OK, Margaret, there won't be a second time.

Get in line behind me.

Rob : )>

Hiya, FsOB! Rob, you beat Margaret and yours truly to the punch this AM. Kudos for getting the first posting of the day slot! Wishing all of you a productive day and may all of our FsOB in TX get their electicity back on today. Sorry to see that Joan R. was still using a generator as of yesterday.

Great to see postings from a lot of FsOB yesterday who aren't able to post frequently. Alex, you've made a lot of folks in North America very happy by deciding to stay here for another year! Peace, RMH

#### To CJ: Thank you for sharing Dwan's note yesterday, giving us an update about her son, Alex. Hoping that his mobility is unharmed from the tumour which was removed.
To Jane: I didn't see any notes from you late yesterday. Please know that I hold you and Lukas in my thoughts.
To Jonna, hoping that you, High, Loretta, and all of the GHs have a better day today.
To Carol Nichols and Susan E.: Amazing how ignorant Congressman's Loesback is, isn't it? Susan, I loved your quip about his lack of knowledge.
To Tamme: How's Chessie doing this AM? I hope that he continues to progress & stabilizes quickly. ####

It's thursday FOBs. My least favorite day of the week and you all know why. It's 8 wks today.

My prayers for all FOBs and those they love. I didn't get to read many comments yesterday so I'm not quite up to date with the goings on. I'm sure like most days there is some good news and some not so good and some outright bad. Let's hope today is a better day.

Janice
A forever devoted to Kaiser FOB

(((((((((((((((Janice)))))))))))))))))))))
Many hugs: so many of us have walked the path you're on...we've got your back by day, and by night, we will hold high the lanterns. xxoo:j

((((((((((Jonna))))))))))

Thank you dear lady!!
Please give all your GH's a hug from me.

Janice

Good Morning Barbaro

We love you...we miss you....and we are here...your family...speaking for your brothers and sisters....always.

Good Morning Family/Fans of Barbaro

Please call, fax, email...

someone mentioned we work on the states...trying to stopped transporting our beautiful horses across the borders.

We do not give up...we are a united, family...of love and compassion...we get it...and we can do this...we will save Barbaro's brothers and sisters.

Please remember and help our rescues, please read the db...alot going on....

Winter will be approaching before we know it...and they the rescues...need every penny, nickel, and dime...I know times are hard...it is for all of us....but if who would be there for the rescues..but us.

Remember our Fallen Angels, the ones suffering human or animal, prayers to our family who have a loss, our wildlife, and always our loving family.

Have a nice day.

####
Good Morning Alex.
Good Morning Tim and Fair Hill.

Our Fallen Angels..we move forward...never backwards...we hear your cries, we know what you had faced, brutal slaughtering...and we will not fail.

### I think we all need to light a candle for Joan to get some electricity back! Jen

Joe at TB Friends

Sending All, All All My Love........Prayers......
...Rainbows........To Angel Barbaro........Our
Angel Horses........Barbaro's Famblee Of So, So So Beautiful Angels.......Angel Alex.......Angel
Wendy.......Your Angelic Hearts Of Love.......
Your Glowing Hearts Of Love........I Love You So
A Lot So.........You Are In My Heart So (8) A Lot
So.........

The Wings Of Prayer

Angel Maribel, Angel Hans, Angel Mary S. And
Sherman, Angel Jane And Lucas, Angel Jonna And
Heart, Angel Tammie And Cheesie, Angel Adam
LaCosta And Angel Lisa, Angel C.J. And Angel
Dawn And Angel Alex, Angel Janice,Angel Joan Roya, Barbaro's Angels..........The Circle Of
Angels.........God's Love For You..........Angel
Barbaro With You.........Glowing Halos.........

God's Wonders In Rainbows

For Joy
In Many Beautiful Rainbows........

Beautiful Visioning
Creating Glowing Rainbows
God's Light...........

In Halos.........

Affirmed

######
Thanks to everyone praying and asking for Lukas...he was feeling great yesterday, today, no so much, I am hoping it is just that I started him on an antibiotic which maybe upsetting his stomach. Spoke to the Canine Cancer liason in our Golden Retriever club who recommends splenectomy, but it only increases survival rate by 3 months if you are lucky. Right now am feeling like I hate to put him through that. There is a slight chance it is not malignant, but he would have to still endure the invasive surgery. I am just hoping he feels better later on and for some more quality time. His bloodwork, including liver values were normal. Wish all FOB's a good day and evening and again, so appreciative of your concern.

Jane, you might ask the doctor about Pepcid for Lukas stomach while he is on antibodics. In the past I have found that they do better with that while taking antibodics. However, I am not a vet so check with the dr.

It's been so long - so sorry, I love and miss you sweet Barbaro.

Say a prayer for me okay big guy!

###Dee,

You often write about colors and rainbows, so have thought of you lately. This is the best year for foliage there has been in some time. The leaves are in so many different colors, shades and veriation.The colors this year are
once again dazzlingly brilliant, not rusty as they have been for the last few years. The change in leaves has come about 2 weeks early. But what a glorious sight.

May all the horses come home safely today & always.

Joy FOB Forever Remembering the Great John Henry. Remember: It's About The Horses.

Thank you Dee, Robyn and everyone for thinking of Chessie and I. He's having a little better day today. He seems to be getting some strength back and his balance is better. Still not eating on his own but his vet says just keep doing what we are doing. He's comfortable and sleeping in his favorite sunspot right now...so my heart is happy watching him.

Alex...so glad to see we have you with us "fighting the fight" for another year. Be careful out there in the mornings.

Tamme

###Jane ...thinking of you and Lukas. Glad his day yesterday was good. We have to cherish the good ones.

###Sandra...Hope Chief is doing okay. I posted the other night late to you about Cerenia. I've been using it on my cat Chessie for over a week now and it works great for nausea. He has bad reactions to other antinausea drugs. Cerenia seems to be pretty safe according to my vet. I believe it's very similar to a drug they use for humans during chemo. How much is Chief taking?

Tamme

reposting [slghtly edited] - mass email sent out Oct 1 - strategy still in effect

URGENT STRATEGY UPDATE - pls distribute widely & stay tuned

Hay everyone - pls get this message out to all the State Groups, and to everybody else on your mass email lists.

The latest update conveys my sentiments exactly - and also I want to say THANK YOU to Alex for staying on for the duration. The announcement today that his "tour of duty" is extended for another year, fills me with even greater hope and expectation that we will prevail.

ttyl - cheers & hugs - and stay tuned for further developments and directions as they evolve

CJ in Hammond IN for Deb and Shelley

http://www.americansagainsthorseslaugher.com

--- On Wed, 10/1/08, Shelleyabrams wrote:
Date: Wednesday, October 1, 2008, 11:16 AM

CJ....Can you send this out to everyone on all lists ASAP...thanks, Shelley

Hello Everyone!!
Just a quick update!
Monday, Sept. 29th, we received this email message from HSUS -

Hello!

There was an amendment that was added to the bill while it was in Judiciary that triggered possible Agriculture Committee jurisdiction. The bill was sent to the Ag Committee so they could look at it and waive their jurisdiction over the bill. Then the bill would be sent to Rules and then to the House Floor.

However, due to the bailout bill situation taking up so much time and resources, the House will not be addressing HR 6598 this year. We anticipate it being re-introduced at the beginning of the 111th Congressional session in January 2009.

Thanks so much to you and your troops for making such a valiant effort. We will be back and we will prevail.

Thanks --
Grassroots Outreach Coordinator
The Humane Society of the United States

Unexpectedly, on Monday, the bailout bill did not pass as everyone thought it would. Although it is a long shot, every day that our gov't is in session there is hope for our horses.

1) Please continue to put pressure on your reps to vote for HR6598 in the event this legislation does come to the floor for a vote.

2) With the election coming up in November, make sure you elect legislators that will allow this to pass next year. Do your homework, find out where your candidates stand and let your voices be heard on this issue. With the right people in office, we can prevail.

3) Continue to spread awareness about horse slaughter. As we've all found out, most Americans still do not even know this exists. The more people that know, the louder the outrage will be.

Please understand that there is a very slim chance this will happen this year. Nevertheless, we must stay organized and keep on fighting whether it be for this year or to be ready for January!

Thanks again for all you do.........together we'll prevail!!

Shelley and Deb

Posted by: CJaffe at October 1, 2008 5:26 PM

Tammie, Chief is on Cerenia once a day. He gets 2 at one time. He also is on Pepcid twice a day. He is also on Hills ID meat dog food. Yes, they do use Cerenia for chemo, etc. He is doing fairly well today. He has lost 10 pounds. from 90 down to 80. He is ow eating good being fed twice a day. The greatest thing is he is once again eating nilla wafers again. Last weekend when he refused a nilla wafer I knew we were in serious trouble. What are you using Cerenia?

Tamme, keep us posted on Chessie. I guess I missed your post on him and thats why I asked why Chessie is taking cerenia. May both of our boys do really well.

Oct. 2 Cherokee Devotional [sharing email from Harriette Brillianthawk]

Sweet fragrances of the land, herbs and roots and medicines long lost to the general population, are nonetheless as present as they always have been. We have been so taken with miracle cures, these things have been put away as folklore and not dependable. The simple people at one time had no other alternative--so runs the present day popular notion.

Hard-fought battles over who is to pay for the miracle medicines--and we are grateful for most of them--may even turn a venturesome soul back to the soil and back to the things that heal a mind and body without being asked for proof of insurance. But one thing far too ignored is the power of prayer. No Indian is remiss in blessing his body and soul and spirit because he knows they work together. His prayer is not now and again but regular and potent.

The lack of respect for growing, living things soon led to lack of respect for humans, too.

Luther Standing Bear
Lakota

Hi everyone,
Please read this powerful article and share with others...We need to keep moving forward so horse slaughter will be abolished forever.
Thank you -
Michelle

HORSE SLAUGHTER: Ending the Madness of Equicide: Part 2
By Marion Altieri and John Pricci
Friday, September 26, 2008

http://www.horseraceinsider.com/blog.php/HRI-Feature/27092008-horse-slaughter-ending-the-madness-of-equicide-part-2/

The mantra “unwanted horses” is the rallying cry for pro-slaughter advocates. This group believes that slaughtering unwanted horses is more humane than if the horses were neglected or abandoned, allowed to die a slow death. It’s a resolution that conveniently ignores the humane component.

John Holland works with the group Americans Against Horse Slaughter and is a staunch defender of horses. In his research paper, “The Relationship Between Horse Slaughter and Reported Cases of Abuse and Neglect” the charts, graphs and text indicate that the reduction of horse slaughter does not significantly increase neglect and abuse of unwanted animals.

Russell Williams, vice president of Hanover Shoe Farms, the largest and most prestigious Standardbred farm in the United States, emphasizes that as long as slaughter is available, alternatives won’t be considered, that it’s nothing more than death made an easy first option for owners and breeders looking to shun their responsibility. “We’ve got to keep in mind that [breeding and racing] brings with it an obligation to properly handle the unwanted horses we end up with. If we don’t eliminate slaughter, we’ll never come to grips with proper ways to solve that problem. It’s expensive, and it’s hard, but it’s got to be done.”

Jackson Knowlton, managing partner of the Sackatoga Stables group that owns 2003 Kentucky Derby champion Funny Cide and a member of the New York State Task Force on Retired Racehorses, places the responsibility of equine welfare squarely in his own lap and those of his peers. “From an owner’s perspective, we all have a responsibility to assure that the horses we race have a happy and healthy retirement. I believe that all owners should share in the financial responsibility to assure that this becomes a reality.”

The most humane solution is not necessarily an easy decision, however, even if it’s the only option available. Hall of Fame trainer Nick Zito and his wife Kim have been active slaughter abolitionists for years. “The main thing is that this problem has been going on for too long; we’ve been aware for a very long time now. ‘What do you do with these horses?’ If you must, and only absolutely must, you euthanize them. Look, we all know the humane thing to do, and we have to do it. You don’t send horses to be slaughtered.”

In addition to making horsemen responsible for the privilege of ownership, there are two other possible ways to address the problem of unwanted horses. The first is staggeringly simple: Don’t make so many of them. Last year alone, 161,313 new foals hit the ground; 9,133 Standardbreds, 34,350 Thoroughbreds, and an astounding 117,830 Quarter Horses.

According to the American Quarter Horse Association web-site, there are over three million quarter horses in the U. S.alone. The AQHA is funded via the process of registering American Quarter Horse foals. These staggering numbers are made possible through artificial insemination. One good stallion can be responsible for 5,000 foals a year, a conservative estimate say some.

If a Quarter Horse doesn’t have the talent to earn his way, becomes ill, or just doesn‘t have the physical tools, the slaughter option makes it easy. It’s not difficult to understand why the AQHA is a vocal advocate for horse slaughter. Last year, 76,000 horses were slaughtered according to the Humane Society’s Perry, who added that slaughterhouses are on track to butcher 100,000 horses in 2008.

It’s encouraging that not all Quarter Horse owners feel the same way about slaughter as policy. “How could I not be opposed to this appalling cruelty,” asked Steven Long, an owner of retired Quarter Horses and author/editor of the publication “Texas Horse Talk.” “These are the creatures that built America. The agribusiness industry views them as a commodity. I have many cowboy friends, and I love them, but they’re just wrong. Horse slaughter must end now.”

Until the enabling of slaughter is abolished in this country, there are other options. Horses can have a career that doesn’t involve beating other horses to a finish post. The U.S. Department of Agriculture sent a questionnaire to horse owners seeking to learn how horses can have a second career. “There’s such a big area but it’s expensive,” said Thoroughbred breeder-owner Frank Maner of Quiet Oak Farm in upstate New York. “There’s so many horses being sold who never race. We need a middleman, an organization to find new owners, to broker [an exchange].”

There are many worthy retirement organizations doing important work, such as the Exceller Fund, named for the 1978 Gold Cup hero. Trainer Gary Contessa is the new president of the Exceller Fund, a non-profit organization that transitions former racehorses into new careers. “My whole life has been built around racehorses. I see this as an opportunity to give even more back to these wonderful animals,” said last year’s record-setting trainer on the New Yorkcircuit.

“I have numerous retired Thoroughbreds at my farm in upstate New Yorkand have been a major supporter of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation and Equine Advocates. But I want to do more. My primary focus will be in raising awareness and funds for the continuing care of horses,” Contessa said when named the organization’s president last month.

The best hope for insuring that the slaughter of American horses stops is H.R. 6598, the Conyers-Burton Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act of 2008 introduced by Rep. John Conyers (D-Michigan), Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee. The bill’s passage, approved by voice vote in committee Tuesday night, would prohibit the sale and transport of horses to foreign countries for slaughter and eventual human consumption. While the bill has heightened awareness in the halls of power, it still needs public support.

“As a Representative of one of the premiere Thoroughbred racetracks in the U.S., Saratoga Race Course, I find it imperative that we pass this commonsense piece of legislation,” said Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-New York). Sandy Treadwell, her Republican counterpart, who’s running for Congress for to return repeated phone calls seeking comment.

“H.R. 6598 is the best chance we’ve had in years to pass this legislation,” affirmed Willie Nelson. “Call your representatives today and ask them to co-sponsor H.R. 6598. Tell them their decision should be an easy one.” “Those who are trying to stop this are responsible for horse’s deaths,” added Perry. “The bill’s passage is urgent.”

Like most Thoroughbred horsemen, the august Jockey Club, the sport’s registrar, wants equicide abolished. “The Jockey Club is opposed to the slaughter or processing of Thoroughbreds for consumption by humans or animals. This includes the sale and/or transportation of Thoroughbreds for slaughter or processing for consumption by humans or animals. The Jockey Club maintains its long-standing commitment to the care and welfare of Thoroughbreds and believes that Thoroughbreds should at all times be treated humanely and with dignity,” said Bob Curran, Jockey Club vice president of Corporate Communications.

The great Exceller, winner of the Jockey Club Gold Cup run 30 years ago this weekend, never did win a formal championship. And so, after running the race of his life, defeating two Triple Crown champions in the process, Exceller entered stud service at Gainesway Farm in Kentucky. But not long after that he fell out of favor. Foreign interests had begun their assault on the American stud book. Speed had become the commodity of choice, more important than heart or stoutness or versatility or, as some might argue, ultimately, class.

So off Exceller went to Sweden, sold to a breeder named Gote Ostlund. According to the Exceller Fund web-site, and contrary to rumor, the horse was not infertile. Indeed, he covered more than 40 mares in his final season at stud in Sweden. But Ostlund had made some bad business decisions, went bankrupt, and demanded that Exceller be slaughtered.

In 1997, Exceller, the same year he was nominated for--and would eventually gain--admission into the Racing Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs, this extraordinary horse found himself in a Swedish slaughterhouse, thousands of miles from the dirt and grass upon which he raced and grazed and achieved greatness, and from the fans who admired and loved him, Exceller was murdered for no good reason.

Gandhi said that a society is judged by its treatment of its weakest members. The Bible teaches people to “rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter.” And, as Edmund Burke reminds us, all’s that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.

Going forward, as racing fights for its financial and aesthetic survival, pressured from without and within, the horse industry might do well to recall the cautionary words of Martin Niemoller on the subject of the inactions of the past and what it might portend for the future. To wit:

“When the Nazis came for the communists, I remained silent; I was not a communist. When they locked up the social democrats, I remained silent; I was not a social democrat. When they came for the trade unionists, I did not speak out; I was not a trade unionist. When they came for the Jews, I remained silent; I wasn't a Jew. When they came for me, there was no one left to speak out.”

Sending All, All All My Love.......Rainbows......
To Angel Joy VT.......You Are In My Heart So (8)
A Lot So........

You Touch My Heart So (8) A Lot So........

So, So So Glowing All That You See. The So, So So
Beautiful Leaves And Colors........

Sending All, All All My Love To John Henry.......
...

Affirmed

Please stop in and light a few Candles for Barbaro. Thanks. He only needs a few.

###Sandra...Chessie is 23 yrs old (ancient for a cat)but he's just now having serious kidney problems. Las week or so he got really sick and his creatinine level shot up and he quit eating. I'm feeding him now and we have gone to sub Q fluids daily but during all this he's had nausea. The vet tells me thats what all his 'licking his lips' means. Also...when I drive him to the vet he would throw up and throw up...so he ended up in worse shape than when we started...lol. But the Cerenia is great for his nausea and for motion sickness. He took reglan (sp?) and had horrible results from that so am happy Cerenia is working.

Great to hear Chief is eating and esp that he's wanting his Nilla wafers again. Prayers to you both...keep us posted.
Tamme

SOS Equines is currently trying to save two horses. The first is Glowing War, who is registered with the Jockey Club. The second is Sun Glow Chevato, a 6-year-old QH with papers.

http://forums.delphiforums.com/alexbrown/messages?msg=29101.1

Thanks!

Debbie

Hiya, FsOB. I am getting ready to dash upstairs to watch the debate. I hope that everyone has "ACN", we all certainly deserve it. Peace, RMH

#### To everyone who cares about the family of Erin Brennan, please keep Anne in your thougths right now. She's had a challenging week and isn't feeling well.
To Janice, my sympathies for you & Denny. I understand why Thursdays are so painful for you.
To Jane, may Lukas have a better Friday. I'm sure that you are getting information from many excellent sources. He is lucky that you are his human Mum, Jane!
To Tamme, thanks for updating us about Chessie.
Hello to Shirley in KY, great seeing you here. Jennie checked in yesterday.
To Sandra, please give Chief a Nilla Wafer for me, OK? Robyn ####

Good morning everyone. Won't you join me in wishing Lynne Brown, our beloved ladee at the fence, a wonderful birthday in the West Wing today? HAPPY BIRTHDAY LYNNE!!! Yippee Skippy!

I have not been here in a while. I hope you all are well. Cooper is still doing great. Have a good day everyone.

###
Jen...thanks for your thoughts....hopefully we will have electricity this weekend? 18 days????

####
Please pray for our nation....and pray we find ways..to save our beautiful horses...Barbaro's brothers and sisters.

Help all animals and wildlife, and our rescues....

and...most of all pray and help each other...

#####
Went home at lunch....AND WE HAVE ELECTRICITY!!!!!

PLEASE CALL, FAX, EMAIL....SAVE BARBARO'S BROTHERS AND SISTERS...

HELP OUR RESCUES.