Hats off to UPS for their contribution on behalf of Eight Belles.

Rob

Hiya, FsOB! Well, it's Wednesday and at least the rain has stopped here on the banks of the Thames. The Canadian geese are grazing on the riverbanks and the birds are chirping their morning song. May each of you have a productive & safe day. Alex, thanks for posting the news about UPS' tribute to Eight Belles. Peace, RMH

#### To Laurie H. & Jonna: Thank you for your posts last PM, greatly appreciated.
To Shirley in KY: May Amber-Lyn's memory bring peace and joy to your day.
To Liz in the UK: Still having trouble with outbound e-mail this AM. I'll try to resend my reply to you this evening.
Thinking of Erin, the Brennan Family, and all who care for them on their spiritual pathway. ####

Morning skritches to the BBH, Sir JH, Gorgeous George, Belle and the rest of the beloved gang in Equine Heaven.

On their behalf:

MORNING POST ShelleyA, Debra, WI/AAHS:

STRATEGY FOR WEDNESDAY MAY 21

Both the Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), and Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid (D-NV), have the power to bring the bill up for consideration in their respective chambers, therefore it is vital that as many people as possible, both at the grassroots level and internally within Congress, insist that the House Speaker and Senate Majority Leader do everything in their power to afford the bills legislative due process and bring them immediately to the floor for a vote.

Speaker of the House - Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) DC Phone: 202-225-4965 Fax:202-225-4188

Senate Majority Leader - Harry Reid (D-NV) DC Phone: 202-224-3542 Fax:202-224-7327

It is our understanding that more co sponsors would certainly facilitate our efforts with Speaker of the House Pelosi and draw the much needed attention to this legislation. For this reason, we will be posting the names of Representatives that we will be targeting.

James T. Walsh NY Phone: 202-225-3701 Fax: 202-225-4042

John M. McHugh NY Phone: 202-225-4611 Fax: 202-226-0621

Joseph Crowley NY Phone: 202-225-3965 Fax: 202-225-1909

G.K. Butterfield, Jr. NC Phone: 202-225-3101 Fax: 202-225-3354

Bobby Etheridge NC Phone: 202-225-4531 Fax: 202-225-5662

Virginia Foxx NC Phone: 202-225-2071 Fax: 202-225-2995

Please continue to gather information from your calls and pass that information on to us via email through the DB.

Finally, please mention Americans Against Horse Slaughter when making your calls and remind them that we are a non funded, grassroots group of people from across the country brought together for the sole purpose of passing this legislation. It is important that they know we have NO OTHER agenda.

We are BARBARO'S VOICE. Let it be heard!!

Shelley and Deb

Posted by: ShelleyA at May 21, 2008 2:09 AM

Cheers,
Friar Tuck

##

Alex, so great to read that UPS donated to TCA in honor of Eight Belles!!

Fellow FOBs-

Please keep Erin and family in her your thoughts today, as well as SUSAN E's cat, Bagheera. Bagsy is having a rough time of it after surgery and it's imperative that he begins eating!!!

Come on, Bagsy,please eat for your mommy & sister!

Daphne and Pee

Alex,
Can you delete all of the spam on Tim's sight?
Thanks,
KLB

A cute story in the midst of all the sadness..

TOKYO — When Yosuke the parrot flew out of his cage and got lost, he did exactly what he had been taught — recite his name and address to a stranger willing to help.

Police rescued the African grey parrot two weeks ago from a neighbor's roof in the city of Nagareyama, near Tokyo. After spending a night at the station, he was transferred to a nearby veterinary hospital while police searched for clues, local policeman Shinjiro Uemura said.

He kept mum with the cops, but began chatting after a few days with the vet.

"I'm Mr. Yosuke Nakamura," the bird told the veterinarian, according to Uemura. The parrot also provided his full home address, down to the street number, and even entertained the hospital staff by singing songs.

"We checked the address, and what do you know, a Nakamura family really lived there. So we told them we've found Yosuke," Uemura said.

The Nakamura family told police they had been teaching the bird its name and address for about two years.

But Yosuke apparently wasn't keen on opening up to police officials.

"I tried to be friendly and talked to him, but he completely ignored me," Uemura said.

Happy Wednesday FOBs,

Like everyone else, I am praying for Erin and her family. Susan E., I am praying for Bagsey as well - hopefully you will see an improvement today.

Have a great day everyone!!

Janice
A forever FOB

This artical was in our morning Post Gazette in Pittsburgh, must read!!!

LIFESAVERS
Former Boston Globe writers put new spin on 'My Old Kentucky' by rescuing elderly. unproductive horses from slaughterhouses
Monday, May 19, 2008
By Tom Archdeacon, Dayton Daily News

James Crisp/Associated Press
Michael Blowen leads Rich in Dallas to the field on Afton farm near Midway, Ky., in 2004. Rich in Dallas, one of the horses who played Seabiscuit in the film of the same title, is one of the retired racehorses living on a farm in Kentucky as part of Old Friends, a group dedicated to allowing the animals a quality life in their post-racing career.GEORGETOWN, Ky. -- He got the e-mail message from a Louisville girl two weeks ago, soon after the powerful filly Eight Belles had finished second in the Kentucky Derby and then crumpled into the dirt with two shattered front ankles, an injury so devastating she was euthanized right on the track.

"Her e-mail went something like this," Michael Blowen said:

"Hello, my name is Lucy Duane. I'm 11 years old. I won money on Eight Belles at a Derby party. I don't feel happy spending it, so I'm going to send it to you. I'm going to go to school and tell the other kids if anyone won money on Eight Belles they should send it to you because you love horses."

The death of Eight Belles and the wrenching loss of 2006 Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro from a similar injury -- coupled with the increasing public knowledge that many retired race horses end up in slaughterhouses -- has spurred emotional debate about the industry's care and treatment of its animals.

That's why a place like Old Friends, a non-profit, open-to-the-public-for-a-donation thoroughbred retirement facility run by Blowen and his wife, Diane -- he a former Boston Globe film critic, she a top columnist at the newspaper -- stands out.

The 52-acre farm outside Georgetown, Ky., is home to 30 rescued race horses -- including some Kentucky Derby runners, others who won millions of dollars, many of whom sired other champions -- all of whom get a loving embrace.

That point became clear the other day when the 61-year-old Blowen -- talking about his friendship with actor Jack Nicholson -- suddenly spotted Williamstown frolicking in a nearby paddock.

When the 18-year-old black stallion -- a son of Seattle Slew -- flopped into the grass, rolled onto his back and began squirming and flailing his white-splashed legs toward the clear blue sky, the grinning Blowen bellowed:

"Hey Willie, look at you! You got the life. Yes, you do."

A year or so ago that life was just two days from over. After becoming infertile while standing stud in Iowa, the horse who had held the mile record at Belmont for a decade was sent to the University of Minnesota equine program, where an ill fit resulted in an euthanasia order.

Before the stallion was to be put to death, a compassionate insurance agent handling the case called Blowen.

"When she said it was Williamstown, I said. 'Holy cow! I saw him run at Saratoga,' " he said. "I asked what was wrong and she said, 'Nothing, except he can't race or breed anymore.'

"When we took him, it literally was like one of those old Warner Brothers movies where the governor calls up and the condemned man gets a stay of execution."

Unfortunately, many aging race horses get no such reprieve. With the increased costs of fuel and food, unproductive animals are being cast aside.

The American Veterinary Medical Association estimates more than 100,000 horses are unwanted by their owners. And with 36,000 new thoroughbreds foaled each year, the numbers just keep growing.

Although the last four slaughterhouses for horses in the United States were closed last year, the number of animals shipped to Mexico for the same fate has doubled. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, almost 15,000 already have been sent this year.

Taylor's Special earned more than $1 million in his career and won both the 1984 Blue Grass Stakes and Louisiana Derby before running in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness.

"They found him literally abandoned and starving to death in a field in Washington," said Blowen. "If it weren't for rainwater to drink, he would have been dead. The group that rescued him ran his tattoo number and found out who he was. When we got him, he was a mess -- just so wild -- but he finally settled in, gained almost 300 pounds and lived a good life here."

Early in his Globe career, Blowen was mentored by an editor who invited him to go to Suffolk Downs one day.

"I fell in love with everything," he said.

Fascinated by the characters at the track, the majestic animals and especially ensnared by the challenges of handicapping a race, he began to spend more time around racing. He wrote freelance stories, wagered regularly and eventually asked trainer Carlos Figueroa if he could work for him so he could learn about horses.

Figueroa agreed, and for a few years Blowen -- "I worked for nothing, but really for everything" -- showed up at the track just past dawn, did his chores and then caught the subway into the city and his job at the Globe.

As the love affair blossomed, he also witnessed some disturbing things:

"After awhile, I also saw the killing trucks show up. They were going to the slaughterhouses. There were times I literally saw duct tape put around a horse's broken leg, just to get him on the truck so he could be sold for $400. And the terrible sounds those horses made -- they knew.

"All that stuck in my craw."

Years later, when the Globe offered early buyouts, Blowen and his wife took them and moved to Kentucky, where, while working briefly for the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, he fantasized about running his own rescue operation.

"I'm sure people thought I was just this goofy guy with a nutty idea," he said. "But I was willing to take the gamble. Kind of like Alice falling down the rabbit hole. I didn't know what would happen, but, at a certain point in life, you realize you only have so many chances, so 'What the hell? Why not jump off the cliff?' "

Creator was a European champion once owned by the crown prince of Dubai, Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, who runs the world-acclaimed Godolphin Stable. Sold to Japanese interests, the chestnut stallion stood there until his breeding efforts ended.

"I got an Internet message -- and I'm still not sure if it's true -- that Creator had been sold to some South Koreans for stallion fights," Blowen said. "I know they were offering only $3,000 for him, which means nothing good was in store, so we bought him for $5,000."

"The great movie director John Huston once told me, 'Look, if you don't have a star and you don't have a story, you don't have a movie,' " said Blowen, who drew on that advice when he borrowed $1 million from a Kentucky bank and other funds from family and friends to launch Old Friends.

For headliners, he would feature stallions, something no other U.S. rescue group was doing:

"They'd been the stars when they raced, but now people said I was crazy, that they'd bite and kick and hurt people. But nothing could be further from the truth. Once we got them and let them be themselves, their whole attitude changed."

As for the story, that developed when the report surfaced in 2003 that Ferdinand -- the 1986 Kentucky Derby winner and 1987 Horse of the Year -- had been killed in a Japanese slaughterhouse the year before for human consumption.

In 2004, Blowen acquired his first horse, the appropriately named mare Narrow Escape, who had failed to sell at the Fasig-Tipton sale and was donated by her owner.

She was the daughter of Exceller, the million-dollar winner who had beaten Triple Crown champs Seattle Slew and Affirmed in 1978, but 19 years later was killed in a Swedish slaughterhouse.

Saving Narrow Escape, then getting Creator and Sunshine Forever -- once America's top turf horse -- back from Japan on the heels of the Ferdinand furor met Huston's storyline criteria.

After initially renting stalls and paddock space at other farms, Blowen finally bought Dream Chase Farm and -- with the help of several equally dedicated volunteers -- launched his operation in full two years ago. He is negotiating to buy an adjoining 40 acres so he can take on more horses.

"I get calls every day, but we've only got so much room," he said quietly. "And that breaks my heart because I know what may happen if we can't take them."

Flying Pidgeon was a great turf champion who won more than $1 million in his career. "They called him the King of Calder," Blowen said. "He's got a race -- The Flying Pidgeon Handicap -- run there every year in his honor. He's in the track's hall of fame and has a shopping mall named after him.

"But, when he got to us, he was in terrible shape. He couldn't walk. He'd been kept in a stall, and his muscles had atrophied. He had almost no teeth. But we soaked his alfalfa cubes so he could swallow them; we took care of him and look at him now. People talk about what it feels like to win the Derby, but the first time this old horse ran again here was unbelievable."

What began as a long-ago interview with Jack Nicholson for a newspaper story has become a longtime friendship.

"His first job in Hollywood was with MGM," Blowen said, with a laugh. "It was a cartoon thing. He answered Tom and Jerry's fan mail and he ran Hanna-Barbera's bets to Santa Anita.

"I sent him a bunch of pictures of our horses, and he sent me back a drawing of Little Silver Charm (the farm's mop-headed miniature horse and mascot) who we got off the killing truck for $40."

Blowen has used that drawing -- and ensuing ones by Angelica Huston and Albert Brooks -- for the labels of special edition Old Friends wine. And jockeys Chris McCarron and Jean Cruget each signed 2,600 bottles of Kentucky Ale, whose sales support Old Friends.

While there are some breeders and owners who are cool toward Old Friends because it stands as a reminder of some racing practices they would rather not publicize, others have been overly magnanimous.

The latter group includes Jerry and Ann Moss, owners of 2005 Kentucky Derby winner Giacomo, and especially Madeline Paulsen, owner of many Derby horses, who out of the blue wrote Blowen a check for $65,000 to bring her former Breeders' Cup champ Fraise back from Japan, along with Ogygian, son of the great Damascus and a winter book Kentucky Derby favorite who was missing his left eye because of a breeding shed accident.

Sadly, eight months after his return, Fraise died suddenly from an abdominal aneurysm. He's now buried alongside four other horses, including Hall of Fame enshrinee Precisionist and Taylor's Special, who was euthanized after a 2006 leg injury, in the small equine cemetery near Blowen's house at Old Friends.

One day Blowen said he wants to be buried there, as well.

In the meantime, he is enjoying life among his old friends, horses like longtime rivals Awad and Kiri's Clown, who battled each other in the 1995 Sword Dancer Invitational at Saratoga. They now live in adjoining paddocks and still seem to challenge each other.

"I still go to the track [Keeneland] on Sundays," Blowen said. "When the weather's nice, there's nothing I like better on Saturday night than sitting outside here, drinking a beer and going through the Racing Form as I watch Awad and Kiri's Clown snort and romp.

"I remember seeing most of these horses run and now, to have them in my front yard, it's just unbelievable. I can't imagine a better place to be. I just love these animals."

That little Louisville girl -- she was right.

First published on May 19, 2008 at 12:00 am

What a heartwarming story to read about the Old Friends Rescue and Michael Blowen.

##Jonna, I hope you will save and re-read that story every time you start thinking of the white mare. I, too, share your extreme sadness and outrage about her and am haunted by that vision, and reading about the Old Friends Rescue seemed to help a little bit this morning....

Good Morning Everyone.

Susan E.,
My friend, my thoughts are with you and your precious Bagsey.You know where I am if you need me.

Prayers and white light and angels being sent to Erin and her family.

Good Morning sweet Barbaro, thank you for the wonderful sunshine. I love you and miss you so much.

EquineAngel is raising funds to save this sorrel gelding:
"We have an opportunity to save a 12 year old sorrel QH ranch gelding. He had just been used to round up cattle, and was headed to the feedlot in Fallon. Once the horse's owner discovered it was closed, he was heading over to the 2nd feedlot in Fallon (who does not sell to the public). My contact was able to intercept him, and asked if we could have the horse instead. He agreed, and gave us until the end of the day Thursday, 5/22/08 to raise the funds."
He missed going to the feed lot once, we don't want his luck to run out! Please help save him from the slaugher house. Any amount will do - it all adds up. Here is the thread:
http://forums.delphiforums.com/alexbrown/messages/?msg=24090.1
Thanks for all you do for our horses and God bless! Proud to be an FOB!

some prior HS history on the Reps on today's national strategy list

None cosponsored HR 503 in the 109th Congress, and their votes on HR 503 (3 Yes, 3 No) are shown below. All voted YES on HR 249 in the 110th except Etheridge, who was NV (not voting).
James T. Walsh NY (Y on both)
Phone: 202-225-3701 Fax: 202-225-4042
John M. McHugh NY (N on 503; Y on 249)
Phone: 202-225-4611 Fax: 202-226-0621
Joseph Crowley NY (Y on both)
Phone: 202-225-3965 Fax: 202-225-1909
G.K. Butterfield, Jr. NC (N on 503; Y on 249)
Phone: 202-225-3101 Fax: 202-225-3354
Bobby Etheridge NC (Y on 503; NV on 249)
Phone: 202-225-4531 Fax: 202-225-5662
Virginia Foxx NC (N on 503; Y on 249)
Phone: 202-225-2071 Fax: 202-225-2995

IMO THANK those who voted YES on HR 249; remind them that 249 only applies to WILD equines, so we still need HR 503 for the rest of them and to end export.

Remind those who supported (voted for) HR 503 before that we are counting on them to do so again; and press for them all to support and cosponsor NOW - remind them we already have 201 cosponsors, need more.

sorry about that squeezed formatting, makes it hard to use the list. Reposting with better spacing.

some prior HS history on the Reps on today's national strategy list

None cosponsored HR 503 in the 109th Congress, and their votes on HR 503 (3 Yes, 3 No) are shown below. All voted YES on HR 249 in the 110th except Etheridge, who was NV (not voting).

James T. Walsh NY (Y on both)
Phone: 202-225-3701 Fax: 202-225-4042

John M. McHugh NY (N on 503; Y on 249)
Phone: 202-225-4611 Fax: 202-226-0621

Joseph Crowley NY (Y on both)
Phone: 202-225-3965 Fax: 202-225-1909

G.K. Butterfield, Jr. NC (N on 503; Y on 249)
Phone: 202-225-3101 Fax: 202-225-3354

Bobby Etheridge NC (Y on 503; NV on 249)
Phone: 202-225-4531 Fax: 202-225-5662

Virginia Foxx NC (N on 503; Y on 249)
Phone: 202-225-2071 Fax: 202-225-2995

IMO THANK those who voted YES on HR 249; remind them that 249 only applies to WILD equines, so we still need HR 503 for the rest of them and to end export.

Remind those who supported (voted for) HR 503 before that we are counting on them to do so again; and press for them all to support and cosponsor NOW - remind them we already have 201 cosponsors, need more.

Posted by C. Jaffe at May 21, 2008 2:22 PM

crossposting from the DB

URGENT ACTION ALERT NOW NOW NOW IN IL - DBL DECKER

message from Gail Vaca

http://forums.delphiforums.com/alexbrown/messages?msg=24098.1

The IL bill to ban double deckers has been attached as an amendmet to IL HB 5076. The amendment is scheduled to be heard by the IL Senate Committee on Transportation today at 10:00 am!! Please call the following Tranportation Committee Members at their Springfield offices early this morning!!

Chairperson: Antonio Munoz
217-782-9415

Vice-Chairperson : Michael Bond
217-782-7353

Member: Gary Forby
217-782-5509

Member: Debbie DeFrancesco Halvorson
217-782-7419

Member: David Koehler
217-782-8250

Member: John M. Sullivan
217-782-2479

Minority Spokesperson : Larry K. Bomke
217-782-0228

Member: Pamela J. Althoff
217-782-8000

Member: Dale E. Risinger
217-782-1942

Member: Dave Syverson
217-782-5413 [end crosspost from DB]

THIS IS A HUGE PRIORITY THIS MORNING FOLKS -

TELL THEM, VOTE YES ON AMENDMENT TO IL HB 5076 (double decker ban)

Good Morning All,

Barbaro you live in my Heart.

Continued prayers for Erin and her family.

Good morning wonderful creatures at MHR.
FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION!

For Barbaro, for Fitch, for Apache, for Ho'pats, for Windchill and all horses.

Ro & Brady

http://www.pennlive.com/columns/patriotnews/
review/index.ssf?/base/opinion/
1210964108318570.xml&coll=1

YES, YES! I will let someone BLUELINK educate me...
but this is an email from U.Penn commenting on Belle's death and a letter to the editor from a biggie at U Penn Vet College, vis a vis: what can be done to prevent this from ever happening again....
####
I just finished feeding 17 dogs. with at least 6 different diets. I may have a stroke. AND I haven't had enough coffee. (The new kids keep trying to STEAL my COFFEE....the usual for a just-off-the-track GH.)
####
Here's what Joe has to say so far:
*************************************************
Windy Wednesday should be up soon... new pictures will not load
*************************************************

What is WITH The West Wing? No DHL lines out their way....line that ARE out there seem to blow down with amazing regularity. Maybe CA is getting ready to detach from the rest of the USA. Scary weather.
Keep safe peeples.

For peeples w/out Jerri pix: she looks fine, strolling, munching. Chatting with Apple, having a mani-pedi from the Chikum Midwifery Brigade who look like they are trying out new professions. They're going to see how they like accounting next.
God bless all at MHR

WE are so proud in St. Louis. OUr local rescue, Stray Rescue has won the million dollar makeover from ZOOToo.com. Randy grim saves every dog and cat off the street and goes way beyond the Call of duty. He said if he won he would faint and couldnt wait to give all his resucees a big new home. Jen

17 Dogs............Yikes.Jonna you will need super high potency coffee.

I'm sending our turkeys, long neck ducks, chickens and roosters at the rescue to help Jerri. Goats too. :)

thanks for the MHR report Jonna!

May 21 Cherokee Devotional [sharing email from Harriette Brillianthawk]

Many are gamblers without knowing it. They demand their right to do something--even when it is not expedient. We can insist on our right to turn at the stoplight, but if someone else has never heard of our right and takes his chances at going through, it is dangerous business. Having rights holds only if the responsibility of them goes with it. Sometimes a right is a privilege we don't dare demand. The Cherokee call this u na du da lv, acting in a way that is mature and careful of others. Some people tend to believe they are above the basic rules of living. But when life drops a rock on the one who so freely takes advantage, it can be a well-deserved rock. It reminds us to stay within the limits of everything from good taste to common sense.

The good road and the road of difficulties you have made me cross; and where they cross they place is holy.

Black Elk [end email]

############
That thing about rights, responsibilities and privileges - I can almost hear my Boy Scout Leader father talking to the boys he merit-badge-counseled re Citizenship . . .

The HBO special is making an impact on people, I have added 8 callers to our Florida group since the special, people calling or emailing to see what they can do to help. A couple of us were interviewed by the Tampa Tribune also.

Nala is struggling with severe hip displasia due to only having one front leg. Thankfully the cancer has not spread there and the nodules they saw on her lungs last time are gone. She cannot walk and they have taken her off the cancer medicine to try to improve her hips, hopefully the pain meds and Deramax will kick in soon, been at the cancer center with her this week.

Great to see UPS honoring Eight Belles on their trucks, she truly is Big Brown's angel.

Bsharpsonata was the favorite in the Black Eyed Susan, running back 2 weeks after the Oaks, a race in which she struggled in the slop. She finished last at Pimlico, her trainer stated on Sirius at the Races he had no interest in running her back in 2 weeks on another sloppy track. Thank goodness she came home safe despite the owner's poor decision to run her.

I'm working today for our horses in Erin's honor. Prayers of comfort and peace to the Brennan family.

Bagsy, you eat today sweetheart and get well soon.

U Penn Vet College

JOE in the MIDDLE OF THE WEEK>
****************************************************
Wednesday, May 21st... Hats off (no problem in these winds) to Mikka Thorson, who found a summer job with a show barn, and she will work 32 hours a week. Mikka asks if I could give a big Thank You to both Noelle and Jessica, who helped her get this job. Well okay then. Thank You Noelle and Jessica.

Jamie McGill is in 8th grade, and from school she phones to say her mom Connie reads my morning journal. Connie has been ill for several months. Jamie asks if I would write a special hello to Connie from Jamie. I love you mom, and see you tonight.

Ryan Andrews is negotiating for 40 acres in West Sacramento. If his offer is accepted we will have 40 more acres to help needy horses. I can drive to West Sacramento in 30 minutes. Ryan can be there in 20 minutes. A perfect location, and we have our fingers crossed for Ryan.

Transportation is being arranged for another gelding coming from the race track, and his name is Joe Market. I suppose we will call him Joe.

Transportation for horses at a major ranch reduction has been interrupted because of winds. Hopefully on Friday we can remove the remaining horses.

Transportation for an older gelding from a feed lot in Wilton has been arranged, and he will come to us tomorrow. 45 cents a pound.

Because of winds and dust, castration for Warrensgildedtime has been put on hold. Warren doing the happy dance.

Jodi Tuft has the cast on her broken leg removed June 5th. Jennifer Wright has the cast on her broken wrist removed June 8th. Both are marking off the days with a big X.

Fire trucks up and down our county roads. Winds have been strong since yesterday, and we are on Fire Alert. Little balls of horse poop sailing through our sky. Winds are suppose to quit Thursday afternoon.

New pictures refused to load, so I am showing you photos from 2004. My first year with a digital camera. Since then we have gone through 8 cameras. A horse stepped on one camera and crushed it. I left another camera on the top of my truck, and now it lies somewhere in the weeds next to the 505 freeway.

Enjoy your windy and wild Wednesday, and be sure to hug your horses. At least we have electricity. Food in the fridge. A giant Hershey chocolate bar in the cupboard. Gatorade. Cheerios. Alfalfa. Equine Senior. A 47 incher with Netflix. You think about how miserable the winds are. But how lucky to be side by side with 108 horses. The magic is alive and well. Where there is horses there is beauty. Even on this ranch.

Joe

(((((((renee))))))))
(((((((cj)))))))))))

COMFORT to all with wee beasties suffering with illness or infirmity.

I am off to call MO....and then DC. And then perhaps a little chat with God about the Brennans. I ask for His help all the time.

Courage: j

Stray Rescue has won the million dollar makeover.
Some good news.

Hay, FOB's!

I am NOT surprised to read that its Dean Joan Hendricks who posted that beautiful and insightful letter. I met her in March and she is one wonderful person...combining the compassionate with the veterinary knowledge. It shows the enormity of what needs to be done to ensure the safety of the horses and those around them....but especially the welfare of the horse. That's all that matters IMHO.

But where and how do we start to pull everything together???

It is a beautiful sunny day here in Chester County.

Healing, Love, Peace
ONS
Padme

ps - Alex, TWR has been invaded again...

Yes Alex, what happened to global warming?

** UPDATE ON ERIN BRENNAN **

This is hard to write through tears, and not news any of us wanted to hear.

Rachel from Kennett Florist just called me, and asked me to let everyone know that Erin Brennan slipped into a coma earlier this morning. Rachel had just gotten off the phone with Terry, (Anne's husband and Erin's father). Terry told Rachel that their whole family was with Erin as she peacefully went into a coma.

Rachel is not at the Brennans right now, she may be there later today depending on how things go. I asked her if there was anything any of us could do to help at this time, and there is not, just continue our many prayers for Erin and her family.

I will post this information in the DB, too, and will update everyone immediately if I hear anything further from Rachel.

God bless Erin, and all her family, and all of us who love her, at this time.

Linda J., Minneapolis

Good Morning everyone.

Baby sitting the cows here for 2 weeks. There are only 7 this year so it is peaceful. The cows were not bred (yay) so I don't have to worry about calf watch.

Speaking of watches............Jerri, still holding out.

Have a good day.

May God Bless Erin and her family.

coma God bless Erin, and all her family,

May God be with Erin and all that love her.

It's absolutely impossible to reply to everybody!

####
Carol, that is an excellent article. Thank you. Of course, being from the Pittsburgh area, I remember reading the Post Gazette, as well as the Pittsburgh Press!!!

####Hi, Jen. So cool about the rescue!

####
Barbi....Way to go! I'm glad the HBO special had some impact.

####
jonna, I'm looking for my Blue Ink Support Group over on the DB. Can't find it!

MANY, ENDLESS prayers for Erin and Family this morning.

May Erin be in peace and everlasting joy.

May Erin Brennan go peacefully home to God...

Healing, Love, Peace
ONS
Padme

I have learned that this is the path this particular type of cancer takes. Coma: but no pain. Thank God for that. For this favor...

Angels, bend near the Brennans and endow them with
serenity and courage and peace. Please let her rest in their arms as she begins her journey.

No words.

((((((Erin and Family))))))

((((((FOB))))))

Barb- you have no idea what a great guy this Randy is. He is out crawling under derelict buildings and going places other people wont go to rescue dogs and cats. The are saying this will allow them to triple the amount of animals they can rescue. That is So COOL! Jen

####
Wonderful, Jen!

#####God Bless Erin and all those around her, may she rest easy in the arms of her loved ones knowing she is loved. What a special little girl.

Judy

God grant grace and comfort to the Brennens and their extended family as they face this with Erin, their sweet girl. Jesus hold Erin in the palm of your hand and give her peace.

## Shirley, I hope you are doing well and your memories of Amber-Lynn, your loving girl, will comfort you.

# Susan E., glad Bagheera's surgery is over, and prayers for her appetite and recovery! Bagsy :o)

## Nala, Barb M., so glad to hear prayers are answered on the good cancer report. Here's hoping and praying that the medicines are effective and walking can begin soon. Good luck ((NALA))

Alex, hold that thought, the weekend is to bring warmer weather. It will be warm.

Judy

((((Erin & the Brennans)))

Thanks Alex

Love to the BBH

Mary S. has computer problems and asked this be posted:

THE LIGHT OF GOD SURROUNDS YOU
THE LOVE OF GOD ENFOLDS YOU
THE POWER OF GOD PROTECTS YOU
WHERE EVER YOU ARE, DEAR ERIN, GOD IS

It's bittersweet to be grateful when a seven year old child slips into a coma as she prepares to leave this world. But I am grateful, for I've seen a brain cancer victim lingering and have feared Erin would suffer the same way. Erin is not in pain and will not know fear as she crosses over. She deserves no less, her family deserves no less.

What to say, what to do at this time....

Mary S. is having computer problems and asked this be posted:

THE LIGHT OF GOD SURROUNDS YOU
THE LOVE OF GOD ENFOLDS YOU
THE POWER OF GOD PROTECTS YOU
THE PRESENCE OF GOD WATCHES OVER YOU
WHERE EVER YOU ARE DEAR ERIN GOD IS

Dear God, hold Erin in your arms where she is safe and will cross over in peace and comfort. Bless her family with what they will go through and may the angels guide them.

(((((((((((Erin/Brennan Family))))))))))))))))))))

Please help Erin find the way by lighting the path.

Erin's Candles

Thank you Mary S.! I was hoping a blessing from you would come through.

SusanE, how is Bagheera???

Healing, Love, Peace
ONS
Padme

God bless Erin and her family as she goes to God.

"Good night, sweet princess; and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.

Flicka

Quick question- is MJ on this morning?
Thanks,

May angels be at Erin's side now, and always. May they also be near to Anne, Terry and all who love Erin.

Is anyone here who has the address or can blue link us to Caring Bridge? Thanks,

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/erinbrennan
God Bless Erin!

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/erinbrennan
God Bless Erin!

(((((Erin)))))

((((The Brennen Family))))))

Terry, Paul and Shawn just posted on Caringbridge--very sad--my prayers and thoughts are with them

####
jonna,

I found it !

Blue Ink (Link) Support Group

Erin update

Update on Erin

____________

I am trying not to bawl here at the office. Prayer go to Erin and the Brennan Family.

Ro & Brady

____________

If Erin is not in pain why give her Morphine?

We will be holding our VIGIL FOR ERIN this evening at the same time, unless we get any more news that might change that.

Debbie:
If she had breathing problems last night, she was probably agitated, and morphine cuts through all that, drops her consciousness down and allows her to rest.

Hospice clients are administered a great deal of morphine towards the end. In my experience.

####
Debbie, I am JUST GUESSING, but maybe Erin was uncomfortable. She probably needed to rest, and Anne said she had had trouble getting comfortable. Her legs would bother her, stuff like that. Just a guess.

Thank you for the link, Jackie Tundra ##

####
Jonna put it better than I did.

We you Erin.. we love you- you've made this world a much better place- what a special litte girl you are.. thinking of Erin's family and wishing peace.

Daphne

####
Poor Alex just keeps posting racing links, trying to stay on task and we are all talking about Erin,

Alex, please try to understand how much this little girl means to us, as well as her connection to Barbaro.

Thank you, Alex. We love you.

God bless and keep that family, and God bless all of you...
I'm leaving the computer now , just need to get away and breathe for a while. See ya later frens,

What they went through last night may have been what Hospice people call Terminal Agitation. Very common at the stage she was entering. Tough on the parents.

IMHO

My dear friend Shirley (84) just went through this TA with her husband of 63 years as Ralph passed. It was rugged for a while. Once he slipped over the edge into the coma, peace returned. But then, as she said, "You think you're ready, you know what's coming....but you're not."

God bless the Brennans and our little Pink Princess. I know God will send a very special baby bunny for her to hold while she begins her journey.

And I know all my animals--who loved children, all--will be walking along with her too. What an amazing parade it will be. And Dee: rainbows, right?

God, cover their home and family with your grace.

My Dad's last spoken word was "morphine". 20 minutes later he was gone. Unfortunately he wasn't under hospice care then or I doubt he would have had to asked.

Sending All, All All My Love......Prayers......
Rainbows......To Precious Angel Erin And Her
Family. My Heart Goes Out To You.

Sending All, All All My Love......Prayers......
Rainbows.......To You So, So So Beautiful Angels
Here.

You Are In My Heart So A Lot So.

Seek And Ye Shall Find

The Most Beautiful Rainbow Barbaro

Angel Barbaro Is With You........

Connected In Love.......

Divinely........

8.......Halos......

Glowing Rainbows........

God's Light Of Love.......

Affirmed

###
When my mom was dying of ovarian cancer, she was given morphine. At one point she awoke and said she was having the happiest of dreams. She asked the hospice nurse and I if the morphine was supposed to give her "happy dreams."

I will hope the morphine gave Erin "happy dreams" too.

###
Jackie no MJ has not posted today.

Thanks
Barb and Jonna, think I will go out side and screem. Then maybe this knot in my chest will go away.

((((((Debbie))))))

This is tough. I think a scream is in order.

I Love You So A Lot So Angel Jonnagrey. You Are In My Heart So A Lot So.

I See Barbaro's Rainbow In Hearts.......

Affirmed

Transitions ...... there are many.
I pray for the Brennans ........ and surround you with love and hugs .... for that is what I can do.
For Sweet Princess Erin - That your transition is filled with warmth and rainbows and even more love than you have shown all of us ......if that is possible. It has been an honor to be a small part of your very full life .............

Sherry

Our mingled tears are for ourselves and for Erin's family -- we do not need to be sad for Erin, she is returning to Spirit and will enjoy the happiest of dreams. She will live in our hearts forever and one day, we will all be one again. For now, we must comfort and support the family she leaves behind, which includes all of us who love her. Fly home, beloved Erin. You will be missed but never forgotten.

Alex...

Again, this site is going to be a place for us to come to talk about, work thru and accept our feelings as a little girl takes the most courageous journey that we all will take. Coming here helps us express instead of repressing our feelings. Aside from the invaluable knowledge about horses and racing that is expressed here, this site is such an amazing healing tool...all of the people here are such an amazing community...

for that, I am forever grateful to you and Tim for letting this site exist.

Back to Yoga lesson plans/outlines.

Healing, Love, Peace
ONS
Padme

Surrounded by her loving family, I visualize Erin feeling great joy in seeing the arms of the angels reaching down to lift her heavenward...

((((((Nancy))))))

Screaming.
Yes.
Good idea.
Too bad we can't establish a Central FOB Screaming Juncture....and get together for group screams. Teas and punch on the good days, happy anniversaries, political triumphs, etcetera. But yep, screaming it is...

I'm serious. The day I put my beloved Darcy--an IW--I put hairline fractures on the outside on my hand bones, pounding the steering wheel most the way home, AND screaming. I didn't know I'd done this until the MASSIVE bruising and pain kicked in a day later...

We are not a society that deals well with death and dying...But I have my Frens & Famblee to keep me warm. And if all that wasn't set up in Heaven by God and Barbaro, (I can hear all the Pro-Slaughter fools snorting--frak them) then I don't know how it came to pass.

Love you guys:
Love you Brennans

Thank you Alex.
Thank you Wendy (How is Jag, The Horse Diety?)

PS: How do those Pro-Slaughter folks get through life?

((((NANCY! NANCY! NANCY!))))
I am SOOOOOO glad you are back. I missed your pithy outlook on life. A lot. You Naughty Nutmegger, you.

Erin has been in my prayers for so long and she has run a gallant race one that all can be proud of. Her Father wants her with him, home where she will always be healthy, happy and loved. My prayers and love to Erin's loved ones. It is so hard to let go, especially of a child. Peace be with you all.

Karen M. Dallas, Texas

Just a note on the meals for the Brennans. FOB have been sending money to Kennett Florist, as well they should.
KF have been overwhelmed! I'm not sure they are accepting any more at the moment.

A couple of us were talking over on the DB and I suggested that perhaps, if Kennett Florist is willing, they could disperse funds to WHEREVER they are needed.

If they are getting too many donations, we could also start sending to Erin's trust fund.

Friends of Erin Brennan
c/o First National Bank
ATTN: LOCKBOX
P.O. Box 523
West Chester, PA 19381

I'm sure Rachel or somebody will come to our rescue as to what to do from here.

Thanks to all of you who sent donations!

Angels Alex And Wendy For Being So, So So So Very Beautiful Angels On This Earth. For All That You Do. Means So A Lot So.

Affirmed

Hello everyone,

It's very difficult to concentrate today so I am leaving the office and going out to Joe. I am going to him to help deal with this sorrow for Erin. I've made my calls already and printed out today's list and will make a second round from the barn on my cell.

I can't say what I want to say better than Padme (Lyn) did earlier, regarding this site, so I'll add something else.

Today I have dedicated my calls to DC to Erin. We all got to know her through this site, via Kennett Florist. All of this was made possible due to our love or Barbaro and horses....that's what brought us all together here in the first place.

To honor this sweet girl, who loves animals, and wanted a pony, let's work on saving the horses for her today. Let's get this bill to the floor for a vote, in her honor. I suspect Erin would like that....to know the horses are safe.

Peace and love to all.

Dear Lord, please wrap your loving spirit around Erin and her family.

My heart is deeply moved by the love of our FOB family for dear Erin.

I will never understand so many "whys"
Blessings and peace to Erin and all the Brennans. May the angels carry Erin to Heaven and hold her family close to them here on earth.

### God bless little Enya Wibbis Benna and her family.
Love to you all. . .

PRESIDENT BUSH VETOES $300 BILLION FARM BILL

had to read the update before posting. It is comforting. Brennans seem to be content that Erin is not suffering, and intellectually I realize that is probably true. It's hard to accept such suffering for the loved ones she leaves behind. It is for them, Anne and Terry, Erin's brothers, grandmother, extended family and so many other loved ones I grieve.

So much of me accepts that all that takes place here in this realm is preordained and beyond our control. The truly graceful and spiritual beings accept that, and it seems that the Brennans are a lot closer to being among those beings than I. I grieve for them and for all who lose a child. It just seems so unexplainable. I can only pray that somehow there is peace and comfort for them, but can't see how that could possibly be.

Thanks Alex.

Cheryl, hope you're still here, ask your husband what he thinks of giving Big Brown Winstrol and what a horse being on it has over one that is not..

God Bless the Brennans..that sweet Angel is almost home..

## Cheryl,

There have been so many beautiful words and messages written here today, but yours really strikes home with me. Thank you.

MEMBERS OF IL SENATE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE

We are saying to these - vote YES on double-decker ban amendment to HB 5076

email addys added - have not checked all yet - think all are correct -

Chairperson: Antonio Munoz 217-782-9415
Munoz@senatedem.state.il.us

Vice-Chairperson: Michael Bond 217-782-7353
info@michaelbond31.com

Member: Gary Forby 217-782-5509
forby@senatedem.state.il.us

Member: Debbie DeFrancesco Halvorson 217-782-7419
senator@debbiehalvorson.com

Member: David Koehler 217-782-8250
koehler@senatedem.state.il.us

Member: John M. Sullivan 217-782-2479
sullivan@senatedem.state.il.us

Minority Spokesperson: Larry K. Bomke 217-782-0228
senator_bomke@yahoo.com

Member: Pamela J. Althoff 217-782-8000
info@senatoralthoff.com

Member: Dale E. Risinger 217-782-1942
senatorrisinger@yahoo.com

Member: Dave Syverson 217-782-5413
info@senatordavesyverson.com

Cheryl,
Thank you for your beautiful peaceful words.

Hay, Cheryl...

Loved your post. I'll put this out there for those to consider - its based on my personal experience - its not right or wrong for anybody...simply what has happened to me...

Once Erin releases from her body, I will not be surprised to learn her loved ones "feel" her close by - and feel her often. The living will sometimes "see" things, "feel" things, have objects appear, will smells and aromas, will "hear" things...and these incidents remind us that we are never alone...that our loved ones stay with us and love us with everything they have. It happened to me when Mom died in 2004 - felt her 2 hours after she died and she was laughing and I smelled roses and jasmine in my room (heavenly). When Dad died, he met up with his best friend of 50 years and THEY were laughing.

Many of us have felt Barbaro or have received signs from him and other Spirit Horses...some see hoofprints appear out of nowhere (I have - usually during the winter when they appear in snow) or see rainbows (my usual "symbol") at interesting times.

The point of all this? I've suggested it before...We are never alone. Of all the forces in the Universe, the strongest is Love...

and Love Never Dies.

Healing, Love, Peace
ONS
Padme

May the road rise up to greet you, Erin Brennan,
And the wind be always at your back...

Sometimes, we just have to cope with what happens. As I watched my son die, I recall asking my husband, "Why Gabe? Why us?", to which he very wisely replied, "Why not?".

If there is logic or reason in this, it is beyond my comprehension. I very much like what Erin's brother quoted - life is the spirit having a physical experience. That seems as sound an approach as any I've heard.

Love and comfort to all in need, four-legged and two-legged, and have a Barbaro day, courage and kindness.

Much much love to all...

Hi Harriette
my hub absolutely rejects the notion that winstrol is beneficial for any reason at all. There are far too many things that can go wrong such as cause heart enlargement and cause bones to become brittle, which is something you'd want to avoid at ALL COSTS in a TB He just doesn't get the stuff we've heard recently such as all horses in a particular stable get winstrol one a month routinely.

some give anabolics to fillies thinking it will give them anything they lack in muscular development and stamina for competing with the boys. but the potential adverse reactions just aren't worth it. Some also give it to prevent them from cycling but as he says, anybody with an ounce of brains would realize that rigorous training keeps them from cycling anyway, and it shouldn't be a concern when they're three and four years old. He believes the only use for steroids are for treatment to promote healing of some injuries

I saw and flet my dad tthe night he died. Lately at night I smell cigarette smoke and I know he is in my room with me. Cheryl and Padme I understand what you are both saying very well. My other greyhound Bailley who passed over comes to visit every now and then and always at work. Trust me I know it is here...no doubt.

her, learning to use new fingers.

crossposting from the DB

This is on the thread

Anti Slaughter Issues - No Day Off: HBO- Running For Their Lives

23633.87 in reply to 23633.86

FOB's,

I recently learned that the filly Another Passion who is listed in our story about No Day Off as having been sent to slaughter on 4-18-08 via the Sugarcreek Auction, is in fact..alive and well and living in CA.

A person connected to the filly contacted me to assure me that Another Passion was safe and sound, and that there must have been a mistake made in reading the tattoo of the horse at Sugarcreek.

I sincerely apologize to the connections of Another Passion for any distress this may have caused them. While it is always our intent to identify these horses to the best of our abilites, unfortunately, given the hostile environment at the auction sometimes mistakes do occur. Again, our apologies to the connections of Another Passion.

Gail

Gail Vacca WIKI Page [end of crosspost]

which means one of the lost ones is now identity unknown . . .

icon, anyone?

## Cheryl, I agree with your husband that Winstrol nor any other steroid should be used. Dutrow has said, I saw the interview, he gives every horse in his barn a shot of Winstrol the 15th of the month..I just don't get it..He also said (which I beleive is a big fat lie) he doesn't know what it's for, his vet told him to do it.

The articles I have read researching Winstrol usage in horses suggest it "helps focus during training, increases lean body mass, helps recovery time after hard workouts (3 races in 5 weeks???) and also increases appetite.

Of course any steroid can cause liver and kidney damage, the bone brittleness, weakened tendons and ligaments, and even infertility..

I guess my question to your hubby is would it help him have an edge ove the other horses..and if so..why aren't the other owners and trainers pitching fits...unless they too are using something to enhance performance...

Harriette,
Dutrow does not know what Winstrol is for. HAHAHAHA all vets and Dr's tell you about meds before an animal or human is put on them.

This is my feelings. If that horse has to run on steroids, then he is not running on his own power, how he was born,he has synthetic help. Sorry! I don't count that as a triple crown winner. The trainer is a cheat as far as I am concerned. Poor Big Brown to be put through that.

Harriette, it is his opinion that steroids should not be used and should be regulated just as they are in human athletes. They can enhance lean muscle mass and performance, just as they do in humans. We heard that interview too and thought "yeah, right" Why other owners don't use it? oh gee, I dunno, morals? ethics? concern for their horses? Some folks (like the Jacksons and many others) would rather allow their horses to train and run with only their natural ability. Not to mention the fact that they wouldn't have to be concerned with the horrific side effects and adverse reactions

Please excuse me, I have the worst feelings about Dutrow and it comes out. It's just bad and so negative!

Alex,
Thanks the picture of BB and his ball is sweet.

Cheryl,
Thank you,thank you, and your wonderful husband for that. I am glad I am not alone in my thoughts. Phew

####
Renee, I agree with you!

Renee the thing of it is, use of steroids is not banned YET gotta work on that

###
Hey, Renee and Harriette - I'm not real crazy about Dutrow myself, but, in fairness, take a look at Alex's linked "Big Brown" above. It is a different view, to say the least...
###
Shirley - I forgot to mention that Dandy, Sweetpea and Flora MacDonald, my kitties, all send condolences on the loss of your Amber-Lynn.

Carol,'
Today I was reading about buzzers being used,guess who came to mind.(shame on me) I see desperation to win and greed, nothing about Big Brown,I feel sorry for him. He is not a machine. As long as he keeps coming home safe.

((((((((renee, carol))))))))
Dutrow: Sorry. I am creeped-out.

OK Cheryl, lets start.

Jean,
I had feelings about Nick Zito and I have been able to look past what I was seeing, thanks to frens here and me getting a hold of what was bothering me. I read how he wanted Little Cliff and other horses of his back,that was it I look at him differently.

Harriette & all other FOBs,
Big Brown is a great horse,his connections questionable,I wish him all the luck,A TV interview on News 12 Long Island,the person they interviewed said the trainer is juiced/the horse is juiced & what competition has he beat,in the Preakness there was not a horse that had won a graded race,Eight Belles had no drugs in her,Larry Jones is a great trainer & truly loves his horses.I wonder if Big Brown was not juiced up on steriods if Eight Belles would have won,Also the great horses of the 70s,Secreteriat/Slew/Affirmed/the Great Ruffian/John Henry,They did not use drugs & look what they accomplished,

“If a horse’s coat is a little bit dull, (Winstrol) seems to help,” Dutrow said. (Cough, cough.)

John K,
Excelletn point.

jonna,
A good grooming works wonders. I had Hans gleaming this past weekend and a few other's. He really needs to try it sometime.
He creeps me out to. EeeeeeeeeeK

These darn keys keep moving.

A statement I did like was made by jockey Kent Desormeaux,saying he never had to use the crop on BB. They run, when hit with a crop the shock of it slows them down and they loose time. Kent seems like a nice guy he said he does it for his family.

### Harriette, Renee, Cheryl--Just been reading your discussion regarding Winstrol. As Harriette knows, I've worked for a major veterinary distributor the past 8 years. Upjohn (now Pfizer) took Winstrol off the market before they were even purchased by Pfizer, which has been at least 4 years ago, as I recall. I haven't been able to sell it to veterinarians for SOME time, so where is Dutrow's vet sourcing it, I might ask? Obviously NOT from the ethical US veterinary market, which sadly, forces me to question his ethics and certainly takes away the potential excitement of Big Brown winning the Triple Crown.

Alex
What is he saying here? Why would he say this?

Dutrow commented on the ride by Edgar Prado aboard Riley Tucker in the Preakness. Prado, who often rides for Dutrow, rode Riley Tucker aggressively to keep Big Brown down on the rail as the field entered the backstretch. After a half-mile was run, Desormeaux was able to ease back and come outside of Riley Tucker and the pacesetting Gayego. Riley Tucker finished last.

“It looked like (Prado) was just trying to keep our horse in a box, and not out to get the best finish out of his horse,” said Dutrow, who remarked he received a phone call from Riley Tucker’s owner, Ahmed Zayat, who told him he was upset by Prado’s ride. “It looked like he just did something to keep our horse in behind his horse, and he had to go out of his way to do it.”

Don't like his saying this about Edgar

him not his

####
Renee:
you and me: we have to be careful or we'll be fitted out for them thar orange jumpsuits. and today: well' that'd shoot me over the edge. (PS I think those measurements are already filed somewhere...)

####
Erin
I crashed. (Asleep.) Is Erin still with her family? I think we ought to vigil tonight again. I just feel totally trashed. There's a wonderful Theodore Roethke poem called Elegy for Jane.
I have to find it and re-post:

###
Ladies (and John K!) all -

I said Dutrow didn't thrill me, and I like Larry Jones very much, but unless I misheard what was said during the round table that preceded the Preakness, even LJ was a little put off at the idea of racing med-free. (Of course, his reservations may have been re: lasix, bute, etc.) Perhaps someone else who listened can chime in? I don't rely on my memory. It seems to be a steel sieve... : )

Debbie L.A. I don't like it either. He has no class. Edgar has the right to the track just like they do.

Dawn,
What you just said is very scary it concerns me.

####
Dawn, How funny! I sold veterinary pharmaceuticals and biologicals for years! I finally got out of it when I started having my kids and have never gone back.

I enjoyed every minute of it, though.

I worked for W.A. Butler. Used to big in the east, Ever heard of 'em?

I remember when Winstol V came out. Many moons ago!

jonna,
I'm sure someone has them and they are waiting for us. LOL I hope we get Ben and Jerry's there with a spoon so we don't hurt ourselves.

No word on sweet Erin. Sniff

####
jonna and

ALL,

Yes, VIGIL for Erin will be HERE this evening as follows:

9 PM EDT
8 PM CDT
7 PM MDT
6 PM PDT

### Jean Nolan--If I recall the conversation correctly, I believe Larry Jones balked at the idea of banning the use of Salix (which the horse industry still calls Lasix!)

### Barb--Oh, yeah--I've heard of Butler! #1 distributor in the US right now. Small world!

Winstrol V was a steroid very much abused by human athletes (and probably pro wrestlers!) which I'm sure is one reason why it was pulled from the US market.

Thanks Barb.

Elegy for Jane
(My student, thrown by a horse)

I remember the neckcurls, limp and damp as tendrils;
And her quick look, a sidelong pickerel smile;
And how, once startled into talk, the light syllables leaped for her,
And she balanced in the delight of her thought,

A wren, happy, tail into the wind,
Her song trembling the twigs and small branches.
The shade sang with her;
The leaves, their whispers turned to kissing,
And the mould sang in the bleached valleys under the rose.

Oh, when she was sad, she cast herself down into such a pure depth,
Even a father could not find her:
Scraping her cheek against straw,
Stirring the clearest water.

My sparrow, you are not here,
Waiting like a fern, making a spiney shadow.
The sides of wet stones cannot console me,
Nor the moss, wound with the last light.

If only I could nudge you from this sleep,
My maimed darling, my skittery pigeon.
Over this damp grave I speak the words of my love:
I, with no rights in this matter,
Neither father nor lover.
***************************************************
Many close to the family must feel as the poet did.
Not a parent. Not a relative. Not a close friend.
But wounded. And examining the world yet again like a shell in my hand. Trying to understand why this loss is coming. Why Erin had to fight so so so hard for nearly 2 years.

And her Mother: like Warrior parents. And Momo.
Her brothers...all, all with the rights to mourn this brief life.

And then there's me. Us.

Well, The Warrior Child will totally appreciate that I must now go feed 17 dogs. Little Erin: God speed. All the beautiful greyhounds are waiting to walk with you.

And you can come back to visit anytime you like...
I--like many others--have known that amazing presence of someone whose earthly presence is over...

Ah, well. Love you my Fobs.

Dawn as far as I know, Winstrol is still marketed, and also manufactured under the name Stanozolol. Don't know who the distributor is though.

Can't really comment on how Winstrol was obtained by that stable or any other, for that matter, and just want to remind all that the use of steroids (in horses) is not illegal YET

TERRY: I didn't mean to exclude you from my note about your Warrior child...just bad fingers, like Renee. xxoo: courage: we are all here. I hope you all can feel our presence...

####
Please Lord keep Erin and her family in your loving arms...

I pray that Big Brown is just safe...he deserves the very best...even if he is under the influence of steriods...it is not his fault...it is the trainers and owners...

Goodnight Barbaro

I miss you...we miss you...we love you...and you will always be our Triple Crown winner always...

Goodnight Family/Fans of Barbaro

Please call, fax, email...we have to stop this nightmare...stop horse slaughter, stop transporation across the borders.

Memorial Day is fast approaching...AMERICA IS FREEDOM...OUR HORSES AND ANIMALS..DESERVE FREEDOM...to be loved, to be cared for...

Please remember and help our rescues...they are suffering high prices just like us...they need us...family...they need us.

Also the ones suffering human or animal, our wildlife, and our loving family...WE LIVE IN THE HOUSE THAT BARBARO BUILT...we are a family of love, care...and strong...

Have a nice evening.

YOU ARE ALL SO SPECIAL...WE ARE HERE FOR ONE ANOTHER...WE ARE HERE TO HELP THE AMERICAN HORSE...

####
Thank you Alex.
Thank you Tim and Fair Hill.
Our Fallen Angels...we are here...we are marching forward..

Just one more week for the MHR Hay Ride. Jerri and Apple are almost home after trecking the countryside for sweet Timothy Hay.

Barbaro's Kentucky Derby Hay Wagon Ride

Two Drawings: First includes a Barbaro Breyer Model, a copy of Kentucky Derby #132 Review hard cover book,a hand painted pewter Barbaro-Prado pin, and four Kentucky Derby commemorative mint julep glasses.

Second Drawing is an unsigned 8x10 framed Barbara Livingston photo of Barbaro taken at Churchill Downs

May Hay Ride

Ro & Brady

Stanozolol
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
• Ten things you may not know about images on Wikipedia •Jump to: navigation, search

Stanozolol
Systematic (IUPAC) name
7β-Hydroxy-17-methyl-
5α-androstano[3,2-c]pyrazole
Identifiers
CAS number 10418-03-8
ATC code A14AA02
PubChem 25249
Chemical data
Formula C21H32N2O
Mol. mass 328.49
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability ?
Metabolism Hepatic
Half life 1 day
Excretion Renal: 84%
Therapeutic considerations
Pregnancy cat. X

Legal status Prescription only
(US)

Routes Oral, Intramuscular
Stanozolol, commonly sold under the name Winstrol (oral) and Winstrol Depot (intra-muscular), was developed by Winthrop Laboratories in 1962. It is a synthetic anabolic steroid derived from testosterone, and has been approved by the FDA for human use.

Unlike most injectable anabolic steroids, Stanozolol is not esterified and is sold as an aqueous suspension, or in oral tablet form. The drug has a large oral bioavailability, due to a C17 α-alkylation which allows the hormone to survive first pass liver metabolism when ingested. It is because of this that Stanozolol is also sold in tablet form.

Stanozolol is usually considered a safer choice for female bodybuilders in that it rewards a great amount of anabolism for a small androgenic effect, however virilization and masculinization are still very common, even at low doses.

Stanozolol has been used on both animal and human patients for a number of conditions. In humans, it has been demonstrated to be successful in treating anaemia and hereditary angioedema. Veterinarians may prescribe the drug to improve muscle growth, red blood cell production, increase bone density and stimulate the appetite of debilitated or weakened animals.

Stanozolol is one of the Anabolic steroids commonly used as an ergogenic aid and is banned from use in sports competition under the auspices of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) and many other sporting bodies.

####
Dawn, small world indeed! I also remember when Ivermectin came out....It was considered revolutionary at that time. That must have been in the 80's!

JohnK my thinking as well

just read that article about Edgar Prado's ride on Riley Tucker. Now that is just plain weird. As if anybody would just open up the field just because you want to come from behind or inside or outside for that matter. I watched Edgar the whole time because it looked as though he was going to pull out in front. There was absolutely nothing wrong with his ride. he was right down the middle of the field.

I can hardly believe dutrow would even say that. Why would he? good grief

Good night Everyone.

Erin,
Have a wonderful journey, you are well and whole and you will never suffer. Please feel free to visit, we can sit side by side talk and laugh or just lean against each other. I love you sweetie.

Barbaro,
Good night sweet bay horse. I love you.

Thank you Alex for letting us express ourselves freely today. I wish at times we could more of your input.

Dawn found that Winstrol is marketed by Winthrop.

Cheryl,
Just think Edgar rides for him. What a shame!

###
Dawn in Omaha - Thank you. I listened to the discussions on both ESPN, where I watched the undercard all day, and NBC as the Preakness coverage was beginning. As you will recall, they were discussing this simultaneously for a brief time... Anyhow, I did not hear that specific reference, and am glad someone did.
I, too, am guilty of the "lasix" blunder. Now I will know better.

Joanna:

Thank you for posting "Elegy for Jane." That has always been one of my favorite poems.

I love the way you express what we are all feeling.

Flicka

Have been thinking of Erin and her family all day. Sometimes I dont understand why things happen to good people. My Southern Baptist Mother used to tell me that we arent supposed to know the whys of everything. She is gone now and I miss her but I still question the whys of things sometimes.

Susan E., good thoughts and keep us posted on Bagheera.

I am still about blown away about the steroid usage. I just assumed since people athletes cant take them then horses couldnt either. Of course good people like the Jacksons and Matz would never do it. Maybe if Eight Belles had been on steroids she might have won. Maybe I am thinking all wrong. Maybe Alex could tell us what he thinks. By the way thanks, Alex. for all you do for us.

((((((((((((flicka))))))))))))))))))

I have loved Roethke for decades...especially his love poems. But the Jane poem: so bittersweet...
his images so startling:

"A wren, happy, tail into the wind,
Her song trembling the twigs and small branches."

"And how, once startled into talk, the light syllables leaped for her,
And she balanced in the delight of her thought,"

Young girls. Loving horses, fearless, deep as the silent ponds...

I send out comfort for her family. How they will miss their little Erin. She will always be seven, always be perfect and small, always a little bit of a mystery, I would hasten to venture.

I mourn for her. And them.

Courage: jonna

(Is Flicka a German nickname? My name is found all over scandinavia, but my Mother just thought she was naming me after my Dad. She was born and raised in Minnesota, cheek to jowl with Finns, Swedes, Danes and of course the Germans whose even-tempered qualities run in my blood in concert with the ALSO even tempered Irish;;;;;;;oy.))

####
Renee:
Uh-huh: no spoons in prison, girl...we be eating the B&J with our fingers...sigh.

I have to watch Stargate. Just give me my sci-fi and I be happy...or distracted at least.

Love to all. Thinking of the Brennans: all.....vigil tonight again.

From Steve Haskin's great article selected by Alex:

"With Desormeaux throwing three crosses on the reins just to keep the colt running straight, Big Brown continued to open up."

OK, yole: what does this mean: "throwing three crosses on the reins...."
Thanks: j

One more comment: the Michael Blowen article from this morning is GREAT. What an amazing man. Wish we had a few in POLITICS like Blowen.

####
jonna, I am here reading, just in a fog. Sorry.

Erin update

Erin is gone she got the ultimate prize, she got to cuddle with God.

Oh, my. "She got to cuddle with God."

Well, we know where Erin got her courage, don't we.

Update on Erin

### Cheryl--Thanks for the Winstrol info. To my knowledge, I don't think any of the major veterinary distributors carry it. I remember seeing a documentary on dog fighting, and when the camera panned over the shelves with ALL the drugs this dog fighter had in his home, there was a bottle of Winstrol. One major explanation as to why fighting pit bulls are so agressive in the ring--they're juiced on steroids. Pretty damn sad.

### Barb--You're right--Ivermectin (first introduced by Merial as Ivomec) came on the market in the mid-80's and the "brown box" was a HUGE deal. Back in the good old days, a 5L of Ivomec pour-on was $600. Now, we rarely sell the generics for much over $45--hardly worth the cost to ship it!

### Jean--The FDA required Intervet--manufacturer of Lasix--to change the name a few years ago to differentiate it from the human drug of the same name, so to make it as simple as possible, they now market it as "Salix". Pretty much everyone, including the Daily Racing Form and most of the racehorse media, still call it by the old name.

Enough of my pharmaceutical info!!

Won't be able to join you all here for the vigil this evening, but I will take a break from class, step outside and send my prayers on the wind along with all of you.

Love and strength to the Brennans.

VIGIL WILL BE SAME TIMES. We will just change the message a little.

Erin has gone to GOD.

VIGIL:

9 PM EDT
8 PM CDT
7 PM MDT
6 PM PDT

My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends who miss her.

So thankful she went in a beautiful way and how wonderful she comforted her mother.

Ro & Brady

Oh my gosh--just like that she is gone. . .

You are free and happy and healthy once again, little Princess. What courage you were blessed with. Your spirit touched each one of us and we will never forget you.

#######

Hi:

I wrote Sharon earlier today and asked her what she thought of getting some kind of pickle jar for donations for Erin's family during the Celebration. She was definitely for that idea.

Please save whatever loose change you gather between now and the celebration and bring that for this special jar for Erin's family.

Will cross post to other threads and main board.

Margaret

aka bobbysbabybrother

Peace In The Valley

Well, I'm tired and so weary
But I must go along
Till the Lord comes and calls me away, oh yes
Where the morning's so bright
And the Lamb is the light
And the night is as bright as the day, oh yes

There will be peace in the valley for me some day
There will be peace in the valley for me, oh Lord, I pray
There'll be no sadness, no sorrow, no trouble I see
There will be peace in the valley for me!

There the flowers will be blooming
And the grass will be green
And the skies will be clear and serene, oh yes
The sun ever beams in this valley of dreams
And no cloud will ever be seen, oh yes!

There will be peace in the valley for me some day
There will be peace in the valley for me, oh Lord, I pray
There'll be no sadness, no sorrow, no trouble I see
There will be peace in the valley for me!

Well the bear will be gentle
And the wolves will be tame
And the lion shall lay down by the lamb, oh yes
And the beasts from the wild shall be led by a child
And I'll be changed from this creature that I am, oh yes!

There will be peace in the valley for me some day
There will be peace in the valley for me, oh Lord, I pray
There'll be no sadness, no sorrow, no trouble I see
There will be peace in the valley for me!

Erin is with God !

Pray for comfort and peace for her family.

Hay, FOB's!

###
Erin, go to God, be with God. There is no more pain,no more suffering...

Only Peace and Love.

Prayers to the Brennans, to KF...to us all.

Healing,Love, Peace
ONS
Padme

Don't know why I went to check her update, I felt it would be today. And there it was but I knew already in my heart she was gone.
So thankful she went in a beautiful way and how wonderful she comforted her mother and hugged everyone goodby.
Praying for her family the hurt they must be feeling.

####
Beautifully said...Harriette!!!!

There will be peace in the valley for me some day...Can you imagine...Erin is riding Barbaro and meeting the great ones...and God is showing her around in heaven with all of the heavenly frens....

I am not suppose to check this site at work, but since last week I have checked it a few times with constant thoughts of Erin and her family.

How she hugged everyone goodbye was amazing and I am so glad they got to do that. My heart goes out to all of them.

Thank you to Anne and her family for sharing Erin with us. We were honored to know her.

Alex, thanks for this site.

FOB's..love you all.

For anyone who has ever experience this, it is truly amazing that death is only a breath away.

My thoughts and prayers are with Erin's family and friends. There are no words that can make this better. May she play forever in the wonder that is heaven.

Rest in peace sweet, sweet Princess.

May God comfort her wonderful, courageous family and friends.

To Erin

The brave, the wise, the tender, the funny, the compassionate, the curious, the loving, the exasperating, the smart, the kind

The little kid
You were just a little kid

How'd you get to be so wise? How'd your family get to be so serene and unflinching?

You chose to leave quickly
You knew the alternative
Your family knew
Those of us who have seen the alternative, we knew
You left quietly, quickly
Your gift to your family

Now it's your turn

Will you come back and tell your loved ones how happy you are, how beautiful it is?

Will you cuddle bunnies and listen to Hannah Montana and stay a little girl

Or will you grow up to be the woman you were denied being on Earth

When it's their time your loved ones will know you no matter what

No tears from Heaven
Go play
Go be a kid

How do you go on, how do you go on when you have to bury your child

(with no offense meant to those of other/no religious traditions...)

"I am the resurrection and the life, saith the Lord; she that believeth in me, though she were dead, yet shall she live; and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die."

"O God, whose beloved Son did take little children into his arms and bless them: Give us grace, we beseech thee, to entrust this child ERIN to thy never-failing care and love, and bring us all to thy heavenly kingdom; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen."

"Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heaven and home,
When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

I sing because I'm happy, I sing because I'm free,
For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Let not your heart be troubled, His tender word I hear,
And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;
Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

I sing because I'm happy, I sing because I'm free,
For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise,
When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies,
I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

I sing because I'm happy, I sing because I'm free,
For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me."

ERIN IS FREE...

Oh My goodness - I'm shocked. I guess I'm not intuitive at all. I never thought little Erin would be leaving us this soon. My heart aches for the family. My prayers for them and for us.

Janice
A forever FOB

###
Nancy...beautiful.

When I lost my only child...the funeral director told me...there are some things worse than death...at that time..I thought he was crazy...that was in 1987....and now I know...

later on down the years...I see for two...do for two...

Erin...you will be missed so much...but your sweet presence will be forever among your parents and your loved ones.

Just like Barbaro...we feel him with his every day...

###
Please light the candles for Pine, Foggy,
Erin...and Barbaro

Please help our rescues...every day...beautiful innocent horses are loosing their lives because of man's greed.

Please fax, email...and call...

and....May God Bless Each Of You.

annie annie and fam..we send you all our love....and prayers.....xxxooooo
erins' and barbaros' candles are side-by-sid