ASAP Farm Updates

Chevie and the 4th

2009-07-10T12:32:00.006-05:00

I want to post some pictures of Chevie Silverado and his injury. I have taken some over the past five days. The vet was out again yesterday to inspect. Thankfully, Craig doesn't have to give penicillin any more - that was a lot of penicillin over four days time. No more bute, either, and Chevie is feeling great about that. He has a view two ways from his stall so he stays in tune with what's going on with his herd mates.

We want to sincerely thank Mary D. of Iowa and Eunice D. of Minnesota for their donations to help us pay for hay and feed and unexpected vet bills recently. Also Lori W. This is a big help and without you we would not make it right now. Also Evelyn C. sent a gift. Her husband recently passed away - they had donated a horse by the name of Inside Straight years ago.

As things happen on the farm, the children who come home to celebrate the holidays with us also get involved. I will post some pictures of our 4th of July around the campfire here at our farm. Thank God for our wonderful children.

Jordan helped me two nights ago and I was able to get on Timesareachanging!!! He was a real trooper as I rode him around the yard bareback. He hardly flinched. We will be riding a lot more soon!

Again, if you are able to give, please consider it. Right now the harness racing industry is not supporting us financially in any way - we are praying for their quarterly contribution to come soon.

Vet Report

2009-07-05T11:40:00.002-05:00

The vet left at about 7:30 last night. Chevie required extensive treatment. Some of the skin that had been torn off and was hanging had no blood supply left so had to be cut off.

Chevie received a good dose of tranquilizer and for awhile I had to have my big son, Jordan, hold Chevie because of my fear that he was going to fall on me. The vet was not a happy camper about having to come all the way down here after 5 pm, but he did a very thorough job of stitching together all of the muscle tissue - I can't say how many stitches but it was about two hours worth of vet work. Now Chevie has to be on complete stall rest and 35cc of penicillin twice daily, and 3-4 grams bute twice daily until he feels a bit better. What a horrible experience, but we are ever so thankful that Chevie had no fractures! He will heal with time, and there will probably be a scar..........?

Again, I ask for your support!
Susan

4th of July Crisis - Chevie Silverado

2009-07-04T17:54:00.002-05:00

As I write this, we have Chevie Silverado in a stall and are waiting for the veterinarian to arrive.
Tragically, Chevie received a severe injury to a front leg and we know he will require many stitches. The skin is hanging down and the injury is deep - we can see the bone in one spot.

We have steel gate panel fences, and do not know how he would find a spot to hurt himself. We believe he was spooked by some fireworks and ran, and a horizonal piece of the steel panel popped off the weld and poked him with great force.

I know this is going to be quite a bill - with the holiday and being after hours. I can assure you that Chevie Silverado will be alright and the vet is on his way........but the financial strain is too much for ASAP to bear. If any of you who know Chevie or remember him racing feel compelled to give - even $5 or $10, every cent will go towards his vet bill. Please help us help Chevie!

Susan

IMPORTANT MEMO ON SHELTER CHALLENGE

2009-07-03T12:21:00.002-05:00

APPARENTLY WHEN PEOPLE ARE TYPING IN THE WHOLE NAME OF ASAP INC, THEN THE STATE, THEY ARE GETTING A NOTICE OF
"NO RESULTS FOUND".
IT IS IMPORTANT TO JUST REMEMBER TO TYPE IN AMERICAN, OR AMERICAN STANDARDBRED, THE STATE WI, THEN SEARCH.
YOU WILL GET 4 RESULTS FOR SEARCHING JUST AMERICAN, AND ONE RESULT FOR TYPING IN AMERICAN STANDARDBRED.
REMEMBER TO VOTE EACH AND EVERY DAY PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE - WE ARE GETTING DOWN TO THE WIRE!!!
THANK YOU AND HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!
SUSAN

Updates

2009-06-29T23:07:00.003-05:00

I took last week off from Tuesday through Friday. Our family planned to haul six horses for a friend down to the Arkansas/Missouri border. We were all excited to go, but at the last minute the trip was canceled. We were sorely disappointed, but decided to take the opportunity to soak up the hot sun at home by taking our fishing boat out to a sand bar and riding at the Kickapoo Reserve. We did it! We did have to fight the clouds and occasional rains, but the full day we had at the Reserve was outstanding, smores and campfires and all. I have been reflecting on the pride I feel in my horse, Cricket, who was born here in 2001, the foal of Asha, a former polo horse from Illinois. You know that feeling when you have a great ride on a horse that you have basically done everything yourself with? We did send Cricket away for two weeks for a great introduction to trails and discipline with Ray two years ago. That was it! Otherwise it's been up to us to get her going. What have I been lacking the last two years that has made me timid around Cricket? I have lacked the time and devotion to her, and that is all - plain and simple. Why take the "green" horse that is half Arab when you have a well-trained Standardbred to ride? It has been totally unfair to Cricket to accuse her of being unruly, or "spirited". She gave me one of the best rides at the Reserve that I have ever had on a horse. I want to give her a lot of credit. I did go to a snaffle with a one inch shank rather than a D ring, and, admittedly, that has given me a lot more control over her when she gets a bit pushy and wants to pull through the bit. I guess I have made excuses and excuses for why I am not riding her a lot these past three years, but this year will be different! As we both gain confidence with each other and build relationship, we will grow and experience many great years together, God willing. Now to polish up Cole, and get Times and Taser going!!

The 35 letters I sent to key people in the racing industry last week have produced no phone calls, no emails, and, worse yet, no assistance. They say the economy is getting better, but it appears that things are much worse here. Unless we can generate adoption fees and adopt horses out, we need to rely on sponsorships and donations entirely to keep the bills paid. We are at a dangerous point here, and would appreciate any suggestions on how to generate donations. I really think the tracks in Chicago should dedicate a race for ASAP, like the Meadowlands does for SRF.
I also think someone could organize a golf outing - just need to find the key people.
We have also considered fundraising in the form of selling candy, candles, etc., but realize there are not enough people to do this effectively. All avenues are being pursued. Even grants that are being written and submitted by professional grant writers for emergency hay funds are being turned down, and this is happening to many rescue groups. We grow weary, but won't give up.

On a personal note, mom is coming back on Wednesday.............and Rachel was diagnosed on Saturday with Mononucleosis!! So when you talk about God's divine intervention in our lives, you have to know why the trip fell through to Branson. Rachel came up with symptoms on Friday, and they were so sudden and so dramatic that I knew I must take her in to see the doctor. After a strep culture and blood was drawn, we waited to hear the results. They came Saturday, and Rachel's nosedive to feeling extremely ill happened then as well. Can you imagine us being in the south somewhere and having this happen? We want to give all praise to God and we are thanking Him that we were able to be at home with a great doctor when she became sick. We had planned a trip to Minneapolis over the weekend, so did go and Rachel and Zach and cousin Jacob were able to visit the Build A Bear Company and Rachel was just so grateful for the little stuffed animal that she is able to cuddle now as she faces a long road to recovery. Out of four children, this is the first one to get mono, so it is very scary. She is only ten!!

We do plan to try a ACTHA ride on July 18 if Rachel is well enough. I invited a couple of friends - if you can make it to Wykoff for this ride let me know! It would be so much fun to show the world how great Standardbreds are on the trail!! Go to
www.actha.com for more details - I am going to sign up for pleasure class this go-round!

My old horse Cash Wilco aka Randy was acting a bit "off" tonite. I have noticed over the years as a horse ages they begin to be away from the herd more and more. Randy was standing in the shed at dusk as I was pushing a wheelbarrow full of hay down to the lower arena. We bonded for awhile, and I thought he may notice he was th lone ranger and run out to the herd of eight in the upper field. Instead he stood, looking so lonely, in the lower shed. He came out to nibble some of the hay I was about to feed the others...........I'm going to keep an eye on him. He is 28 this year. I threw my arms around his neck and remembered the 19 great years we have had together and cried into his mane. I don't want to lose him........I guess if we live long enough loss is a given - still so very hard to believe that I may have to let him go someday. He seems tired, but still rubs his head against me and somewhere, a little part of him communicates to me, "I do love you, Susan". He is so stoic and if he sees me coming with a halter and lead rope he is as far away from me as he can be. Still, when he looks at me, I know. I feel it in my heart.

So go out and ride your horse - be brave! I will be riding Cricket! And Cole! And Times! And Taser?????

Hugs,
Susan

Begging again

2009-06-16T16:04:00.002-05:00

Hello everyone,
It's time for me to pass the hat, yet again, as I get a continual update on financial stresses from Craig.
We have had one adoption in the past couple of weeks, and we got a whopping $100 adoption fee for him. No donations have come in the past week or more, yet the hay and feed are still being consumed every day.
I had thought of writing a letter to the former owners of many of the horses in our care asking for funding, but it's the same story, different day for many of them. Bob Cook, Arne, Strawbery, Steelin Apples, Stylish Sharon, Little Jeffrey John, Chevie Silverado, Miss Molly P. Taser Gun, Timesareachanging, Brandy, Chief, are just a few of the names at or near the ASAP farm that are consumers at this time. Let alone the foster farms - one foster farm alone is providing for the needs of Compass, Sugar, Thunder, Comet, and Fox Valley Terror!

Still other foster farms are providing for the needs of Z Tempest, Zeus, May, Mayson with out asking for support.
There are more, but it would take up so much room.
If you knew any of these horses in the past and they touched your heart in any way, won't you consider making a gift?
ASAP is in need of $3,000 at this point to get up to date on payments on the property, feed, and hay. We are in need of immunizations for Z Tempest and others, and wormers. Any way you can help would be greatly appreciated.

If you usually make a bi-annual gift, now would be the time to send your support. If you make a quarterly contribution, also consider that now.

Another question I have is how many of you would be interested in participating in an American Competitive Trail Horse Competition as a fund raiser for ASAP? We would consider doing this at Wildcat or Yellow River, but would need volunteers to help us set up obstacle courses and be judges. It pays cash if you are professional level, and ribbons and trophies for the pleasure classes. Go to their site for further information. If I get enough interest, we'll try to set one up for August or September!

Thanks so much for listening - I know the same song gets old after awhile - we are really hoping to get over our slump soon as things improve.

Hugs,
Susan

Happenings

2009-06-13T12:48:00.004-05:00

I want to send out my condolences also to the family of Mike Hoch of Minnesota. Mike came into my life in 2004 when he was searching for good, solid family horses. He had been battling cancer at that time, but he rebounded and was doing well. He adopted several horses from us over the years, his last being Never Smoother. In January he felt the urgency to find Never Smoother a new home. A home was found with a 17 year old young lady who could not be happier! Meanwhile, Mike was not feeling the best and, in January, mentioned to me that his cancer was back. By February or earlier he also had a hospice worker at his house. Now Mike was a young man. I felt like cheering him on and inspiring him throughout his cancer - wanted him to believe in the miracle of healing for his life. He kept in touch by email, joking around in his usual way. Then, I wasn't hearing from him. Heather, who adopted Never Smoother, was excited to update Mike on their relationship which was going so well. But Mike didn't respond to our email. Today I received an email from his nephew, sharing the news that Mike had passed on April 13. I am so very sorry. As usual, I HATE the cancer that takes so many, young and not so young, and leaves families behind to grieve. Mike's nephew believes that Mike is riding on heaven's grounds now. I want to believe that too! We have hope in eternity.

I'll try to send some updated photos of Miss Molly P, Chevie Silverado, and you'll see Timesareachanging and Taser Gun in a pose that shocked even me. Taser, who came to us in 2007, could literally NOT be in a herd with geldings in it. He had been, up until Times came to the farm, only with a mare or two in turnout. Well, Timesareachanging and Taser have become the bet of friends - you'll see them in a relaxed state, rubbing each other's necks, head to butt. They are so funny to watch together! Taser is learning to relax more, and Times seems to be teaching him how.

Meanwhile, my kids are keeping us busy with baseball and softball (ugh). Cherie, my oldest, comes home more often to just "hang out" - Jordan is currently in Ocala, Florida. Tonite he has been invited to a special event by his wrestling school where he is planning on meeting Vince and Stephanie Mc Mahon face to face! My son?
A professional wrestler? I didn't raise him that way!!! But, we are letting him chase his dreams, and all of us are entitled to chase them, aren't we? Jordan's girlfriend Sophie is coming from Germany to Chicago in early July. He will meet her there and spend a few weeks with her. They plan to travel together for three months next summer, unless he graduates from school, is hired by WWE, and goes on the road as "JDV STONE"?????? I am rubbing my head right now!

So here's some pictures to enjoy. Miss Molly P is coming along nicely and is learning to trust more and more. Chevie is still waiting for that forever home.

Susan

Condolences

2009-06-08T22:21:00.002-05:00

My very special friend, mentor, mother-figure passed from this life yesterday around
noon. I got the call while Rachel and I were eating in La Crosse. I had planned on going over to see her right after we ate, but it was an hour too late. Maybe for the best, as family said she was not very responsive. For many, it may be a blessing not to see her suffer any longer in that nursing home bed, unable to walk.
She will no longer have to deal with the ruthless, unforgiving cancer and the aggressive chemo. Still, there was bittersweet comfort in knowing she was still with us. Now there is a very sick, empty feeling in my soul but it sparks a desire to sit and write every single thought and memory I have of her so it will never be lost and can only be shared. While I am sitting here prepared to do that, a three week old kitten is "mewing" loudly on my bed and my daughter is asking where things are in the bathroom so she can straighten her hair. Summer vacation has begun, new lives are being born, and life goes on. It somehow seems unfair, and it reminds me that in the circle of life there is a progression from birth to death - sometimes it is fair and sometimes it is untimely. It tests our faith, and brings us to the realization that we are part of it. Time is of essence. Today matters. There may only be today. Live life to the fullest. I have to chuckle when I think of one of the first things I noticed about D.'s house when I first met her back in the 80's was a banner on her living room wall. It read, "May you be in heaven thirty minutes before the devil knows you're dead". First impressions! She was quite the lady.
With D., I had my first taste of moonshine (she kept it in her hallway coat closet for 'special' occasions), mastered my first water skiing lesson on Kentucky Lake, had my first very fancy dinner of many at Jumer's Castle in Illinois, and watched Dr. Zhivago for the first time while talking about "covey of quail" (don't ask - it's embarassing!)..........LOL I'll write more as the memories come, but for D. nothing was impossible or unattainable. Circumstances could make her angry, but she always, always, always forgave, and expected others to do the same with her. She could NOT hold a grudge, always worked hard, but played just as hard. She is alive through her family and through me as long as we are blessed with life. I am most grieved to have lost one of the best friends anyone could ever ask for, and my heart is with her family. Born in October, 1933 - Died on June 7, 2009. Blessed be her memory.

Prayers

2009-06-04T08:58:00.003-05:00

One of the most influential people of my entire life is passing away. Please be in prayer for her. I won't mention her name, but I have known her for 25 years. She came into my life as I was a struggling senior in college, and was a mentor to me and a great role model. She gave me things my parents would never dream of providing - she saw me struggling, working 30 hours a week as a nursing assistant and trying to finish my last year of college. She was there for me when the tears came over me and I felt as though I couldn't do it. She provided for me in so many ways - financially and emotionally, and showed me things about the world I had never seen before. We traveled together, we dreamed together, we ate out at fancy restaurants and laughed about good books and our encounters with funny people. While I saw the world as a hopeless place at times without the support of my immediate family, she saw the world as full of opportunity and promise, and was very open in sharing that with me and encouraging me not to give up. We truly lived, laughed, and loved to the fullest extent humanly possible.

I will forever hold her in highest esteem. In these later years she has really struggled with her health. The last time I saw her walking was at my dad's visitation after his death nine or more years ago. She was there for me, even then, to support me in my time of sorrow. Shortly after that time, she was struck by one catastrophic illness after another, leaving her bedridden. Still, the times I visited her, she was full of quips and stories, jokes and some optimism even in her circumstance. I have been worried about her salvation in some ways, yet a person like her has produced so much good fruit in her life despite our spiritual differences! I have had pastors meet with her, and I know that in the end, it is between her and the Lord. Please pray for her these last days. Honestly, I think I'll write a book in her honor.

This has been a melancholy past week. I think my faith is so strong and God is just so "there" when the miracles come. He has
given us so many miracles in our lives that we get used to leaning on Him and expecting things to go our way. When they don't, it is a time of reflection. I always think my actions produce a reaction. I lost my cat, Tommy, last week unexpectedly, and am still trying to rationalize his death in my mind. He was born in a neighbor's boat six years ago. The neighbor allowed the kittens to stay in the boat until they were fairly mobile, then knew he could not keep them there because his dog kills cats. Naturally, I took in Tommy and his brother Lightning. Tommy was always an independent cat, long haired and black and white - absolutely GORGEOUS. Last year he was attacked by dogs and was bitten in the back. I took him in and kept him in the basement to recover. After two weeks he began to act like something was neurologically very wrong. We rushed him in to the vet and he had contracted spinal meningitis. After believing he would not make it, some people went in (staff) and prayed over him. We prayed. He pulled through! So, $425.00 later, we brought him home. Long story short, a series of him being inside, outside, inside, outside, then away for longer and longer periods of time had me worried. Two Saturdays ago Rachel spotted him outdoors and it was a tearful reunion of "Tommy we are so happy to see you and we'll never let you outside again!". The next day he was found under the couch in the living room and something was neurologically wrong again. Sunday night, trip to the vet office. Antibiotics and anti-inflammatories were administered. Order to return Tuesday morning for further evaluation and treatment. Monday he was behind my washing machine most of the day, always calling to me - always reaching out. I fed him. I watched him. No seizures. Just not well. Tuesday morning, up and out the door - and I checked in at work before delivering Tommy to the vet office. When I pulled him out of the cat carrier he began to seize - I mean a seizure unlike anything I had seen. I was immediately terrified and stared at the vet with that desperate look on my face. The vet was concerned for me, as I was close to hysteria. He went right to work on Tommy. I cried and prayed all the way back to work, feeling as though something very terrible was going to happen. Within 45 minutes of getting to work I got the dreaded call - the vets had lost him on the exam room table. His bloodwork was normal - his heart was strong - what could have happened?
I have been over it and over it in my mind - crying out for answers and kicking myself for not noticing something more and being more proactive, insisting he stay at the vets office that day, getting him treated Sunday night more intensely. Still, I can't bring him back. God has prevented that miracle. Maybe it was something I did (is this Old Testament thinking?)........I'll have to wait to ask Him. My son, Jordan, 19, had some insight and told me to quit beating myself up. He said we have to allow things to go and not try to figure it out. He said not to be sad for Tommy. It's really hard.

Speaking of Jordan, he arrived in Florida safely yesterday. I was so worried about him as he drove down by himself - my little boy who is now a big grown up striking out on his own to find himself. It was only yesterday that I was scolding him for putting his whole fist in the glass of milk and spilling it all over. It was only yesterday he was dancing with his diaper on in front of the boombox. Now he wants to go into entertainment and is going to a 12 week school in Ocala - ironic, since my father's first job at around the same age was at a radio station in Ocala Florida! Life is really weird.

Cherie finished up another year of school and is training for a marathon. So proud of her too. She has always excelled at everything she pursues. She is a great girl and so much more mature than I was at that age. A great mom to Julien, too. A model Christian. Just yesterday I was at her ballet recital as a 4 year old in her yellow outfit. Life is so fast.

Rachel and Zachary are finishing up their 4th grade and 6th grade year. Both are active in baseball/softball this summer. Rachel continues to be my little riding companion, and Zach is a master fisherman. He is going to be an enterpreneur - always thinking of ways to turn a buck. I thank God I am having a chance to watch them grow up. Seems like life is all about dodging bullets and we never know who they are going to strike next.

Mom is with my sister this month and I am back at work close to full time. She is doing really well despite her peaks and valleys with Parkinsons. Craig is firing away at signs and keeping busy.

The horses are all doing well and we are surviving the minor dilemmas that come up as families change, move, or deal with their own personal circumstances. We are hoping to rehome Wawatassi this next week to his original savior who rescued him from the Amish and placed him with ASAP. She is anxious to get him back in Iowa where he will never be in another home but only remain with her where she felt he belonged from the beginning!

Thanks to all foster families and volunteers for stepping up during minor crises - thanks to Crisse R. whose band member from the Gleasons donated $100 yesterday - it will go to pay feed bills! Crisse is the adopter of Royal Swan Song and RT Rocky.
Thanks to those who continue to give wherever they can to help us catch up financially. Thanks to Shannon and Andrea to responding to a crisis call involving a foal that is 3 1/2 weeks old who was born with turned under ankles and requires surgery. Shannon and Andrea moved mom and baby yesterday and all are doing well.

I'll write more soon.
Susan

Foster Care

2009-05-28T09:08:00.002-05:00

Anyone who is interested in doing foster care for ASAP should contact Susan at 608-792-5126 soon. There are several horses in need of placement, including a yearling Quarter horse filly, Standardbreds, and other breeds.
As situations develop within adoptive families, we strive to assist in rehoming horses quickly. At times we run short of the amount of homes we need to accommodate the immediate needs. If you were ever thinking of doing foster care, or are considering adoption, we would love to hear from you at asapinc@mwt.net

Susan

So Many To Thank

2009-05-24T13:48:00.007-05:00

I want to thank Wendy Dunn for her gracious donation of a gorgeous, high quality breast collar, show bridle, and a variety of other bridles and tack that was received this week. Lori Hahn, thanks so much for the much-needed wormer! Ray and Alice, thank you very much for the $200 donation. We are chunking away at paying hay bills from last winter so we can afford to buy more.

Thank you to Ursula C., who has once again donated her many acres of pasture to our long-term sanctuary horses. Strawberry, Steelin Apples, Bob Cook, Arne, Stylish Sharon, and Little Jeffrey John are all enjoying the lush green grass. We have been checking on them and they seem perfectly content. Arne and Strawberry always come when I call, and hope for that sweet feed, but we have backed off on that with the protein content of the pasture being so rich!

Thanks to Lynette Laska for all of her hard work last weekend at the rummage sale.
She devoted her whole day sitting at the end of the driveway and donated tack to sell and gave ASAP the profits. What a great friend to have! She adopted Ella from ASAP years ago and is still very happy with her.

Last Saturday we had six riders at the farm - I'll show some pictures. I still need to teach some of the riders how to put away tack, saddles, and other equipment properly after a ride!! Brandy made a ride of about 1.5 miles with no problems - a long way from when she came to us with the sidebone issues. We think she might be 26 this year and still going strong.

Bad Boy Adam made his trek across two states to his new home in Nemo, South Dakota!
They have been pleasure driving him and he seems to really enjoy this. They are impressed with his manners around traffic. They are presently getting used to his gaits under saddle!

Misty and Cryptic Star will travel together, with Misty being adopted by Sara of Kentucky (who already has adopted Picante Star years ago), and Cryptic Star going on to West Virginia (where she will never see another winter, and I am jealous).
Wawatassi is, I believe, the Phoenix who was advertised on the internet. He is going to a woman who has already adopted before. Mc Lock is going to his new home with the young lady who previously adopted Lucky, and her boyfriend. So lots of changes, but good ones!

Timesareachanging and Taser Gun are now sharing the same pasture! Brandy, Taser, Times, and Remmie got turned out in their own lush pasture and are getting along pretty well (I'll enclose pictures). Taser is still in love with Brandy and won't let Times near her. Times isn't a bit afraid of Taser and lets him know it. Times and Remmie go down to the creek along with the llama where the tall grass is, but Taser becomes a blooming nervous wreck if he goes down there and would rather eat dry hay than go down the path leading to the pasture. I guess Taser is still trying to figure things out as far as being a country horse. It's gonna take some time.

We rode Duck Egg last Monday and I was able to run and run and run until I got my cantering fix completely satiated. We plan to go to Yellow River tomorrow if Grandma can take it. Graduation parties today. Life is good.

We are still working on resolution to the Sadie drama. Keep posted.

Hugs!
Susan

Sadie and Holly

2009-05-17T13:24:00.002-05:00

What a beautiful weekend despite high winds - we saw the sun for two days in a row here in Wisconsin - yay!
We had a rummage sale, hoping to raise money to pay HORSE the money they are demanding for Sadie and Holly. Thanks to Lynette L of La Crescent, who gave up her precious weekend day to sit at the table and even donated horse items with proceeds to benefit ASAP. Needless to say, the main rummage sale in the neighborhood really dwarfed anything we would try to do, and most customers turned around in our neighbors' yard before making it down to our sale. Still, Lynette assisted in raising $101 for ASAP! Not enough to pay HORSE their mandated fee to get our horses back, but every penny does help.

I am at a point of our hands being tied in regards to Sadie. We have not been able to recruit anyone to adopt Sadie at the astronomical price they are asking for her. They refuse to release her and have even threatened "taking over ownership" of Sadie and Holly is payment was not made in full by May 15. Sadie bucks, and she has hoof issues that we have just been made aware of, and ASAP has no cash lying around and our personal bank accounts cannot purchase Sadie (and I feel shouldn't have to). The sheriff's department assures me that the horses cannot be sold and they are assisting ASAP and watching what unfolds in regards to HORSE and these two horses.
I am a firm believer that all rescues should work together rather than divide one another. I am still a little shocked by the whole situation. We do not want and cannot afford our precious time to go to court in case these horses are sold outright through HORSE as they have promised us would happen. The sheriff is standing by to assist ASAP but it will ultimately become a civil matter at some point. Do you know anyone wanting a Clydesdale/QH cross mare and an aged STB mare that would step up to pay the ransom to free them? Even if, at some point, ASAP could repay them once they have been adopted formally? It makes me grieve to have to ask these questions. Your advice is truly appreciated.

I am personally infatuated with Timesareachanging, who has settled in quite nicely and has been acclimated to a solitary turnout area with grass. He has made friends over the fence with Brandy, Fargo, and maybe Cole...............incidentally, I may be offering Cole up for adoption. For any of you who have seen him, he is one of the most beautiful Standardbreds who has ever walked the face of the earth. He has a lot of energy and has ridden the hills in South Dakota and never done anything wrong with me as his rider. Still, it is unfair for me to expect I am going to be able to ride Cricket and Taser Gun this summer if I also have to be sure Cole is getting all the riding time he needs. Maybe a silent auction with all proceeds going to the release of Sadie and Holly? Just ideas we are throwing around.

I'll write more as soon as I know more! Thanks to Barb and Scott Edwards for their donation of ten worming pastes this week! Thanks to Lori H. for her donation of vaccines!

Susan

Advocare...........

2009-05-15T18:45:00.002-05:00

It's time for me to put a plug in for my little business that helps people, and has helped me so much in maintaining a healthy weight and staying healthy. I am still wearing the same size clothes as I did in high school (always been a size 7-9 Junior), and I am happy to share that I did NOT have a flu shot this past year and did not contract any flu or major cold or illness since starting Advocare nutritional supplements over a year ago.

There are supplements that are studied by highly trained medical doctors to help promote weight loss, maintain energy, and stay healthy on the web site at
www.advocare.com/09024340

If you decide to take a chance to be the best you can be, browse the site! If you decide to order, simply remember me at 09024340 - that is my distributor number.
It will help me be on my way to paying off old bills that have been hanging around for years (interest rates stink on credit cards) and letting me share the excitement of this product with you. Let me know if you order, and if you are not totally satisfied with the products you try you get your money back!

Okay, here's some ASAP news..........

Bad Boy Adam went to Mitchell South Dakota.............Craig hauled him to that point and Lana, his new adopter, put him in her trailer to take to NEMO! Isn't that wild? So we will get to see Adam this summer when we go out for vacation. Timesareachanging is here and Mc Lock is also returning to us and he is now trained to ride.

There is so much more to share but my mother is sitting in the recliner waiting for me and Julien and Zach and Rachel and Owen are all jumping on the trampoline. Horses are waiting for their grain and flowers wait to finish being planted..........
I will send more pictures and updates this weekend! Go to Advocare and at least give me an opinion?

Thanks!
Susan

Horse is OK!!!

2009-05-12T09:26:00.002-05:00

Many people are asking, so thought I'd tell you the progress we have made with the horse in Dousman.
Thanks to so many of you, the horse will be transferred to an approved ASAP adopter who already has Sally Rengo from our program!
She went and saw this gelding and fell in love with him. The funds will be given to the person who "purchased" this ASAP horse from another ASAP adopter, but the horse will be purchased to get him out of the situation where he is and back into the ASAP family. Thanks to Joann!!! And thanks also to so many of you out there who pursued this situation. We do not yet know the identity of this gelding since his name was changed when he was sold..........but I'll be sure to let you know, and the adopter will be getting a bit of a contact from the ASAP office as well! Just an FYI - if anyone knowingly purchases a horse from an ASAP adopter, knowing that this horse is an ASAP horse, they are also setting themselves up to be liable and accountable for legal ramifications. Of course, ASAP does not intend to prosecute this case, but would have if the horse had been transferred to anyone except an ASAP adopter. The person "selling" this ASAP horse also would have been liable, since they knew the horse was ASAP property before they "purchased" him. It is amazing how someone can adopt a horse for anywhere from $0 - $500, then turn around and attempt to make some sort of profit if they believe no one is watching...........

Someone may say that they don't have time to wait for another placement to be found..........but I know for a fact that the people who adopted this horse had to wait for someone to purchase him when they listed him for sale............thank God this does not happen often and that most people have respect for the life of their animal and for the bi-laws of ASAP.

Timesareachanging will arrive Thursday and we are thrilled to have him!
Six horses got moved to summer pasture yesterday. They include: Strawberry, Steelin Apples, Little Jeffrey John, Bob Cook, Arne, and Stylish Sharon. They are in heaven!
Taser Gun and Brandy got turned out in pasture at the ASAP farm yesterday. Taser still can't believe it.
So things are looking pretty great - enjoy the sunshine!

Susan

HORSETOPIA AD - PLEASE HELP!

2009-05-08T07:32:00.002-05:00

I was alerted by a few people of an ad on Horsetopia posted May 3.
It is ad #383070
Everyone, this is AN ASAP HORSE!
Supposedly this woman acquired the horse from someone else who had him from ASAP.
I want to encourage each and every one of you to support ASAP and this horse by sending Cindy (that is the woman's name) an email stating that ASAP horses can only be transferred back to ASAP in the event they cannot be maintained in their present situation. If this woman acquired this horse knowing he was ASAP property she IS obligated to transfer this horse only to ASAP or an approved ASAP adopter. She is trying to sell him! Please help us! Let me know with a shout-out if you were able to post an email to her - we have not heard from her but know she is boarding the horse near Dousman, Wisconsin. The gelding, who is 13, is currently at a boarding facility. I am trying to get the name and contact information for the stable.

On a lighter note, thanks to Joe and Pam S. of LeRoy MN for a donation of six worming pastes to ASAP! Thanks to Ursula C. for once again offering up her farm to provide summer pasture and board for six ASAP horses this year! I believe that Bob Cook, Arne, Stylish Sharon, Steelin Apples, Miss Molly P. and ?? will go (that is, if we can even catch Miss Molly P - sigh). Thank you to Mary D. of Cedar Rapids for her recent $200 donation! And to Kim O. of La Crosse for finding a gentleman who is willing to donate his three acres of hay to ASAP this year! You all make up ASAP!

Still need to post more pictures of horse fair that people have sent!

Worming Pastes!

2009-04-29T09:19:00.003-05:00

Hi everyone,
The vet was out yesterday to float teeth on two horses.
I began doing the spring shots (with Craig's help) and worming and realized that we only have three doses of Ivermectin paste and NO pyrantel or anthelcide wormers.
If you have even one lying around that you would like to donate, that would be wonderful. We usually have an ample supply that is donated each year, but we must have run out.
The vet was pleased with how Remmie looked and, as always, made comments on how nice the Standardbreds are to work with.
It is hoped that someone will come along to love Miss Molly P and Chevie Silverado soon. I will be busy with the shedding blade on many of our older, more shaggy horses that are now losing their winter coats.
Our address for wormers is:
S 6039 Pedretti Lane
De Soto, WI 54624
I am sure some of the foster farms would appreciate some wormer as well! Thank you for your continued support.
Susan

MWHF

2009-04-26T14:23:00.006-05:00

Well after a week I am able to sit down and share pictures with you from the Midwest Horse Fair. What a bummer to come home to the usual routine after three full days of nothing but horses and horse lovers in Madison! I can say that our demo on Friday was good, but our demo on Sunday was even oh so much better! The horses all looked so GREAT, thanks to the hard work of Lisa De Garmo and Lexi and Sandee Wellman. The booth and display were patriotic, crisp, clean, new and beautiful. Horses were all decked out in matching polo wraps and saddle pad covers and red white and blue bling on manes and tails. Everyone did a fabulous job and we all were just one happy ASAP family. Thanks to you all for your participation. We hope to have all the same participants next year. In all, there were 11 ASAP horses from all over the state involved in the demo. It takes a lot of sacrifice on everyone's part to take off work and pay for motels and demo materials. You all are awesome.
The list of horses who demonstrated were:
Janimal
Remmie
Squire One
Springtime Beauty
Pistol Pete N
Sunny Forecast
Forrit Biskit
Victory Buck
Silent Pursuit
Tyler's Tanya
Johanna's Flying Star (participant in driving clinic)

Yesterday was a really sucky day. I had the couple whose family picked up Windswept Glory on the highway after he was struck from behind in December in my yard to ream me out. I was on the phone, trying to get our place in South Dakota rented or sold, and Craig saw these people pounding down the door. Apparently they came to explain that they were personally not the couple responsible for hauling Glory to Genoa, but their family member was. Craig was not at all happy about having to handle the situation. I apologize for communicating with them about the fact that ASAP now had the horse and he was rehabbed thanks to Andrea and Shannon and the farrier Dave and was placed in his new home.

After that I was really down, but then a wonderful woman who was an adopter about 11 years ago stopped by. She had gifts for ASAP!!! She had previously lost her husband and had to bring the horses back to be re-placed. She also donated JD and Chance the QH (JD is now deceased but Chance is doing well in his home of several years). She had a tack store and had made the decision to close and buy a great place in Missouri and is relocating. Wow, the boxes she brought! Bridles, bits, grooming supplies, hoof polish, leather cleaner, jewelry, watches, breast collars - the list goes on and on! We could have a great rummage sale! Thank you so much, Elaine Doyle, for your generous donations. It brings tears to my eyes that people think of the horses at ASAP.

Then Crisse and her friend stopped by. Another great event! She had heard we were out of hay, and were in financial distress. Crisse had asked some loyal friends and animal lovers for a donation for ASAP to buy some hay. She came to deliver the donations personally and to see the horse she will adopt soon - RT Rocky. Better yet, her friend is considering adoption also! Thank you Crisse.

We still have at least four adoption fees out, which is holding us back from paying hay bills. $1,400 is a lot of money!
Try as we might, people who owe are either not getting back with us. This creates such a hardship for horses here who are waiting for homes, or those who will never get homes due ot age or soundness. When I stopped to think of it, if we have 25 horses at the farm, and nine are our own, we can calculate 16 horses that need supporting. If we even state a minimum cost of $100 a month to feed them and care for them at a bare minimum, that is $1,600 a month that it costs us to do so. We are not anywhere near taking in that amount of money in donations, sponsorships, or adoption fees. How do we survive? Right now that is in question. After Timesareachanging comes, we need to close our doors to any more horses until adoptions increase and/or we can write some grants. We need to network to get more available foster homes for horses that must be returned due to emergency situations. We need to recruit more donations of hay. Thanks to Lori H. in Iowa, we received 30 doses of vaccines for horses here. Thank you Lori!!!! We have to hope for no illnesses and no emergency vet calls. I know we can make it, but right now is the worst, tightest situation we have been in for 16 years. I recently had a conversation with another rescue who is at 30 horses and cannot take any more in, and they are struggling. What is happening? The market is simply saturated with horses who need homes. Sigh.

Let's have an update on Hiawatha Hannah, the mare that was relinquished back to ASAP after suffering severe infections and thrush. She is being helped by Dr. Jan Schilling, Shannon, and Andrea of Comfortex Mattresses. They are working night and day, giving her iv antibiotics into the legs and keeping her moving when possible.
Yesterday at 4 pm Dr. Schilling performed surgery, placing a placenta (forgive me if this is wrong) over the infection to help accelerate the healing process. Her left leg became so swollen on Wednesday that they were gravely concerned about her ability to survive. I think things are looking up again. This horse has a strong will to live and a strong heart. Please pray for her!

Today was an emotional farewell for a wonderful family who had to return Royals Swan Song to ASAP. They have had him for nine years, since he was three, and would never have returned him if it were not for his allergies which have become worse over the past two years. They are hoping that by placing him in a different geographical area, those life-threatening allergies will not return. So far, so good here. If all works out, he will go to Crisse's along with Rocky. I assured the family that I would put Crisse and them in touch with each other to maintain contact with Swannie. He certainly is one big fellow!

Today we were supposed to be at a 4-H horse show but I woke up to storms and just didn't feel like getting rained on. Now it is starting to lighten up. It is a quiet day at ASAP.

Thank you for reading up on everything and I'll try to continue to keep you informed about all that happens. You are all blessings in the horses' lives!

Susan

Timesareachanging - Literally!

2009-04-13T10:12:00.002-05:00

Hello and happy spring.
Hope all of you had a blessed Easter - it was great for our family to be together and what wonderful weather we had, too!

Once again, I am full of appeals.
We have a horse in Ohio who was relinquished to a local rescue because they could not afford to keep him. He needs a ride to the ASAP farm. In addition, we are very excited to say that Timesareachanging, who made almost 2 MILLION DOLLARS and is only 8 years old, is being placed into the ASAP program!

He is currently boarded in Vernon New York and time is a factor here - we greatly need a ride for him from New York to either Illinois or Wisconsin. Right now we have a price quote on shipping for both the Standardbred in Ohio and Timesareachanging of $475.00 total. ASAP is suffering financially and has NO FUNDS to pay shipping. We are looking for a good Samaritan to help Timesareachanging get to ASAP - every dollar donated pays for 2 miles of hauling! He needs to come about 1000 miles, so any ideas on how to recruit donations for this racing champion would be greatly appreciated. Of course, if you are an approved adopter and would be interested in paying the hauling fee in exchange for adoption of him, we would be thrilled.

Let me know any and all ideas, and thank you for your support!

Susan

Iowa Horse Fair Pics

2009-04-09T21:16:00.008-05:00

As promised, here are pics taken from Iowa Horse Fair weekend. We took Janimal and Remmie (the Amish horse). It was fun, but the blizzard was not!
Many many thanks to Mary Lou Lawless of Iowa Harness Horseman's Association for the privilege of doing a duel demo, and for picking up the tab for our room. They are so kind to pay for stall space and motel - we are very blessed people to have their support and kindness!

Updates

2009-04-06T16:27:00.002-05:00

We made it!
Just got back from Iowa Horse Fair in Des Moines. I will post pictures later from Zach's Photography (told him I'd give him credits again!), but most importantly wanted to let everyone know we arrived home safely.

Blizzard conditions hit yesterday morning and continued on during the day. We stopped by to see Jody Lyons and watched John Lyons at his 2:00 clinic. Jody said they had planned to leave Sunday, but were certain with interstates closed they were going to be staying until Monday. I actually got tears in my eyes, feeling sorry for the horses having to be in stalls for yet one more day and me not getting home to see the dogs. After a little grumping around I decided to check emails at home from the hotel computer and found one crisis pending and one crisis resolved.

You see, I say time and time again that ASAP is a family of people who work together, expect nothing in return, but are owed God's richest blessings. We have a mare placed into the ASAP program many years ago who had foundered on her adopters.
They didn't know why or how, since her diet and lifestyle were always the same. It could have been a high fever at some point that was undiagnosed. Still, they were not in a position to continue dealing with "whatever" it was that was wrong with her and asked for permission to euthenize her, as she had not been out of the barn in quite some time due to pain. Now, you know that little voice the creeps up inside you sometimes and gives you a little "unrest" in your spirit about things not being just right? I gave it long hard thought and meditated on it. Realistically, we do not have the room at the ASAP farm right now for yet another fairly unadoptable horse until her condition improves. We do not have millions of dollars sitting around for diagnostics and treatment. We have many many many needs coming at us daily. I needed to reach out and ask for help and explain the situation. That is where Andrea T., once again, came to the rescue. She offered to take the mare and pay for her boarding at Shannon's place in Minnesota. ASAP paid the vet to go out and draw coggins and do an interstate health certificate. Shannon, bless her heart, went without expecting pay to pick up the mare and take her to her farm. The vet and farrier have both been out, and pictures are going to be posted here that are not pleasant to see. Still, I want to show you all what we are doing when we aren't readily available for an email or phone call right on the spot. We are not an organization with nothing to do - we are always responding to a need to the best of our ability. Without Andrea and people like Shannon, or Lori who just donated 30 doses of vaccine for horses at ASAP and some foster horses, we could not exist. Horses like the mare you are seeing pictures of would not have a second chance at life. AS it turns out, this mare is going to be okay. She does have problems, most of which are severe abscesses and horrific thrush. Have you ever seen infection come through a coronary band? It isn't pleasant to see................but the vet and farrier working together have greatly improved her quality of life even today. So in the last 72 hours this has all been taking place, while we were in Des Moines demonstrating and advocating for the breed and fighting blizzards. We are a huge network of compassionate people, including people like Trudy S., Marie K., Julie P., Cindi J., Bonnie F., all in Wisconsin, and Denise in Iowa, Wendy in Iowa, Tammy in Iowa, Lori in Iowa, and so many more I know I am leaving out. You see, I think that sometimes people reach a point in caring for an animal where they financially cannot afford to do it any more. For those with the means, adoption horses DO have a chance to be treated and helped above and beyond the measure an adopter can do at times. This horse has a hopeful prognosis, but it would not have been possible without the aggressive veterinary and farrier care provided by Shannon and Andrea. Hats off to you guys............and thanks also to the same people for helping Windswept Glory recover after being hit from behind by a car while pulling an Amish cart in December. Glory is now being ridden and has been adopted by the same family who adopted Spirit the Paint from ASAP. Thanks to Pam and Chris for their love for this horse as well.

I'll share more about Iowa Horse Fair later, but wanted to tell you we are hoping to diplomatically solve the horse issue with the Janesville area people shortly. We are in the communication stage, and we are trying to be adults and work through issues together. I hope to have this completely resolved by the time of Midwest Horse Fair and I know many of you have asked questions that I hope will be answered by that time and hoping that the ASAP horses in their care will continue to be cared for and loved in their present situation.

Praise for another day!
Susan

Sad on a Sunday

2009-03-29T22:53:00.002-05:00

Today my day started out wonderfully -I had completed a horse session with an enthusiastic sixth grade girl on Saturday - we had ridden Little John and Chief and played with the llamas and let them out on the short but fresh upcoming green grass.
Craig and I stole 1 1/2 hours together to drive around the countryside after tucking grandma into bed, kids tucked in, and another day just to be thankful for life.
I made breakfast, got two of my family members off to church (I stayed back with grandma who wasn't feeling well in the morning), and did morning chores.

This afternoon my dear friend Lisa and her daughter Lexi came over to play with Remmie and get ready for the upcoming Midwest Horse Fair. I told her I would be back after picking up some furniture and items at my mom's condo in La Crosse. Sun shining, Rachel, grandma and I headed into town. Then the dreaded phone call - not to me, but to Craig who, by this time, was visiting his grandpa Snyder in assisted living. Prince, the wonderful, beautiful llama that I had the privilege of loving and caring for the last several years, was found dead by Lisa when she brought Remmie into the indoor arena to practice.

Craig had to call me to tell me before I got home. I was stunned, shell-shocked. Just the night before (24 hours ago!) I was watching Prince and Sid eat peacefully in the paddock. Prince almost tackled Sid at 7 pm yesterday for the feed when I came in. No signs of anything wrong.

So..............I get really really quiet. We don't expect life to be perfect, and we are thankful for every day that goes by when God grants us peace and happiness and lack of illness or crisis. Today just threw me, and all I could do was keep coming back to Deuteronomy 29:29 . I'll let you look it up. I could say this happened because I wasn't good enough, because I sinned and God was mad (that is my old way of thinking)..........but I just think the secret things of the Lord that are unexplainable may remain that way until the day we see Him face to face.

Sid, Prince's llama life-long partner, is frantic tonite. He wants to find Prince. He comes to me with his vocalizations and hoping I will help him and make it all better. But all I can do is hug him and tell him how sorry I am. RT Rocky, a horse waiting for a home here at ASAP, truly loves Sid and was trying to console him tonite. Sid would have nothing to do with it, spitting at Rocky, who retaliated with a small innocent kick. Still, I fee helpless at this point in so many ways.

Thanks to Whitney and her family who trusted us to provide good care for their llamas on an ongoing basis (was it four years or three?). I hope they understand I did everything possible to help Prince during his brief illness that is, right now, undiagnosed and unexplainable. I thought he was completely mended yesterday, just watching him outside. He never lost his appetite. Always looked GREAT and his weight never dropped (I keep going over this again and again).

Say a prayer for me and for Sid and for my family. Craig went out and found a special burial spot for Prince tonite. He rests next to Haiaku and Precious.

Susan

Additions, corrections

2009-03-28T17:36:00.006-05:00

In order to provide feedback to the group near Janesville (actually in Footville) holding a horse away from being adopted by a qualified family , you can simply email them at rescuehorses7@aol.com
The county sheriff was here and took proof of ownership by ASAP and is going to try to diplomatically approach the group to get this resolved. The potential adopter has offered them $650 that they were earlier demanding, but now that is not sufficient for them. Confused? I am!
Thanks for your support!
I want to include pictures from the Illinois Horse Fair that my son took and did such a great job - I told him we could name them Photos by Zach!

Interesting Situation!!!!

2009-03-26T10:04:00.004-05:00

I need your help.
A relatively new rescue met me last year at Midwest Horse Fair. They spent the weekend familiarizing themselves with our program, and offered to help out in any way that they could. We understood that to mean working in partnership to help horses with housing and feed until they can be placed.

They offered to go to Iowa to pick up two horses that needed foster care. I had attempted to get them in foster care for some time, but the adopter was going to have a new baby and absolutely would not be able to care for all the horses she had there. Miraculously, Janesville Horse Rescue stepped up and offered to foster them and transport them.

Over a month ago the director asked me to please try to speed up the adoption of the two horses, reporting that one of them was now trained to ride by their daughter. I proceeded, along with office assistant, Cindi, to send interested persons their way. One person came out and fell in love with one of the horses. She had the paperwork in hand. One of the directors of the horse rescue attempted to "sell" Sadie to her at an astronomical price. The woman stated she was understanding the horse was an ASAP horse and could not be sold. The director stated he could do as he wished with the horse.

What we thought was a partnership of equine welfare organizations has turned into an "I own this horse and can ask as much as I want for it and you are not going to do anything about it."
I would encourage all of you to help ASAP by voicing your opinion. We are also going to be contacting the placing owner of the horses and diplomatically try to resolve this situation.

The documentation supports the fact that the rescue knew their role with ASAP. One of their best friends, also a horse rescue, adopted a horse from ASAP last year. She filled in the necessary adoption forms and was approved to adopt. With this knowledge, has the possession of a horse become a money game to horse rescues? This is most disheartening. As we endeavor to only find the best possible homes for horses, some of the horses in our care are, ultimately, gifted. If we were to put a price on our horses' heads, how unfair would that be? We rely on donations and sponsorships and some adoption fees to keep us in existence. Never before have we charged for a horse as a sale item. Furthermore, we offer free exchanges of horses to people who may not be satisfied with a horse they initially choose. Maybe this is why we have been around for 16 years now. Please research new organizations before getting involved!

I'll update you soon.
Susan

Oooooops and More.........

2009-03-23T20:18:00.004-05:00

I wanted to correct an earlier blog - Thunder is actually a Saddlebred! I am so sorry! I want to thank Sara Weitzel for her donation of $100 to help Thunder. He is currently still with his placing owner, who has done so much to help Thunder recover from his parasites and help him get back on his feet again before ASAP places him.

I can't believe it's been so many days since I last wrote. I went to Minneapolis for a training conference last Thursday and Friday, and came back home to enjoy the weekend weather. I played horse all weekend, and helped my mother move in and get settled. She is doing well - probably her head is spinning from observing our lives, but she can never be bored!

One of the llamas I am doing foster care for was caught in something two Saturdays ago. I went out to help him and untangled him from the round bale feeder. Somehow he still would not stand to his feet, and I had to call for Craig to help me get him up before the horses kicked him. He seemed unsteady on his feet, so we put Sid and Prince in the indoor arena. Well it is many days later and I finally figured out the meningeal worms can bring about neurological problems. I FREAKED OUT. I did deworm him immediately and today am already noticing an improvement - thank goodness!

My two older kids have been coming around more often, and it feels like old times when they were all under one roof. I get so sad when they leave, but at least they are finding their way here to spend time on a more regular basis.

Midwest Horse Fair is coming up, with Iowa Horse Fair on the heels of that. I am excited that Craig will be coming with us to Iowa this year!!!

Chevie Silverado found his way to the ASAP farm this past weekend. I cannot say enough "thank yous" to Marie Kemp, who volunteered her time and energy to bring Cryptic Star to Julie P.'s farm, bring Chevie to ASAP, pick up Fox Valley Terror, and bring him back to Julie P.'s! I also want to thank Julie for fostering both Terror and Star. Our program would not be the same without caring volunteers like Marie, Trudy, Julie, and those who contribute to ASAP financially to help care for the horses. Thanks to Ray and Alice for their donation (again!) - it certainly gives us the much - needed financial help for feed and vet care.

I'll write more soon - happy spring!!!

Susan

Thunder - Urgent Need

2009-03-12T20:46:00.002-05:00

I mentioned to you Tuesday that my heart had gone out to a woman who needed help with her 15 year old Quarter horse gelding. She actually planned to have him euthenized yesterday morning. Something spoke to my heart of hearts and asked her to see what the vet said about saving him. Well, the vet came out yesterday morning and found these things:
1. internal parasites - treated with ivermectin March 10
2. external parasites - easily treated
3. possible tooth needing attention
4. horse is so submissive he won't fight the herd for food
5. bloodwork reveals normal organ function so Thunder is going to be okay!!
I offered to help this woman if she would agree to give him a chance to live. The vet bill is $195. I plan to find a way to pay this to her for giving Thunder another chance at life. Now I need to find a place to move him, and he is near Stratford. For any of you reading, let me know if you can foster temporarily or give this sorrel gelding a good home!