Good Morning Barbaro!!

Good Morning Alex!!

Good Morning Barbaro Nation!!

Tonight is the night for Dr. Richardson's lecture at New Bolton Center. I am very much looking forward to it. I am looking forward to seeing some of the FOB's there as well.

Have a wonderful day everyone.

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

Rainy this morning in Maine but the temperature is milder than it's been all year! Winter is supposed to return this weekend, just in time for our town meeting.

Add me to the list of people who want to adopt Abigail from Joe at TB Friends. I'm a sucker for "the look" so she would be in my backyard if I weren't 3000 miles away!

I love the new pictures from Sabina. When money allows, there will be an order but it will be hard to choose just one.

I love that Nicanor has a name now. He's been my wallpaper for over a month so it's great to have a name now.

Have a great day everyone. And, as always, thank you, Alex and Tim, for hosting us!

Marg
Proud Fan of Barbaro forever

Rosie Rosie Rosie. What is going on for you today? If you didn't have your foal last night then these are the people in the hunt for today.
3/14
12:30am Doe42903
5:25am WendyinMI
1:00pm Ernie586
1:45pm Doe42903

You too can participate! (I'm really trying hard to sound original and not like a broken record)

Hiya, FsOB! It's off to Little Rhody extra, extra early for me this AM. Alex, I saw a huge grouping of Canadian geese flying in formation yesterday AM en route to work. Truly a thing of beauty.

Thank you, Alex and Sabina, for the beautiful pictures of our sweet prince. Those photos document the incredible bond between Bobbey and Dr. Dean R. Magnificient!

Martita, your posting yesterday was grand. Good to see you back.

Welcome back to Doe as well.

Jonna, this 51-1/2 year old shares your sense of exasperation. I tell myself to be like Barbaro. Political change requires steadfastness and that is challenging.

To Mary L.: Poor little Ernie! I wish I could feed him some penne pasta to fatten him up. What a sweet horse. I hope he finds someone to treasure and protect him.

To Harriette: I love the timeless wisdom of Chief Seattle. If only his spirit could wash over James Tucker, then DeKalb would be closed, the horses protected, and the rivers would run clean in IL. Thank you as well for Fred & Ted's story. Please know I consider your husband "a keeper" (just like Brent is!) and that is high praise.

Gotta go now! Peace, RMH

###SHORTCUT WHEN REACHING VOICE MAIL FOR CONGRESS

Not sure if this has been posted, but when you are calling the representatives if you get their recording you can quickly try another extension by entering *8 and their 5 digit extension which is the number 5 and the last four of their extention.

If you reach voice mail and leave a message after your press "#" to send press *8 and enter the next extension.

You can keep looping around in the system without redialing. I found this a little less time consuming.

Take care and have a good day.

Early morning OOPS

and the last four of their extention
shoudl read last four digits of their phone number.

Good morning, Barbaro Nation!
Still missing him so much...
Marg in Maine...where can I find Sabina's new pictures?

Good morning everyone

More good weather forecast for today. I picked the wrong grey yesterday at Cheltenham - should have gone for Ebaziyan who won the first. He is a son of Daylami who some of you will remember won the Breeders' Cup Turf in 1999, so has real class.

Two people Alex knows well were on the podium together yesterday - Mercy Rimell and Michael Dickinson. They were jointly awarding some sort of glassware to the new inductees to the Hall of Fame.

One interesting thing to note today. It is the Royal and SunAlliance Novices' Hurdle which was won last year by Nicanor. I don't know what has happened to him since then (haven't really looked), or why the owners' chose that name for him. I'm hoping that Well Chief will run well today in the Queen Mother Champion Chase - though I'm a bit worried as he has only had one race since coming back after 22 months from a leg injury. There is the problem of 'the bounce', when horses just don't perform in their second race back. I just hope they all return safely - we lost one yesterday, Little Brick, which is very sad.

##Dave, Il. I'll see if I can find out anything about Colin Turner. As far as I know the most prevalent theory about Shergar is that a bunch of IRA people, who were unfamiliar with horses, took him and that he became uncontrollable and injured himself. It is thought they had to shoot him and that he is buried somewhere in Ireland. It is a most desperately sad story; his winning margin of 10 lengths is the largest in our Derby history.

Good morning, Barbaro, Alex, & friends,
I'm still here Barbaro & I carry you in my heart all through the day.
Have a safe & blessed day.

Good Morning All!

I was hoping that Debbie, or those of you who are going to Dr. Richardson's lecture today, would please post with lots of details for those of us who are unable to attend.

Thank you!

Taylor Ashley

Alex and All -
Good morning.

Thank you Alex for all you do for us...

Keep the heat on...keep calling, faxing, e-mailing...

We have to do everything we can to save our horses. In our beloved Barbaro's memory. He was such a fighter. We can be the same.

Hope all have a good, positive day.

Pam

Debbie...please can you keep us posted on the lecture? I'm unable to attend and would love to know everything Dr. Richardson said!!!

Good moring Barbaro, have a heavenely day!

Good moring everyone, keep calling and fax the Senators and Reps.

####
Shelly, Congs to you and Mr. Boxcar.

I hope when Dr. R. speaks tonight, he mentions the anti-slaughter issue.

Have a great day!

Good Wednesday morning Barbaro family,

Let's all make those calls today!! We need to get these bills moving.

Shelley A and Mr. BoxCar - again the heartiest of congratulations.

Rosie, Rosie - words fail me.

have a great day all!!!

Janice
A forever FOB

Good morning everyone!

Rosie cam is down....I hope she didn't foal without us! :o)

I hope everyone has a great day today!

Good morning, FOB's!

Jenn in Wilkes-Barre: www.sabinalouisepierce.com for pics of Barbaro and Dr. Richardson as well as Alex with Barbaro ! Follow the Barbaro link and scroll down.

Have a wonderful day everyone. Looking forward to feedback on Dr. Richardson's lecture.

Alex -- more book recommendations please ! When you have time, that is !

Barbaro is always in my thoughts, and looking forward to (and not looking forward to) The Kentucky Derby. I had soooo hoped that he would have healed enough to make an appearance to show yet another triumph. His triumphs continue in many other ways, though!

ACN above always, Barbaro !

I'm usually over at the Message Board, but just had to come over here to congratulate Shelley A. on Mr. Boxcar's great win yesterday at Philly Park! Got to watch it "live" on HRTV, and he just blew them all away! Please keep us updated on how he's doing, Shelley, and hope your boy was loaded down with peppermints & carrots!

### Laurie H
so glad you are back with your tuck-ins, we need
you to take away all the despair we feel by day's end

### Native American Quote of the Day

A brave man dies but once, a coward many times.

###For Martita

A poet is a bird of unearthly excellence, who escapes from his celestial realm arrives in this world warbling. If we do not cherish him, he spreads his wings and flies back into his homeland.

Kahlil Gibran

GOOD MORNING FOB’s

If you click on the BLUE NAVIGATION BOX on the left of the page, you will find all necessary links....... co-sponsors of both the House and Senate, list of names of all members of Congress, and lists of all members of the three committees. There will also be new developments posted as they come in.

The updated list of names to call will be posted there daily so that our strategy will always be current. This will make all the information easy to find and will help make it easier to direct others without having to look through all of the posts.

Alex was kind enough to add a link to the Veterinarian Support Letter that was sent to us by Chris Heyde. Please try to get this letter to as many veterinarians as possible so that they can show their support in spite of the stance taken by the AVMA.

And don’t forget to call your OWN representative and senators and urge them to co-sponsor their respective bills.

Here is the Call List for Wednesday March 14

HR 503

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND COMMERCE

-Representative George P. Radanovich
Phone #: 202-225-4540
Fax #: 202-225-3402

-Representative Mike Rogers
Phone #: 202-225-4872
Fax #: 202-225-5820

-Representative Michael A. Ross
Phone #: 202-225-3772
Fax #: 202-225-1314

-Representative Bobby L. Rush
Phone #: 202-225-4372
Fax #: 202-226-0333

-Representative John B. Shadegg
Phone #: 202-225-3361
Fax #: 202-225-3462

SPECIAL MESSAGE TO TEXAS FOB’S……YOUR HELP IS URGENTLY NEEDED TO DEFEAT NEW LEGISLATION THAT HAS BEEN INTRODUCED TO MAKE HORSE SLAUGHTER LEGAL IN TEXAS.
You can also find a link to that information in Alex’s Blue Navigation that will tell you what you can do to help!!
Please, reach out to everyone you know in Texas and get them involved. This is crucial!!!!

Alex also added links to two good articles that some of you might now have seen.

Thanks and have a great day!!

Shelley and Debra

Good morning all. Good morning Big Boy. Just sent another round of letters/faxes/e-mails to my state reps and Kerry and Kennedy from here in Mass.

Alex thanks for everything. Amazed at how this group has stayed together.

Hi Marg in W.ville!!

Cock fighting in N.Mexico gone - GOOD!

Cavel question - Can out of state people get involved, if so how?

Good Morning Barbaro

ACN..now what is in your daily planner today...Run painfree...sweetie..and enjoy. Just remember we love and miss you so much!!

Good Morning Fans/Family Of Barbaro

I thank God that I know about Greatness...which is Barbaro.

I thank God that I have wonderful family which is all of you...

I thank God for people like Alex and Tim...

Please call, fax, email...STOP SLAUGHTERING..STOP TRANSPORTING...OUR HORSES. This is not the American Way.

Remember the Fallen Angels, the ones suffering, the spoken and unspoken requests, Vivi to be found, all animals large or small...and each other.

Have a Wonderful Day...

###
Rosie...please have a healthy baby, soon.

Fitch and others...we know you are safe in equine heaven.

ALL OF YOU ARE SPECIAL!!!

Liz (UK)

Thanks. One reason I brought this up is that there is a passage in his book about him going to Cheltenham for the Festival.

Congratulations, Shelley, and I hope Mr. Boxcar is reveling in his victory. Oh, what a taste that is! Good boy...

And for those who are over a certain age, I am sure you relate to Joe at TB Friends yesterday. And whatever will he do without Sarah, who was their weekend overseer, emergency go to person who took care of the ranch whenever they needed a babysitter, and all around capable helper? She has gained from her experience and is off to Utah, much to Joe and Cathy's loss...

-------TB Friends---------

Tuesday, March 13th... Over the weekend on the morning journal I mentioned Archie Bunker. At least 20 young people have asked me who the heck is Archie Bunker? Oh my goodness I am old. Peter Paul & Mary are the ringtone on my phone, and no one seems to know them either.

103 horses on our ranch, and 27 are over 20 years old. I must read them the morning paper because eye glasses are not made for horses. We have 12 horses over 25. Two horses over 30. This summer I will be 56. My wife Cathy will be 51. Paramedics are parked on the corner...

Oldies but goodies. A trip to the feed lot, and middle age does not exist. The doomed horses are either very young or very old. Years ago I would always take the young and wild. Nothing more fun than a young unhandled horse becoming pleasant. But now I receive the senior citizen discount at Dennys. At the feed store a young girl allowed me to go first. I like reruns of MASH. Working with a young horse is no longer in the forecast. Each bruise takes longer to heal. The aches and pains never use to matter, but now it takes 10 minutes to rise from a chair. The empty box of Krispy Kremes may have something to do with being physically unfit. Past habits haunt. So on a visit to a feed lot it is mostly older horses who come home with me. They lead without tugging. An older horse picks up his feet for the shoer without first playing football. And even some older horses know who Archie Bunker is.

Sarah McDowell is leaving California for the wonderful state of Utah. Sarah has been offered her dream employment, big time wages, and three weeks paid vacation a year. When Sarah flew to Utah for the second interview we knew she would be leaving us. An amazing kid who can take the wildest horse into a round pen and in less than an hour the horse is calm and reading Cosmo. Several times Animal Control has phoned Sarah and asked her to help catch stray dogs. Animal Control has poles and tranquilizers, yet the dog is still loose. Here comes Sarah, and soon the dog is in her arms. She has a connection with all animals. Even snakes. We will miss Sarah like crazy, and we wish her the best. She promises to return for vacations and long weekends. Sarah says the hardest part in leaving is the sushi in Davis. Somehow she does not think the sushi in Utah will be the same...

And now it is time to take this old body outside and feed 103 horses. Bob Dylan (who?) on the barn cd player.

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

For all of us over a certain age, to those under, have a great new day. May all the horses thrive today.

###
Stu, yes you can get involved, go to the discussion board, there is a new post. I sent letters and e-mails, and I live in Pa. They need all the hep they can get.

Carol, thanks. We've got to keep pounding. I was unaware of all these details until I got here when Barbaro was injured. Now I can't stop!! People here are the best. I'm at work now but take time every morning to do our work. Have a good day

ALERT!!!!

BARBARO'S CANDLES BARELY OVER 1700...PLEASE LIGHT UP...

Good morning, Alex and FOB's! Beautiful day to ride the horses!! Hope Nicanor is well as he is a beautiful horse..looking forward to hearing about Dr. R's lecture too!

Linda Northeast Philly

#### Skyler
I think today is Skyler job interview, good luck to Skyler!! Let's all send Skyler our support!!

### Cal, I delievered that handshake

### Michelle, thanks for the time saving tip!!

###

Harriette Brillianthawk,

I enjoyed reading about the boys, Fred and Ted but then, I enjoy every post of yours!

I like your husband. I've never met him, but, I like him...alot!

Ted is a gift to you for more reasons than you will ever realize...Congratulations Harriette on being Ted's Forever Mommy!

Good morning all!!

I was surfing aroung the net this morning and found an online petition to end horse slaughter. Sorry, I don't know how to blue link so grab your pens!!

www.petitiononline.com.EQA50101/petition.html

There were only 4738 signatures when I signed. That's a shame. You can also send it to friends!! Thank you, everyone!!!

Corrine in CT

###
Good morning Fellow FOB's
This article appeared on the front page of our Cleveland Plain Dealer this morning:

http://www.cleveland.com/plaindealer/stories/index.ssf?/base/isope/1173869839280310.xml&coll=2

Way to go FOB's!!!

God Bless You Barbaro!

Good morning Sweet Barbaro in Heaven!

Go Mr. Boxcar!!!! What a good boy, very handsome too!

Going to make my calls and send faxes

For Barbaro, For Fitch, For Apache and all the horses.

Ro & Brady

Good morning, precious Barbaro, sweet spirit horse. Your impact on our lives continues unabated...we are deep in the campaign to end slaughter and I've also been working on support from veterinarians...all to DO RIGHT BY BARBARO. I bless you for coming into my life for those brief shining moments - I will never forget you and love you soooooo much. Missing you as if it were yesterday that you left us - you are forever BARBARO - CHAMPION OF MY HEART!
Nancy

High Flight (written by John Gillespie Magee, Jr.)

Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth of sun-split clouds --
and done a hundred things you have not dreamed of -- wheeled and soared and swung
high in the sunlit silence.
Hov'ring there, I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung my eager craft through footless halls of air.
Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue
I've topped the windswept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or even eagle flew.
And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.

BARBARO, in the deepest recesses of my heart, I KNOW I will see you again one fine day!

###
Thought for the Day:

"There is no death ... only a change of worlds."

As Mrs. Jackson said, "live in the moment." Life is made up of a series of moments.

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

Congress May End Slaughter of Horses:

Please read this article that appeared on the front page of our Cleveland Plain Dealer this morning:

http://www.cleveland.com/plaindealer/stories/index.ssf?/base/isope/1173869839280310.xml&coll=2

WAY TO GO FOB'S !!!!!!!

CONTACT YOUR LOCAL VETERINARIANS....

In the upper left link "Anti Horse Slaughter Strategy" if you scroll down to "Other Actions" you will see "from Chris Heyde of saplonline" which links you to the petition for veterinarians to sign! CT is fairly well covered, but we need folks from EVERY state to print this petition, write a cover letter, and mail them to vets in their area...the two major Veterinary organizations are PRO slaughter...but that does NOT mean that individual vets are. Sample cover letters are available, and also the very informative brochure from Steve Rei's NERC...
NEED HELP???? Email me mllebutterfly@sbcglobal.net

Thanks for getting involved in this aspect of our campaign to DEFEAT SLAUGHTER...however, this is an addition, not a replacement for our daily calls to our elected reps and posted committee members.

WE NEED YOU ALL!
Nancy

###
Nancy in CT~ I have been searching for that poem ever since our boy crossed the bridge. It has a lot of meaning for me... THANK YOU for posting it!

Enjoy this beautiful day!

####
Stu, I also knew nothing about horse slaughter, until Barbaro, he has done so much good, and for that reason I continue to fight. I found out that most people don't have a clue!

Laurie H., enjoyed last night's tuck-in a lot. You paint such wonderful word pictures, I encourage you to submit manuscripts to some publishers. Have a wonderful day.

Kathy S.

Michelle,

Thanks for the shortcut for making calls to DC when leaving messages. I now have a new strategy. I am calling the 5 targets members of congress every day, and then calling again at night to leave message. Now I can make just one call to leave all the messages!

Thanks, Alex and Tim for everything.

Run with the wind, Barbaro.

####

Kathy S.,

Thank you sooo much for your kind post to me. That made my day.

Have a wonderful day yourself and I wish many kindnesses for you as you have given to me.

PRAYERS AND CANDLES NEEDED FOR MOLASSES, another FOB rescue who is at Shiloh in Nevada...you can read about this poor boy on the Forum, but the basic situation is that he was so terribly starved by the time he was rescued that he had started consuming his own muscle tissue to survive...the fear is that even with the TLC and unlimited senior food that he is receiving, it may be too late for this angel. PLEASE HELP!

http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/candles.cfm?l=eng&gi=molas

(Sorry I don't know how to blue-link!)
Nancy

good morning sweet FOBs.

taking my "new" old brood down to our Vet to get the usual bloodwork and checks done on her...she is sublime. These old ones KNOW they're been saved. She always has a tail wag for me or a little kiss as she passes by. She spent nearly 9 years in the Industry, first racing then having at least three litters. She has nearly black eyes, and is that apricot color some afghans are: we call it a creme fawn, but I think she looks like French vanilla ice cream. Her name is Heart. How perfect is that?

Congratulations again to Shelley A and her MAN-HORSE. What a guy...

A good friend to the greyhounds in NC is in Hospice care now, doing what I guess you'd call transitioning. She really began to leave us when she was sure all her animals were cared for. Good friends will take them all, greys, whippets and cats. Her name is Millicent. Say a little prayer for swift deliverance for her...she is only 50 and has been fighting so hard for almost a year...

And then that leads me to the next thing: live in the moment. Dogs do it minute by minute. They never look back. I am trying to learn these Zen lessons from my hounds...we could all benefit from these concepts of prizing each minute of our lives.

It helps me with things like the loss of Barbaro. How he ate life up! Think of the number of times someone would write that he flirted with cows, nickered at the fillies, ate with gusto, developed a mint habit...I believe that every day was new to him...every basket of Lael grass was his first. As it is for our dogs...

And that helps a little.

###
Ruth, I can't seem to get the story to come up...cookies have it blocked, can you email it to me when you have a chance.
Hope you are doing well.
Thank you,
Verna

Here is the link for the story of Molasses, another FOB rescue who desperately needs our prayers and candles....WARNING - the photos are not for the squeamish!

http://www.shilohlasvegas.com/news_full.php?type=&id=133&year=&month=&day=

####
Harriette, Thank you. Saves me a trip. LOL

####
Ruth, Good article. A major newspaper is putting the word out to more eyes. This can only increase awareness. I finally found something I like about Dennis Kucinich. I wish the article would have mentioned us FOB's.

###
JUDY IN CT - I, too, love that poem, but mistakenly thought it contained the words "broke the bonds of earth" so I was having difficulty finding it until this morning...everything in its own, and God's, time, I guess.

####

Cal,

Thank you for your kind post to me last night concerning my time with Barbaro. I was going to respond then, but the board closed before I could.

Thank you sooo much Cal.

###
Cal ... I agree about Dennis Kucinich! Can you actually believe he was our Mayor back in the 70's? Although the article didn't mention the FOB's specifically, it did talk about "a coalition of horse groups." I guess that includes the FOB's. Maybe I should write a letter to the editor to see if I can get our group mentioned?

Verna ... I will email the article to you!

Still no luck placing my brother's fur kids. Keep sending out those prayers!

Here is that poem. I love it too...

#######
Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings; Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth Of sun-split clouds-and done a hundred things You have not dreamed of - wheeled and soared and swung High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung My eager craft through footless halls of air.

Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace, Where never the lark, nor even eagle flew - And, while with silent lifting mind I've trod The high, untrespassed sanctity of space, Put out my hand and touched the face of God.

John Gillespie Magee (1922-1941)
A Canadian Spitfire pilot in
the Battle of Britain

###
RE: Molasses @ Shiloh...
How can humans be so cruel. My heart is just simply broken.
Thank God for Shiloh, at least, if he doesn't make it, he will have known love and the taste of food again.....
I have to go have a real good cry right now. Be back later

sorry for re-posting the poem. Ya'll are quick on the draw, for sure...

###
VERNA1 - I discovered the post about Molasses very late last night while waiting for Rosie to "produce"...I can tell you that it made for a nightmarish sleep! But you are correct, he is loved and spoiled and well-fed now...for however long that lasts, it will be the best part of his life!!!!

Candles and prayers for Molasses, please!

http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/candles.cfm?l=eng&gi=molas

Info on Molasses (very disturbing pictures)
http://www.shilohlasvegas.com/news_full.php?type=&id=133&year=&month=&day=

Went to the Shiloh website to find out more about Molasses. Everyone....please pray for Molasses and light candles. To have once been a grand barrel-racer to then be left to starve at a feedlot awaiting the slaughter truck is just more than I can bear (or understand). It may be too late to save this wonderful 'old man', but as the caption says on the website...."where there's life there's hope". Let's all do what we can to bolster that hope for Molasses. I pray he can be saved. Nancy in Mo

###Good Morning All,

##Joanna, thank you for posting that poem, I thought of it often during the days after Barbaro left us. It's always a favourite.

##Molasses, try to fight so you can know true love, Prayer and candles for you my boy.

Judy

###
NANCY IN MO - bless you for your concern for Molasses!

*****
Laurie H....so glad you're finally back!!!! All's almost right with the world????!!!!!! If we could just get a handle on abuse and get that anti-slaughter legislation passed.....

Thank you Laurie for making the world a much gentler more caring place....For just being YOU!!!

I had a much more restful sleep last night and I'm looking forward to meeting you at Barbaros Birthday Party at Delaware Park !!! God bless you and stay safe...HUGS

###
Verna ... please email me at rs281ms@aol.com and I will send you the article. I don't have your email address with me.

Ruth

Good Morning Earth Angels With Love.

My Prayers For Molasses An Angel.

####

Maribel,

You'll be at Delaware?! This will be fun!!!
I will love meeting you...

Woooohooo! Good job Mr. Boxcar!
Congratulations , Shelley. I didn't get the race notice 'til it was over since I was out of the office. I wish I could have seen it. Maybe next time...

###Harriette Brillianthawk Welcome

###Ruth Stacey at March 14, 2007 1:59 PM
Thanks for the article.

I'm going to fax, email, mail it to Voinovich
Any other OH FOB's welcome to do the same.
###Cal this means u (ha ha)

###Patty in Dallas Welcome
My schedule usually only permits leaving voice mail, it really saves cell phone minutes too.

ANOTHER STRATEGY
Contact Horse Boarding Facilities and ask permission to post flyers asking for help to end horse slaughter. I have posted some locally and it is amazing that some are not aware of this practice in the US.

Take care all.

Special Horse Book. A member of their family is Cosmah. Some members of Cosmah are: Blossom Time, North Star. Cosmah Is Very Connected to Halo (1969).

Halo Is Very Connected To Barbaro. Angel Barbaro Has Wings. Alex, You Are With An Angel The Whole Time. Barbaro's Presence Is Always Around. The Rainbow.

I just lit a candle for Molasses and am praying for him. It makes me ill the way some people treat animals. I just don't understand - which is a good thing - who would want to understand such horrible behavior.

Barbaro, may your spirit hover over Molasses and help him heal. You have always been my miracle horse.

What is they say when it rains it pours.
Just got a call my sister had a major heart attack yesterday and is in a coma. Her kidneys and liver have shut down and is on life support. Just waiting for my nephew to get in from FL. and my brother in law will give everyone a chance to say goodbye and then pull the plug.
I will be away, that is if I can stay away. Am off to hospital now. Pray for her transition and for peace of heart for my brother in law and the rest of us.
Love to you all,
Verna

###
DEE & DALE...thank you - it warms my heart to see your support for poor Molasses!

###
VERNA1 - I am so sorry for your sister and family...such tragic decisions that have to be made. You and all your family have been added to my ever-growing prayer list. God bless all of you.
Nancy

Harriette --

I emailed you about 4/29 but not sure if you got it. A couple of us in IN are wondering if you were able to schedule anything for that day in Lexington. Still waiting to hear about Churchill Downs, too. Thanks.

Good news: two new Senate cosponsors for S. 311 as of yesterday making a total of 23 -- Senators Benjamin Cardin (MD) & Debbie Stabenow (MI).

CONGRATS to Mr. Boxcar!! You are so unique. :-) How is he doing today, Shelley? Relaxing, I hope!

Also, I asked Shirley at Grace Foundation to post some newer photos of Jerry Salavation - the beautiful weanling that was rescued from slaughter by Beth DeCaprio. The photos are located here:

http://forums.prospero.com/timwoolley/messages?msg=6326.9

Finally, there are some nice photo essays of the Grace Foundation that Shirley also posted. The photos were taken by Matt King and are located on his website:

http://www.wwphotographer.com/

Carol
San Diego

##Verna1, I am so sorry to hear about your sister. My prayers for you and her family during this very difficult time.

Judy

Good morning everyone, especially Alex and Tim. Thank you for all you do for us FOBs.

###
Joe at TB Friends, don't feel so bad about mentioning things that people around you don't remember or know about. I have the same experience. I work part-time at the local newspaper and feel like I should be the archivist. Everyone around me is so much younger.

I have heard that every time an old person dies, it's like a library burns down. With them goes their particular memories of life the way it was "back then."

I guess those of us who have reached that "interesting age" could be considered film libraries (or video libraries, if we weren't quite THAT old).

What the heck. I still talk about my record player ;oD

Have a GREAT day everyone!

Verna ... I am so sorry for you and your family. I will contact you by email!

Blessings to all!

In friendship,
Ruth

###

Verna,

I am so sorry to hear of your family's difficult time. Please know that you have sooo much love and support here, with us.

Take care Verna...

####

Verna
Our prayers are with all of you...

Ruth...
Hang in there...there will be a good home for your fur babies...

####
Michelle, I am already all over it. I've already e-mailed the article. As soon as our fax machine is fixed I will fax. Have printed out the article and will mail it after I get off of work. This will be done daily. I am so sick of non responses from Voinovich. Just gonna flood him from here on out.

####
Verna, My prayers are with you. May she not suffer. We are all here for you. Just lean on us.

#####
Verna - Blessings to you and your family through this difficult time.

Here are some Photos of the first day of racing at Cheltenham; http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/other_sports/horse_racing/6445215.stm

Good morning all!!

I was surfing aroung the net this morning and found an online petition to end horse slaughter. Sorry, I don't know how to blue link so grab your pens!!

www.petitiononline.com.EQA50101/petition.html

There were only 4738 signatures when I signed. That's a shame. You can also send it to friends!! Thank you, everyone!!!

Corrine in CT

Posted by: Corrine at March 14, 2007 1:58 PM

http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070314/SPORTS/703140353/1002/SPORTS

Porter: Round Pond fine after rough race
Owner supports trainer's decision
By JACK IRELAND, The News Journal

Posted Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Owner Rick Porter, of Wilmington, said Tuesday that Round Pond, the star mare of his Fox Hill Farm barn, remains on course despite a disappointing fourth-place finish in the $200,000 Grade II Rampart Handicap on Sunday at Gulfstream Park (Fla.).

Round Pond, the 2006 Breeders' Cup Distaff champion, faded in the stretch as the 2-5 betting favorite in the 1 1/8-mile stake with Edgar Prado riding. Miss Shop (Rafael Bejarano) won the Rampart by 6 3/4 lengths.

Porter said he did get some negative feedback on his Fox Hill Farm and Rockport Harbor.com Web site Monday about a comment trainer Michael Matz made to the media after the race. Matz said Round Pond had a slight problem with "tying up" in the middle of the week. Matz said she was fine to race Sunday.

"Tying up," a condition that sometimes affects horses, and especially fillies and mares, can cause muscle cramping and discomfort for the horse.

Porter backed Matz's decision to have Round Pond race, and said the talented 5-year-old mare did well in her 2007 debut.

"She came out of the race great. She had that problem during the week, but I know that Michael would not run her in a million years if there was anything at all that concerned him," Porter said by phone from his Florida home.

"Michael always does things in the best interest of the horse. He's an excellent, top-notch trainer. Some people seem to be second-guessing the decision to run her, but I don't question his decision at all."

Porter said Round Pond has tied up before, and noted that this was a mild case.

"She has had this problem, at times, for a couple years," Porter said. "However, this was not a major case of tying up. Michael talked with Peter [assistant trainer Peter Brette] and other people in his barn. He knows this mare and what she can and cannot do. I would say Michael is ultra-conservative if the horse has any problem at all.

"She was OK. She got tired in the race, but I am not discouraged. She has a race in her, and, hopefully, we're off to the Apple Blossom next month at Oaklawn Park [Ark.]."

I post on the web site Rick talked about and the comments were rediculous. A few of the people are arem-chair trainers and think they know more than Rick and MM. It caused quite a ruckus and you can be sure I added my 2 cents.

I have to share with you a small bit of success I have had regarding anti-slaughter... a letter to the editor I wrote three weeks ago finally made it to print. See below...

Marg's letter

Marg
Proud Fan of Barbaro forever

Carol, e-mail me!!!! s.lee@neu.edu

#
Re: Molasses--I will send Reiki to him at every opportunity. god bless the people who saved him.

I don't understand these cruelties; is it that we have become a "disposable" society? Is it that everything is a commodity, and for sale? Is it that, as a people, the prevailing mindset has become "knowing the price of everything and the value of nothing"?

I have been both vegitarian and non vegetarian. I am back in the primarily vegetarian mode: eggs, milk, cheese, and fish. Barbaro and the horse slaughter issue pushed me back into it.

Although I do not practice the Jewish faith (some of my ancestors were Jewish, apparently, however), I have always respected the concept and practice of Kosher. In regard to foods derived from animals, it is an assurance that the animal was treated humanely.

How can it be a spiritually correct act to starve, mistreat, and then slaughter an animal--and then to consume that animal? How can it be a spiritually correct act to consume the victim of savagery and cruelty? I believe that this cannot help but bring "bad Karma" upon those who are engaging in these acts at every step of the "process".

Oh, yes, everything is a "process" now--in the mechanistic sense, rather than the natural, living sense.

I've been silent for a while now, because the enormity of it all is just overwhelming. I check on Ernie, and the legislations, and read the posts of wonderful people. Then I make note of who to send Reiki to.

Laurie H., I'm so happy that you feel well now--what a sweet, gentle soul, who crafts sweet, uplifting word paintings.

I pray that the Archangel Michael will use his flaming sword to cut away all resistance to reforming the way in which animals are perceived and treated: may his sword burn away all resistance to ending horse slaughter. May he burn away ignorance and obliviousness; may he burn away all greed and gluttony, and wastefulness.

Sue M., Pittsburgh

Congratulations Shelley! Go Boxcar...

Dr. R. Lecture. He Is A Teacher. Reaching Out To Another. An Angel Who Loves Barbaro.

Knowledge.

The Wizard Of Oz For All The Wonderful Things That He Does.

Guiding. Giving. Helping.

The Rainbow. Beautiful Colors. The Colors Horses.

Family.

Oh Verna,

I am so sorry for you at this most difficult time for your family. I pray for your sister, that she may be at peace and have no discomfort. I pray that this transition for you lets you find peace and comfort in your family at home and your family here...lean on us, Verna...we are here for you. Blessings.
Therese

###

Verna: I'm so sorry.

Laurie H.: Have a wonderful day

Fitch: You are loved and missed

Abercrombie: Be happy honey

Rosie: Have a healthy baby

Barbaro: I saw the pictures of you and Dr. R. It's really the first time I've been able to look at you since you left us. Oh honey, he loves you so much. I can't imagine the pain he's feeling. The two of you will always have such a bond. He's a good man Bobby. I think you knew that from the beginning.
You will always be in my heart sweetie. That will never change. Love you...Always

Good morning, my Beloved Angel Boys. Watch over Molasses and the Cheltenham horses today, okay? Keep them all safe.

Verna, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We are here for you in this difficult time.

Ruth Stacey, you are an inspiration. With a heart like yours, there is no doubt in my mind that these furkids will find good forever homes.

I can't access the Plain Dealer article either. Could you possibly copy and paste it here or on the DB?

LIZ UK, thanks for the updates. You write so well, it is as if you are at the racecourse doing a play-by-play.

GOOD MORNING FOB'S, GOOD MORNING ALEX,
CONGRATS TO SHELLEY A. FOR BOXCAR'S WIN!
THAT IS SO AWESOME!! CAN'T WAIT FOR HIS NEXT RACE!

REPOST
GOOD MORNING FOB’s

If you click on the BLUE NAVIGATION BOX on the left of the page, you will find all necessary links....... co-sponsors of both the House and Senate, list of names of all members of Congress, and lists of all members of the three committees. There will also be new developments posted as they come in.

The updated list of names to call will be posted there daily so that our strategy will always be current. This will make all the information easy to find and will help make it easier to direct others without having to look through all of the posts.

Alex was kind enough to add a link to the Veterinarian Support Letter that was sent to us by Chris Heyde. Please try to get this letter to as many veterinarians as possible so that they can show their support in spite of the stance taken by the AVMA.

And don’t forget to call your OWN representative and senators and urge them to co-sponsor their respective bills.

Here is the Call List for Wednesday March 14

HR 503

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND COMMERCE

-Representative George P. Radanovich
Phone #: 202-225-4540
Fax #: 202-225-3402

-Representative Mike Rogers
Phone #: 202-225-4872
Fax #: 202-225-5820

-Representative Michael A. Ross
Phone #: 202-225-3772
Fax #: 202-225-1314

-Representative Bobby L. Rush
Phone #: 202-225-4372
Fax #: 202-226-0333

-Representative John B. Shadegg
Phone #: 202-225-3361
Fax #: 202-225-3462

SPECIAL MESSAGE TO TEXAS FOB’S……YOUR HELP IS URGENTLY NEEDED TO DEFEAT NEW LEGISLATION THAT HAS BEEN INTRODUCED TO MAKE HORSE SLAUGHTER LEGAL IN TEXAS.
You can also find a link to that information in Alex’s Blue Navigation that will tell you what you can do to help!!
Please, reach out to everyone you know in Texas and get them involved. This is crucial!!!!

Alex also added links to two good articles that some of you might now have seen.

Thanks and have a great day!!

Shelley and Debra

Posted by: ShelleyA at March 14, 2007 1:17 PM

###

Sue M,

Thank you for your kind words. They mean so much to me. Thank you.

###

Hello Doe,

I hope you too have a wonderful day! Thank you!!

Well, if Michael Matz decides to put Chelokee in the Florida Derby, he won't have Edgar! He is riding Scat Daddy. Mark Guidry will probably keep this horse. Kinda hope he does cause he is a good rider.

Pletcher finalized a couple of rider situations. He got Richard Migliore for King of the Roxy in the Santa Anita Derby, and Edgar Prado for Scat Daddy in the Florida Derby. Scat Daddy needed a rider because Velazquez, who rode Scat Daddy to victory in the Fountain of Youth, will be in Dubai that day.
With Prado moving to Scat Daddy, Cornelio Velasquez will replace him on Adore the Gold for the Florida Derby.
Velasquez is the regular rider for Nobiz Like Shobiz, and while the Wood is still the likeliest spot for his next race, trainer Barclay Tagg said the Florida Derby remains an option. If Nobiz Like Shobiz does go in the Florida Derby, Adore the Gold would need a rider.
Eclipse Award winner Street Sense did not enter an allowance race for Thursday at Gulfstream, and the race didn’t get sufficient entries anyway, so it’s all systems go for his return on Saturday in the Tampa Bay Derby.
Gomez has jumped to Air Commander for the San Felipe Stakes on Saturday at Santa Anita, abandoning Cobalt Blue. So, O’Neill said Victor Espinoza would ride Cobalt Blue, who is expected to be the favorite.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17596744/

SUE M

I too went essentially vegetarian last summer after seeing my first slaughter video....ironically, I hail from one of the biggest beef-producing states in the country. And I'm headed there tomorrow for a 5 day visit with family....I shall be surrounded by beef beef beef with a little pork thrown in for the faint of heart!

Karma--big believer. It's what gets be through things like Apache, Fitch, Molasses....

SUE M

I too went essentially vegetarian last summer after seeing my first slaughter video....ironically, I hail from one of the biggest beef-producing states in the country. And I'm headed there tomorrow for a 5 day visit with family....I shall be surrounded by beef beef beef with a little pork thrown in for the faint of heart!

Karma--big believer. It's what gets be through things like Apache, Fitch, Molasses....

SUE M

I too went essentially vegetarian last summer after seeing my first slaughter video....ironically, I hail from one of the biggest beef-producing states in the country. And I'm headed there tomorrow for a 5 day visit with family....I shall be surrounded by beef beef beef with a little pork thrown in for the faint of heart!

Karma--big believer. It's what gets me through things like Apache, Fitch, Molasses....

Good Morning Family Of Barbaro
Verna....my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Go BE with your family and your family here will be surrounding you with love and support.

Ruth...I am so hoping and praying for your brother's furkids.

Prayers for Molasses....he did not deserve this. Thank goodness when it is his time he will be surrounded by love and not in a kill box.

Please...everyone....make those calls and faxes today and everyday until the slaughter is over.

Congratulations to Dawn & Angela who were able to make a huge impact with all the FOB letters sent to DeKalb. The job isn't finished....the Board will be meeting again next week and more letters are needed. Dawn...if you're out there please repost your request from yesterday.

NancyCT....I am so on board with the Vet letter. I'm working on my mailing list for the Palm Springs area. Gang...this is a pretty easy but very important task so let's get on board and support the effort.

####
Ruth, read the artical, really good news.
Thanks

**** Verna,

I am here for you, my prayers are going up for you and your family. May God, the Great Spirit, watch over you and yours and give you peace .

Love
Sister Brillianthawk

Sam I Am

I have gotten no email from you. Please try again.
hgill@qx.net

CONGRATS to Shelley A on MR. Boxcar's WIN!

###
Susan E
Here is the Cleveland Plain Dealer article. I think you can copy it and paste it into your web browser. If not email me at rs281ms@aol.com and I will personally send it to you.

http://www.cleveland.com/plaindealer/stories/index.ssf?/base/isope/1173869839280310.xml&coll=2

Thank you for your comforting words!

Blessings,
Ruth

NEED CALLS RE: CAVEL!!!

Everyone ... its time to start making calls to the DeKalb County Board
regarding Collins. If anyone (especially Illinois people) feels that they
know enough about the situation to successfully present our case to them,
please have them call.

The email address for the County Board members contains telephone numbers
for each as well.

Be sure to thank each of them for carefully weighing out the reasons why
Collins should not be re-appointed. Let them see that we are not radicals
or head-hunters, just those who want the truth about what has been happening
in DeKalb to come to the surface and be exposed for what it is.

I know we've all got so much on our plates with calling on the AHSPA, as
well as the Texas and Illinois legislators ... but ALL of this is coming to
a head. It won't be much longer for horse slaughter ... I can feel it.
Calls regarding Cavel, specifically are crucial right now. We need the
Board to understand the totality of the situation and to be on our side.

Dawn

Deb G
Any news on Eagle?

CONTACT YOUR LOCAL VETERINARIANS....

In the upper left link "Anti Horse Slaughter Strategy" if you scroll down to "Other Actions" you will see "from Chris Heyde of saplonline" which links you to the petition for veterinarians to sign! CT is fairly well covered, but we need folks from EVERY state to print this petition, write a cover letter, and mail them to vets in their area...the two major Veterinary organizations are PRO slaughter...but that does NOT mean that individual vets are. Sample cover letters are available, and also the very informative brochure from Steve Rei's NERC...
NEED HELP???? Email me mllebutterfly@sbcglobal.net

Thanks for getting involved in this aspect of our campaign to DEFEAT SLAUGHTER...however, this is an addition, not a replacement for our daily calls to our elected reps and posted committee members.

WE NEED YOU ALL!
Nancy

Posted by: Nancy in CT at March 14, 2007 2:11 PM

HELLO EVERYONE!!!

JUST LIKE CATHY POTTER SAID: IT IS PRETTY EASY!!! EMAIL NANCY OR MYSELF FOR INFO. WE NEED PEOPLE IN EVERY STATE!! THE LETTERS ARE ALREADY WRITTEN, ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS CHANGE THE NAMES, MAKE OUT SOME ENVELOPES AND PUT STAMPS ON THEM.
My email is ocorrine@aol.com

Thank you all!!

Corrine in CT

###Cal
Thanks,
I have now printed labels for Voinovich.

Voinovich has changed his site somewhat, now I get this message
"Dear Michelle
Thank you for contacting us! We will be in touch with you shortly"

Shortly....hummmm what is that a week a month a...

The Plain Dealer Article was very enlightening, Its all about the money....

******
Laurie H....I'll be with Sharon and the group at Days Inn!!! It will be a grand time full of tears.. laughter and joy over all we've accomplished as FsOB!Wouldn't it be grand if we could celebrate the passing of those two bills too?????What a birthday present that would be for our Sweet Boy??!!!!!!Lot's of work going on behind the scenes ...who knows???Maybe we will celebrate in a VERY BIG WAY !!!!....HUGS

******
Verna ....prayers for your dear sister and all of you as you deal with her sudden illness...safe journey and God Bless!!!

******
Dear Molasses...you are in a very good place!!! Rest and let loving hearts and hands care for you..I thank the Lord that you have finally found a safe haven !!! I'm praying for renewed health of body mind and spirit.Thank you Shiloh Rescue and Jill for being there ....angels come in all forms!!!!

********
Shelley A....congrats on yet another win for our favourite Mr. Boxcar!!He is such a beauty...we are so proud of you both!!!

Barbaro Nation ..keep phoning and faxing your letters to congressmen...senators and also check the TWForum for where to email letters to Dekalb Sanitory District and the Dekalb County Board Members...IT IS MAKING A DIFFERENCE !!!!!

Cathy Potter. No, no news. Susan W has been absolutely AMAZING at finding the trainer's cell phone number for me and barn, etc...Also someone in the "in" who is saying Eagle is in very good hands. Several folk around the track are clearly stating how my trainer made a MISTAKE with this horse and NOONE understands why he was entered in a 10g claimer. I am waiting patiently for more news and I have been swamped at work and late night crisis managements plans here at Bragg so have not had much time to work on contacting Eagle's new people. Susan W has been doing it though! She is an angel!

Thanks for asking though. I am still so heartbroken, however, am comfortable with the though he is in good hands and I will FOREVER CHERISH my picture with him, the memories, the 8 1/2 x 11 WIN photo framed on my mantle and the two DVDs I received of the entire win and winner's circle, etc....the memories I will have forever, and I will always follow his career, life and one day, I know I will see him again.

REPOST: CONTACT YOUR LOCAL VETERINARIANS....

In the upper left link "Anti Horse Slaughter Strategy" if you scroll down to "Other Actions" you will see "from Chris Heyde of saplonline" which links you to the petition for veterinarians to sign! CT is fairly well covered, but we need folks from EVERY state to print this petition, write a cover letter, and mail them to vets in their area...the two major Veterinary organizations are PRO slaughter...but that does NOT mean that individual vets are. Sample cover letters are available, and also the very informative brochure from Steve Rei's NERC...

NEED HELP???? Email me mllebutterfly@sbcglobal.net

Thanks for getting involved in this aspect of our campaign to DEFEAT SLAUGHTER...however, this is an addition, not a replacement for our daily calls to our elected reps and posted committee members.

WE NEED YOU ALL!
Nancy

Poor Alex! Grandma, you are a minx. Be kind to Alex!

ALEX - please take care of yourself! It sounds like Grandma's name belies her behavior...maybe her good gate work was her way of apologizing for dumping and stepping on you...hope you're ok!!!

Deb G.
I hope you saw my post the other day about Way of an Eagle. I was devastated to hear he had been claimed. I remember "talking" wtih you about him months ago, and I was so impressed by him, and by your attachment to him. I am hoping so much for a good outcome for the two of you.

Noontime (psychic) skritches to the BBH and all of his 'frens' in Equine Heaven...waiting for the magic words AFN...!

#####
Nancy, CT
Encore shoutout: Your vet contact program is sublime. Corinne's posts yesterday were very helpful as well...

#####
FsOB:
Before the daily list repost, a thought: While non-Texas FsOB can't make the Texas calls, maybe non-Texas FsOB *can* think of friends (or friends of friends) that have friends or family who live in Texas...?
Daily list repost...

GOOD MORNING FOB’s

If you click on the BLUE NAVIGATION BOX on the left of the page, you will find all necessary links....... co-sponsors of both the House and Senate, list of names of all members of Congress, and lists of all members of the three committees. There will also be new developments posted as they come in.

The updated list of names to call will be posted there daily so that our strategy will always be current. This will make all the information easy to find and will help make it easier to direct others without having to look through all of the posts.

Alex was kind enough to add a link to the Veterinarian Support Letter that was sent to us by Chris Heyde. Please try to get this letter to as many veterinarians as possible so that they can show their support in spite of the stance taken by the AVMA.

And don’t forget to call your OWN representative and senators and urge them to co-sponsor their respective bills.

Here is the Call List for Wednesday March 14

HR 503

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND COMMERCE

-Representative George P. Radanovich
Phone #: 202-225-4540
Fax #: 202-225-3402

-Representative Mike Rogers
Phone #: 202-225-4872
Fax #: 202-225-5820

-Representative Michael A. Ross
Phone #: 202-225-3772
Fax #: 202-225-1314

-Representative Bobby L. Rush
Phone #: 202-225-4372
Fax #: 202-226-0333

-Representative John B. Shadegg
Phone #: 202-225-3361
Fax #: 202-225-3462

SPECIAL MESSAGE TO TEXAS FOB’S……YOUR HELP IS URGENTLY NEEDED TO DEFEAT NEW LEGISLATION THAT HAS BEEN INTRODUCED TO MAKE HORSE SLAUGHTER LEGAL IN TEXAS.
You can also find a link to that information in Alex’s Blue Navigation that will tell you what you can do to help!!
Please, reach out to everyone you know in Texas and get them involved. This is crucial!!!!

Alex also added links to two good articles that some of you might now have seen.

Thanks and have a great day!!

Shelley and Debra

Posted by: ShelleyA at March 14, 2007 1:17 PM

Cheers,
Friar Tuck

Pam,

I saw your video yesterday on the barbarocampaignnews web page. It was really emotional and very well done. I am sure that many had the same feelings. Thanks for sharing.

Patti
IL

Marilyn/CA: No, I did not see the post. I have been on and off for a few days. I sincerely appreciate your thoughts though. This claiming race was a fluke, but, unfortunately, anyone can claim a horse entered in a claiming race. Trainer said he would NOT be entered in any more claimers and then suddenly wanted a WIN and we lost badly. The whole situation is just surreal right now. I just pray Eagle is being treated well, and from what I hear, he will be. From what I am hearing, Bruce Levine is a top notch trainer and works wonders with claiming horses. Will keep my fingers crossed, and thanks for asking!

ROSIE's CAM IS UP....she has head in the feed bucket again.....same ole, same ole... I tell ya she's gonna drop a 2 yr old some day.......
Ah Rosie, Rosie.....

Good Morning, holding hands, paws, hooves with all two-legged and four-legged FOB's!

My heart beats for your heart, Barbaro, always and forever. Run with the angels honey!
Dearest Lost In The Fog, last fall in memory of you I planted some daffodils, "Misty Glen". With so many signs of spring this week in my gardens I am going to check on those daffodils today, love you, too, honey.

Prayers started immediately for Molasses - once again heartbreaking that anyone could do something like this. Molasses I hope you can feel the love I'm sending you, I wish I could sit by you so you could rest your head in my lap.

ALEX, "ouch" for you this morning! I hope you are truly okay though may be feeling that tomorrow! Bless you!

##########
To VERNA: So sorry about your sister, may you feel all the love and support of your FOB friends these next days. Hugs to you, Verna.

SKYLER: Hi, are you out there? I keep meaning to ask you about your mother. I remember that Barbaro was such an inspiration to her. Please tell her an FOB sends her a ((hug)).

Love to all,
Lou Ann in Pennsylvania

##
Deb G
When I heard he had a problem with his hock, I felt certain he would be scratched. I was shocked that he had been run under the circumstances. It was a terrible mistake. I'm so glad he is in good hands, though. I know you WILL see Way of an Eagle again, and he will recognize you and be thrilled to have you back in his life.

Thanks Marilyn/CA: Yes, he should have been scratched. I still have the email from Ronen stating his hock was bothering him. I have asked over and over - WHY DID YOU RUN HIM? WHY IN A 10G CLAIMER? I have decided to stop beating myself up. It is what it is. He is claimed - gone. Bad situatino, bad deal. BIG MISTAKE from Ronen..........I still have Snuff Box and will search for another - slowlyyyyyyyyyy

#####
NANCY IN CT: Nancy, "High Flight" is beautiful!! Thank you for sharing! I never saw that one before. Going to add to my memory album of Barbaro. Beautiful words help heal.

Love, Lou Ann in Pennsylvania

#######
SHELLEY A. - Wanted to send you warm congrats last night but I got back here too late.
YEAH FOR YOU!!
YEAH FOR MR. BOXCAR!!
I believe I let out a little "squeal",like someone else we know :), when I read the news last evening!
((Hugs)), please to Mr. Boxcar!
Lou Ann in Pennsylvania

Good Morning Fans of Barbaro

Everyone have a nice Wednesday and as always stay safe and happy. Barbaro needs all of us to be on top of it so we can do all of the things that he started for us.

## Alex I am so glad for you and that weather. I have always admired how you could go to the track in early mornings and ride in those really cold temps. Shame on Grandma! Stepping on your foot like that. Ouch. And Hawty Creek aaaaaaaaaaahhhhh you guys must have the same really strict rule there. Do you guys have the blinker rule too? Once they are registered to race with or without a blinker it can or cannot come off for any reason what-so-ever. I think that some of the rules are bad for the trainers and owners. If the horse bolts after putting a foot on the track and throws the jockey, the trainer/owner get fined. They have a zillion different fines for a zillion different reasons here. Geeeeeeeeeeeeeesh Soooooo trainers are getting fined for the dumbest things. At leat IMO they are dumb. Some of the rules are good ones but I have never understood why a trainer gets fined if the horse throws the jockey off and bolts before the race. I guess one could justify that by saying "well the trainer didn't train the horse that well" BUT they have a lot of lound noises around one track here cause the airport is right next to the track and the sonic booms are going off from time to time. Geeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeesh those make ME fall off a horse when I hear them cause the startle me.

## Verna sorry to hear about your sis. Man. I would not know what to do in a situation like that. I have never been faced with that. Hope your day goes well. I may or may not go out today. I came down with something either before I went to see the horses or out there and feel kind of sick almost like a flu/cold.

## Judy and Ruth.. Have a wonderful day and make sure you keep stocked up on your cubbords, I am always running out of stuff and having to go to the store. Problem now is I don't get paid for a few days so Barbaro and I are going to have to have a serious talk about how much shopping he can do here in one given month. I'll be nice about it but geeeeeeeeeeesh I ususally eat fruit in the morning and he came last night and didn't leave me one single piece of fruit. Aaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh it is the babies that's it. He is making sure all the mares get extra food cause they are having babies. I saw one being born last night and it was just the coolest thing. Speaking of babies...

ROSIE!!!!!!! The saga continues. Stay tuned for another day of the Rosie soap. Rosie don't make us go through the weekend without in wonder OK?

Barbaro you are a complete and wonderful Angel

Cheers

Prayers for Molasses. We are with you and sending positive thoughts your way.

Good morning sweet Boy. Missing you as always and know you are caring for Fitch and having a grand time with all your friends.

Good morning FOB's: Another day of getting the word out. Bless you all for what you do

Good morning Alex: Can't say it enough...thank you, thank you, thank you!

I know there is a lot going on and we are all trying to do whatever we can to end the slaughter and help the horses who are not being cared for. Many of us also try to help on the local level by volunteering at rescues. I began my volunteer work this past weekend, and what a moving experience. I was so pumped up with adrenaline that I made myself sick. I did calm down and realized that one step at a time gets the job done. I focused on filling the bellies. I cannot wait to get back there.

I posted something yesterday here and in a seperate thread but have not received any replies yet, so thought I'd again ask for assistance (information, money, volunteers, etc.) to help the Equine Rescue League in Leesburg, VA. They are losing their farm and need a new home

Please visit "ERL in Leesburg, VA. needs help" and provide your ideas, etc.

Off to light candles, make phone calls...

###Deb G., I am glad to hear that you've found out Eagle is in a safe place, but I'm still praying that you will be able to connect with him soon. Is he close by?

Judy

Deb G
I know this is a touchy and emotional question and I mean no harm. Will you stay with the same trainer. I'm just curious because he sounds like he can't be trusted.

Judy: From what I hear and know. Eagle is still at Belmont - where I saw him last. I am still working on getting in touch with his contacts so I could see him again. Snuff Box is still at Belmont too so perhaps when I go up to see him, I can see Eagle - working on it....Thanks for asking. My mother lamenated a 4 x 6 picture of Eagle with her and I and put it on my father's grave! Eagle will never be forgotten!

Tranquility Farm in Tehachapi, California, has been working on its website for the past few months and there are some wonderful additions including pictures from around the farm, updates on articles and news, and rescued horses. There is an especially well-written article about what to expect when you rescue an OTTB and how to aid in its reconditioning.

Since it is so close to where I live, I know where I'll be headed when it's time for me to rescue another OTTB. Currently I only have space for the one I own.

Their Web site is www.tranquilityfarmtbs.org. Check it out. They are doing wonderful things.

Cathy Potter: NO, I WILL NOT STAY WITH RONEN ANY LONGER. I did not know much about him. The more I did, the more I did not like. What just happened was just plain WRONG. Yes, my contract stated he made the last say in entering races, etc....however, it was against what he said. I will stay with him and Snuff Box for the time being. I already own a part of him. However, I will NEVER again do business with him - ever. I was just about to make a trip up there to sit with him and discuss details in regards that he wanted me to manage his website - be the administrator, answer emails, horse questions, etc....NO WAY, NOT NOW.....He knows I am pretty upset. He knows what he did.....underhanded for sure.....I don't care what anyone says about the fact is he was claimed in a claiming race. The fact is, I was told he would no longer be running in claimers and his hock was bothering him. He should not have ran in that race - period.

New Update!!! www.equine-heaven.com

###
LOU ANN - I just love your "Misty Glen" daffodils and know they will have special meaning when they bloom this year. I had actually forgotten about that poem until just recently...how appropriate it is for our Big Boss Horse! Thanks for your concern for Molasses...I posted the info here because I'm discovering just how many folks here don't access the Forum (and vice versa)!
...just thanks for being YOU!!!!
Nancy

###
DEB G - you, go girl! Sounds like you're making the best decision...and meanwhile I'm hoping and praying you get back into contact with Eagle via his new trainer!
Nancy

Ruth -

I found your post this morning so comforting and inspiring that I wanted to post it again...

Thank you...

"There is no death ... only a change of worlds."

As Mrs. Jackson said, "live in the moment." Life is made up of a series of moments.

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

Posted by Ruth...

Pam

Hi everyone, you might want to check your Senators events to see if they have any town meeting in your area. If they do then make sure you are there to address the anti-slaughter with him, before or after the meeting.
I just checked Specter's and nothing going on. We also check Casey's, this is a great way to be heard.

Continued from 3/13/04:
...Then, in the big pasture, he ran with other small-ones. Together, as carefree gangles he and his "freeens" would chase the wind.

With his mother and the others, he rehearsed a song and dance. Snort, nicker, pfffff, and squeel; flash, twitch, stomp and kick...all this and more was the language of his race. They could speak heart-to-heart from across the pasture, or from opposite ends of the barn. But it was the running, together, both with and against the wind, that taught him to most and spoke volumes to his own heart.

He would always remember the first time that it was he who led the parade, flying past the proud mares, and his mother pricked her ears forward to say, "Well done, my little champion." It was their way.

One day, he was led away from his mother. It had happened before, only this time, he was not led back. He would not ever again, in that otherplace, see her and recognize her as his mother. She would miss him, but. although at first, he would miss her too, he did not feel frightened or lonely. As long as he had the wind, he was eager to learn a new song and dance...in the language and the race of man,

...to be continued

###Deb G., Oh that is so sweet of you to do that for Eagle and for your Dad, made me tear up. I really really hope you do get to see Eagle. I'm happy that you still have Snuff Box (cute name)to help fill the void. As for that trainer, good riddance!!!! Please let us know what's happening and take care.

Judy

You guys know this one, right?
#################

Don't stand beside my grave and weep,
For I'm not there, I do not sleep,
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond's glint on snow,
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn's rain.

When you awaken in morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush,
of quiet birds in circle flight,
I am soft stars that shine at night,
Don't stand beside my grave and cry,
I am not there. I did not die.

Author still unknown, "I did not die"
(Prayer for the dead, Hopi Indian Tribe (not verified)
##############

AND: while I was getting little old Heart into the van to go down to the Vets for an intake check up, a huge V of snow geese came overhead. I have never seen this before. We get lots of Canadian geese...but wow: the snow geese were breathtakingly
WHITE with black wing tips... and so QUIET....

Love to all: Heart and I: we are worn out now...
jonna

(PS: Rosie's foal will probably emerge wearing a bridle with blinkers and all....)

Alex:
we need to have a talk with Grandma....be nice Grandma...in the meantime soak your foot in epson salts and the warmest water your foot can take...this will help with any sweeling and aches..
be well my friend...
Jenny

###
Verna, I am so sorry to hear about your sister. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers. I know that God will have his arms around each of you as you walk through this.

###
Jonna, I too have a "new" old dog who KNOWS she was saved....on death row in November, now a very sweet couch ornament. She can't see or hear well, but wherever I'm at she finds me with little wags and kisses....such a grand old lady, who truly loves each and every moment she is here.

###
Marie K, I know no one in the East, but ERL will be in my prayers to be able to continue the wonderful work they are doing.

###
Shelley A, congratulations to Mr. Boxcar and you!! I tried to watch the race this morning at work, but wouldn't you know it, my employer has the site blocked. I can't understand that they think I should be working :-)

###
Molasses, sweet baby, I am praying so hard for you. I pray that the love and care that you are receiving now causes all of the bad memories to fade away and that you are renewed in mind and body.

###
Nancy in CT and Texas FOBs, I have been working on letters for approx. 75 vets in Conroe, The Woodlands and N. Houston. I plan to be done with this batch by the weekend. Obviously, there are many more in this area....any takers? If not, I will start on another batch next week.

###
Sue M, from your lips to God's ears. How can we do what we do to His creations? I pray for the day that living things are no longer products, that cruelty is no longer a process and that mankind learns to live in harmony with all.

Forgive me for not attributing the following story....I do not know its origin...perhaps Harriette does.

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that was going on inside himself. He said "My son, it is between two wolves.

One is evil: Anger, envy, sorrow, regret, arrogance, self pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority and ego.....

The other is good: Joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith..."

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, "Which wolf wins?"

The old Cherokee replied simply, "The one I feed."

####
Otherlyn~ your story is beautiful & poignant. Waiting anxiously for the next chapter!

#####
Verna~ my thoughts & prayers are with you and your family.

###
Verna1 - I am so sorry about your sister. This is a very difficult time for you and your family. May your sister rest in peace. My prayers are with you and yours at this time.

###
Corinne in CT - I tried to get to that petition but I can't get it here at work. I forwarded the link to my computer at home and will sign it tonight.

I see from reading the posts that there will be several of you at the Days Inn in Delaware. I will be there too with my sister. I am so looking forward to meeting all of you and being able to put a face with a name. It sounds like this is going to be a great party for Barbaro.

Proud to be an FOB!!!

###
Let us thank Maria for her volunteering and see if we can help the rescue or ideas...

###
Pam ... Thank you! These quotes have helped me tremendously since I lost my dear brother one month ago ... just 2 weeks after our Precious Barbaro. So I wanted to share them with all of my fellow FOB's.

I just came across this Irish blessing yesterday. I wanted to share it with all of you, as well. I believe it was sent to me from Heaven by either my brother or our Beloved Barbaro ... or BOTH!

Remembered Joy
Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free!
I follow the plan God laid for me.
I saw His face, I heard His call,
I took His hand and left it all...
I could not stay another day,
To love, to laugh, to work or play;
Tasks left undone must stay that way.
And if my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss...
Ah yes, these things I, too, shall miss.
My life's been full, I've savoured much:
Good times, good friends, a loved-one's touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief—
Don't shorten yours with undue grief.
Be not burdened with tears of sorrow,
Enjoy the sunshine of the morrow.

Blessings to all of my FOB's and to all who need them.

Ruth Stacey

Nancy in CT: Thanks! I WILL see Eagle again - no question about that.....

:-)

***Dale in Aiken SC..we'll certainly see you and sis there!!!Sharon has been working hard to ensure we have a wonderful time together!!! Did you email your picture for the banner Leslie in MN is making ??? It's on the TWForum threads....

###Maribel - I keep forgetting when I get home to look for a picture. I'll make a note to myself to do it tonight. The problem is that almost all the pictures I have are of my dogs - not me. I'll try to find one, though. See you in Delaware.

#
Linda M. in Texas--I got chills when I read that story--thank you so much for posting it.

I'm working on the veterinarian thing; sometimes I feel so slow in catching up. I guess most folks are mailing these, not faxing?

#
Verna, please forgive me for being belated in this: I am so very sorry for your recent loss, and for the present situation with your sister. Please be kind and gentle with yourself for as long as necessary.

#
Alex, your story this morning gave me a much needed chuckle--I'm sorry to have chuckled at your misfortune, but the mental pictures were right out of a Laurel and Hardy movie. Maybe Grandma is jealous of Hawty Creek. Did she look as though she were smirking?
Hope your foot isn't broken.

Sue M., Pittsburgh

**FITCH**

I can see the sunshine peering in through the billowy clouds....just a peek, then there you go in hiding again.....

It MUST be YOU and BIG B plain ole "Horsing Around" UP THERE again.....

Fond thoughts of you both!!!

Ken Z

Hi Joe the horse,

It's me. your new fren, Scout the paint horsey.
I thought you might be sad cause your mommy has been gone. She hasn't left you, she just had go see some of her frens and go see about a job.

How's your gurlfren ? Did your mommy tell you about me & Lady ?

Are there losts of horseez at your camp? I can't count very good but mommy says there are 16 here at my camp.

Hope to heer from you soon, Joe the horse

your fren
Scout the paint horsey

I work with Alex at the University of Delaware and have been following this website since Alex started it. I have only posted once or twice but today I saw Alex come in limping and asked what happened (I had been busy this morning and hadn't checked the website yet). His answer was to just check the website. Just want to let everyone know that he's fine but he is limping a little. I think he just wants some sympathy and a free beer or two or three ..... See everyone at Del Park on the 29th!!

**** Linda M in Tx,

I have heard that story many times (but not for a long time). I do not know its origin, but like all the grandfathers' wisdom, it is very true..

Thank you for posting it.

*** Ruth, so glad to see you with us

Alex,

DMSO works really well on bruises...

###
SUE M - thank you so very much for helping with the vet letters! I think faxing is fine, but I chose to mail mine because (a) I don't have a fax machine and (b) I had a brand new printer cartridge and dozens of stamps!
WHATEVER WORKS!!!
Nancy

I've made my calls and hope everyone else has done so, too.

If you can also familiarize what is going on with the Texas pro-slaughter bill (see the Anti-Slaughter sidebar link), that would be great. Please contact all your friends and family in Texas and ask them to contact their STATE (not federal) senators and representatives regarding this bill.

Alex
I'm sorry about your foot injury -- it sounds very painful. I hope you feel better soon!

Deb G- I have been skimming through the posts and saw that you had lost your horse on a claim. I have had him on my equibase stable. I remember last year when you said he was doing well enough that the trainer wanted to enter him in the Futurity at Belmont as a maiden. How on earth did he end up in a 10g claimer? I know I was surprised to see him entered in claimers. I also saw that there seemed to be several scratches, race day on him also. Was he racing with an injury? If he was, then he is better off out of that barn. When my 2 yo qh filly came up lame with a chip, the vet just wanted to inject her but my trainer knew specifically that I didnt want her running on meds, so they contacted me immediately. I was very appreciative of that. Thats the way all trainers should be. I am sorry this happened to you. Jen

###
NANCY FROM U DELAWARE...take our poor wounded warrior out for a few Tetleys...I'll be glad to pay you on 4/29!!!!
Nancy

**** Alex,

Be careful !! Maybe another cup of coffee in the morning to be more alert!!

The last time a horse stepped on my foot I had to
wear a flip flop for a week, foot was so swollen and sore I couldn't get a shoe or (cringe )boot
on. It hurt so bad I almost threw up when Stone came down on that foot..he didn't mean to, I was getting him out of a stall, the door stuck and I didn't get my foot out of the way in time..
OUCH..

My suggestion :
R rest
I ice
C compression
E elevate

A beer or two wouldn't hurt

Cheers!

Jen: Yes, so the x trainer said he wanted to run him in the Futurity (following his ancestors), but I now realize much of what was being said to me was BULL. Eagle was scratched the day before. Trainer said his hock was bothering him, etc...This has been a painful experience, but a learning lesson for sure. I was BS'd for sure. Noone understands how he ended up in a 10g claimer - not even the people at the track! I usually know which races he would have been in, but trainer never told me about this one, it came up on my virtual stable! I then asked about it and he just kept saying, one more WIN, one more claimer, noone will claim him, etc....I was basically told a bunch of BS....

###
LINDA M IN TX...thanks for your awesome work on the vets in Texas - I hope you get some help 'cause it's a biiiiiiig state!

Thanks also for the very moving Cherokee story...it's a powerful lesson for us all!
Nancy

Deb G

Glad to hear Eagle has been found and he's in good hands. I will keep my fingers crossed for you and your Eagle...

Please take a moment to wish Clara the elephant a safe passage over the Rainbow Bridge. Maybe there is a place for her in Equine Hevvin. Clara was the matriarch of the St. Louis Zoo herd and was always a joy to visit. She was in her mid-50's. Due to debilitating arthritis and inability to control her pain any longer, Clara was euthanized last night or today. The zoo staff is in tears, as are many of us who loved Clara for so many years. She will be privately interred on the Zoo grounds.

Equine Heaven

Ah, the romance is starting to bloom....spring is here, and love is in the air!

I also meant to thank Dawn and Angela, plus all of the FOBs who wrote letters to the DeKalb County Board...CONGRATULATIONS!! This is such a big step. Next round of letters are on my list.

Thanks Susan E.

Prayers for Clara - how sad.....I hope any other elephants there are doing OK. Elephants are very sentimental creatures and have feelings for one another and their herd. They literally grieve when one dies or leaves....

###
Harriette Brillianthawke ... Thanks for your sweet words. I miss coming here every day, but life has been stressful. However, that should be all the more reason that I make the time to come here ... to visit and to lean on my friends!

Blessings,
Ruth

###
SUSAN E - prayers for the lovely Clara and her "people"...this business of loving animals can sure be painful - but sooooo rewarding!

All I can say is Rosie is not acting like a happy camper today, swishing and lifting her tail high and stomping her back legs around.......I don't know folks she's got me tapping my fingers now....

ALERT FOR BARBARO'S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION AT DELAWARE PARK...if you haven't contacted Sharon yet, please do so right away:
Sharonsfun21@yahoo.com

The deadline for reserving for the picnic at the track is fast approaching!!

####
LOVE IS IN THE AIR!!! GO BARBARO.

RE-POSTING FROM LAST NIGHT!!
Everyone, listen up! Our letters are working! We made some headway tonight - finally - in DeKalb! Here's what's happening:

The Executive Board (5 members) were supposed to vote tonight on whether or not to re-elect Dennis Collins as President of the DeKalb Sanitary District. Collins was present at the meeting. The Executive Board stated that DUE TO THE OVERWHELMING LETTERS AND EMAILS THAT THEY RECEIVED FROM CONCERNED CITIZENS REGARDING MR. COLLINS' POSITION, THEY COULD NOT IN GOOD FAITH VOTE ON THIS MATTER TONIGHT! Instead, they said they must refer this matter to a FULL BOARD vote - next Wednesday! This is unprecedented! Collins had the best shot for support with the 5-member Executive Board. We have a much better shot with the full board voting ... all of which have been receiving these letters from you and are quite clear on the situation. The full board will vote next Wednesday, March 21 at 6:00 p.m. - the same day as the Sanitary District meeting, which is at noon.

Now, here's the deal: The Sanitary District is holding a special meeting tomorrow afternoon regarding land acquisition. Dennis Collins wants this to happen, as he is one of those who will most profit from this by selling his own land to the Sanitary District. Being that the County Board is obviously taking interest in what the citizens are saying ... they will definitely be watching to see what Collins does at the DSD meeting that day - in regards to Cavel. Collins knows that his position as president of the DSD is in jeopardy and he has alot of money to lose if he is not re-elected. He will be a FOOL to disregard our position again. If he does, the Board may just likely can him - and he'll be done! If he were smart, he'd now be thinking of his own personal interests and decide that Cavel isn't worth protecting any longer if it means he will go down because of it.

The worst case scenerio for us next Wednesday: if Collins continues to ignore the people's pleas to deal with Cavel appropriately and the County Board takes offense to this, they will likely oust him that night and appoint Pat Conboy instead. Pat Conboy would then take his position April 1st and we would continue filling him in on the Cavel situation (we've already been in contact with him), and for once the matter would be looked into and considered by the DeKalb Sanitary District.

Best case scenerio for us next Wednesday: Collins will feel the heat. The public pressure, along with knowing that the County Board is watching what he does, and his own greed will cause him to roll over on Cavel.

This is all going according to plan! We are making strides in a city that no one ever thought we could make a dent in! I am so thrilled and proud of each and every person who stepped up to the plate to make this happen!

But we are far from done. The County Board letters (as well as the DSD letters) - must continue in full-force! That is the only thing that was able to get the County Board's attention ... our letter assault. What we now need the letters to say is as follows:

The citizens are respectfully requesting that the DeKalb County Board do NOT re-elect Dennis Collins as president of the DeKalb Sanitary District. Mr. Collins has shrugged his responsibility to the people in lieu of his sordid allegiance to Cavel International, Inc., which has itself flagrantly violated the terms of its Industrial User Permit and has been allowed by the current Sanitary District Board of Trustees to deliberately pollute the waters of the Kishwaukee River with toxic substances that have the ability to cause harm to humans, aquatic life and wildlife alike.

Mr. Collins is in a position to make a great financial gain should the DeKalb Sanitary District adopt the proposed land aquisition deal that it is considering, as it is common knowledge that some of the land in question will be bought from Mr. Collins himself. This would be a complete and total conflict of interest if this were to happen and he were to remain President of the DeKalb Sanitary District. Please do not allow Mr. Collins' financial aspirations to further inhibit his ability to make decisions that are in the best interest of the citizens of DeKalb. He has been doing this long enough and needs to be relieved of his duties.

Everyone - please start (or continue if you already have been) writing this very important message to the DeKalb County Board!

We are SO close - I can smell our horses' salvation now!!!

Dawn Mancina

Just logging on for the first time today and read the great news from Dawn Mancina regarding Cavel! FANTASTIC! So proud to be a part of this group of individual voices that together make one big ROAR! Keep up the great work, Dawn and get that guy outta there and that death plant shut down!

Alex--We must've sent you are crazy Nebraska weather. May 1st--blizzard and 14" of snow. May 13th--80 degrees (new record!) and a mosquito flying around my bathroom! And the geese continue their migration and serenade me every night traveling amongst the stars with Orion pointing their way north.

God,how could anyone be so cruel?
I just saw the pictures of Molasses, this just makes me sick all over.

Prayers and love from me to you Molasses, and for all the care givers. God Bless!

Alex - OUCH!!...can't imagine the pain from the weight of Grandma on your foot! Hope you are ok...

Thanks again for the update...hopefully, spring has sprung...we in the Northeast are ready for warm weather...

Just think all...where Barbaro is, it is spring every day! With luscious green pastures to graze and run!

Enjoy the day,
Bonnie C
from Oxford, PA

##

Verna, prayers for you and your family at this difficult time. I'm so sorry.

Just a moment ago...out of the blue, my ex-employer called me to chat. She and her husband are in horse racing. She had heard that I now had a rescue horse etc....
Long story short....they are good friends with a Vet who has a very high profile job with a very high profile Vet school. From the conversation, he sounds he is pro-slaughter, which doesn't surprise me at all. Points that he made were 1) all the unwanted horses, 2)abuse 3)slaughter could be altered to be humane 4) over 200,000 horses slaughtered....blah...blah...blah.
When she was done I came back with a load.....her numbers were wrong, it was around 100,000 last year. The numbers are misleading because of theft, non-disclosure by KB's, PMU mares & babies, over-breeding and back-yard breeding, there is no humane slaughter and the meat is tainted with drugs because the industry is unregulated etc. She said "Oh really" She didn't even have her facts right nor does this VET who is a really big kahuna.
MY POINT IS.....these vets doen't even have their facts straight and that is why the Vet letter with the supporting information is so important. This is absolutely a true story....it just happened and I believe it is no coincidence. It's a butt kick to me to get these letters out.

Hi, FOB's!

###
Have been down for the count due to a stomach virus...today is the first day I feel human.

###
SusanE - thanks for the info about Clara. Elephants are such wonderful creatures and I know they grieve...they feel. I wonder what Barbaro, Fitch and Lost in the Fog will say when they meet her...

Did anybody get the e-mail from the Humane Society today??? They discuss cockfighting, the fur industry and horse slaughter - they sound very optimistic about the Texas plants FINALLY shutting down and they are now targeting Illinois.

Alex, so sorry to hear about your foot. It is nice and warm here in Chester County - the sun feels so nice right now. Having a horse step on one's foot (it happened me to me my first day at the ranch. It lasted for maybe 1 second, but the pain was exquisite...do not want to go thru that again.) is an experience that one should not have to go thru. I hope your foot feels better soon. It is supposed to be cooler over the weekend so keep the long johns out for a little bit longer...

Must go. Take care, everybody.

Healing, Love, Peace,
ONS,
Lyn Gilbert

nancy r lewis,

That is fantastic news about 2 new cosponsors in the senate!! With 2 more, we will have one fourth of the senators on board.

Dear Verna, I am so sorry to hear about your sister. I am praying that all of you will be surrounded by God's love.

Do you realize we now have more Senate co-sponsors than last year. Now...if we can get those who co-sponsored last year and haven't yet on board...now that would be something.
Where's Hilary?

###
Dale in SC - Thank you! You also gave me a great segue to repost for the evening crowd!!

Good morning all!!

I was surfing aroung the net this morning and found an online petition to end horse slaughter. Sorry, I don't know how to blue link so grab your pens!!

www.petitiononline.com.EQA50101/petition.html

There were only 4738 signatures when I signed. That's a shame. You can also send it to friends!! Thank you, everyone!!!

Corrine in CT

Posted by: Corrine at March 14, 2007 1:58 PM

Verna, I'm so very sorry to read about your sister; you and your family are in my loving thoughts and prayers.

Molasses, what have they done to you? How is it possible that humans can be this cruel and numb..I hope and pray you recover sweet one, know you are loved.

Everyone--we all did such a great job with the Cavel/DeKalb letters, we are shaking that boat! let's brace for the horses and continue to let our voices be heard. the strategy this week is to focus on letting them know why we don't want COLLINS to be reelected--see Dawn's repost or go to the DB in the Anti Slaughter thread..

Working on the nyc Vets Letters this week..

Warm Thoughts to All,

cristina

Hi FOBs..do not post much but just wanted to say I am looking forward to meeting everyone on April 29 for Barbaro's birthday. It will be fun to meet people that have been on the site and put faces with names. I do not get much time to post but looking forward to meeting all of you. Will someone please post tomorrow after going to NBC tonight to hear Dr. Richardson. Would like to hear what he said. Such a special person and so are the people at NBC.

Just spoke with someone that does some news events here in Salisbury and she is very interested in hearing about the anti horse slaughter bill. She just did an interview with one of the vets that took care of Barbaro in his early racing career. This really is a small world. I get excited talking about Barbaro and mentioned the birthday coming up and she was very interested. I am trying to do more to help the horses. Carol

Thanks Alex for all you do. Keep those horses on their own feet !!!!

We are in Florida for a few days and were thinking of driving up to Tampa on Saturday for the Tampa Bay Derby. Does anyone know how to get a copy of the entries ???

Corrine, thanks for posting the sight for the petiton.

Be well, Lyn...yes it is beautiful in Chesco today! It's a great place to live.

Bonnie C
from Oxford, PA

Susan E. Thank you for posting the news about poor Clara for those who don't live in the St. Louis area, and would not know to pray for Clara's safe passing over the Rainbow Bridge. I heard the sad news on Channel 5 news this a.m. She was 55 years old, and they said the average lifespan of an elephant is 44...so the fact that she was so loved and cared for my her STL Zoo keepers must have kept her young at heart and healthy for more years than expected. I hated to hear that her arthritis could no longer be controlled with medication, and that the pain had become to unbearable for her to go on. They did the right thing, and allowed her to slip away peacefully, and in the company of those who loved her. She is now pain-free, and meeting up with Barbaro, Fitch and others who have gone before across the bridge before her. They're probably all wondering what in the heck kind of 'horse' she is!

Thanks for spreading the word about the loss of our beloved Clara. Nancy in Mo

Cathy Potter
That's great news, that we have more Senate co-sponsors now than last session.

Do you have last session's list? If so, can you post a list of the Senators who co-sponsored last session but have not yet done the paperwork this year?

####

Joan,
I hope the following helps you. I did see your post and wanted to respond. Here is where we are right now.
************************************************
MO Horse Heroes Easter Eggstravaganza Fund Raiser.

Here is the latest updates on sponsors for the MO Horse Heroes as of March 13th.

5 sponsors - Gidget (this girl went from O to 5 in one day !! )

4 sponsors - Mortie, Stan, Hocks, Mama, ( almost there )

3 sponsors - Bazonka Donk, DD, CC, Clueless Too, Jackpot,

2 sponsors - Willie, Sue, Frankie, Sweetie, Darla, Liberty, Spirit, Karma, ( these horses need a few more sponsors )

March 31 is the deadline for the Easter Eggstravaganza Fund Raiser. All eggs and basket must be sent to Kennett Florist to have flowers added for the centerpiece for the Jacksons.

If you are able to sponsor a horse, please go to www.hsmo.org/fansofbarbaro to do so. Then post your name and state on this thread for the eggs and cards.

Or email jroe19@adelphia.net with your name, state and horse sponsored.

Thank you so much to the Fans of Barbaro who continue to see these horses through their ordeal. It has been a long and costly one, but the folks at Longmeadow couldn't be better.

Rosemary (Forever Fan of Barbaro)

Just saw this at another site:

From: info@vetsforequinew elfare.org
[mailto:info@vetsforequinew elfare.org]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Veterinarians for Equine Welfare Launch New Website

(WASHINGTON, D.C.), March 14 - A group of veterinarians from all
disciplines has created Veterinarians for Equine Welfare (VEW) out of
concern about the misinformation being transmitted to the public
regarding the national debate on horse slaughter.

Members of VEW believe that the veterinary profession's integrity is
being undermined by the hard line stance of a few misinformed
individuals whose opinions have been swayed by unfounded logistical
concerns, as opposed to what should be a primary concern for animal
welfare.

VEW consulted with representatives of the horse industry, the field of
equine rescue and the humane community to respond to their concerns,
with the goal of facilitating a dialog that will improve the
life-quality of all horses. It has been common practice in the
veterinary profession to marginalize animal welfare advocates, and the
veterinarians involved in VEW believe that it is time for a change.

"As a veterinarian, my first concern is for the health and well-being of
my patients, which come from all walks of equine life. They represent
the spectrum from equine royalty to wild horses," said VEW Founding
Executive Committee Member Nena Winand, DVM, PhD. "I support VEW and the
dialog it has engendered, because I believe it will truly strengthen our
ability to improve the life- quality of all of our patients."

The coalition recently launched www.vetsforequinewe lfare.org as a
resource to educate other veterinarians, animal health professionals and
horse owners about the options available for day-to-day proper treatment
of horses, and to provide humane information and options to those who
can no longer care for (or must end the lives of) their horses.

"The views of individual VEW vets are, and should be, more respected
than any "body" that represents them, as they are aimed at educating
politicians and laymen alike on issues that have escaped their
attention," said Theo Antikas, DVM, PhD. "In the words of Heraclitus,
'education is the sun to the educated.'
It is hoped that educated vets will put an end to the unwarranted,
immoral suffering of horses prior to and during slaughter."

The website will also serve as a forum to inform other veterinarians,
horse owners, politicians and the American public about the truth behind
horse slaughter, a practice that has never been considered a legitimate
form of euthanasia by veterinary professionals or organizations.

##30##

For More Information:

Nicholas Dodman, DVM - 202-640-9606

Marilyn....
Boy, was I wrong. I didn't realize we had 34 last year. My total of 22 was WAY off. I'm at work, maybe someone can cross reference and refine the list.

Here's the list of Senate co-sponsors from last
year.

Sen Akaka, Daniel K. [HI] - 11/13/2006 Sen Bayh, Evan [IN] - 12/12/2005
Sen Biden, Joseph R., Jr. [DE] - 11/13/2006 Sen Boxer, Barbara [CA] - 3/8/2006
Sen Byrd, Robert C. [WV] - 10/25/2005 Sen Cantwell, Maria [WA] - 6/14/2006
Sen Carper, Thomas R. [DE] - 9/26/2006 Sen Clinton, Hillary Rodham [NY] - 11/13/2006
Sen Collins, Susan M. [ME] - 7/26/2006 Sen Dayton, Mark [MN] - 12/6/2006
Sen DeMint, Jim [SC] - 10/25/2005 Sen Dodd, Christopher J. [CT] - 1/25/2006
Sen Feinstein, Dianne [CA] - 2/9/2006 Sen Graham, Lindsey [SC] - 3/29/2006
Sen Inouye, Daniel K. [HI] - 10/25/2005 Sen Kennedy, Edward M. [MA] - 9/25/2006
Sen Kerry, John F. [MA] - 1/25/2006 Sen Landrieu, Mary L. [LA] - 10/25/2005
Sen Lautenberg, Frank R. [NJ] - 7/12/2006 Sen Levin, Carl [MI] - 10/25/2005
Sen Lieberman, Joseph I. [CT] - 10/25/2005 Sen Lott, Trent [MS] - 10/25/2005
Sen Martinez, Mel [FL] - 9/28/2006 Sen McCain, John [AZ] - 9/20/2006
Sen Menendez, Robert [NJ] - 1/25/2006 Sen Mikulski, Barbara A. [MD] - 11/14/2006
Sen Murray, Patty [WA] - 11/13/2006 Sen Nelson, Bill [FL] - 9/20/2006
Sen Reed, Jack [RI] - 9/6/2006 Sen Schumer, Charles E. [NY] - 9/14/2006
Sen Snowe, Olympia J. [ME] - 3/8/2006 Sen Specter, Arlen [PA] - 10/25/2005
Sen Stabenow, Debbie [MI] - 1/25/2006 Sen Stevens, Ted [AK] - 11/1/2005

Alex,

It seems almost cruel to say that you made me chuckle with the report of your morning, considering that your foot got a bit smashed. But you did make me chuckle. I do hope the foot isn't smarting too bad. And the beer or two sounds like the perfect remedy. Thanks for the mornings, Alex, as always. Thanks for everything.

Verna, I am so so sorry to hear about your sister. It's so hard to lose them. Just remember your sister will soon be at peace and with all our beloved family and friends.
My baby sis crossed over last March 2nd and is with Barbaro and all her own horses and doggies now. She raised boxer dogs and mini's ponies back in Iowa. Be strong and know you're in my thoughts and prayers.

Cathy - I don't know how to do blue links, but the 34 cosponsors from last year are listed at http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d109:SN01915:@@@P

Thanks, Cathy. It did seem to me that we are still a little low on co-sponsors.

####
Great article on Putting an end to horse slaughter in the Cleveland Plain Dealer this morning. It's interesting to see how Ohioans feel about this issue.
***********************************************

Meat in U.S. sent to overseas tables
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Sabrina EatonPlain Dealer Bureau

Washington - A battle over Black Beauty that pits agriculture against animal protection is on the menu in Congress this year.

Horsemeat may not tickle American taste buds, but it's enough of a delicacy in Europe and Japan to keep three foreign-owned slaughterhouses in Illinois and Texas busy with exports. In 2005, the plants slaughtered more than 94,000 U.S. horses.

Legislation pending before Congress would shut them down by banning horse slaughter in the United States for human consumption. A coalition of horse groups, animal-rights activists and entertainers like Toby Keith and Ashley Judd are lobbying for its passage. Groups including Ohio's Farm Bureau oppose it.

Texas oil magnate T. Boone Pickens told a congressional subcommittee last year that the 2003 death of 1986 Kentucky Derby winner Ferdinand in a Japanese slaughterhouse galvanized a movement to close U.S. plants. He said the plants, which boast they can take a horse "from stable to table in four days," provide a dumping ground for stolen horses.

"The horse has a special place in American culture and history," Pickens said. "It helped settle this country and provided inspiration for the horsepower that now powers the vehicles that make this nation go."

Opponents of the bill include Ohio's Farm Bureau, whose members visited Washington last week to lobby Congress on the issue. They argued that the legislation injects politics into food policy and could have broader implications for the U.S. livestock industry.

"This bill would essentially ban a practice that eliminates an opportunity for the humane end of life for an animal," said Adam Sharp, the farm bureau's national-affairs director. "What else are you supposed to do with these animals nobody wants?"

Sharp said it's hard to find facilities that will take in old horses or dispose of horse carcasses and that burial or incineration of dead horses "gets tricky and pricey."

Joe Porach, who operates Starlite Stables in Berea, notes the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which has opposed prior versions of the bill, monitors slaughterhouse treatment of horses.

"There is a need for the slaughter of horses, and to do away with that is unacceptable, in my opinion," said Porach, who is vice president of Cuyahoga County's Farm Bureau.

Phil Greenisen, who raises Haflinger horses in Salem, Ohio, was among those lobbying against the bill in Washington last week. He says the slaughter market establishes a minimum baseline price for horses that would fall by about $350 apiece if it were eliminated.

"There are hundreds, if not thousands, of young horses in Ohio that are bought and sold for a few hundred dollars," said Greenisen. "If this legislation went into effect, it could mean that my babies would have no value."

The bill passed the House last September in a 263-146 vote but wasn't considered by the Senate. Rep. John Boehner, the West Chester, Ohio, Republican who was vice chairman of the House Agriculture Committee before becoming House minority leader, was the only Ohioan to oppose it. He says it would extend government regulations too far.

"I do not wish to see any animal unnecessarily harmed," said Boehner. "However, I do not believe that this legislation is the right way to protect livestock while ensuring humane ways to dispose of sick and injured animals."

Rep. Dennis Kucinich, the Cleveland Democrat, spoke in favor of the bill on the House floor. He said horses sold for slaughter are "often transported in overcrowded trucks, deprived of food and water, exposed to the elements and made to stand in their own waste."

"The question we must ask ourselves is if subjecting horses to this kind of circumstance is indeed humane," he said. "Is horse slaughter marked by compassion, sympathy and consideration for the animal? The only realistic conclusion is no."

Rep. Marcy Kaptur, the Toledo Democrat, and Rep. Steve LaTourette, the Concord Township Republican, are co-sponsoring this year's version of the bill. LaTourette said he doesn't buy farmers' arguments about the bill being the "slippery slope" toward regulation of other meat products.

"I don't think people should be eating horses," LaTourette said. "You could say, why not dogs, why not cats? I just don't think it is a good idea. I like eating hamburger, not horseburger."

Congress isn't the only entity contemplating a crackdown on horse slaughter. Last week, a federal appeals court determined slaughterhouses in Texas must comply with a 1949 state law that bars the sale of horse meat for human consumption. The two Texas slaughterhouses are weighing an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. Legislators in Illinois, where the remaining slaughterhouse is located, recently introduced a bill that would ban horse slaughter for human consumption.

"The forces are closing in on this industry on the state and federal level," said Nancy Perry, vice president of the Humane Society of the United States, a nonprofit advocacy group. She calls passage of the federal bill "inevitable," adding, "Most Americans don't know this goes on and people who find out are just shocked."

Perry said owners of unwanted horses can have them humanely euthanized by a veterinarian. She said some jurisdictions allow dead horses to be buried on their owners' property, and other horse owners give the carcasses to rendering companies that melt down the bodies and process them into saleable commodities, like cosmetics and fertilizer.

Rendering companies in some western states, she says, will pick up dead livestock if their owners leave $20 in a jar by the body.

"We can't tell other cultures and countries what to do with their horses or diets," Perry said. "We just don't want our horses abused for their palates."

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:

seaton@plaind.com, 216-999-4212

SENATORS WHO HAVE NOT RE-UPPED

Akaka (HI)
Bayh (IN)
Biden (DL)
Clinton (NY)
De Mint (SC)
Inouye (HI)
Kennedy (MA)
Martinez (FL)
Murray (WA)
Nelson (FL)
Shumer (NY)
Specter (PA)

Wow Marilyn...that's quite a few who have not re-upped to co-sponsor.

#
Marilyn CA: What the heck is with Spector???! His office told me he supports it! To quote Dora J. Crow, "DANG!" Time for more calls. I don't believe in my heart of hearts that he won't support it--my guess is he's devoting time to war and related issues that concern the Judiciary Committee.

#
Alex--longjohns this morning??? I missed that earlier. Ye gods, man--it was like a sauna in Pa this morning. You had a miserable morning; hope tonight and tomorrow are much better.

Sue M., Pittsburgh

Has anyone talked to any of these Senator's aides about where they stand on co-sponsoring????

For what it's worth, I may have had a sign about Rosie today. I was behind a car today with the license plate ROSIE 5AM... Hmmmm, maybe???????

####
Cathy P
She's running for prez

####
Afternoon repost...Also pls note Marilyn's
suggestion for contacting friends
who live in TX:
If you can also familiarize what is going on with the Texas pro-slaughter bill (see the Anti-Slaughter sidebar link), that would be great. Please contact all your friends and family in Texas and ask them to contact their STATE (not federal) senators and representatives regarding this bill.

GOOD MORNING FOB’s

If you click on the BLUE NAVIGATION BOX on the left of the page, you will find all necessary links....... co-sponsors of both the House and Senate, list of names of all members of Congress, and lists of all members of the three committees. There will also be new developments posted as they come in.

The updated list of names to call will be posted there daily so that our strategy will always be current. This will make all the information easy to find and will help make it easier to direct others without having to look through all of the posts.

Alex was kind enough to add a link to the Veterinarian Support Letter that was sent to us by Chris Heyde. Please try to get this letter to as many veterinarians as possible so that they can show their support in spite of the stance taken by the AVMA.

And don’t forget to call your OWN representative and senators and urge them to co-sponsor their respective bills.

Here is the Call List for Wednesday March 14

HR 503

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND COMMERCE

-Representative George P. Radanovich
Phone #: 202-225-4540
Fax #: 202-225-3402

-Representative Mike Rogers
Phone #: 202-225-4872
Fax #: 202-225-5820

-Representative Michael A. Ross
Phone #: 202-225-3772
Fax #: 202-225-1314

-Representative Bobby L. Rush
Phone #: 202-225-4372
Fax #: 202-226-0333

-Representative John B. Shadegg
Phone #: 202-225-3361
Fax #: 202-225-3462

SPECIAL MESSAGE TO TEXAS FOB’S……YOUR HELP IS URGENTLY NEEDED TO DEFEAT NEW LEGISLATION THAT HAS BEEN INTRODUCED TO MAKE HORSE SLAUGHTER LEGAL IN TEXAS.
You can also find a link to that information in Alex’s Blue Navigation that will tell you what you can do to help!!
Please, reach out to everyone you know in Texas and get them involved. This is crucial!!!!

Alex also added links to two good articles that some of you might now have seen.

Thanks and have a great day!!

Shelley and Debra

Cheers,
Friar Tuck

Judy CT
Sounds like a good time to get back in the Rosie pool. That girl is costing me a whole lotta hay.

*****
Judy in CT...LOL let us hope you are right!!!!No more sleepless nights!!! Rosie subliminal messages coming your way .....Auntie Judy has a bundle riding on 5am !!!!! GO ROSIE !!!!

###nancy r. lewis

RE: http://www.vetsforequinewelfare.org/

Thanks I just bookmarked it and will take a look. This was one I was not aware of, thanks for the heads-up.

Goodnight Barbaro...

Looking always for your shining star..and expecting ACN..have fun, and know forever we love you...

Goodnight Fans/Family of Barbaro...

Looking at the list...it looks like we may have to whittle them down, also...Somehow the good will outweigh the bad...just have patience, stay steadfast, and share love, after all we are family, with love and compassion...WE LIVE IN BARBARO'S HOUSE.

May God send His mercy and comfort to Molassses..Seeing Molasses, alone should give us more willpower to push even harder.

I read about the vet report, etc..and the poor man who worries about the price of his horses, etc..well, slow down on breeding..take care of what you have, and take RESPONSIBILITY. This breaks my heart to look at Molasses, to know the fate of Fitch and others...this just not fit into my vocabulary...

All of you are so special, you have love, compassion and care...WE WILL WIN..

Please call, fax, email, whatever it takes...we will be heard.

Have a blessed evening.

###
Alex...relax, and soak your foot...
Rosie, please have your healthy baby

ALL OF YOU ARE VERY SPECIAL!!!

Hi, FOB's!

###
Am going to rest before leaving for New Bolton and Dr. R's lecture. To others who will be there, I'll be wearing a turquoise jacket with a flowery skirt...hope to meet up with some of you...

Take care.

Healing, Love, Peace,
ONS,
Lyn Gilbert

SABRINA EATON from the Cleveland Plain dealer said she is getting lots of emails! Keep sending them!

http://www.cleveland.com/plaindealer/stories/index.ssf?/base/isope/1173869839280310.xml&coll=2

Rosie 5AM??? Ah like who's 5AM EST/CST/MST/PST?? then we got the rest of the worlk too. Let's not even discuss what DAY!!!! Is there still time to get in the pool?? Hey, just a thought but do twins take longer to bake? Could Rosie be double dropping? Huh, huh,huh...I've been watching her all day while I work. Watching while I work, lalalala, la la la........

nancy r lewis,

That is an excellent break through for a group of veterinarians to go against their national organization and denounce slaughter!! It should be incorporated into the letters going out to the vets.

Congrats, Tim, on the positive mention in DRF.

### jonna, I love the line in your post earlier about Barbaro's attitude: "How he ate life up."
IMO, a good philosophy for us all ( although for some of us it could add poundage to the hips if we aren't careful!)LOL.

### Verna, I am so sorry about your sister. You are in my thoughts.

####
SusanE -
So sorry to hear about Clara the elephant. I remember seeing her when I was fortunate to visit the StLo zoo about 7 or 8 years ago.
My prayers go with her as she crosses the bridge.

What is going on with Specter, I have been really working on him, he was on last year.

We need a work on Specter Day!

#####
Got this e-mail today, can't do the blue link thing. They also sell some cute stuff to benefit animal rescues.

Hi, all you animal lovers. This is pretty simple.. Please tell ten friends to tell ten today! The Animal Rescue Site is having trouble getting enough people to click on it daily to meet their quota of getting free food donated every day to abused and neglected animals.
It takes less than a minute to go to their site and click on "feed an animal in need" for free. This doesn't cost you a thing. Their corporate sponsors/advertisers use the number of daily visits to donate food to abandoned/neglected animals in exchange for advertising.
Here's the web site! Pass it along to people you know.
http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/
AGAIN, PLEASE TELL 10 FRIENDS!!!

###
Nancat~ I'm on the East coast, so I guess it would be 5AM my time......

Nancat
Good point. I just assumed 5AM my time PST. C'mon Judy....we need details.

###
Nancat & Cathy Potter~ What day?? Rosie's not telling!! And the license plate didn't give up that info... sorry, just the time.....

Well let's see, Rosie is in Nevada by Las Vegas which is PST, so does that mean our 5AM? Do we know where Rosie is from East/Midwest/West coast? She could be going by her own time there, in which case.......face it we have no clue....lol

Alex - Great article about stamina builders. Good to see some exposure for Tim...and Laurel!

Linda in VA - Just went over to the site and clicked! I'm going to send the link to my friends too.

hmmmm
2AM PST...now to figure out the day. Rosie's not talkin' and she's as slammed shut as ever. Just looking out waiting for the feed wagon to appear. How much can one mare eat??? Oh...excuuuse me...she's eating for 2.

Okay, everybody, these are NOT call lists for everyone; remember that our current strategy is to call ONLY OUR OWN senators and reps; but I did think it might be useful for all of us to see where we are in terms of who has not reupped from last session. I have exluded from the list anyone who was not re-elected to the current session. Please post corrections to any errors that you see; and again,this is based on current lists and does not reflect any co-sponsors whose paperwork is still in process.

SENATORS WHO HAVE NOT RE-UPPED

Akaka (HI)
Bayh (IN)
Biden (DL)
Clinton (NY)
De Mint (SC)
Inouye (HI)
Kennedy (MA)
Martinez (FL)
Murray (WA)
Nelson (FL)
Shumer (NY)
Specter (PA)

REPRESENTATIVES WHO HAVE NOT RE-UPPED

Aderholt (AL)
Andrews (NJ)
Bachus (AL)
Baldwin (WI)
Barrett (SC)
Bartlett (MD)
Beccera (CA)
Bilirakis (FL)
Brady (PA)
Clyburn (SC)
Conyers (MI)
Cramer (AL)
Crenshaw (FL)
Diaz-Balert (FL)
Ehlers (MI)
English (PA)
Eshoo (CA)
Fattah (PA)
Filner (CA)
Goode (VA)
Green, Gene (TX)
Gutierrez (IL)
Hastings (FL)
Hunter (CA)
Keller (FL)
Kennedy (RI)
Kline (MN)
Larsen (WA)
Lowey (NY)
Meeks (Y)
Michaud (ME)
Millender-Mcdonald (CA)
Miller (NC)
Moore (WI)
Norton (DC)
Payne (NJ)
Pitts (PS)
Price (NC)
Regula (OH)
Rogers (KY)
Rothman (NJ)
Roybal-Allard (CA)
Rush (IL)
Ryan (OH)
Sanchez, Linda (CA)
Sanchez, Loretta (CA)
Schakowsky (IL)
Scott (VA)
Schuster (PA)
Slaughter (NY)
Solis (CA)
Velasquez (NY)
Wamp (TN)
Waters (CA)
Watson (CA)
Weller (IL)
Wynn (MI)

WOW Marilyn
You've been busy. What if we start with the Senate and add one per day to our call list??? For volume....anybody???

###
Chrissy - Great! I figured this was the place to post something to help the animals.
Thanks!

nancy r. lewis,

That is wonderful! Thanks for posting!

###
I just wanted to mention that there is a mare on Wefoal.com at Renaissance that is expecting TWINS in the near future. They said she was uncomfortable and having contractions. There is a thread about her - Sassy @ renaissance on the marestare message board telling all about the goings on. Apparently this is a dangerous situation for the mare and it is unusual for both twins to survive - so they are asking for prayers.
-Joanne in NJ

REPOST: CONTACT YOUR LOCAL VETERINARIANS....

In the upper left link "Anti Horse Slaughter Strategy" if you scroll down to "Other Actions" you will see "from Chris Heyde of saplonline" which links you to the petition for veterinarians to sign! CT is fairly well covered, but we need folks from EVERY state to print this petition, write a cover letter, and mail them to vets in their area...the two major Veterinary organizations are PRO slaughter...but that does NOT mean that individual vets are. Sample cover letters are available, and also the very informative brochure from Steve Rei's NERC...

NEED HELP???? Email me mllebutterfly@sbcglobal.net

Thanks for getting involved in this aspect of our campaign to DEFEAT SLAUGHTER...however, this is an addition, not a replacement for our daily calls to our elected reps and posted committee members.

WE NEED YOU ALL!
Nancy

THIS IS REALLY BIG NEWS.......sounds like we all need to redo our cover letters to include info about this site!!!!

From: info@vetsforequinew elfare.org
[mailto:info@vetsforequinew elfare.org]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Veterinarians for Equine Welfare Launch New Website

(WASHINGTON, D.C.), March 14 - A group of veterinarians from all
disciplines has created Veterinarians for Equine Welfare (VEW) out of
concern about the misinformation being transmitted to the public
regarding the national debate on horse slaughter.

Members of VEW believe that the veterinary profession's integrity is
being undermined by the hard line stance of a few misinformed
individuals whose opinions have been swayed by unfounded logistical
concerns, as opposed to what should be a primary concern for animal
welfare.

VEW consulted with representatives of the horse industry, the field of
equine rescue and the humane community to respond to their concerns,
with the goal of facilitating a dialog that will improve the
life-quality of all horses. It has been common practice in the
veterinary profession to marginalize animal welfare advocates, and the
veterinarians involved in VEW believe that it is time for a change.

"As a veterinarian, my first concern is for the health and well-being of
my patients, which come from all walks of equine life. They represent
the spectrum from equine royalty to wild horses," said VEW Founding
Executive Committee Member Nena Winand, DVM, PhD. "I support VEW and the
dialog it has engendered, because I believe it will truly strengthen our
ability to improve the life- quality of all of our patients."

The coalition recently launched www.vetsforequinewe lfare.org as a
resource to educate other veterinarians, animal health professionals and
horse owners about the options available for day-to-day proper treatment
of horses, and to provide humane information and options to those who
can no longer care for (or must end the lives of) their horses.

"The views of individual VEW vets are, and should be, more respected
than any "body" that represents them, as they are aimed at educating
politicians and laymen alike on issues that have escaped their
attention," said Theo Antikas, DVM, PhD. "In the words of Heraclitus,
'education is the sun to the educated.'
It is hoped that educated vets will put an end to the unwarranted,
immoral suffering of horses prior to and during slaughter."

The website will also serve as a forum to inform other veterinarians,
horse owners, politicians and the American public about the truth behind
horse slaughter, a practice that has never been considered a legitimate
form of euthanasia by veterinary professionals or organizations.

##30##

For More Information:

Nicholas Dodman, DVM - 202-640-9606

Cathy
I don't think the national strategists want us to be all calling from out-of-state or out-of-district. It is not the current strategy. I just posted this for information purposes only. It is some indication of how many additional co-sponsors may eventually sign on.

CORRECTED

Again, this is NOT a call list. Please do not call outside your state or district. It is for information purposes only.

SENATORS WHO HAVE NOT RE-UPPED

Akaka (HI)
Bayh (IN)
Biden (DL)
Clinton (NY)
De Mint (SC)
Inouye (HI)
Kennedy (MA)
Martinez (FL)
Murray (WA)
Nelson (FL)
Shumer (NY)
Specter (PA)

REPRESENTATIVES WHO HAVE NOT RE-UPPED

Aderholt (AL)
Andrews (NJ)
Bachus (AL)
Baldwin (WI)
Barrett (SC)
Bartlett (MD)
Beccera (CA)
Bilirakis (FL)
Brady (PA)
Clyburn (SC)
Conyers (MI)
Cramer (AL)
Crenshaw (FL)
Diaz-Balert (FL)
Ehlers (MI)
English (PA)
Eshoo (CA)
Fattah (PA)
Filner (CA)
Goode (VA)
Green, Gene (TX)
Gutierrez (IL)
Hastings (FL)
Hunter (CA)
Keller (FL)
Kennedy (RI)
Kline (MN)
Larsen (WA)
Lowey (NY)
Meeks (Y)
Michaud (ME)
Millender-Mcdonald (CA)
Miller (NC)
Moore (WI)
Norton (DC)
Oxley (OH)
Payne (NJ)
Pitts (PS)
Price (NC)
Regula (OH)
Rogers (KY)
Rothman (NJ)
Roybal-Allard (CA)
Rush (IL)
Ryan (OH)
Sanchez, Linda (CA)
Sanchez, Loretta (CA)
Scott (VA)
Schuster (PA)
Slaughter (NY)
Solis (CA)
Velasquez (NY)
Wamp (TN)
Waters (CA)
Watson (CA)
Weller (IL)
Wynn (MI)

From Andew Cohen, who blogs on the Washington Post web site, March 8 posting

A Good Week on the Horse Front
Let us instead focus upon the two bits of very good news this week on a subject that loyal readers know is near and dear to my heart-- stopping the slaughter of our horses for human consumption. The House Natural Resources Committee approved a measure Wednesday that would "reinstate a ban on the commercial sale and senseless slaughter of wild free-roaming horses and burros" that roam on public land. The ban was in place for a generation before it was eliminated from the rolls in a shady way in 2005 by the GOP-controlled Congress. "Horses have long been a living symbol of the American West. When Americans picture the West, I highly doubt they envision wild horses being rounded up and sent to commercial slaughterhouses to be processed into cuisine for foreign diners," said the measure's sponsor, U.S. Rep. Nick J. Rahall.

Good News, Part II is this. The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Monday upheld a lower court ruling that bans the sale of horsemeat for human consumption, a ruling that jeopardizes as never before the two inhumane slaughterhouses now operating in Texas. State legislators, no doubt prompted by lobbyists representing the foreign-owned plants, are trying even as I write to get around the ruling by changing Texas law. But the handwriting is on the wall. The only other rendering plant in America that slaughters horses for human consumption overseas is in Illinois and state lawmakers there moved late last month to stop the practice.

Slowly but surely, the good guys are making progress against the bad guys to stop a practice that has no business in this country.

Alex, very good article about training strategies and stamina building. It reminded me of the artle someone posted from the NYT recently about the horse training differences between the US and Europe.

I would also think that mentally it would be a big improvement if horses were alternatively trained on the track and the riding trails (you ofen write about)at Fair Hills.

Thanks.
Edie

Mary in Iowa,

That is encouraging. With the new Vet group, we are MAKING PROGRESS ! ! ! Huzzah !

letter from Sen. Martines date march 2, 2007
_______________________
Dear Ms. Estripeaut:

Thank you for contacting me regarding protection for horses. I appreciate hearing from you and would like to respond to your concerns.

Senator Mary Landrieu introduced S. 311 in the United States Senate on January 17, 2007, to amend the Horse Protection Act to prohibit the shipping, transporting, moving, delivering, receiving, possessing, purchasing, selling, or donation of horses to be slaughtered for human consumption. This legislation would authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to detain and inspect any horse at any horse show, exhibition, or auction that is believed to be in violation of this bill. Violators would be subject to new criminal and civil penalties. S. 311 was referred to the United States Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation.

Although I am not a member of this committee, please know that I am committed to protecting the nation’s wildlife and their habitat, especially in the State of Florida. I will be sure to keep your thoughtful comments in mind as the 110th Congress moves forward.

Again, thank you very much for sharing your views with me. If you have any additional questions or comments, do not hesitate to contact me. In addition, for more information about issues and activities important to Florida, please sign up for my weekly newsletter at http://martinez.senate.gov

Sincerely,

Mel Martinez
United States Senator

Hi all,

Been sooooo busy at work today, this is the first time I have had a chance to check in. So it sounds like Rosie is still holding out on us huh?? Are the updates just like those of the past who knows how many days?? still eating, moving around, chicken brigade etc....?

C'mon Rosie, we are all anxious to see that new little one :)

I'm obviously using my prep period today for research! I can't ususally get on. What WONDERFUL news on here today. I'm SO glad I had time to stop in. You are all the BEST and we're going to DO THIS ! ! !

Thank you, ALEX ! ! !

The horses thank you.

###
I think Rosie is about as uncomfortable as I have ever seen her.

I am getting ready to leave for church, so of course she will deliver while I am gone!!

###
I think Rosie is about as uncomfortable as I have ever seen her.

I am getting ready to leave for church, so of course she will deliver while I am gone!!

Rosie TV
Rosie is just standing there. Same place...same pose. Not moving much and not a chicken in view. She's been working on her nest at the left front corner of her pen. There's a pretty good pile. This morning Stephanie said her bag was soooo full. I'm going over Saturday and I am really hoping there will be a baby by then.

From the Cleveland article:

Phil Greenisen, who raises Haflinger horses in Salem, Ohio, was among those lobbying against the bill in Washington last week. He says the slaughter market establishes a minimum baseline price for horses that would fall by about $350 apiece if it were eliminated. "There are hundreds, if not thousands, of young horses in Ohio that are bought and sold for a few hundred dollars," said Greenisen. "If this legislation went into effect, it could mean that my babies would have no value."
If the only way you can establish value for your "babies" is with the blood of the slaughtered, Mr. Greenisen, perhaps you SHOULDN'T BE BREEDING HORSES. I feel so sorry for his animals. . .

FANTASTIC news about the VetsForEquineWelfare site. Haven't had a chance to check it yet, but it would be great if they have an online form for vets that could "send" directly to AVMA and AAEP and the representatives from their respective states!

Keep up the good fight, FOBs!

FOR MR. BARBARO--

U PENN LAMINITIS FUND

THANKS ALEX FOR ALL THE NEWS, IT'S SO EXCITING TO SEE MR. BOXCAR'S NAME IN YOUR UPDATES!! :>)

LUV YA ALL,
CHERYL G

ALEX, that is wonderful, that Tim Wooley received mention in the article re stamina building. Low profile/high percentage is a very good thing in your business. I'm happy for the coverage for Fair Hill.

Talk about screeching in under the wire!

My first chance to visit today...

Way to go, vets! Thank God some are taking the bull by the horns (so to speak) to straighten out those killers who keep talking about how much they "care" for horses' welfare. Bull indeed!

Great news about Cavel, too. I sense real momentum here.

Alex, very cool articles on stamina and Old Friends. I will donate to help Wallenda get home.

Every day is heaven with Equine Heaven keeping us posted on all the fun up there. Love is in the air for our B :)

###
Linda in VA

I try to remember to click on the free animal food site every day. I put it on a sticky note on my puter so I don't forget...

###
Verna

Prayers to you and your family for your sister ((((((Verna)))))))

###
Sabrina

For some reason, the latest photos wouldn't load for me yesterday, but I saw them today. Oh, heartbreakers, aren't they? Dr. R and B were true soulmates.

Anyone going to his lecture tonight, please tell us everything. Send our love to him, too.

Today I probably can't look at Molasses. Sometimes it just gets to me. I plunged into a very bad mood after reading yesterday about the stolen mini-mares. Maybe when I am stronger. I am praying for this baby, too.

Rosie, are you REALLY pregnant????!!!

Oh yeah, I DID make my calls today!!!

Cathy Potter,

Have a great time over at MHR this weekend :) Did you see my post a couple of days back that I went while I was in Vegas with my mom and my grandmother??? It was soooo great. I have since called Stephanie and left her a message thanking her for her kindness and hospitality while we were there. I just LOVE Rosie - I sure wish that I had what it takes to adopt her and the little one (if there really is one), but no can so right now :(

Please tell Stephanie HI for me and give Rosie some rubs for me as well. Oh, I wish that I could go again

Hey, family -
##
Lyn Gilbert, have a wonderful time at that lecture! Listen for all of us!
##
Verna - My deepest sympathy to you and your family at this time. I know you know how much love and goodwill is flowing to you from the remarkable collection of souls here.
##
jonna - More and more each day I enjoy your posts. Living in the moment is indeed important. There is a zen koan, wherein the student goes to the master asking to be taught the secret to enlightenment. The master points to his cat, asleep in the sun, and says, "She knows more of enlightenment than you ever will." So you are so correct in noting that the beasties have it right.
##
Marg - Great job on the letter. Good for you!
##
Lynda Pellitteri - Thank you for the hilarious and informative game of musical jockeys...
##
Barb in AZ - Any news from the wondrous Miss Chunky?
##
Deb G - I had NO idea Eagle was not with you. What a heartbreak for you - and all of us! I am so sorry...Will hope he is as well cared-for as reported.
##
Harriette Brillianthawk - I believe Shakspeare said almost the same thing - "The coward dies a thousand deaths. The brave man only tastes of death but once"...(I hope my memory is accurate!)
##
Otherlyn - I'm enjoying the story...
##
Still nuts at work. Someday, I will have time to read and talk, and think, and watch Rosie, who apparently will still be pregnant this summer. Rosie the Beach Novel...

Love and comfort to all in need, (especially Molasses), four-legged and two-legged, and a Barbaro evening to everyone - courage and kindness.

Love - Jean

Major chicken invasion at Rosie's place right now...hmmmmm, maybe they know something we don't!

Nancy in CT,

Maybe this is the baby shower and the baby is on it's way :)

By the way, where are you in CT? I have a cousin that just moved there and just loves it. I am hoping that my husband and I can go to visit at some point - it looks just beautiful

Affirmed Is A Beautiful Friend To Barbaro. Over The Rainbow.

God, please look after Molasses and take care of him.

No animal is deserving of the kind of treatment so many of them get at the hands of humans. I will never understand what is missing from a persons heart and soul that would allow them to inflict pain, terror, starvation, etc. on an animal. In my experience, animals ask for very little - something to eat, water, healthcare and LOVE. How can so many of them be denied that?

Please Lord look after those that are suffering and help them to find a better place. Whether that be with you in your arms or with humans who will love and care for them and afford them a chance at a happy life.

### Jean, people thought Indians were savages..and all along they were reading Shakespeare, lol

###
TLC (LAURA)...I'm in Hamden, just north of New Haven...a few miles from Quinnipiac University, if you've ever heard of it! Small world - Rachel (from Kennett Florist) has a brother who attended QU, so she knows just where I am....

Are you watching Rosie-cam? Upper left hand corner there looks to be a deep indentation made mostly by the white chicken this afternoon...cradle-size, maybe? Actually not...because I'm afraid this baby may be a whopper!

Hello Barbaro,

My little ones seem to have a bit of energy to spare tonight. They’re keeping me quite busy with their antics and of course, throughout the whole house...it seems Spring Fever is affecting them!

By the looks of the board again today, your Fans are continuing to follow your lead and are accomplishing amazing feats for the good of horses and other animals. They are tackling tough issues both from deep seated political stances to emotional agony.

They are doing this in your name, in your honor, in your memory. Always.

And speaking of antics, your Dream Angel friends are patiently waiting for you to fall asleep. So, let's grab your blanket and cuddle up.

We'll pull it up high on your neck but gently let the ends fall softly around you. I know you love to nuzzle your nose in the folds so we'll fluff the folds right under your chin.

Your healing is complete and strength will forever carry you through your days.

You are loved Honey. You must know that.

Now close your eyes and meet your friends on the other side of Dreamland. Across the pond of bluest waters where flowers of every color in the rainbow bloom with such an intensity that it takes your breath away while gentle breezes blow through your mane.

Good night Honey. Your dream world awaits you...I love you so much. Good night. XXOOxxo

#####

Hello Hope,

Were you able to enjoy this warmer weather today? There was a little chill here and there but so much wonderful fresh air!

Are you getting tired? Should we grab your blanket and cuddle you up for the night?

We'll pull it high and let the folds lie under your chin. Your friend Barbaro loves to nuzzle his nose into the folds of his blanket so maybe you might want to give it a try. I'll fluff the folds for you...

Have sweet dreams tonight Hope. Dream of all the love that you receive from your caregivers and all of the love from people that you don't even know. There are so many people Hope...

Good night Little One. You know I love you. So much... Good night. xxoox xxoo

Thanks Alex for all you do. Have a few beers. It will surely cure what ails ya!

Sent letters in the mail, faxed and e-mailed them as well. I'm going to get really obnoxious about this until Voinovich calls me personally.

#### Harriette check your e-mail.

Good Nite All.

There are at least 8 chikums in with Rosie. She is standing, looking for all the world like an equine version of one of those little clay south american fertility gods, lifting and lowering her braided tail like she's dispensing corn dogs from her mushy little heiny....Poor Stephanie: she may have just curled up in Rosie's nest herself. You guys better check, Thumb sucking isn't a good sign....

So, we're sending out all kinds of central NY Good Vibes to make that girl go into labor tonight and likety-split--pop that foal out like a Cornell University demo tape on normal equine deliveries....

Going to crash with the hounds now...it went up to 60 today, and what'd I tell you? Naked people. Everywhere:: palid, but most stimulating....sleep tight, Nation. Barbaro watches over us as we snooze after Laurie's tuck-in.

(PS had a LOOONG talk with my fave Vet about the
Federal bills upcoming...he doesn't know enough about what is called humane (ha) euthanasia so I sent him some articles, some websites. The dreadfully tragic HSUS mexico tape with the white mare....I said, "Wait till the boys go to bed, okay?" So we'll see if they sign on.

The Wallenda thing is great, and I'll sign on.
I wish I had a small fortune and could load all the dogs up and drive all over the country to these great rescue places like Joes' and Stephanies, and the old ones retirement parks.

Well, my dears. Say a little prayer for Millicent. She loved--no, loves--horses too. So let us ask God to send her a kind death...and let her get on with her inportant work of helping to care for all the animals in heaven...she is such a kind, good, gentle and fine soul.

blessings on all within The House: jonna

Hi All: Hope all is well with everyone. Yesterday I donated to both the Barbaro Fund and the Laminitis Research fund. All in memory of our precious Barbaro. He is still in my thoughts daily.

What's going on with Rosie? Still no baby? Maybe it's shy.

#####
Shelly, congrats on Mr. Boxcar's win. Way to go.

All my babies are doing great and my two big guys, Walk and Glide will be home at the end of the month. I am so excited I can't wait to see them. Walk is doing absolutely great and is training outstanding. No signs of whatever it was that got him last year. Thanks again to Dr. Richardson. My baby Cobra will probably be coming home in May or June. I can't wait to meet him, he is just too cute, and my sweet little Rosie is still hanging out in Philly. They are currently looking for an allowance to put her in.

Well take care guys and I'll speak to you soon.

###
Corinne in CT - I tried the petition link at home and it didn't work here either. Could you please re-post it and i will try again tomorrow. I would really like to sign the petition.

Just checked on Rosie and she is still with foal. I'm beginning to think this pregnancy is a myth in order to get more food.

Proud to be an FOB!!!

Time to tuck-in Alex. Thank you for all you do. Where would the Barbaro Nation be without you.....

Oh Laurie, just perfect....sigh

####

Thank you Harriette.

There was so much good, hard work done today (like most days!) on the board. And I was only able to peek in every now and then due to work.

Thank you again Harriette...

########

Hello There Dear Person, Laurie H:)

So glad to see you back at what you do better than ANYONE else:) Continue to heal and just get better and better....it wasn't the same without you here!

You have sweet dreams too, Laurie....

Lynne-Barbaro's Forever Friend in CA

(((Alex)))..I bet your foot is sore!!! (Grandma's) aren't supposed to do that!!! What a force to reckon with....ouch! I hope your foot isn't too sore tomorrow! Good Night!
Glad Mr. Boxcar came in first!!

Bobbycakes...love you so much....think about you often!

Nite everyone!!

SABINA,
I'm terribly sorry for being so late, I honestly can't remember if I thanked you yesterday for posting those additional photos of our beloved B and his best pal, Dr. Richardson.

Your photography, Sabina, is always so capturing and breathtaking and because of your talent we have even more to remember Barbaro by.

Thank you, Sabina!

And I hope you are making a good recovery, too! It takes time, I know, but you do have a special place in my prayers, too!

Warmest wishes,
Lou Ann in Pennsylvania, FOB forever

#####

Lynne Brown,

Thank you Lynne! You are so kind...

May you have sweet dreams tonight while wrapped in your favorite blanket.

Thank you again.

## Alex - thank you sooo much for the very COOL story about "Old Friends." Equally cool is the fact that I've seen "Circus Flora" ..... starring The Flying Wallendas ....... many times when they used to spend 2 weeks in Scottsdale, Arizona.
And then - Flora the Elephant retired ..... and they didn't tour any longer. In fact - I spent one remarkable evening at their "Circus School" .... learning how to juggle ... and hang from a trapeze ..... and do an arabesque from the back of their huge horse ....... and this was long before I had horses of my own !!!
How remarkable to read this cool article today.

Alex - thank you sooooo much for continually working so hard to bring relevant and interesting and very cool information our way !!!!

Sherry - Arizona

I am so far behind in catching up, but before this board closes for the night I just have to say ...

WOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

Congratulations on Mr. Boxcar's win, Shelley A!!!

I am so happy and proud for both of you!!!!!!!!!!!!

MAJOR, MAJOR CONGRATS!!!

Rosie...
Do you have any idea what the gestation time is for an elephant?!!! You still have a beautiful face, but your body will need some serious exercise after this little foal you are preggers with is weaned! By the way Rosie, I have gone over my alloted dialup hours for 2 months now just watching your antics!

Good night to all FOB's!

Take it easy out there Alex!

Glad you're back and feeeling better, Laurie H.

Good night and sweet dreams Barbaro, little Fitch and Apache.

Janet, Spokane

Thanks, Linnie....I still haven't come back to earth!!! And Dee said Boxcar is doing fine today.

Alex, thank you for another day here at TWR. Hope your foot is all right!

Equine Heaven...I'm so loving the unfolding romance between Barbaro and Gallant Secret...ah, young love.

The picture of "Memphis" at TB Friends really got to me. Yes, he does look very sad, but he's going to be feeling much happier now that he's in the hands of Joe and company. Thank you Joe!

Stephanie, thank you for everything that you and everyone at MHR do to "heal the hearts of horses in need." What angels you all are.

Still watchin' ya Rosie...I think you're really liking being "the star!"

Good night everyone. A pleasant evening to all. Remember to always be safe out there.

Barbaro...you remain in my thoughts, my prayers, my heart. I love you sweet boy...always have...always will.

The miracle of Barbaro continues...

OMG.....Barbaro congratulated Boxcar on Equine Heaven. I'm so excited!!!!

REPOST FOR THE EVENING SHIFT HERE: CONTACT YOUR LOCAL VETERINARIANS....

In the upper left link "Anti Horse Slaughter Strategy" if you scroll down to "Other Actions" you will see "from Chris Heyde of saplonline" which links you to the petition for veterinarians to sign! CT is fairly well covered, but we need folks from EVERY state to print this petition, write a cover letter, and mail them to vets in their area...the two major Veterinary organizations are PRO slaughter...but that does NOT mean that individual vets are. Sample cover letters are available, and also the very informative brochure from Steve Rei's NERC...

NEED HELP???? Email me mllebutterfly@sbcglobal.net

Thanks for getting involved in this aspect of our campaign to DEFEAT SLAUGHTER...however, this is an additional task, not a replacement for our daily calls to our elected reps and posted committee members.

WE NEED YOU ALL!
Nancy

THIS IS REALLY BIG NEWS.......sounds like we all need to redo our cover letters to include info about this site!!!!

From: info@vetsforequinewelfare.org
[mailto:info@vetsforequinewelfare.org]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Veterinarians for Equine Welfare Launch New Website

(WASHINGTON, D.C.), March 14 - A group of veterinarians from all
disciplines has created Veterinarians for Equine Welfare (VEW) out of
concern about the misinformation being transmitted to the public
regarding the national debate on horse slaughter.

Members of VEW believe that the veterinary profession's integrity is
being undermined by the hard line stance of a few misinformed
individuals whose opinions have been swayed by unfounded logistical
concerns, as opposed to what should be a primary concern for animal
welfare.

VEW consulted with representatives of the horse industry, the field of
equine rescue and the humane community to respond to their concerns,
with the goal of facilitating a dialog that will improve the
life-quality of all horses. It has been common practice in the
veterinary profession to marginalize animal welfare advocates, and the
veterinarians involved in VEW believe that it is time for a change.

"As a veterinarian, my first concern is for the health and well-being of
my patients, which come from all walks of equine life. They represent
the spectrum from equine royalty to wild horses," said VEW Founding
Executive Committee Member Nena Winand, DVM, PhD. "I support VEW and the
dialog it has engendered, because I believe it will truly strengthen our
ability to improve the life- quality of all of our patients."

The coalition recently launched www.vetsforequinewe lfare.org as a
resource to educate other veterinarians, animal health professionals and
horse owners about the options available for day-to-day proper treatment
of horses, and to provide humane information and options to those who
can no longer care for (or must end the lives of) their horses.

"The views of individual VEW vets are, and should be, more respected
than any "body" that represents them, as they are aimed at educating
politicians and laymen alike on issues that have escaped their
attention," said Theo Antikas, DVM, PhD. "In the words of Heraclitus,
'education is the sun to the educated.'
It is hoped that educated vets will put an end to the unwarranted,
immoral suffering of horses prior to and during slaughter."

The website will also serve as a forum to inform other veterinarians,
horse owners, politicians and the American public about the truth behind
horse slaughter, a practice that has never been considered a legitimate
form of euthanasia by veterinary professionals or organizations.

##30##

For More Information:

Nicholas Dodman, DVM - 202-640-9606

Posted by: Nancy in CT at March 14, 2007 10:21 PM

Alex, hope that your foot is a lot better in the morning. Blessings and Love.

Thank you, Nancy. This is SUPERB!

This is a drive-by

Sorry about your foot, Alex. Hope it's better. thank you so much for all you do

###Verna, I'm so sorry to hear of your sister. Prayers for you and your family

###Met with LindaH (who looks GREAT), Barb and Matt today with dear Skyler who is on her way back to Omaha now. Will miss her. Thanks to Marydel for posting the photos and creating the thread. Plans for an April 29th meeting are in the making! Everyone else will be welcome to attend, location not yet set. Linda, Ed and Dawn of Omaha, that means you and all the other CO/NE FOB family members. Will be updating the thread and posting here as plans take shape.

What an amazing group of people! It was great to meet Matt today, and all those wonderful ladies yesterday whom I've not met before. The family is growing!

###LorraineS it's good to see you.

###LynG can't wait to hear about the lecture!

###LaurieH Thank you for a beautiful tuckin. Didn't get a chance to thank you for the tuckin for last night. It's great that you are recovering.

###Harriette, thank you, as always
###Rosie, please foal, baby girl. You CAN'T get any bigger. You are going to become the Mare Who Ate Nevada. THEN what are we going to do with you?

Have a restful night all. Love to all of you

####

Lyn G.,

I hope you're feeling better soon. My thoughts are with you...

Please rest well tonight and take care.

We may start calling Illinois Senators and Representatives about the Dekalb situation. Look for updates tomorrow. Our carriage is going to turn into that PUMPKIN soon!

Re: Illinois .........

IF anyone needs/wants an Illinois address and/or zip code ........... let me know .....

Sherry - Arizona

###
BARB AZ...not only superb, but REALLY huge news about the vets' website - I especially like this line: "The views of individual VEW vets are, and should be, more respected than any "body" that represents them....."
Seems the vets aren't automatically rolling over to the hierarchy which "claims" to represent them!

...and speaking of huge, how's Chunky? She must look sooooo adorable!

####
Here you go Dale - Thank you!!

I was surfing aroung the net this morning and found an online petition to end horse slaughter. Sorry, I don't know how to blue link so grab your pens!!

www.petitiononline.com.EQA50101/petition.html

There were only 4738 signatures when I signed. That's a shame. You can also send it to friends!! Thank you, everyone!!!

Corrine in CT

Nancy,

This VEW is a godsend!

Chunky is also a godsend, a HUGE godsend! She may still go another week or two. I know what to look for and I'm NOT SEEING IT !

OMG.....Barbaro congratulated Boxcar on Equine Heaven. I'm so excited!!!!

Posted by: ShelleyA at March 15, 2007 12:52 AM

#####################

Shelley you should be so excited ... after all, how many of us experience such DIVINE INTERVENTION for such a heavenly event!!

You deserve it! Boxie deserves it!!! I am truly thrilled for you both!!

Shelley A.

Boxy did deserve the praise from Barbaro, he was AMAZING!!!!!!!!

Lyn Gilbert

Enjoy Dr. R's lecture, sorry I couldn't make it :(

Ro & Brady

####
Dale - I just tried the addy myself and got an error message too. I will look it up again in the morning and repost throughout the day.

Good night everyone!!

Corrine in CT

FOB's Have a wonderful evening and see you all tomorrow.

Angel Forever Barbaro

Here are US Senators in Illinois. Please if you are from Illinois, correct me if I am wrong!

Durbin, Richard- (D - IL) Class II
309 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
(202) 224-2152
Web Form: durbin.senate.gov/contact.cfm

Obama, Barack- (D - IL) Class III
713 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
(202) 224-2854
Web Form: obama.senate.gov/contact/

We need to start calling them expressing our concern for pollution of the Kishwaukee River and the "misunderstandings" going on at Cavel International. Perhaps if you pose it as a question, you won't need to have that much info readily at hand. Again, if we shut down here shortly, look for more tomorrow. Thanks.

###
SHELLEY A - with all you have been spearheading for Barbaro's frens on earth, did you have any doubt that he would be keeping heavenly watch over Mr. Boxcar? YOU deserve his recognition!
Nancy

Sigh...I don't post much, but I just want to say - Laurie H. tuck-ins are pure bliss.

Night-night, Barbaro honey.
Night-night, Hope.
Night-night, baby Fitch.
Night-night, Laurie H. I am glad you are feeling better!
Night-night, everybody.

#####

Barbara A.,

Thank you for posting such kind words to me. I appreciate it sooo much.

Good night with sweet dreams...of Barbaro.

###
Laurie H.-Just read tonight's tuck-in...sheer perfection, as always. Thank you kind soul.

#####

Sandie,

Thank YOU for your kind words. I appreciate it very much.

May you have sweet dreams...of Barbaro.

Good night.

Laurie H.

:)

Shelley A
Please help clear up some confusion on the Texas project. See your thread, posts 44 and 48. Thanks.

Nancy in CT ...

You and I may not agree on almost 'everything' ... LOL .. but that doesn't stop me from congratulating you on an exemplary 'job' on behalf of horse slaughter ...

You deserve all the accolades and recognition that comes your way, Nancy ...

Laurie H,

I have missed you and the tuck ins so much. I'm so glad you are feeling better. If Barbaro was an old soul, you are a kind, sweet one.

Welcome back!

#####

Patty in Dallas,

I missed everyone when I was away. Thank you for the 'Welcome'.

Your posts are always so kind to me. Thank you Patty...

May you have a good night with dreams ...of Barbaro.

###
LINNIE...it's all about the horses...and since I'm currently unemployed and therefore don't have the $$$ to donate, gotta use the brain!

Linda M in TX sent out 75 letters to vets and needs help...but she said if nobody steps up to help her, she'll just keep at it! ...now that's a hero!

#######

Oh my Gosh!!!! It's 5:40 PDT and we are stillllll here:)

### Verna, I am thinking of you, your sister-in-law and all your family!

####Shelly A. I didn't even KNOW you had a racehorse!!! Congrats to Mr. Boxcar and to his "mommy" :)

####ALEX:-0 I am soooo sorry for your foot :( I am SURE Grandma was "horrified" when she realized she stepped upon her UnkleAlex'sFoot! :)

####Goodnight my Handsome Sweetheart...I'm late and afraid this will cut me off:( I love you soooo much and miss you soooooo much....I'll see you tomorrow...good going with your 'girl' today:)

####ALL FsoB....sleep well, have nice dreams, be safe and happy people!

Lynne-Barbaro's Forever Friend in CA

Here is the US Representative for the DeKalb District:

Contact Congressman J. Dennis HastertD.C. Office
2304 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515

Phone: 202-225-2976
Fax: 202-225-0697

Batavia District Office
27 North River Street
Batavia, IL 60510

Phone: 630-406-1114
Fax: 630-406-1808

Dixon Regional Office
119 W. First Street
Dixon, IL 61021

Phone: 815-288-0680
Fax: 815-288-0743

Office Hours
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday
9 AM – 4 PM

Geneseo Regional Office
137 South State Street, Suite 336
Geneseo, IL 61254

Phone: 309-944-3558

More from Dawn or me tomorrow.

########Oh My Gosh, I FORGOT....Lyn G. I cannot WAIT to read all about Dr. Dean's lecture tonight...you are sooooooo lucky to be there:)

####### Harriette, thank you SO much for all your input this afternoon:)

o.k. then ...... WHEW......

Lynne-Barbaro's Forever Friend in CA

Laurie H~ your tuck-ins are like music... I missed them so much while you were recuperating. Sweet dreams to you.......

Good night, sweet colt, my angel above. I love you.

Marilyn CA

Going there to look now

Hi Laurie H. Thank you for another beautiful tuck-in.

I work in a library, and I long for everyone to be able to read your beautiful word pictures, not just us FOBs. I envision your books in the Easy Reader section, Bedtime Stories. People would so love reading your stories to their children.

With that in mind, here are the publishers of children's bedtime stories that we currently have in the cupboard for our preschool story times:

Morrow Junior Books
1350 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10019

Mulberry Books
1350 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10019

Candlewick Press
2067 Massachusetts Ave.
Cambridge, MA. 02140

GoldenBooks Publishing Co., Inc.
New York, NY 10106

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
1230 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10020

I don't know if you are also an artist and could do your own illustrations. If not check with the librarians in your public library for suggestions on contacting some illustrators.

I encourage you to submit your work. You are so gifted.

Have a wonderful evening.

Kathy S.

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Judy in CT,

Thank you Judy. You are so kind and your words inspire me.

Thank you again and have sweet dreams tonight...of our Barbaro.

Hello, all.
I just received an email from the Warner Theater informing me that Willie Nelson will be appearing at the theater in Torrington (next door to Litchfield) on Monday, June 11. Caught him there a few years ago and his concert was astounding. Dare I try contacting him/his people to see if he would be willing to make a statement (for the local papers and TV?) regarding horse slaughter? Has anyone had experience with a situation like this? This is my first foray into becoming an activist.

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Elisabeth in CT ~ ABSOLUTELY!!! Go for it!

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Kathy S.,

Kathy, I am speechless. I don't know what to say...

Thank you so incredibly much. I am completely humbled. Thank you.

I will consider... thank you very much.

I wish sweet dreams of Barbaro and a restful night for you. Good night...

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ELISABETH IN CT - GO FOR IT!!!! Especially significant because he's appearing in Litchfield County...huge horse population!!!

Nancy

Laurie H. You'll be a big sensation. Will you still write for us when you make the big time? LOL

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LINNIE...it's all about the horses...and since I'm currently unemployed and therefore don't have the $$$ to donate, gotta use the brain!
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Nancy ... I completely understand ... I am also unemployed and I 'sacrificed' homeowners insurance coverage in hurricane-tormented Florida in order to be at DelPark next month. Yes, that's true. Did not get homeowners insurance this year, but I will be there for Barbaro and Barbaro Nation.!

So, Nancy ... I understand and I completely empathize!!

You go girl!!

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Cal,

LOL! Thank you for the laugh Cal! And the smile that's still on my face.

Good night to you...

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Kathy S.,

I also wanted to thank you for taking ALL of the time that you did researching the info. for me on the publishers. WOW!

A huge "thank you".

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Nancy in CT,

Thank you for the artcile. I think many of us could not believe our "vets" would be supportive of horse slaughter.

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Alex,

So many great articles. Hey, FOB's any great ideas for fundraisers espcially for the Barbaro fund?

Still missing Barbaro.

BARBARO....sending you love dear one! ...I am so thankful that I am a member of the Barbaro Nation.....Alex you always find great articles!! Hope your foot heals quickly....

##Harriette..love your posts,thank you so much..

##Lyn G,sorry you have been ill,would love an overview of the GOOD DOCs' lecture..bless his heart!

##Laurie H...thank you for your 'tuck-ins'...just reading them seems to 'right the day'....no matter the sad news,Molasses,Fitch,Ernie,the stolen mares,the children perishing in the NY city fire,Jessie Lunsford,dear Jessie...

BARBARO,I keep 'seeing you' in new pics I have never seen before......and your beauty,your grace always bless me so much!! Lovehugs,
Linda A Oregon

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Laurie H,
Thank you for another perfect tuck-in. I'm so happy that you are feeling better. I read that you will be at Barbaro's birthday party at Delaware Park and would have loved to meet you. You have nurtured us for so long. I so wish I could come, but I'll be there with Barbaro and all FOBs in my heart on April 29.
Thank you for watching over Hope and Rosie and praying for our beloved Fitch. Ernie is better and "pooping alot today" and Cody is getting better, too. There are 8 beautiful babies with a new life ahead of them in Fitch's memory today.
All because of Barbaro. And thank you Laurie, for reminding us always of the love and warmth that is in the soul of a fan of Barbaro.
Bless you and Good night.
Kathy

Laurie H, You should team up with Harriette and so many others who have the gift. You all could fill up a bookstore all an your own.

I love this..I just did a google news search and 35 media outlets have picked up the story about Barbaro's resting place still undecided. Please do a goggle search, select news and then look at these stories. It will keep Barbaro's name out in the media eye.