. How many euthanasias on avg. per year, would you say?

I'll have to ask my cousin if it was a Vet or VTech; but I think it was probably his Vet. Are Vet Techs even allowed to do that? I thought that would fall under the States' definition of "medical practice", which Vet Techs are not allowed to do according to the AVMA. Verna & Linda, were you Vet Assts. or Registered Vet Techs?

Verna, I've had dogs for over 20 years & have had the same vet. I have 3 right now. Can't live w/o my dogs -- they're my life!! They sleep with me. My first 2 dogs -- Fred (Sheltie) & Grits (Eskie) passed on at almost 15 yrs. of age. When the "time" came, I could not make the decision...but it kind of worked itself out.

Freddie suddenly had a massive seizure one night, and I brought him to my Vet early AM; but he must have been in pain that evening. I should have called my vet at his home that night, but I thought it would pass. Fred had had brief episodes before, but not to the point that he required medication. But he was having trouble with his equilibrium too, in the days preceding the seizure, and so was scheduled for a visit to the LSU Vet School to see a specialist, which never happened, b/c he died soon after the onset of the seizure. When I brought him to my vet the next morning, he took one look at Fred and said it was time to let Fred go. He said (kind of like Dr. R.) that Fred was a "different" dog from what he saw a few days previous. But I'd never had to do that before...Fred was my 1st dog...plus I lived alone, so I had ZERO support system. My vet gave him pain killers right away though, so Fred was not in any pain. He offered to take Fred home w/ him to give him the best chance of survival b/c he could keep him sedated on pain meds. I was so grateful for that. A day or two later, the doc said that he no longer needed to give him pain meds, which I thought was a good sign that he was pulling out of it, but the doc said "no", that he felt Fred was sinking deeper, and that's why he wasn't in pain. Shortly after, he called me to tell me Fred had passed. So I thank God I was spared the ordeal of having to decide. The only time Fred was probably in pain, was the night of the seizure onset at home.

During those couple of days that Fred was dying, my next oldest dog, Grits, suddenly became blind in both eyes, and began going down. He never got acclimated to being blind, maybe b/c it happened when he was 14 yrs old. I had also just lost my fiance 6 mos. before Freddie died, so I was a basketcase. First the fiance, then Fred, now Grits...I couldn't come up for air. Grits went down slowly over the next year, but he wasn't in pain, but towards the end, I'd have to help him walk by holding onto his curled up tail, to help him with his weak back legs, so he could relieve himself. Pain was not the problem, it was his blindness; he had no interest in life...just laid around on the floor, and needed me to help him get up. Once he was up, he was okay, but I'd help him in the yard the last couple of months. I could tell his whole attitude changed after Freddie died. I got those two dogs six mos. apart, and they were the best of friends, so when Freddie died...even though Grits was blind, I know that he knew that Fred was no longer in the house. I still had another dog in the house, who's my older dog now, but Grits became very despondent after Fred was gone. So that, coupled with his blindness, & the fact that he was beginning to have seizures, started his decline. My vet did give me meds to help prevent his seizures, but I never could get the dosage figured out. If I gave Grits too much, he'd sleep forever, and I wanted him to be able to go to the bathroom, eat, and have some awake time, of course. If I gave him too little, he was a nervous wreck, very restless, and constantly wanting to get up from the floor every 15 mins. which was taking its toll on me b/c I had to get him up from the floor. Luckily I didn't have to go to an outside job, so I was with Grits 24 hrs. a day. That's something most people can't do, which probably precipitates their decision to call it quits, b/c they have a job to go to; they can't nurse an elderly animal all day and night. If I would have had a job to go to, I guess I would have had to put him down, b/c no one would have been in my home to take care of him. So, it was like I was taking care of an elderly relative all day and all night. It was next to impossible for me to leave the house, b/c I had to make sure Grits was sedated a bit with his medication before I went to the grocery, b/c he was so restless when he was awake.

As the calendar approached the one year anniversary of Fred's death, I was hoping that Grits wouldn't die the same day. But as fate would have it, it's as though Grits knew the date on the calendar, b/c one year to the day that Fred had died at the vet's house, Grits woke me up that Sun. morning with a massive seizure. I rushed him to an emerg. clinic b/c my regular vet was on vacation. He sedated Grits while I gave him a rundown on his history. He wanted to keep him overnite of course, but b/c of Grits' blindness and restlessness, I told the vet he couldn't be crated anymore. So this kind doctor offered to take Grits home with him to watch him through the night. Once again, I was blessed. The next day, the vet told me that Grits seemed to be comfortable, so he was able to take him off the meds, but that he was probably disoriented. He said that Grits was calling out for me...and I did hear Grits through the phone in the background, yelping every so often. The doc said that I could pick him up later that evening b/c the seizure episode was over and there was nothing else to do for him. I knew that Grits was near the end though & although I wanted him back home, I was also not looking forward to the 24/7 marathon, whereby I could hardly leave the house. Grits' quality of life was shot and so was mine!

When I got to the clinic that evening to pick him up, the vet told me that Grits had just died...while I was enroute. I was briefly shocked on the one hand, but relieved on the other, b/c caring for him 24/7 all day and all night, with no help, was really becoming very hard for me. So I don't know if it will always work out like that for me. As long as I can stay home with them and nurse them when they're elderly, as long as they're not in pain, then I might get lucky if the very end comes fast as it did for both Fred & Grits about 48 hrs. after the onset of their seizures. Grits must have had a stroke while I was enroute. That's what my regular vet surmised when we discussed it after he returned from his vacation. I'm glad that happened at the hosp. and not at home.

Grits died less than 24 hrs. exactly one year to the day that his pal, Freddie died. So, within 18 mos. I lost my fiance, who dropped dead right in front of me, Freddie my Sheltie, and Grits my Eskie. This was in 2000 & 2001. I now have 2 Eskies and a pit bull rescue dog I picked up on the street. Hopefully, it'll be a long time before I face those bad times again. I think euthanasia would be easier for me to handle if I had a family member or some other adult in the house with me. It's hard to handle something like that completely alone. Other people I know who go through that have their spouses or significant others in the household, or grown children, who are feeling the pain too, but when you're the only one in the house, it's bad.

If my fiance had been the last one to die, instead of the first one, I would have had him in the house to "lean on", but no such luck. But I did have the dogs to lean on when he died.

Questions: Why does a vet agree to put down a healthy dog? I know you said, Verna, that one was mean, but didn't the vet you worked for have trouble coming to terms with putting down other healthy pets who were NOT mean? Are there some vets who refuse to do that? You said seeing all the sick pets finally got to you. At what point in the 12 yrs. did it start getting to you? Were you happy in that career for the most part? How would one ascertain if that's the career for them -- esp. an older person? It seems to me if I were to volunteer at a vet hosp., I wouldn't really be allowed to work side-by-side with the vet techs to see what it's like, b/c they'd likely have me doing other stuff like cleaning the kennels, walking the dogs, etc., rather than being allowed to observe what goes on during surgeries, etc...yes?

Hey FOBs, just want to let you know that the Feb. 10 issue of Thoroughbred Times - Barbaro Commemorative Issue is available. You will have to call the number that is shown on the page.
http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/products/barbaro-special-edition.aspx

##

To all Ohio residents - I have e-mailed Senator Voinovich and will send him the following letter:

Senator George V. Voinovich
524 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510

RE: Senate Bill 311

Dear Senator Voinovich,

I am writing to you to please consider co-sponsoring the Senate Bill 311, introduced by Senator Landrieu, to ban Horse Slaughter in the United States.

This terrible practice must be stopped. Horses are not livestock. Instead, they represent a truly special symbol for America. As you can see from the recent outpouring of support and emotion over the recent passing of Barbaro, Americans overwhelmingly support the ban.

As a constituent and your supporter, I urge you to not to just support the bill, but also to co-sponsor it and help pass the bill. My other representatives, Senator Sherrod Brown and Rep. Steven LaTourette, have already put their names to co-sponsor the Horse Slaughter Ban bill. I have previously written to you last year asking you to co-sponsor this bill and saw that you did not do so. I will follow-up and keep track on whether you will co-sponsor this bill. This will affect whether if I will vote for you or not in the next time you are up for re-election.

The following is a link that supports the argument that this terrible practice must be stopped:

http://www.horse-protection.org/pdf/Relationship-of-Abuse-to-Slaughter.pdf

Let's get on him.

##

Barbaro - You will never be forgotten.

####

Linda,
I'll answer your question two different ways. The first is what it costs me to keep my broodmare (excluding any costs related to breeding her or extra vet costs since she's bred, etc.). It costs me between $1900-$2100 a year to pay her board (which includes pasture board, hay, and grain), routine vet work (coggins test, teeth floating, vaccinations, worming), and farrier work.

For someone who owns their own land (so no board), the cost would average $1500 a year (assuming the horse does require a normal level of grain and there is adequate pasture so that no hay is needed during the spring and summer months).

If the horse needs to be stall kept, assume about doubt (and then some) on the boarding prices (my show horses are all stalled and board runs me $260 per month per horse, this is EXTREMELY cheap for this area) and probably close to double on the price if you own your own land (hay year round, shavings, etc.).

Hope that helps some.

Tom in Ohio ... Thank you so much! I just sent my letter off to Senator Voinovich!

Ruth in Cleveland

Barbaro ... What a Beautiful Difference One Life Has Made!

thank you amy for that beautiful tribute to our dearest barbaro. I shall keep playing all day. BARBARO IS IN OUR HEARTS FOREVER

JenM in Ok--- If you live in Oklahoma what part?

Ruth S - Thank you for being a friend.

Alex- Thank you for this site and your hard work to keep us informed.

FOB - God Bless you and give you comfort.

Love and Kisses Barbaro!

Tough day today, worse than yesterday. This morning, in that soft fuzzy area between waking and sleeping, I thought of Bobby and felt glad his hooves were getting better.

Then I woke up. Took a while to come here to the site.

hi tom, i am also from ohio and so pleased to see sherrod brown has joined us. i am going to call and thank him. I have sent a letter to voinovich and also a brochure about horse slaughter. yes we must keep calling. it feels very icey when i call their office but the love we have for our dear horse can melt them.

###
LLeslie ... Cyber Hugs to you My Friend! I hope you are having a healing and blessed day!

I feel so good. I just sent a letter to my Senator in Ohio regarding the antislaughter bill. So much work ... so little time!

Barbaro ... What a Beautiful Difference One Life Has Made!

###
LLeslie,

Stillwater. You?

#### Susan W-
I'm so glad the harness info was helpful for you. And so happy that your dog found a good home with YOU. Poor thing...w/ a collar embedded...

###
Hilary ... Kudos to you! I just sent a letter to Senator Voinovich, as well!

Your friend in Cleveland ...

Ruth

Tom from Ohio:

I am also from Ohio and would like to email Voinovich myself. I would appreciate it if you would post his email address or advise me how I can obtain it. Thanks!

Gayle

Goodnight, Barbaro, Our Love, Forever.

You have a wonderful evening, and don't forget grab all the apples, pears, and peppermints you can...You have alot of lady friends to attend too.

Goodnight, Family/Fans Of Barbaro..

May God keep all of you safe. Please stay warm and take care of all animals inside and outside..

Please remember the spoken and unspoken requests, the Fallen ANGELS, the rescues, the BARBARO BILL, ANTI-HORSE SLAUGHTER BILL MUST BE PASSED...WE WILL NOT LET BARBARO'S TASKS BE UNFINISHED.

I want to thank you personally, always plus a big thank you to ALEX...for the wonderful work, care, and love...no words can match the love and care shown on this website.

Each of us are still mourning the loss of our love, Barbaro...each of us are taking one day at a time, one step at a time...but we are in this together...in BARBARO'S HOUSE...mending, sending cyber hugs, words, and kind hearts...

Barbaro, I will be looking for you in the Heavens tonight.

Goodnight to all...and many blessings to each of you.

Alex, lovely article on Mepache. It made me think of the point Michael Blowen had made in his "Old Friends' article, ( a point which you mentioned in the next paragraph) - that it would be nice to see a portion of the earnings of these horses go toward their retirement.

Is there anything we could do to help make this happen?

###### JenM in OK

Hugo . DO you know where that is? 60 miles south of McAlester. Population 5,000

Thank you, Alex, for the article by Michael Blowen. I would love to see his ideas implemented. It's nice to read some of these articles that don't bring the tears!

Susan W,
Go to ebay, under Greyhounds, you will see the humane choak collars there. That is all I let mine wear. They are made out of nylon with fancy trim, and have no buckles. Let me know what you think.

######
Ruth,
a run in shed is an open on one side structure that provides protection for pastured horses in the event of a storm, or shade in the summer.
It would be nice to think of our Bobby protecting more horses....I am in awe of the person who already contributed one, since she answered me, it was Fran, but more are needed.
Funny about that picture, I was talking to Michael last week, he was reading the article, somehow he started talking about Precisionist, and I said, oh no, you are going to make me cry because everytime I see that picture I do. Such love.
#########
Renee,
I don't know what a slip collar is, but, does it put pressure on the neck? Roy is a Pomeranian that the owner kept outside chained up on cement.
That winter we got snow and it was below freezing, and on my way to work I passed by and saw he was still outside cuddled up to a stray cat to keep warm.
I took off the next day, went to the place, knocked on the door and said, I want to buy your dog. He said, it's my wifes, I said, give you 200 for him, he said sold. The creep. Roy had pneumonia, bad teeth, was eating dirt, etc. I had Pepper at the time, so stayed up all night making sure they got along. Well, in the two years they had together (almost three) Roy became her best friend, and when Pepper passed away, he was inconsolable, so we drove to IOWA, to get another Schipperke, Penny Lane. Now she is a piece of work getting a leash on, but Roy ABSOLUTELY does not want a collar. Renee, they put a collar on him when he was little and never got a bigger one.
So, I thought the one that transfers the pressure would work. So after that lengthy explanation, what is the slip collar?
Love to Family,
Susan
Believe in our Hero, Barbaro

I'm worried about Dr. Richardson. Does anyone know if he's okay?

###
Loretta...

20 years ago vet. techs. were just starting. I started my job 2 weeks after I graduated from high school. I was at the right place at the right time.

I did it all, clean, office work; make medicine (as this was necessary at the time), assist in surgery, grooming, chase dogs and cows, etc.

I left the veterinary world because of the pressure of pleasing hurting owners. I was having problems being nice to people that needed NICE. I could change myself instead of changing them.

Your idea of being a volunteer is perfect. That will give you an idea of what you can live with.
You know you can do anything in life because you know.

In my experience you see it all, like working in a restaurant and seeing how the food is made. No difference in the vet. world.

I have a 10 year old that TODAY she wants to be a vet. I tell her that she will know when it is time. I also tell her that she may be perfectly content to be an animal owner/lover or even work in a pet shop.

Pets have owners, as far as I know there is not a law against putting an animal to sleep. It is up to the owner for that decision. If the vet does not agree believe me there are vets that would do it. Even animal shelters have to put pets to sleep. It is one of those issues that education would help. If you can’t take care of something you should not own it. That is why animal shelters have become so strict on who and when an animal are released to people.

Horse Hands Across America and the World!
Keep the Faith!
God spoke "Horse" and it was amazing!

Those are called martingale collars - that is the only kind that a greyhound can wear - since their heads are smaller than their necks - they will slip out of a regular buckle collar

Gayle:

You can contact him via web at:

http://voinovich.senate.gov/contact/index.cfm

Not a e-mail address, more of contacting him through his website.

I have received a "canned" response from his office before, but I am going to keep trying.

We need to keep up the pressure on his office.

Ruth & Hilary - Good to know that all of us are out there working to get this legislation passed.

Alex - Thanks for keeping this site open and your book recommendation. I will take a look at it.

SusanW ... Thank you for the information. I will be making a contribution. Just one more way to honor our Precious Barbaro. How healing it is to know that we are giving something back to him for all that he gave to us!

Barbaro ... What a Difference One Life Has Made!

PAT G

I COULD NOT HAVE SAID IT BETTER MYSELF.

MISSING AND LOVING BARBARO

##########
Darn, I forgot to mention Old Friends gets everything by donation, and for food they have sponsors. It's on the website, but all donations.

##########
Spirit Horse Loretta,
Well, I thank you, and yes, Roy is spoiled. He is an indoor dog with his own bed, but prefers to be with me. If I run out of treats, he tells me and I have been known to run out at 7:30 to get him some. I wish I could do more...that Pedigree commercial rips me apart....showing those dogs in shelters and the final line "I know I'm a good dog, I just want to go home".
Love,
Susan
Believe in our hero, Barbaro.

###

Whoa Jen... I spent $600 two months ago on a cockatiel to bring her back to health. She was exposed to Teflon, which I didn't know was a problem. I might change to a horse. I know I would love it just as much as my bird.

Thanks for the information. Where do you live? I am in Maryland.

Horse Hands Across America and the World!
Keep the Faith!
God spoke "Horse" and it was amazing!

Susan,
The collar moves freely around the neck, no pressure at all. I don't know if they make them that small all you would have to do is ask the seller.

###
Linda,
Didn't see where you have birds! We've got an amazon parrot and a cockatoo. That teflon can defiantely be nasty stuff! We never had any problem using it on low-medium heat, but as soon as we learned it COULD be a problem, we chunked it.

I spent $800 last month on a filly that jumped a 4' hot rope fence and ran into the neighbor's barbed wire fence! Needless to say, my amounts listed were for routine stuff, not including the inevitable STUPID stuff the horses can get themselves into that throw you into the poor house! :D

I'm in Oklahoma.

###
Ashley, Last I heard was that Dr. R went out of town for the weekend with his family for some healing time. I hope he is okay, as well. Let's say an extra prayer for him tonight!

Alex,

Thank you for continued updates and all you do.

Sweet Prince,

I miss you so....you are still and will always be
my ray of sunshine. You taught me so much about courage, love and respect. I LOVE YOU BARBARO!!

Prayers to all that need them....

BLB!!!

FOB FOREVER!!!

Karen - TN

Again, am saving the Hennegan Brothers clip today for later, for dessert. Thank you Alex for continuing to give us something to look forward to.

##########
Just wanted to share an email from Jack Ireland, whose excellent piece on Barbaro (Delaware Online) was linked by Alex a couple of days ago.

I wrote to him:

[subj. line] Thank You For Your Piece On Barbaro

Dear Mr. Ireland:

What a wonderful story you did on Barbaro - it is now linked up top at the Tim Woolley site. [link] Thank you. Hopefully you will continue to champion him and his people by getting VOCALLY behind the ban on horse slaughter (legislation in progress) which is being advocated by the Jacksons.

C. Jaffe, a steadfast FOB

and am thrilled to share his reply:

I will definitely keep Barbaro in my stories and the slaughter issue is high on my priority list.
Thank you. Jack Ireland.

This is IMO yet another way to spread the word and the Barbaro effect - thank authors of "good" Barbaro news items and encourage them to get behind the slaughter ban as a way of honoring the Jacksons' specific request.

LIVING PROOF OF THE LIVING TRUTH

Hope Peace Love Music & RESPECT - CJ the craziest catlady (Blackie's Mother & Pleasure's Aunt) in Hammond IN, f/k/a CJ of T Bar J (Elgin IL)

Precious Barbaro ... I must say goodnight. Sleep well with the Angels, Sweet Bobby! Hugs and Peppermint Kisses!

Your friend forever,
Ruth

Cyber Hugs to all FOB's who need them. Have a healing night!

Thank you Alex, for the excellent articles. The one from Mr. Blowen makes salient points. I agree that fees should be assessed at every step of the way. Good way to weed out the people who are not serious about seeing their commitment to their horses through. You are such a wealth of information!

Tom--thanks for the info and address on Senator Voinovich. He was very evasive and noncommittal last year. Come on fellow Buckeyes, let's let him know what his constituents want!

It's really ()>) coooooold here. Stay warm Alex, equine, and human friends.

Hiya Carol!

Peace,
Buckeyes for Barbaro
Kathy from Toledo and the cats

#####

Loretta, thank you for your post about your friend's experience in euthanizing his animal. I was so sorry to hear the story, and sympathize with his wish not to do that again. Without knowing the details of the case, I wonder if the vet used a two stage or single stage technique. Two stage is the best, and not all vets automatically do that because of the cost. Two stage is intervenous general anesthesia or deep sedation followed by barbiturate overdose.


Caring owners may want to ask for two stage specifically. Two stage is the procedure Dr. Richardson described in his news conference, and it offers the peaceful experience we are expecting when we help an animal we love. I hope this helps.

Alex,
What an incredible article by Michael Bowen. He is so right in what he says about TB's retiring without a nickel. I represent child actors, and the law is 15% of their earnings goes to a trust fund so when they are 18 they have some money from thier work. This is so parents can't spend it ALL. It definitely should be so in HorseRacing. A small percent of earnings go to a fund for retirement. What a great idea and why isn't it already in practice.............??

Susan W - the Pedigree commercial rips my heart out, too. All the big eyes of those "good" dogs that are wondering why they are there and just want a home.

Just checking in at the end of the day.....

Working on newsletters in support of the ban, and getting emails out - progress is being made in the fight against HS. Let's keep up the momentum!

In memory of you Barbaro, for the Jacksons, and all horse and animal people out there.....and of course.......for the horses.

I just won my Secretariat Beanie Babay on ebay. Now Barbaro will have a friend to run and play with. :)

REPOST FROM EDIE

S 311 now has 19 cosponsors - 5 more then yesterday.

Newest cosponsors

Maria Cantwell (WA)
Sherrod Brown (OH)
Joe Lieberman (CT)
Dianne Feinstein (CA)
Ted Stevens (AK)

Posted by: Edie at February 6, 2007 1:20 PM

AWFB!

Tom:

Thanks for the Voinovich. I work for a law firm and will have one of the attorneys go over a letter that I will draft to him. When I set my sights on something I am relentless. I will never give up.

My brother's wonderful cat went missing last fall and was gone for about 6-8 weeks. Everyone had given up any hope of finding him. It was really my nephew's cat and he was heartbroken. I said I would never give up and every day I did everything I could including advertising, putting up signs, etc. Finally we found him and it took me about 5 days to get him to come to him. Got him back and he is doing great!

So I will never rest until that bill is passed.

Thanks again!

Gayle

UPDATE:
This is just a quick note of clarification on a question asking why the website, www.commonhorsesense.com is listed on the Bibliography...

Many of you may be aware this is the pro-slaughter website run by a spokesperson for the slaughterhouses, and is a source cited often in the pro-slaughter arguments, and most recently in a "Dear Colleague" letter sent by (4) leaders in the sub-committee where our Bills are pending.

Daryl used several quotes from that website to de-bunk their myths and outright lies in the Point-Counterpoint section(Anti Horse Slaughter Booklet) - it is for reference only.

Thanks!
Michelle

#Good night Sweet Prince, rest easy and snug in the arms of the angels. Be good tonight and don't eat all Renee and Nina's treats.

Good night all, stay warm

Thank you Alex for all the wonderful articles today. There really is much to do.

Judy in the frozen north.

OK I just got a phone call from Sea Biscuit and Secretariat...... This is a temperary email address for Barba because they are really going for the gusto there and building a huge tower (bigger than the Earth) so that we don't crash in sending Barba emails. This will change in a few days and I will post the change but Sea Bisscuit and Secretariat are really tired. They have been up all night and they just want all of us on Earth to have a way to contact Barba for the time being......

BarbaroJackson@Alex.halo

That will be the one you guys can use for awhile......... :-)

I'll keep you posted.....

Renee now Barba has figured out a way to do laundry and all kinds of things around my house when I am asleep. I have been taking it really easy cause of my IV yesterday and he has been doing things for me all day..... He only does them when I am not looking though.

Thanks big buddy..... you are very helpful today....... With lots of love......... ANGEL :-)

Joe Lieberman, is a good man and will do us good. I voted for him. Yippppppe!

Judy............. HA!!!!!

He is cleaning me out..... He is one healthy horse I'll tell ya.... Renee.... we are going to have to start getting food stamps here cause man o man..... Barb is just eating everything that isn't bolted to the floor......

Love you big guy...... ;-)

Patti,

Got a response for the car magnet.

They are $8.99 each plus $2.00 shipping & handling. Send check or money order to:

Paul Hoppe
2505 Sun Lake Drive
Saint Charles, MO 63301

I hope he doesn't mind me posting this, cause I'm sure he's going to get a lot of responses!

Sandie

Here is your link (good luck it took me all this time to find it again). I found under post by Marg. Make sure you scroll down when you get to the site. If someone can make it BLUE please do so.

In the latest tribute, there was a picture of Barbaro looking at a cat sitting on top of a fence post with Dr. Richardson looking on. I had never seen that picture before. Can anyone tell me where I can find it?
Have a great day everyone.
Alex and Tim, thank you for "another day" here
Posted by: Sandie at February 6, 2007 8:14 PM

####
Julie L/Linda Lee
Here is the link to the picture of Barbaro and the cat - it's a message board so you need to scroll down to post # 359 Oct 4 2006, 11:29 AM.
http://www.commongroundcommonsense.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=56058&st=340
Marg
Proud member, Fans of Barbaro
Posted by: Marg in Maine at October 19, 2006 7:21 PM

Horse Hands Across America and the World!
Keep the Faith!
God spoke "Horse" and it was amazing!

"bigger than the Earth"...Nina it will tip off its axis. Everybody hold on.

Nina, what ever you are taking I want some. You are a crazy one.

Posted by: A True Barbaro Fan at February 6, 2007 3:29 PM

ABOVE- WHOEVER YOU ARE-- YOU ARE VERY OBVIOUSLY TOO AFRAID TO USE YOUR REAL NAME AND YOU ARE CLEARLY NOT A FAN OF BARBARO. I HAVE NEVER USED A 4 LETTER WORD ON THIS SITE, BUT IF I HAD YOUR NAME, I CERTAINLY WOULD POST IT HERE.

MOST ANIMALS HAVE MORE HEART AND DEFINITELY MORE SOUL THAN US HUMANS HAVE. YOU ARE A PERFECT EXAMPLE OF THAT!!!!!-- THE ARTICLE YOU POSTED, IS DEFINITELY WHERE YOU WILL BE AT THE END OF YOUR LIFE ....... THROUGH OUT ETERNITY!!
CHERYL G

ANIMALS GO TO HEAVEN

#Nina, take care of yourself and have a good nite, glad to hear you have some help. You'll have to put out more treats.

Nite

To FOBs... when I did the research for the Barbaro/Cat picture for Sandie I found it hard because we were still at the hope/he is getting better place. Brings tears to read OLD post.

Horse Hands Across America and the World!
Keep the Faith!
God spoke "Horse" and it was amazing!

Cheryl G,
It could be a Troll out from under that bridge. Ignore it. It's not worth your great energy.

Good Night Everyone,
I hope we all rest better tonight. Barbaro needs us to rest so he can.

Alex,
Thank you for all you do for us. You are a very special man.

Sweet Spirit Barbaro,
Rest with the Angels. God Bless you for ever and ever. I love you and miss you so very much. Smooches on you nose.

JenM... I have the cockatiel and two cats. Would have a dog, another bird (probably a macaw) if I had the MONEY. BUT, when my ship comes in I will be at the airport.

Horse Hands Across America and the World!
Keep the Faith!
God spoke "Horse" and it was amazing!

I KNOW, THANKS RENEE, I'M ALREADY HAVING A REALLY HARD TIME WITH THIS, THEN I SEE THAT.

PLEASE PEOPLE DON'T POST STUFF LIKE THAT HERE- WE DON'T NEED ANYMORE NEGATIVE ENERGY ON THIS SITE.

THANK YOU,
CHERYL G

Leaving work now--- Take care everyone and sweet dreams and good nite.

Tomorrow is a new day.

Love and Kisses Barbaro!

Please don't miss this article on the Jacksons called Profile on Lael Farm from the Thoroughbred Times. It is pre-Kentucky Derby and very endearing. Wonderful to know that "Lael" means "loyalty."

http://thoroughbredtimes.com/national-news/2007/February/01/Profile-on-Lael-Farm.aspx

Jo Ann from Nashville

Cheryl,
It is a dirty vicious game that they play.

It has been very difficult. I really do miss his beautiful face an eyes.

I hope you have a good night. Take Care of yourself.

Linda Lee,

Thank you so much for taking all that time to find the link to that picture. You're a sweetheart and I appreciate it SO much! Thank YOU!

Hi There,
I have been super busy at work today so I have barely had time to read the post yet.

First: Loretta thanks for the description of your tale of evacuation from Katrina. Glad that you had that type of foresight and are all safe and sound. WOW....is about all I can say.

I have a tale about one of my rescue dogs and a vet. I'll try to make this brief.
A coworker of my dads put out an APB for a DOG that needed a home. This coworker had a friend who was a VET. The VET friend had another VET FRIEND who was treating this perfectly healthy 8 month old, high energy Yellow Lab mix. The Owners were not patient with the puppy and wanted to "GET RID" of it. The guy said that he was just gonna let the dog go...out in to the cold harsh MN winter. The vet begged for him to take her to the Humane Society. "NO" was the answer. The vet then suggested Euthinasia because she did not want the dog to suffer a cruel death. Apparently that did not work either and he went back home with the dog. So the Vet sent out the APB to other vets and probably broke the law by giving out the phone number of this client.
My Dads coworker called this guy out of the blue and said they would drive right over and get the dog. She most likely also said she would call the authorites as well. He agreed to relinquish the dog to them. When her husband arrived at the house the guy just threw the dog on a thin leash, out the front door and slammed it. No info, no food, no toys, no nothing.

Upon hearing of this, I immediatley drove the 50 miles to my dad coworkers house and picked her up sight unseen. It took us about a year to get her comfortable with herself but she is a wonderful little girl. We named her Cheyenne because of her beautiful buckskin color that brought images of the West and Wyoming.

I just have no idea what goes through some people's heads......We think this guy was mad becuase she was supposed to be a hunter and she turned out to be too hyper for the job. So he wanted to get back at her I guess for not being what he wanted her to be.

I could never be an animal control agent or animal cop....I would be behind bars in a heartbeat.

Leslie In MN

###
Sandie... I did a pay it forward act. When the picture was originally mentioned I could not get to the site, so someone (can't remember who) emailed it to my sister.

Did you get it? Isn't it adorable!

By the way... if the person that sent me the picture is still posting. Big THANKS again. Make yourself known please.

Horse Hands Across America and the World!
Keep the Faith!
God spoke "Horse" and it was amazing!

Amy,

What an absolutely beautiful tribute to our Sweet
Prince.

####
Linda Lee,

You most certainly did do a pay it forward act and I'll keep it going by sending it on to others to enjoy too. It's such an adorable picture...it really shows Barbaro's huge personality and inquisitive nature.

A million thanks to you again. Keep paying it forward sweetie. We could use more acts of kindness in this world. You're a gem!

THANK YOU MICHAEL BLOWEN!

I have been working on a letter for weeks with the help of another FOB because I think a retirement fund should be set-up for exracehorses that is funded by betting, admission and entry fees. I just sent the letter out today.

If the racing industry chose to name it the BARBARO fund so be it, or if a retirement fund was supported in each state, here in CA it could be the SEABISCUIT fund, or the LOST IN THE FOG fund.

I am so excited to see the wide range of ideas surfacing from this incredible group of people in the name of Barbaro and all horses everywhere. :-)

Here is my letter to the California Horse Racing Board:

"February 6, 2007

Richard B. Shapiro, Chairman
Ingrid J. Fermin, Executive Director
California Horse Racing Board
1010 Hurley Way, Suite 300
Sacramento, CA 95825

Dear Mr. Shapiro and Ms. Fermin,

I am writing to you for two reasons. The first is to commend you on the CHRB’s directive to install artificial surface at all California racetracks. After the injuries of last season, I would say that Polytrack is well overdue and will not only help the horses but improve the racing industry’s reputation which can only bring more patrons to the races.

The second reason I am writing is to urge you to institute a system to provide for thoroughbred retirement, by setting aside a “penny per dollar” earned at all racetracks in California. A California racehorse retirement fund is another way in which the California Horse Racing Board can show its support for horses who run their hearts out and deserve a decent retirement once their racing days are over. Just like Polytrack, a retirement fund for thoroughbreds is well overdue.

The State of California is known for taking the lead nationwide on many issues, ranging from environmental to social. In fact, it is the one and only state in the US to have an approved proposition banning the slaughter of horses (Prop. 6). Why not show the way to the rest of the racing industry around the country and create a mandatory retirement fund for California racehorses from a single penny per dollar earned from betting, admission fees, and entry fees.

The California racehorse retirement fund could support organizations such as GEVA, at Glen Ellen Farms, The Exceller Fund, Tranquility Farm, The Grace Foundation, The United Pegasus Foundation and CERF, that function as retirement homes for horses but need the stability of a reliable donor. That donor could be the CA Horse Racing Board’s “penny per dollar” earned fund.

I do appreciate the changes in the making at California’s racetracks and I think more can be done. Considering that the racing industry generates $14 billion a year, there shouldn't be any problem coming up with the money to make a thoroughbred retirement fund a reality.

With kind regards,

Carol
FOB (Fan of Barbaro)"

Carol
San Diego

Amy,

What a beautiful video, "You're Still You". It says it all...

I apologize if this has been posted already--I haven't been able to read many comments here today, but found this on the NTRA blog.

The Barbaro Effect! Great news in helping us against slaughter:

http://www.ntra.com/blog.aspx?blogid=8

(sorry I can't make it blue)

Hi everyone:
The anti-slaughter booklet is ready and available on the National Equine Rescue Coalition website.
The booklet is being distributed through many organizations including the armed services. And our Canada connections have been using the booklet for a few weeks.
The idea behind this booklet is to put as much anti-slaughter info into one easy access spot. One of the features is the point-counterpoint section. We list pro-slaughter arguments and our counterpoint to those arguments.
You can download the whole booklet or copy/paste what you feel is necessary. Both my senators have the booklet and aides from both offices said it has been helpful. So please, in our continued efforts in supporting the HSUS, please call your senators and representatives (if not on board yet) and tell them you are sending them information. Don't ask if you can send info, kindly tell them you are sending it. The pro-slaughter people are working the aides. We must do the same.
The HSUS has been reviewing the booklet and following is a statement of support from them.

I wanted to get back to you with some preliminary feedback. First of all, wow! What amazing work y'all have done - thank you! You have taken a very complicated and multi-layered issue and laid out all of the dynamics of the horse slaughter situation in the United States today.

Unfortunately, many Americans, including many elected officials, do not understand (or have not even heard of) the slaughtering of American horses for human consumption. Once folks understand the issue - and your booklet is very helpful in this aspect - people can take action to stop this dirty little secret from continuing.

People can call their legislators in Washington, DC; they can write letters to the editor of their local paper; they can tell their friends & families about this inhumanity that is perpetrated on these precious and historic beings.

We must stop the slaughter today!

Thank you for all your great work!

Kelley Dupps
Grassroots Outreach Coordinator -- HSUS Government Affairs

Following is the link to access the booklet! If you have any problems please e-mail Michelle and she will forward a copy to you!
Thanks everyone.
Michelle and Daryl

http://nationalequinerescuecoalition.com/links.html
Sorry! I don't know how to do the blue thingy! I'll have someone get on that!

Thanks to Lj (jock4hire) for all her hard work on the website. She is extremely creative!

Sandie... look at Dr. R again he was so happy that day. It makes me cry, but memories are what gets us through times like these.

You have a good evening. Enjoy whatever makes you happy!

Horse Hands Across America and the World!
Keep the Faith!
God spoke "Horse" and it was amazing!

Hi All FOB's,

Those of you FOB's still unaware of it,....I've posted the NERC newsletter in the Forum under the anti-slaughter header and in the horse rescue issues in the Forum on this site. Please take a look in there and be sure to check out the new web site at http://nationalequinerescuecoalition.com Or just click onto jock4hire below to take you there. There is a lot of info in there concerning slaughter that is a must read!!

thanks for your time, and Smile!!
lj

I just watched the Hennegan Brothers seventh clip of Barbaro, prior to the Kentucky Derby- how gorgeous Barbaro looked. Of course Barbaro created such a stir among the crowd. I found it interesting that he was so intrigued(he was checking out the scene) by his surroundings- like he was quite aware that he was "the man."

Thank you Hennegan's for sharing these clips. Not much has brought a smile to my face this past week but your wonderful clips have for sure.

Missing you and loving you always, precious boy,

Daphne and Pee

Hi there. I have been wanting one of the Barbaro bracelets (the small size) and no one will get back in touch with me. I have four (4) of the brand new Wildlife Warriors bracelets for the Steve Irwin fund still in packaging. They don't fit me. If anyone wants one for free, just email me. cassandra70@gmail.com (I'd really like to trade for a Barbaro bracelet if anyone has an extra.) Thanks.

####
Linda Lee,
Yeah, it's still hard to look at pictures of Dr. R. during happier days...I can't even imagine the heartbreak HE must be feeling...and the Jacksons.

Thanks again for going out of your way. I would have never found that picture without you.

You have a great night too.

Good News for the Jacksons..

#### SPIRIT HORSE
Wow! where do I begin. First, let me say, I am so sorry for all your losses. I have had a few myself and know how it feels. My dad died in front of me while I was preg. w/ my second child. I have had panic attack disorder ever since.
If you want to be a Vet or a Tech. you can find out by going to a vet and asking to help out. Most do welcome a helping hand as well as your local A.S.P.C.A. I started out that way (my vet). I did assist with the animals, even in surgery, before I was a tech b/c I also wanted to be a vet and my vet knew how important it was for me to be exsposed to all aspects of the field. Needless to say, I chose to be a tech. I was not certified, this was before certification was manditory. I was grandfathered in so to speak. Not going to say how old I am :) but it was awhile back :)
I can't really pinpoint when I had had enough, I think it just came on slowly. I know the final straw was when a very sweet little Cairn Terrier(toto dog) died on the operating table. I had cared for hin for 2wks while his owners were on vacation. He was to be neutered the day before going home. His surgery was not typical. His testicals were in the inside of his legs(which normally leads to cancer)he was put under and had a reaction to the med's used and after many attempts to revive hime failed he was pronounced dead... I just couldnt do it anymore. I allowed myself to become toooo attached to him and it was like loosing my own dog.
I also wanted to add, I to had a blind dog and he got around very well, but he was 12 and knew his way around, even to go outside by himself(with me looking on) to go to the bathroom,he was a Boxer...VERY smart, was always told if he could talk he would be human :)
I also know about having to help when they get up or go out. My Boxer/Pitbull mix was loosing the use of his back legs. He died from a medication(new to me) that is used for joint problems. It shut down his kidneys and liver. He died in the night after giving it to him. It wasnt untill I researched the med. that I found out it could be lethal, it is called Remidal or something like that,it's been a few years, but don't ever give it to your dog, again just my opinion from my experience.
Wish you the best of luck, no matter what you decide. But help is always needed, mainly at shelters, I don't know their policy on on interaction with the animals, but that is just a phone call away.
How many animals put down a year... I couldnt even begin to tell you but it was a lot more than I cared to see and yes Vets do put healthy dogs down if the owner so requests, but some will hold them and find homes, it just depends, all vets are different. I workrd for 2 differnt ones and they were night and day when it came to many things, I went back to "my" vet. I couldnt work for the other, the compassion just wasnt there, even though he put on a good face in front of the family.
Again, I wish you great success in whatever field you choose.
with love,
Verna

#####
Amy: the video::::didn't want to cry today, but, well...Josh Grobin vocal on top of those treasured images. Big rolling-down-the-cheeks tears. But thanks, I guess I needed it.

#######
Renee: ah, the hounds, Loretta parted company with 6 big top molars. Their teeth are hell on wheels, IMHO. And this is a bitch who likes to terrorize and bite if you try to do anything to her teeth, her nails,,,,,anything.
So (HA!) i got all her nails done while she was down for the dental and the extractions. I love her desperately for her feistiness and her vocal, loving ways...I will miss her tonight, while she
gets her IV antibiotics at the vet et al...

She comes up from anesthesia real rough...and I HATE THAT SO MUCH. I don't like to use Ace on these guys--even a little---she we gentle her through the stages, and eventually she's OK and just whining and talking because she knows she won't be coming home with me....but I am wiped out
emotionally (not real big reserves there anyhow...)and still smell of ISO...Ah well, that's done anyhow....

Be well all: with gratitude that you're all out there .....jonna

###
Joan Roya - sorry it took me so long to get back to you on Senator John Cornyn's address but here it is:

517 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510

This man is a hard nut to crack, as state attorney general he helped with this issue, now he is in the big leagues and he has changed. My opinion only. In a article by Todd J. Gillman, 9/22/206 he said "I am on record as opposing the horse slaughter bill because I believe it represents a taking of private Property by the federal government. If you've got a horse that'd worth 200 bucks and federal government passes legislation that makes it worth zero, and actually ends up costing you money, to me thats a 'taking.'." and it goes on a little more.

So we need to really call him on the real reason which I think is $$$$$$$$. But, I could be wrong.

I have tried to expalin to him many times via e-mail that it is a responsibility of horse ownership, and everything concerned with that ownership has a cost.

So I am so glad for any help with him.

Still missing Barbaro!!

Karen M. Dallas, Texas

link to access the booklet

Thanks Daryl

Just received a thank you letter from UPenn Laminitis Fund for my donation to the Laminitis Fund in honor of "Barbaro the Miracle Horse". Then I noticed the letter was dated January 29, 2007. It brought me to tears. How hard it must have been for the staff to send out that letter on such a sad day.

THANKS, Alex, for the informative article by Michael Blowen. What a great vision he has.

I agree with a previous poster who said that she had loved racing as a child but got away from it -- now, however, she is more interested than ever. That is just like me, and really it was Barbaro who refueled that old love of mine. I have learned of sooo many issues in racing through this website through these last many months, and I think this growing interest in change (or education or research or whatever!) will be Barbaro's greatest legacy.

Several days ago I took a few minutes to research these retired thoroughbred farms (found the links, including Old Friends, on the website of Thoroughbred Charities of America -- on which Gretchen Jackson is a listed board member)and discovered so many opportunities in which to help. I certainly support Mr. Blowen's ideas, but until something like that is in place, I want to help out those horses already residing on these farms in retirement. I told my husband that for my birthday this year (in March) I want all of my family and his to donate money/sponsor a horse/buy a share, whatever -- I just can't think of anything I would rather have. This will further educate them, as well, as the public just doesn't think much about what happens to these athletes who give us such joy when they leave the track . . .

In response to a post by Susan W at 8:04 (timestamp), I would also love to contribute to the run at Old Friends in Barbaro's memory.

I am still so sad about Barbaro, but do feel a new energy to find ways to help other horses.

#####

Kathie in Fresno - Hi, neighbor! I work in Castroville, and live in Seaside. :) - Jean

#####

Linda Lee -

Thank you for posting the link to the Barbaro/cat picture. I had been whining about seeing pictures of Barbaro and kitties the end of last week, and Therese was kind enough to try to help me. I never saw these before, and appreciate it very much.

Are there "gote" pictues, too? (No, I'm NOT being pushy...just...curious!)

Thanks again. I needed that.

#####

Carol in San Diego -

I would like to write to the California Horse Racing Board, endorsing your letter. I think this is the aspect of "Barbaro's work" that most tugs at my heartstrings. I really think we owe these beasties some comfort.

It's odd. I have been reading a biography of Secretariat, and had hoped I would enjoy it. After all, though he did die of laminitis, he lived a good, long life. So, I had anticipated feeling good as I read the book.

Instead, what keeps filling my mind as I read the names of horses who were "also-rans" is a terrible, "Guernica"-like image of all these poor creatures left in the wake of the proportionally few successful runners. It hurts, and I think we owe them more.

I have wondered, also, if it is possible that some tiny percent-of-a-percent could come from off-track betting, to be applied to the same purpose?

In any case, it's a very good letter you have written, and with your permission, I would like to write to endorse your sentiments.

#####

Have a good evening, all. You are in my thoughts, as is the Boss Hoss.

- Jean

Good night FOBs.

Thank you all for another day of comfort and connection to one another, and to all things Barbaro.

Rest well in heaven sweet boy. I'll be seeing you in the starlit skies. I love you Barbaro.

The "miracle of Barbaro" continues...

Hello everyone! Sorry I haven't been on here lately, I am still at a loss and trying to cope with Barbaro , although I know he is in Heaven now, and running free, I will always miss him here on earth, although he is with us in spirit, God Bless You Barbaro, you will always be in our hearts forever.
For the last week days I have been working on two letters to send to the Senators and also a Represenative in Illinois to ban horse slaughter. Yesterday I faxed them to all, also I am very happy that we have more cosponsors now , wonderful news! The Barbaro Effect is on the move and Barbaro would be so proud of us in our efforts to ban HS and find a cure for lamitis. You all are so wonderful...
mary mi

Cheryl G: Ignore the trolls - they don't stick around very long. Sometimes I have a hard time not responding, but feeding them just gives them more bad energy...

:-)

####
Debbie, thank you for helping the horses!
Daryl

Just re-read JenM in OK's informative explanation of laminitis and why Barbaro needed the cast, which she posted on 2/5. Again, it really reminded me of the odds against our boy, and reassured me that everything possible was done to save him. Debbie Singer, I certainly felt the same way you did! I feel like I'm turning the corner now from paralyzing grief into acceptance, with profound love for Barbaro, and with renewed motivation to help end horse slaughter. I'm ready to fight again.

If anyone is interested:
Great book for reading called:
Chicken soup for the horse lover's soul" (but be sure you get the one with the little horseshoe on top with Seabiscuit and Funny Cide written in it because there is another book like this without it)

Amazing feel good stories to include the one where a horse saves it's owner from a moose attack.

Here is a poem included:

I have pulled your plows to feed your families
I have carried your flag in parades to clebrate your independence
I have run with all my heart for that buckle handing on your belt
I have shown you the world from my back,
and now we'll show the world together,
You are America, and I am your horse
AMERICA'S HORSE

BARBARO WAS VERY EVIDENT SATURDAY AT GULFSTREAM.

I made a last minute trip to Gulfstream Saturday and saw many hats and t-shirts in the crowd bearing the name of one of the greatest horses in history-BARBARO.
His spirit was very much alive there on saturday.
And Gulfstream paid tribute to Barbaro by replaying his Holy Bull and Florida Derby wins of last year...

BARBAROS' MEMORY WILL LIVE FOREVER...

Deb G.
Hmmmmmmm
Save America's Horse!

It has a nice patriotic ring.

:)

ADORE THE GOLD, who I said back in September was going to be a good one did not let me down saturday. He won the SWALE STAKES impressively and in a handsome time as well.

NO BIZ LIKE SHOW BIZ also won there saturday, No Biz came back with a beyer number of 96..ADORE THE GOLD got a "102"....

LOOK OUT FOR ADORE THE GOLD...

BY NO MEANS IS HE ANYTHING CLOSE TO BARBARO, but he's a horse with a future.

GO JASON! I sent him an email commending him on his article and thanking him for looking into horse slaughter more.

BARBARO, your powers are branching out - his legacy goes on.....this is a great response to what all the FOBs here have done for horse slaughter!

Thanks Jason!!!

Time to say goodnight again Alex ...will be back tomorrow to check in with you all.

Bobbycakes....I miss and love you Big Champ!

FOB's ...Peace!

Marilyn/CA: Great patriotic theme for sure! I was in Barnes and Noble and stopped by the HORSE section and was mesmerized by the Indian books about the how they cherish the HORSE. What the horse stands for and how sacred they are to them. Horses should be cherised - like the cow is in India, same philosophy.....noway should they be slaughtered for meat or for any purpose!

######
Info
I emailed the Maryland Jockey Club about when horses can be scratched at races and especially special races like say the Kentucky Derby or the Preakness. I did so because yes I wanted to know why Barbaro was not scratched and I thought well maybe the Jacksons or Matz were not allowed to do so. That is not true. Barbaro could have been scratched at the Preakness by owner or trainer. This was the response I got from the Maryland Jockey Club. I asked this because when Ruffian ran the match race they could not scratch her after they had said that she would be in the race. Frank did not want her to run in that race he wanted to wait til the Fall. Ruffian it was found out was injured in the starting gate and they didn't know it til after they watched the tapes. The jockey knew it before then. But back then he could not have stopped the race from going on. Now though the horse can be scratched.

The response from the Maryland Jockey Club
I'm not sure about Ruffian's race, but absolutely nobody can make you run a
horse now for any reason, if you do not want to.

Wendy Pensivy
Stakes Coordinator
Maryland Jockey Club
800-638-1859

I still want to know why Barbaro was not more extensively looked over at breaking through the gate. Why were the other horses not unloaded. It should have been a thorough examination. Also with Barbaro's behavior in the parade where he was bucking and Edgar kept looking back at the hing legs. You know if Barbaro had not broken down no one would be questioning all this but the fact is he did break down and when there is a reasonable doubt well people are going to ask questions. It won't bring Barbaro back but some of us want answers. Why were things done the way they were done???

I can keep emailing the Maryland Jockey club and other people to try and get my answers. But I want to know.

Hi Jean,

Please feel free to endorse my letter. I will also start a thread on the discussion board under Horse Racing, entitled "TB Retirement Fund Idea" so others can comment that don't always post here.

Here is the link to the CA Horse Racing Board:

http://www.chrb.ca.gov/index.htm

and the e-mails of the Chairman of the Board of Directors and the Executive Director:

richard@wincoasset.com

IngridF@chrb.ca.gov

Carol
San Diego
FOB

What an awesome article on NTRA.com. What great exposure for this site and FOBs!!

Good work, Alex. Without you, where would we be?

Have a good, warm night FOBs. We just got another 6" of snow here in KY.

Just saw the You're Still You Barbaro, Forever in Our Hearts. It is a most touching video, however I question if there hasn't been copyright infringement. Even though credits are given to the photographers, the questionable part is that this video is "For Sale."

Deb G.
Yes, the horse is an American icon, of course. But the thing that strikes me about it is that it could be such a good slogan for us. WHO can argue with a slogan like Save America's Horse???? REALLY makes them look like the bad guys.

Marilyn/CA: Then there it is!

SAVE AMERICA'S HORSE!

along with the picture of Salvation and a few healthy young horses - can't beat that! We should have an official poster made of that - two pictures - one w/salvation and another picture with the healthy young ones - PERFECT! and Save America's Horse! on the bottom...post them EVERYEWHERE...We could each take fliers and post them in our states, towns, cities,,,,

Way to go Jason!

Nothing like the troll by the same name.

Good evening Alex and FOB's

Tons of interesting stuff to look at and read Alex!..Thanks so much for all that you do for us.

If anyone would like to read my poem to Barbaro, it's on the forum...My Heart's Song To You..

Hey Barbaro sweetie, did you have a full and interesting day? I bet you ran like the wind, and romped, and rolled and all those fun things.
Time to tuck you in babycakes. I know, I know, it's a tad early, but even tho you don't get tired, I do. So pick out your cloud, I'll cover you with moonbeams and the angels will sing you to sleep...Happy dreams sweetiepie...Hugs and smoochies

Just ordered book on Amazon.com Don't know how I will be able to look at it when it arrives, because I still cry every day for our Bobby.

All you FOB's are very special people; warm, compassionate, caring. I am so very proud of you.

Susan NJ

Hello, Friends of Barbaro. Alex, thank you for including articles and videos of our beloved Barbaro. I don't know what I'd do without this web site. I feel like everyone understands my grieving for Barbaro because they are grieving as well. I don't know when the pain will stop for me. I miss Barbaro so much. I teach school and it has really been hard to concentrate when I feel like crying my eyes out. On Channel One, a news show for high school students, they did a piece on Barbaro. The kids seemed genuinely heartbroken over Barbaro. Several teachers said they cried when they heard the news. Barbaro has touched so many hearts everywhere. My heart is breaking right now and has been since last Monday. I know Barbaro is in a place right now that is pain free, but I sure do miss him.

Barbaro, I love you so much! You have touched my heart in such a way. It's breaking right now because I miss you so much. I want to do the right things to honor you. It's the least I could do for you. You gave me hope and inspiration and showed me what true courage is all about. I have a picture of you in my classroom because I can't think of a better role model than you. If I were grading you, you would definitely get an A+++++++ for excellent attitude, courage, determination, and drive. I am sorry laminitis took you from us. One day I will see you again, and I look forward to that day. Good night, Sweet Prince, hope you have a nice night racing with your special horse friends!

Thanks Alex for the links. Some really good reading and informative articles. Need to do some creative budgeting at my house to come up with a little each month to go towards some wonderful causes.
Where WOULS we be without the horse? Save America's Horses! Save all the Horses! or at least as many as we can....
Oh Barbaro, what a wonderful effect you have had upon all of us! May it continue forever!
Go Barbaro Go!

Nancy in Va Beach:)

Just when we think our hearts can't break anymore ! Patricia
I cannot even express my deep sorrow over this.
Words just don't cut it.
In againstslaughter@yahoogroups. com, julie wrote:

As of this morning Feb 6th, all horses in the pens at Dallas Crown are now dead.

Julie

Julie, thank you for honoring those horses at Dallas Crown and memorializing them for all. We have seen their images through your
eyes and you are a special person, to say the very least, to have done this for them and for us.

What can I say. WOW Alex what awesome news!

Deb G. Perfect phrase. SAVE AMERICA'S HORSE!
I have the book you mentioned with the horseshoe.
Great book. Here is another poem from the book.

Somewhere in time's Own Space
There must be some sweet pastured place
Where crooks sing on and tall trees grow
Some Paradise where horses go
For by the love that guides my pen
I know great horses live again.

Alex~ I think Barbaro is your side-kick and is helping you get all the wonderful articles & books the recognition they deserve! You're the best!!! Thank you for everything you do.... as always.

Sweet colt~ I hope you're having fun with Big Red, Ruffian and all the rest. Do you have races every day or do you spend some time just clowning around in God's paddocks? Enjoy your Celestial Carrots, Angelic Apples and Prayer Pears. I miss you, precious baby. I love you. A domani.

********IMPORTANT UPDATE*********

New Bolton Center has stated that they do NOT wish any type of gathering to take place on April 29th in the vicinity of NBC.

This has come directly from New Bolton Center and their wish WILL be honored. As of this time all plans for gathering at NBC or Fair Hill or anywhere else in the vicinity are cancelled. These are private facilities and their request is understandable. These folks have been more than gracious to us for eight months and now it is our turn to respect their wishes. We need to conduct ourselves as Barbaro has always done, with dignity and consideration for others.

New Bolton Center has requested that anyone who wishes to honor the memory of Barbaro can do the most good by donating to the Laminitis Fund.

Perhaps alternate plans can be made for state gatherings on that date.

Please help me pass the word to all FOBs and encourage them to donate to the Laminitis Fund in Barbaro's honor. Thank you.

SAVE AMERICA'S HORSES
HAVE BEEN USING IT SINCE I STARTED SENDING OUT HS EMAILS.
I'M WITH YOU 100% FOR A SLOGAN, LIKE IT WAS SAID ABOVE IT WILL MAKE THEM LOOK LIKE THE BAD GUYS.
WAY TO GO FOB's
AND YES THERE IS SO MUCH POSITIVE COMMING FROM EVERYONE.
WE WILL GET THIS DONE!
PROUD TO BE AN FOB AND HOW PROUD BARBARO AND HIS FAMILY MUST BE.
VERNA

Family,
I wrote a thank you to all interested in contributing to another run in shed at Old Friends and I can't find it, so I'm assuming I offed it by accident.
But thank you, Michael Blowen will be thrilled. He is very aware of TWR and our Barbaro Family.
Any amount is welcome even a "small mite" :).
We would just have to pick what to put on the plaque, such as "In honor (or memory) of Barbaro,from the Fans of Barbaro at TWR."
For anyone without the time to scroll (I know some days it is tough) the address is.

All checks for the Run-In Shed should be made out to:
Old Friends
Barbaro's Run-In Shed from TWR
1841 Paynes Depot Rd.
Georgetown, KY 40324

I am and would suggest putting a note in there too
Love to Family,
Susan
Believe in our hero Barbaro.

PS. Was that hyperlink by "a True Barbaro Fan" bad? I don't click on ones from those I don't know since I am afraid to. I really do want to see anything derogatory.

Loved the new video tribute played to Josh Grogans 'Forever in Our Hearts.' Has always been one of my favorites. Still get teary eyed when I see pictures of Barbaro, but the more I look at him, the more I see his greatness. I don't think he ever took a bad photo. Some of the new pics in the video with Dr. Richardson are very touching.

In the beginning, I was pretty upset that this forum became a discussion board for horse slaughter. I felt it should have been reserved for Barbaro. But since the '29th' I, too, have begun to do more research on horse slaughter. What incenses me is that it is foreign money that supports these meat factories, and then the final product is shipped out of the US.

Aren't longshoreman pretty organized? Why can't they refuse to load that stuff?

Congress has waffled on the 'for human consumption' language in the Bill that passed the House. A big stamp 'not for human consumption' on the packing crate makes that Bill useless. Congress members pretend to support it, but they know it will have little affect on shutting down the factories.

Someone in the SENATE needs to erase that loophole and step up to the plate (No pun intended).

What about the truckers that ship that stuff so it can get to the ship to sail overseas? Why can't they refuse to haul the final product?

There's more than one way to skin a cat!!!!!

Anybody in Kaufman know who has the trucking contract? I'd love to send a bunch of nasty letters to that trucking firm!

Better yet, instead of raising our taxes, why doesn't Congress tax the hell out of horsemeat being shipped over seas. It's all about money and this practice won't stop unless the purse strings are cut and the business is no longer profitable.

Anyway, thanks Alex for all the updates and great information.

********DEBORAH ANDERSON ***********

Thank you. If you don't mind post this notice several times over the next few days.

Ro & Brady

Alex,

All of the articles that you are posting have a common theme - Barbaro and everyone around him have made a big difference in the lives of horses everywhere. I am very proud to be a small part of this effort. Thank for giving us the opportunity to make a difference.

###Deb G
I like the entire verse. This could be a good conclusion to letters.

I think I like the singular better than the plural, somehow:
Save America's Horse!

Highlights the iconic factor more, I think.

Did anyone see this...

Barbaro's Memory Spurs Retirement Program Donations
by Kathleen Adams

Soon after the death of Barbaro Jan. 29, horse racing enthusiasts and fans of the colt began contacting equine retirement organizations and making donations in his memory.

“We’ve received at least a dozen donations from Minnesota, Wisconsin, New Hampshire, and Canada,” said Sara Polley of the New York office of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation. “There has been a few in the hundred-dollar range, but many are for smaller amounts. Most say, ‘In Memory of Barbaro,’ although we did get one contribution made in memory of Lost in the Fog and Barbaro.”

Barbara Luna, executive director of ReRun, said the New Jersey-based Thoroughbred adoption group has also been the beneficiary of the generous spirit demonstrated by so many ordinary people who followed Barbaro’s valiant eight-month fight for life after breaking down during last year’s Preakness Stakes (gr. I) at Pimlico Race Course.

“We’ve gotten in a few donations,” Luna said. “We’re not going to solicit. And while ReRun won’t turn down donations, I really feel as though the money should go to the New Bolton Center for research on laminitis. They do such good work there.”

Two weeks ago, before Barbaro’s recovery took a turn for the worse, the Friends of Barbaro, an Internet-based fan group presented Old Friends, an equine retirement facility in Georgetown, Ky., that is home to 24 ex-racehorses including Breeders’ Cup champion Sunshine Forever, with an unexpected gift in honor of trainer Michael Matz’s birthday. Matz trained Barbaro.

“I called over to his farm and left a message and told him, 'If you’re looking for your birthday presents, they’re over here at Old Friends because these people raised nearly $700 for these old retired horses,' " said Michael Blowen, president and founder of Old Friends.

And while opening the daily mail, Blowen was taken aback to find a check for $1,500 from a Maryland racing fan for a run-in shed.

“This is good because we’re going to be getting in another horse and we’re going to need this run-in shed,” Blowen said. “He wants the plate on the run-in shed to be engraved to say, ‘Believe in Miracles, Barbaro.’ ”

Blowen said Old Friends has fielded dozens of telephone calls and e-mails from fans who just want to talk about Barbaro and what he meant to racing.

“It has been amazing,” Blowen said. “He has been a magnet for everything that is good about this sport and a reminder that we have to do a better job with these horses once they retire.”

Yes! Go to saveamericashorses.com. They would be good to join in our effort!

#####

DEBORAH ANDERSON,

Thank you for the post regarding NBC wishes. Of course we will respect their wishes. I have an idea about how we can all honor Barbaro on his birthday.
***IDEA TO HONOR BARBARO***
**Why don't we use Barbaro's special day TO GIVE BACK TO ANIMALS in your community? Whether it be to volunteer at an animal shelter, donate food, toys or blankets, anything to help animals would surely honor Barbaro's memory as much as anything that I can think of; this includes, volunteering your time at a horse rescue, of course.

Take care,
Daphne and Penelope

http://www.habitatforhorses.org/
getinvolved/untiltheyaresafe.html

These guys have great cuff bracelets: here's the description on their website:

Habitat for Horses and Lone Star Equine Rescue are working together towards ending horse slaughter. We've designed an anti-horse slaughter bracelet to be worn until all equine slaughter houses are closed.

The bracelets are inscribed with the words "Until they are safe". Original artwork of a horse rescued from one of the three remaining operating slaughter houses appears on each bracelet along with information of a perfect and healthy US horse that has been slaughtered.

I've ordered one. They remind me of the POW bracelets or the AIDs cuffs. Just FYI: jonna

## Daphne,

That is a great idea. We can surely find a multitude of ways to honor Barbaro by helping all animals. And remember, that is the day to send $29.00 to the Laminitis Fund.

Thanks for understanding.

### Rosemarie,

I most certainly will. I know many have already left the site for the night.

GOODNIGHT DEAREST BARBARO. Tomorrow is another day and we will continue to honor your memory and fight to save the horses. BARBARO FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS

Hiya, FsOB! My thanks to Alex for posting the Hennegans' 7th clip today. I feel so much better each time I see Bobbey looking so full of himself on 05/04/06, pre-Derby. And did you guys see how Edgar leapt off the back of The Sublime One? Shades of the Old West. Happy times to treasure. I saw that this clip meant a lot to Daphne, too.
To Jane, my fellow Nutmegger: Thanks as well for posting the update about Mike Rea and his family's interview by the screeners for Extreme Home Makeover. I'd asked last PM or this AM whether anyone knew how the Reas were doing. Bobbey's passing must've been so difficult for Mike.
To Laurie: That job sounded like a bad training video for "how to get sued for creating a hostile work environment". I hope that you find a new position soon, one that is wonderful and worthy of your talents and compassion.
To Jackie in the Tundra: Yikes! What a day from Hades for you. Hang in there, OK?
Ditto to our dear FOB Susan E.: I've been absolutely drained and exhausted today, too, having slept poorly the past two nights. I was very worried Sunday night about my Uncle's surgery on Monday AM. And then wouldn't you know, we thought our bathroom pipes were freezing last PM, so I kept waking to hear whether the water was still dripping from the faucet. I am ready to drop. I need to take it easy this weekend and regroup. Then I'll write a letter to my new Congressman about HR 503. Next, a letter to the Belgian Tourist Board to let them know that I refuse to eat or drink any products from their country due to their continued operation of those charnel houses in TX. And I still haven't had the tenacity yet to write to the Jacksons, Dr. Richardson, Alex & Tim, and Michael Matz....
To Martita: Loved your poem, as ever!
To Linda S. in NYC: May the spirit of our sweet prince inspire the person with whom you interviewed today to hire you.
Peace and healing to each of you & welcome to all new citizens of The Barbaro Nation! RMH

Hello Dear FOB's-
I hope you can all view this. It's a wonderful & touching cartoon of Barbaro in Heaven. It was in my local paper & wanted to share it.

http://www.caglecartoons.com/viewimage.asp?ID={1856AF12-F4D5-4AFC-A6DC-4B8C3F85267D}

Amy

The video "You're Still You Barbaro, Forever in Our Hearts" is just wonderful. You really capture him. What lovely boy to behold! As Mary S said, "the universe cried when he died".

Thank you!

####
Pat G Thanks for the wonderful news. Congrats M/M Jackson!

Jason Thank you for the press. And thank you everyone who wrote to him.

##
Carol and MJ> Are you in contact with Michael Blowen? Any ideas from him about where to direct energy toward initiating an earnings-funded retirement plan>? Like a 401k for horses?

Good night, sweet boy
And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.

Jackie in VA
FOB forever

Renee: Jump on a plane and come see me hahahahahaha.... I am on meds for pain and they are helping my injuries. I am always injured because I am always falling on the ice or off the ice practicing "ice moves".....

Judy..... I am running out of money..... Barbaro left some Hong Kong currency on my counter today but geeeeeeeeeeeeeeeesh now I have to fly all the way over there to get the treats. I know that I can get a lot more there for the same price as a little here but geeeeeeeeeeeesh all the way accross the ocean? I guess Barbaro is losing site of the fact that isn't very far for him now....... aaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...

Tip off the Axes?????? Hahahahahaha, I think it has been doing that for sometime now.......

Hey what do you guys think about this NASA stuff?????

Mary.... THIS IS ONLY MY OPINION OK? I feel that everyone involved with Barbaro "wishes now' they would have scatched him. What is done is done... I am sure the people that were directly involved with our beautiful colt are feeling bad enough...... Please don't make it worse for them... IT WAS A TRAGIC MISTAKE THAT CANNOT BE REVERSED!!!!!!! We DO NOT have a time machine... This is NOT Star Treck........ Sorry if I am harsh but we have to go from today...... That is what Barba would want........ Please try to understand OK?

Hey big buddy......... What are you fixing me for dinner tonight?

Love to ALL :-)

###

Deborah Anderson,

Hello. I responded to you on the forum with my above post and included that is important to contribute to the Laminitis Fund in Barbaro's memory. I most certainly should have included above.

Barbaro wanted me to thank you, Deborah, for honoring his memory with your special idea.

Take care,
Daphne

####
Jonna
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR POSTING THE INORMATION REGARDING HABITAT FOR HORSES..
jan

Habitat for Horses and Lone Star Equine Rescue do wonderful things for our four-legged friends in Texas! The bracelets are great!

###

Robyn Hoffmann,

Yes, wasn't that a terrific clip. Some of the previous clips showed a "softer side" of Barbaro, which I will always treasure - our gentle boy. This was more like an "in your face" Barbaro or as you called it "full of himself" Barbaro, which was fitting in this venue- Big, Bad Barbaro- he proved he was the biggest and the baddest. Very cool!!!

Daphne

Whoa..I wanted to give myself sometime off the site to collect my thoughts about Barbaro and how much I missed him. People that are posting negative comments..etc...move on. We don't need it here.
We are a family here for many reasons..but the common thread is to honor our boy and to help the horses still with us.
Vaya con Dios my Barbaro and his family...I miss you bunches!

###
Deborah in CO--
Thanks so much for keeping us informed about April 29th. While I'm very disappointed, I understand completely and of course respect NBC's wishes. We will find another way to celebrate Barbaro....Daphne, I love your idea! I will also, of course, donate to the Laminitis Fund on the 29th.

Any metro-area New Yorkers up for a meeting??? I'll post this on the forum as well. Have a good night, everyone.

Good night, Angel Boy. I love you sweetheart.

Norah Jones released an album Jan 30th, her single is "Thinking about you"
God Bless Barbaro

NIGHT ALL--

CHERYL NY, THAT WAS SO CUTE, THE BARBARO CARTOON- CHEERED ME UP A BIT. :>)

AMY, THANKS FOR THE VIDEO, IT WAS GREAT!!!

ALEX, THANKS FOR THE ARTICLE, IT'S ALWAYS GREAT TO HAVE MORE PEOPLE HELPING US BAN HORSE SLAUGHTER!!

GOODNIGHT MR. BARBARO, I MISS YOU SO MUCH. I DIDN'T THINK I'D STILL BE GRIEVING SO MUCH, BUT TIME HEALS ALL WOUNDS I SUPPOSE. LOVE YOU!!!

PLEASE DONATE TO LAMINITIS FUND AT U PENN

LUV YA ALL,
CHERYL G

LOL! I think my husband may be conspiring with Nina! Snowy night tonight here in Columbus. I made a big pot of mushroom barley soup for dinner. When I was chopping the carrots, I realized a only had a few left and, since I didn't want to waste any and they'd been in the crisper a while, I chopped them all up for the soup. Hubby took one look at the soup in his bowl and said, "Honey, there's an awful lot of carrots in this soup." Then, with an ornery look in eye, "Were you expecting Barbaro to show up for dinner?" I didn't miss a beat, "No...he declined the invite...I forgot to pick up the green mints for dessert. He's probably raiding Nina's cupboards even as we speak." I just love it when I say something so off the wall that he can't respond. He just went back to his ever-so-carroty soup and didn't say another word. LOL!

Good night Barbaroland. Stay warm and safe!

Laurie

Deborah - Thank you so much for keeping us posted on NBC's wishes.

Daphne - AWESOME idea about giving back to animals in our communities on April 29th.

Oh....and there is a local horse rescue here in Maryland that does great work (as they all do!). I'm hoping to start volunteering there in the Spring. They have updates on several horses (starvation cases from the fall of 2006) that have put on weight and are looking much better now. Just in case anyone wanted to check out their website:
http://www.defhr.org/

Goodnight everyone! God bless!

########
Cheryl-NY...Thanks so much for that wonderful cartoon of Bobby....Yes...He can run now! YAY!!!!

http://www.caglecartoons.com/viewimage.asp?ID={1856AF12-F4D5-4AFC-A6DC-4B8C3F85267D}

Alex, you've done it again! Every day you manage to find the most interesting and comforting articles for the Barbaro Nation to read. I loved Michael Blowen's article. I am learning so much about horses. More homes for old thoroughbred racers are absolutely needed.

I am amazed and uplifted to find out daily what the effects of Barbaro's life and death have been. He is the catalyst for so many good and positive things. Let's keep up the pressure for better safety, no more slaughtering and help for retired racing horses.

Thanks to Alex and all here for helping to educate me and making the pain a little more bearable. Sweet dreams to all.

Liz from Queens, NY

Dear Friends of Barbaro,

This is a letter I received from Senator Richard Lugar, R, IN regarding S.1915.

**************************************************

Dear Ms. Asher:

Thank you for contacting me regarding horses. I appreciate this opportunity to respond.

I supported an amendment to the fiscal year 2006 Senate Agriculture Appropriations bill concerning the slaughter of horses. The amendment prevented the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) from expending taxpayer resources to fund the inspection of horse meat, a requisite for meat exports. This amendment passed by a vote of 68-29. A version of this provision was included in the final conference report that passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 318-63 and the Senate by a vote of 81-18. As a result, the USDA announced a fee for service plan similar to those utilized for other animal species.

Last year, the House of Representatives voted on H.R. 503, legislation that would essentially ban the slaughter of horses for human consumption. The bill was passed by a margin of 263-146. The Senate version of this bill was referred to the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, but did not receive further consideration before the 109th Congress adjourned.

I have long worked to protect the welfare of animals. Among these efforts are a ban on African ivory that helps preserve elephant herds, trade sanctions against countries that fail to protect certain endangered species, and the Animal Welfare Act, which works toward eliminating cruel and abusive treatment of animals. I have also worked to ensure that adequate funding is available to enforce existing laws that address animal welfare issues.

I will have your thoughts in mind, as well as those of all Hoosiers, should this issue be further debated in the Senate.

Thank you, again, for contacting me.

Sincerely,

Richard G. Lugar
United States Senator

Goodnight my Handsome Sweetheart:) Did you have a big day today? I bet you are just LOVING Heaven! Good for you!!! I am happy for everyone there that such a PURE, BRIGHT, HAPPY,SMART, HANDSOME, WONDERFUL SPIRIT SUCH AS YOU has arrived! It is sad here without you still....I guess it will be for a long time to come, but when I feel sadness, I get a picture of you running and kicking up your perfectly healed hooves, or munching on Buttercups...I'm going to plant some Buttercups in my garden this year for you, Bobby:)In case you drop by in my dreams, you can nibble some on your way out....I love you so much! You will always be my SUPER HERO, BIG BOSS HORSE WITH ATTITUDE, and you'll always make my heart SING:)
Sleep well....
Lynne-Your Forever Friend in CA

Hello9 Alex,

What a great tribute from Amy. The pictures were thoughful and well chosen.

Barbaro, I miss you so. I have begun calling my yellow lab Baby Barbaro...I guess I just love saying his name. She thinks I'm crazy!

GOD BLESS YOU FOB,

One last thing for the night... somthing that will be with me forever.......

AND IT IS ALL BARBARO... ONE SUBLIME PERFORMANCE

Ro & Brady

Wrote Jason Shandler on the Anti Slaughter.
Let see what he comes up with!
Pray it helps.

Thanks Alex, and everyone, for good reading. Been trying to catch up!

NITE FOBS...NITE ANGEL BARBARO.

I find I just can't stay away from this site!! Alex, you da man!

Michael Blowen's idea is super. Humans have social security; why not horses? There are so many points at which money changes hands in the breeding and racing of a horse, a small amount at each stage wouldn't hurt anyone and would create a large pool of $$ from which to take care of a horse's retirement.

###
Robyn H., how is your uncle doing?

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Dale, my apologies for not expressing my condolences on the loss of your uncle. As someone else posted, I keep forgetting to post everything I want to say each time I read the messages.

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Amy, your video is gorgeous. I LOVE the Barbaro/kitty photos. What really gets to me is seeing Dr. R smiling, so happy. Even though his medical opinion gave us 50/50 odds, I have to think that the Big Boss Horse won him over up to maybe this last month and even he started to relax. Remember when he wrote that article about the game prediction? Seems like years ago now...

###
Stephanie, what a dream that was! It makes sense to me.

###
Margie 5:45 pm post, where do you live now? I never wanted to leave Pa. and have grieved for the loss of my farm all my life. I've even been in touch with the owners of the property a few times just to make sure it's still there. With land values so high and McMansions everywhere, I am so afraid all the farmland will be gone. Funny, I remember my mom took me to some big swimming pool in New Holland when I was a kid. Now I see those words and can only think of horse slaughter auctions. In Martita's lovely post, she says something about cycles. I remember Gloria Steinem saying that when we get older, we revert to the things that we loved as a kid. In many ways, this experience has returned me not only to horse racing, but also to my Pa. roots. I think Mrs. Jackson's idea of a museum for horses from that area is wonderful. My first love, Kelso, would qualify, as he had a champion owner, too, Mrs. duPont.

To think of those horses at Dallas Crown all dead makes me sick at heart. Why is this place slaughtering when they were told to shut down? Some legislative shuffling that allows them to keep doing it while an appeal is made? I wonder how Charlie Stenholm, their lobbyist, can sleep at night. It's all about money. Well, as Ric O'Casek of the Cars once said: You'll never see a hearse with a U-haul-it attached.

Sorry for rambling. I should be sleeping!!!

Hi FOB's

Saw the equine heaven post today, great as always. I couldn't find the Hennegan Brothers #7 so I went to youtube and found it. It was beautiful.
Looking for the tuck-in, Laurie H. are you out there?

I was wondering what adjective will be used when speaking of Barbaro in the future? Whenever Secretariat's name is mentioned, it's always the "Great Secretariat". I'm thinking, the "Magnificent Barbaro".

Hello Barbaro,

Another day of deep breaths and daydreaming…

Honey, I’m trying to be good. I go through my day with the intention of getting plenty done but my mind just wants to wander.

I think back on all of the “comfortable days” and “comfortable nights.” I loved each and every one. And Saturdays, I consider to be your Bath Day. We heard you love your baths!

Honey, the posts are slowly turning a corner yet stay so close to home…

The intensity is building for the Anti-Horse Slaughter bill to pass, money is being raised to find a cure for Laminitis and a retirement plan for racehorses has been mentioned, just to name a few of the topics.

Barbaro, your Fans are carrying out their promise to you. They are working hard to tackle issues for the betterment of horses. They strive to finish the tasks yet undone… Honey, they are not moving on but rather staying with you, beside you, finishing the tasks.

Honey, it seems Time will just keep marching on, but Healing is slow to come around. We love you so very much…

Why don't you grab your blanket Honey. The nice fuzzy one will pull up nice and high and feel wonderful snuggled up under your chin.

Before you go out and visit your loved ones in their dreams, have yourself some sweet dreams of your own... Your healing is complete and strength will always carry you through your days.

I love you Honey. So much. Now close your eyes and start your dreams. And Honey, I think I know what I need to do to help. Thank you for the nudge... Good night Precious. XXOOxxx

########

Hello Dearest Hope,

Did the snow fall for you today? I hope it did but that the bitter cold stayed away. Breathing in that fresh can tire you out though...

What do you say? Should we grab your blanket and pull it up high? The warmer blanket will be nice for you to snuggle your nose beneath the fold and dream your sweet dreams.

Perhaps Barbaro will visit you tonight while you dream! He seemed pretty excited just a bit ago. Please close you eyes Hope. Your sweet dreams are just a couple of winks away...

Good night Little One. You are loved very much. Dream your night away... Good night. xxoo

There you are Laurie H. Beautiful and tearful as always, thank you...

OH DARN,
an edit to my post timestamp 1:05 a.m....it should read I really DON'T want to read anything derogatory. Good Grief. That's why I never looked at Simers article, in reference to A True Fan of Barbaro's post.
I really have to start watching typos, so while I wanted to know if we were tricked again, I just wanted to know if it was yet another imbecile to watch out for.
Thanks, Sorry for that..
Barbaro, Love and Miss you,
Love to Family,
Susan
Believe in our Hero, Barbaro.

Laurie H

Beautiful, just beautiful. I really look forward to your tuck in posts each night.

Alex
I loved the heartwarming story about Mepache, sounds like she'll be spending her final years the way she deserves. Thank you for all the wonderful links about Barabro.

Bobby
Still miss you so, beautiful, magnificent boy. Somehow, now when I look at my big old Dalmatian (he's over 10 yrs.), I think he looks like a horse, not just because he's 125 lbs., but something in his eyes reminds me of you, makes me love him even more. I know you are safe, strong, and comfortable now, forever ....

Good night, Barbaro. I love you.

###

Patty in Sherman Oaks,

Thank you for your time looking for me. That warms my heart... Thank you.

#####

ShelleyA.,

Thank you for your kind words. Barbaro is my inspiration. It's always been Barbaro... Thank you ShelleyA, so much.

I adopted my boy (a Thoroughbred ex-racehorse) from this group in Texas.
Great group.
www.lopetx.org

Alex..... YOU ROCK!!!!!!! Thank you for everything your doing and take care and stay warm OK????

God Bless YOU :-)

Good Night Sweet Barbaro - Run With The Wind

Miss you So - I still wake and start to the computer to see how your night was and if the weather was going to allow you to graze...

So many good things are being done because of you

You Are So Loved

My dog Butters now has a new name.......

Barbaro Butters :-)

She actully took to that in a heartbeat......

I love you CHAMP...... talk to you soon...... Thanks for your offer to make me dinner in a while....... I am sooooooooooooooo sore...... ;-)

You are for sure my ANGEL.......

#####
LAURIE H. Well, I almost made it through a whole day without tears....but then I read you beautiful 'tuck-in' and they are baaaaaccccckkkk!
I love your tucking in of our Boy...please keep them coming!
THANK YOU!
Lynne-Barbaro's Forever Friend in CA

######
Barb in AZ,

I just noticed you did not put (sad FOB) in your name. Are you feeling a bit better? I am still sad, but doing OK. I just miss him so much.

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Lynne Brown,

Thank you for your very kind words about my time with Barbaro.

I'm sorry about the tears. Healing is slow, isn't it? I know...

Take care Lynne and thank you again.

Laurie H.

The day is just not complete until you tuck our boy in. Only a few quiet tears today, just now in honor of your tuck-in.

Thanks :)

Dearest Barbaro,

In the last week since your passing I have learned so much. I have visited a variety of "retirement/rescue" home websites for TB's. I have learned about Ferdinand and what happened to him!@@!!?. By reading your pals Alex's website I have learned terminology related to racing. I have found a group of people who care about all the horses and their plights and definately will put an end to the SH's, I still have a hard time saying the two words. I have seen incredible photos/videos of you Big Boy and others such as Lost in The Fog and John Henry. WEll time for niters, a big hug and thanks for having graced our lives here on Earth.

####
MJ,

I will always be a little sad. It will never go away completely. However, I have found some peace with this. The tears still flow, but I know Barbaro would go on, and so must I ! Thanks.

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Judy in WA,

Thank you for your encouraging words. They mean so much.

I miss him. We all miss him. And we all understand and feel the pain.

Take care Judy. Cuddle up with sweet dreams tonight...

Laurie H ......... Thank you, as always. Reading your messages to Barbaro and Hope nightly .... put me into the peaceful mode you suggest to our beloved equine friends ....... without you .... I wouldn't be nearly as warm and comforted.
You are indeed doing important work !

Sherry - Arizona

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Sherry - Arizona,

Oh Sherry, thank you. What wonderful words you have posted to me. Thank you.

May you have sweet dreams of our Barbaro tonight. But look carefully, he moves pretty fast!

Take care Sherry. Thank you again.

Alex -
Thank you so much for continuing what you do, to link us to what there is to be read.

Martita -
Beautiful. Beautiful. As Always.

Regarding Jason Shandler's piece... The miracle of Barbaro brought us together, to give a voice to things needing change. The voice has been heard, and will continue to echo forward. The miracle of Barbaro, his spirit is going strong.

Hard to believe he is not "here" with us, but I know he's not far away. I will always love him.

Alex - as usual thank you for all you do for us. And thank you for helping us to honor Barbaro. He will always be remembered. I miss him so much. It helped a little to spend some time with my horse today. Last week is still like a nightmare. First losing Barbaro on Monday and then a friend and co-worker on Thursday morning after a 15 month battle with brain cancer. Goodnight all and sweet dreams of our dear Barbaro. Marcia

Laurie H, I hope I always have a quiet, soft tear of remembrance and belief at your tuck ins. Thank you for sharing your love of Barbaro, and Hope, with this community.

Barbaro Nation - These words from Thich Nhat Hanh, Vietnamese Buddhist monk and a mentor, may call your name as we move forward into our second week taking care of the House that Barbaro Built.
Peace ~


"Don't say that I will depart tomorrow -

even today I am still arriving.

Look deeply: every second I am arriving

to be a bud on a Spring branch,

to be a tiny bird, with still-fragile wings,

learning to sing in my new nest,

to be a caterpillar in the heart of a flower,

to be a jewel hiding itself in a stone?

Please call me by my true names,

so I can wake up

and the door of my heart

could be left open,

the door of compassion."

--from Thich Nhat Hanh's Book Peace is Every Step

Oh Laurie,
I had to scroll and scroll to find your beautiful tuck-in tonight. It's my perfect end to each of my days now. I pray that you are as comforted and warm and loved as the love you have always given us and our sweet boy and to Hope. Bless you oh so very much.
Kathy

Hello FOB

I don't post very often but every day read here first thing in the morning and then late at night. Also, during the day I find myself thinking of this site and it gives me comfort.

Am like some of you in that my family and friends don't understand my sadness.

Was thinking about our boy today and why I feel the way I do and I think he was my hero. Like the knight that comes in on the white horse, except that it WAS the horse. Anyway, Barbaro had a larger than life quality in my life and it's left a big gap since he left us.

Am sure that he wouldn't want me to be sad for a long period of time. I even have a horse, a big beautiful thoroughbred with a great personality. He is a great comfort. I still mourn for Barbaro though.

Thank you for reading this.

Some of you are so eloquent. Even the posts that aren't so poetic are nice to read. We all come here with our own Barbaro story and I love hearing them.

Sleep tight. Dream of the SWEET BOY.

Goodnight all (yes, including you, Big B!)
Just wanted to say thank you all for the helpful hugs today (and even virtual slaps!;) It was a rough one. Laurie H., I can sympathize with the wandering mind. I can't think straight for more than half a minute or so, then....off the beaten track and into happyville... or suckyville... same difference.

My teeth still hurt. Dentists=Bad. Cavities didn't hurt this much in the first place *grumble mumble grr*... well, they told me drilling was good for me. So is a colonoscophy. They both suck.

But what doesn't suck today is the progress in the anti-horse slaughter bill. Yay! I'm happy to hear.
Dream good dreams all!

BARBARO CANDLES

TIGER TIGER


Tiger tiger in the night

Candles lit, oh what a sight

A horse, a cat, we care not how

Our love for them is bigger now

We tuck them in, we sing their song

We sing to them the whole night long


The ones who've left us shake their heads

They wonder why we cry in bed

You silly ones, they seem to say

Our lives were great, you made our day!

Now dry your eyes and come with me

I'll sing to you of mysteries:

There is a place, you know it too

It's tucked right here inside of you!

It's where you'll find me every night

Your heart, a growing beam of light

So sleep in comfort love and grace

And wake up with a smiling face

For love is good and love is right

Says tiger tiger in the night

Forever Fan of Barbaro

We will always believe

PS: Tomorrow I'll try to be more positive :) Tonight I will have my tylenol and my nap!

To Lindsay Asher (FOB) with regard to your letter response you posted earlier this evening from Senator Richard G. Lugar of Indiana......

The Senator should raise this issue himself to be debated in the Senate Chamber....given the fact that the House passed their version of the Bill in the last Congress, why doesn't Lugar make a motion on the Senate floor to debate this issue further with his fellow senators and VOTE YES) ON IT, and NOT, as Senator Lugar states "I'll have the issue of animal cruelty and slaughter in mind the next time the bill comes up".....

Keep trying your Congresspeople and Senators fellow FOBs.....BELIEVE IN BARBARO!!

and on a much lighter note......

Rest Easy Tonight, Big Fella....we all love you!!

Goodnight Sweet Barbaro,

So fess up, did you bet on the Colts (via off-site gambling, of course.) Looks like you picked it right, including the score 29! You're awesome! You must of had a good horsie chuckle when the Colts won that game. You just knew it all along, including your divine intervention when Adam Vinatieri missed the field goal attempt so the score would add up to 29. That Vinatieri missed is a miracle in itself, so there are just too many coincidences here. Thanks for the "sign" Barbaro! Come back and visit us ASAP and AMAP (as much as possible). WE LOVE YOU SWEETIE XXOO!

Love,
Brenda

Wanted to share a couple of things with you this evening. This from the web site The Greatest Game. It's a well written article that touched me where it counts. My heart!! Interesting with a mention of Barbaro, Harry Aleo, and the Jacksons. A Life Ends

Alex,

Thanks for keeping this up and runnning. I truly appreciate it. It's a very comforting place!

I have many smiles now, for Barbaro is running like the wind again, and so many here, around the world, recognize his tenacity and spirit. His legacy will most definitely live on! It's up to us to keep the fires burning and I've no doubt we will do so!

Thanks again, Alex. You are truly a good man!

Much love to all the FOB's!!

Big B., you're still with us, in heart and spirit! By now you're Healed Sound and Healed Strong!! Go punch holes in the clouds!

Love to all,

Julie Z. (in Houston)

Good night, my sweet velvet-nosed Angel Horse.

I love you so much.

Bobby, my beloved Felix crossed over tonight. You may have seen him already--a beautiful black and white tuxedo cat. I told him to look for you.

Please take good care of my baby.

Just watched the tribute video a few minutes ago. I thought I was finally all cried out, but I guess not. Tears flowed again and I cried. Very nice tribute. Now I have to go watch the Hennegan video clip #1 for a chuckle, and to see how our boy is looking good again in Heaven, having a ball.

Thanks Daryl, for the compliment, such high praise! Those who want the booklet go here to get the printable anti-slaughter booklet Horse Slaughter in America and you can click my name below to get to the NERC web site!!

lj below this one I mean!! Again thanks Daryl!!!

LAURIE H...I can go to bed now !!! BIG WARM COMFY HUGS TO YOU TONIGHT...What would we all do without you every night to tuck us all in......I would be lost!!!

GOODNIGHT CHAMP....still missing you ...your courage....your spirit....your humour!!! There is a BIG VOID HERE Sweet Boy but we are all trying thousands of us to fill it with fitting things in your honor !!! YOU will never be forgotten Bobby ...we are striving to be worthy living in the shadow of your grace!!! Fedexing you some of those baby carrots and a few spearmints too!!! LUV YA "B"....

LORD BLESS ALL THE BARBARO NATION GIVE THEM COURAGE and STRENGTH OF MIND BODY and SPIRIT
THANK YOU FOR SENDING US BARBARO...AMEN

WARM HUGS TO ALL on this frosty evening..LUV YA

Good night sweet Barbaro. I will always miss you.

The newsletter is also a good source of information to check out NERC Newsletter A couple of people asked me why I chose that image of Barbaro crossing the finish from the overhead position to put in the newsletter. I said because it symbolizes what was so very special about him!! His determination to give his very best effort and it symbolizes such hope!! Hold that thought!! He shows us what could be a good thing in us all!!

Love to all!!
lj

Susan E ....... I'm so very sorry for your loss .... Felix is in the best of company ....
with Barbaro and many of my beloved furry friends who have gone on before. Doesn't make it any less painful, however ..... my thoughts are with you at this difficult time.

Sherry - Arizona

SUSAN E....OH SUSAN !!!! HUGS coming your way!!! I thought I could stop crying but now I have just begun again!!! Praying for your little Pantherman kidduninasuit.....Holding you both close in my heart dear one..hold Lizzie close!!! We are all with you ...YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!!!! YOU ARE VERY LOVED !!!

Oh, Susan, I am so sorry about Felix.

He always sounded like the sweetest little friend.

You know how Barbaro loved kitties. I'll bet they are nosing each other right now.

So sorry, Susan.

Hi Laurie,

From one Laurie F., to Laurie H. thank you for your beautiful words. I have them in my heart, but have yet to put them into words.

I print your "tuck-ins" and post them on my bulletin board in my classroom. I have an average of 170 students come and go within my classroon. My BARBARO horseshoe, my posted thank your cards from NBC, my daily newspaper clippings, all of these draw attention to compassion, and a love for animals; a love for our giving, selfless athlete named BARBARO.

I would not be who I am today if it wasn't for this beautiful animal...even after 18 years of being an educator, it is still compassion that over comes all hurt.

Amy A. your video is beyond words. Smiling through my tears. You captured his essence.

Marita - love your exquisite writings.

My beloved nephew Jeremy died at age 21 two years ago. I wrote a poem to him called Jeremy Will Always Be, and that's how I feel about Barbaro. Jan. 27 is Jeremy's birthday, and now I will always associate the two of them - wonderful spirits who continue to inspire me.

Barbaro is Flying Free.
Death will not triumph here.

Good night to all FOB's.

Mary

SUSAN E.-I emailed you.Hope it gets thru. I am deeply saddened to just read of your little Felix pantherman. I do not know what to say here, I am crying too much. I hope you get my email. :(

To help cat shelters-I donate all my shredded papers for litterboxes at my Humane Shelter. It does not cost you anything but a little gasoline & a trip. They appreciate it and always need it. It is something alot of folks throw away on a daily basis, and could be put to good use at the Humane Shelter. Please give your shreds to them. If you have extra dog/cat food that your own animal hates or you know will not eat, donate it as well. They take any kinds, they are not choosy. Here they ask for blankets/sheets as well during winter months. I try to give them all mine even before I give them to family, animals need it more. They cannot buy their own, family can.Thank you.

Prayers for all creatures great and small

HI, FOB's!

Its about 12:45, just got back from working with three new Reiki students.

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SusanE - I am sooooo sad to read about Felix crossing the Bridge. You are such a sweet compassionate person and gave the rumblekiddeninasuit4ever such love. I know Barbaro was there to greet him (and Nellie, my friend's German Shepherd who crossed last week.). He will be watching over you as well.

Must go get some sleep. More tomorrow after I get back from the ranch.

Healing, Love, Peace,
ONS,
(((HUGS FOR SusanE AND FELIX)))
Lyn Gilbert

Goodnight my Sweet Angel Barbaro......

I am tucking you in and I will hold you close to my heart as always....... My dog loves her new name Barbaro Butters :-)

With tons of Love cya tomorrow or in my dreams with my fiance' right next to me and the "dog"................. :-)

Don't know if this has been posted or not.
Barbaro is listed on the "Dead or Alive" website.
It contains the names of famous people who have passed... Not a bad site... I found a few I didnt know about.
But our boy is listed, just scroll down and there is his name among all those famous "people"
Our Big Boy sure has made a lot noise since he left us.
Verna

http://www.deadoraliveinfo.com/dead.nsf/pages-nf/main

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Susan E. Your news brings tears. Felix worked really hard to stay. Rest assured he has been greeted by all he knows as well as The Cat in the Grey Flannel Suit and The Hobie Cat. They will take care of him. Flannel is the best hunter and nothing stirs an appetite like fresh mouse. Felix is relaxing, on a warm, fluffy bed, eating fresh mouse pate' and being greeted by all.

Please know - he was okay for him and he waited until he knew it was okay for you. Be safe and warm. We are here.

Susan E

Oh, I am so sorry at the loss of your precious Felix. I hope you find some comfort in the love and affection you shared for so long. Felix couldn't have had a better life than the life he shared with you and how well-cared for he was. You and Lizzie hang tight at this tough time.

Cathy

Susan E- Sorry to hear about Felix. I lost my rotweiler Deon shortly before Barbaro passed away. The deaths of both are difficult for me to cope with right now.

As another day draws to an end I realized something special. We have all been walking in the same shoes for months. This gives us the ability to accomplish so much. I am lighting different candles in the night. The first to show that I am moving forward on the issues started by Barbaro and 2nd to show that I am staying right here to support the people of the Barbaro Nation.

Be safe and warm. Be Focused. Believe.

--Verna and all

Thanks for the dead or alive website. I did a search for "horse" and it came back with a lot of people (somehow related to the word "horse I suppose). The real horses they have listed are Bold Forbes, Affirmed, Alydar, Seattle Slew, Ruffian, Secretariat, Spectacular Bid, and Barbaro.

Perhaps we should add some more horses!!! You can suggest names by completing this form:

http://www.deadoraliveinfo.com/doaforms.nsf/Record?OpenForm&x=nf

Thanks to all of you and especially to Alex.

Good night Barbaro!

Susan E.

I'm so very sorry about Felix. I hope in some small way it comforts you to know that he will always be with you, and you will always be with him, for when he crossed over the Rainbow Bridge, he took your love right along with him. He knows how much you love him, and he will always love you too. That kind of love never dies. My thoughts and prayers are with you both.

MikeC- thanks for sharing some tidbits about Gulfstream this weekend. We missed you

SusanE I'm so sad to know of Felixrumbulkiddeninnasoot's passing. He is whole and at peace now,and your heart is breaking. If only we didn't have to let them go.

I'm sure he's found Barbaro's farm. What a great time they'll have. Some day we'll all be there

with tears and much love,
Cheryl

Tonight I watched Amy's beautiful video and also the new one from Genine entitled You're Still Here, Barbaro - and in spite of not wanting to be, I am again devastated. I loved the double page photo tribute to Barbaro in People magazine, but the single quarter page head photo of him in the Table of Contents just tore me apart... the soulful, sad look in his eye in a photo I have never seen.

And then I read about Felix. There is too much sadness for me tonight. Susan, I am so VERY, very sorry... he is all intertwined with Barbaro in my heart, and will forever be. I know you are feeling all our arms around you tonight... Laurie needs to tuck you and Lizzie in, too.

This hasn't been my favorite week. But love to you all - where would we be without each other?

Thank you Lily for the update. I just looked at the names on the main page. Glad to know our other beautiful horses havent been forgotten.
Goodnite all.
As always,
Love you all ( trolls not included)
Verna
Goodnite Barbaro. Don't make a mess tonight :)

It is obvious how tenuous it still is for horses to survive anesthesia recovery after surgery. I continue to be amazed that Barbaro survived as many as he did, and attribute that to NBC and Dr. Richardson, as well as the smarts of that incredible horse himself...

This from Bloodhorse:

Canadian Horse of the Year QUIET RESOLVE Dead

QUIET RESOLVE, a Canadian Horse of the Year, was euthanized Feb. 1 at Guelph University east of Toronto. The 12-year-old gelding suffered an irreparable injury while trying to stand following anesthesia for colic surgery.

The third-richest earner sired by Affirmed, QUIET RESOLVE made all but his first start on grass, finishing unplaced. He won or placed in 20 of 31 races and earned $2,346,768 while trained by Mark Frostad.

QUIET RESOLVE raced as a homebred for Ernie Samuel in the name of his Sam-Son Farm prior to Samuel's death in May of 2000. QUIET RESOLVE was voted 2000 Horse of the Year and champion grass male.

The Miracle was Barbaro.

I know there are some people who post and read here daily and don't browse the forums - so just in case anyone wants to check out my other tribute video "You're Still Here Barbaro," click on my name and it will take you to my videos. ;)

A huge thank you to Alex for posting a link to my first video here on the site. I was truly honored to see that he had done that! Thank you Alex - you are wonderful! (P.S. you'll be getting a package in the mail from me soon!)

Genine, your new video tribute, "You're Still Here, Barbaro", was just beautiful and I thank you again. Right in the middle of my tears there is that new little boy, and that just did it. I'm sorry I am so sad tonight... but wanted to add my deep appreciation.

Such inspiration.

Good night, sweet Barbaro.

Thank you Shelley! *hugs* I noticed you mentioned my video before - wow it is amazing how many comments are on this site! I had a hard time even skimming through them all!

Thank you for your very lovely words, I am so happy that people are appreciating and finding comfort of some sort in my videos. *hugs*

Good night! :)

I didn't read any of the tread tonight but I wanted to share my experience from last night. I lit a candle for Dr Richardson and then I read all of the comments made from others. After over a week of being distraught I felt better.
For those of you who are still lost you might try this. I had many conversations about this today and it led to many other great conversations. I'm still very sad but the circumstances are as they are. As Mrs Jackson "the price you pay for love is grief"
but what Barbaro showed us was his determination to live. He was struck dovn by Lamititus (sp), we thankfully don't have to worry about that but we need to embrace his spirit and fly with it.
I will always love you Barbaro, you deserved
a better hand than you were dealt. Even Dr Richardson,Edger,Mr Matz and the Jackson's couldn't change your destiny but they fought ever step of the way for ya. No one could ever ask for more. RIP MY FRIEND

If anyone would like to see a truly uplifting film, rent or buy "Duma." It is by Carroll Ballard, the same director who made "The Black Stallion." It came out in 2005 and Roger Ebert says, "'Duma' is an astonishing film by Carroll Ballard, the director who is fascinated by the relationship between humans, animals and the wilderness. He works infrequently, but unforgettably." It is the story of a boy who rescues an orphan cheetah cub knowing he must return him to the wild when he is old enough. The music and scenery are so beautiful and the boy/cheetah relationship is a wonder to behold. Seeing this movie is bound to make you feel better!

Missing you, sweet Barbaro.

deb, joey, blanchie, tootsie, amber and walter

Good morning, Barbaro! Good morning, Alex! Good morning, fellow Fans!

A big hug going out to Susan E - I know Felix was really lucky to have you for his person and I'm certain he's happily settled on Barbaro's farm already, along with my Margot. She'll show him all the best napping spots.

I don't see any new so-sponsors of our bills this morning but I did notice this new bill that was introduced. (Apologies if this was posted already.)
*****************
Honoring the contributions of Barbaro to the Commonwealths of Kentucky and Pennsylvania and to America's horseracing industry. (Introduced in House)
HRES 117 IH

110th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. RES. 117

Honoring the contributions of Barbaro to the Commonwealths of Kentucky and Pennsylvania and to America's horseracing industry.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

January 31, 2007

Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky (for himself, Mr. WHITFIELD, Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky, Mr. CHANDLER, Mr. YARMUTH, Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky, Mr. PITTS, Mr. SHUSTER, Mr. HOLDEN, Mr. DOYLE, Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania, and Mr. GERLACH) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

RESOLUTION

Honoring the contributions of Barbaro to the Commonwealths of Kentucky and Pennsylvania and to America's horseracing industry.

Whereas Barbaro, the 2006 Kentucky Derby winner, is recognized for his contributions to the horseracing industry and for his accomplishments as a world-class athlete;

Whereas Barbaro's owners, Roy and Gretchen Jackson of Lael Stables in West Grove, Pennsylvania, are applauded for their work in raising Barbaro and for their loyalty to Barbaro and his recovery, and honored for their achievements in strengthening the thoroughbred racing industry;

Whereas Michael Matz, Barbaro's trainer and accomplished equestrian rider, and Edgar Prado, Barbaro's jockey, are recognized for their accomplishments in training Barbaro and for their skill in harnessing Barbaro's athleticism;

Whereas Barbaro captured the hearts of those in the horseracing industry and people throughout the world during his triumphant and decisive victory at the Kentucky Derby on May 6, 2006, in Louisville, Kentucky, when he became only the sixth undefeated horse to ever win the first leg of the Triple Crown;

Whereas Barbaro suffered an untimely and heartbreaking injury to his right hindleg on May 20, 2006, during the Preakness at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland;

Whereas Dr. Dean Richardson, the chief of surgery at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Veterinary Medicine at New Bolton Center in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, is recognized for his dedication, compassion, and superior skills as a surgeon during Barbaro's eight month struggle to overcome his injuries; and

Whereas Barbaro, afflicted by a hoof disease that further complicated his original injury, was put to rest on the morning of January 29, 2007: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) honors the historic achievements of Barbaro, his unparalleled athleticism, and his unwavering spirit; and
(2) remembers the legacy of Barbaro and thanks him for capturing the hearts and imagination of racing enthusiasts across the country and around the world.
*************
Pretty neat, eh?

I finally got motivated and contacted my legislators last night and I'm working on the letters to the committee leaders. It's the least I can do for Barbaro.

Marg
Proud Fan of Barbaro forever

Attention FOB's,

For anyone having trouble in downloading the anti-slaughter booklet I've made it into an html page and you can read it on the NERC site by following this link HS Booklet in HTML Thought this might be a bit more convenient for those with dial-up!! Load time is considerably less but please note, you cannot print it from here! Hope this helps!!



Glad to see so many of you stayed on to fight against horse slaughter!!

Smile, it'll give your face something to do!
jock4hire (lj)