Hiya, FsOB! It's still quite dark and chilly here on the banks of the Thames at 5:57 AM. May you have a safe & productive new week. Alex, please tell Mr. Rowdy to behave himself this morning.

#### To Harriette, sorry to hear that you have been hit with a GI bug. Some of my coworkers have had something, too.
To Joan Roya: I was very saddened to read late last night that Richard has been found to have brain tumours (I think you said plural). How frightening for him and his family.
To Debbie LA: I have lit candles for your sister, Dot, who has had a severe stroke. Please know that we are with you and your extended family at this difficult time.
To all: The candle group for Debbie LA's sister is entitled "Dot".

Good Morning Famblee,
Sneaking in at work to ask prayers for Pepper's Pride that she have a safe race at Zia Park in today's 10th race.
NO Horse left behind or Ever Forgotten!
Lee

Oy, Never mind. She ran yesterday and won her 19th consecutive race!. I'm brain dead this Monday morning. Sorry all.
Lee

Good morning FOB,

May everyone have a safe, happy, productive day. There have been so many losses in our family the last few days, but we just keep going and support each other.

Lee, you are never brain dead. You might be accused of have a heart that is too big, but never brain dead!!

####
Debbie L.A.
I am so very sorry to learn of your loss of your sister.

One by one, people here will read of your sister Dot's flight to Heaven. It is a blessed thing that your family were all of the same mind after her stroke, and were able to follow her wishes.

So, one by one, the messages will come for you, because we are famblee, and we're right here anytime you need us.

Keeping you and your family in prayer.

Good Monday Morning FOBs,

Debbie LA - I am so, so sorry to read about your sister. I'm praying for her and of course you.

Joan Roya - what sad news about Richard.

I agree with Patty - so many losses here.

Janice
A forever devoted to Kaiser FOB

##
Lynne,

...response from Lorraine to your posting:

"Hi Lynne, tell Nancy I am so sorry. I didn't know how to get in touch with her being her computer was down and I honestly, didn't know how to tell her. I know how much she loved him."

A MUCH NEEDED, GOOD FEEL, DOSE OF JOE TBFRIENDS
*********************************************

Monday, November 10th... I knew within a minute we would help her. It was all because of her dog. A black scruffy terrier mix, and in our driveway she kept checking on him. The girl is 16, and tells me her sob story. Mom, who is waiting in their car, has lost her job. Not only is her dog a mutt, but so too is her gelding. A quarter horse mixture of this and that, and the girl rides him everywhere. She says we met once before. Two summers ago at a horse show in Woodland. She says I was at the show to watch Song, a black mare who was adopted from our ranch. I remember Song, adored her, but I do not remember the horse show.

The girl says they must be rid of their mutt of a gelding. There is no money to feed him. She begged her mom, please can we go ask Tbfriends for help. Finally mom said okay. The girl brought her mutt of a terrier dog from their car to potty in my driveway. The girl never left his side. You can tell how much she loves her dog. So I figure she feels the same way about her gelding.

I told the girl I will come to their house later this week. She said no. She said they need a bale of hay right now. Her horse is hungry. Please.

They live 20 minutes away. The mutt of a horse is a hunk. Brown and white, and when we approach he lets out a scream for the young girl. He is over weight. I tell the girl she needs to feed him less, and she says yeah, but it is just so easy to spoil him. I explain you are doing him no favors.

She shows me her bedroom. Their are pictures of her mutt of a gelding covering her walls. Dozens and dozens of pictures. There are also many ribbons won from schooling shows. The black scruffy dog jumps on her bed goes to sleep.

All the time we are involved with tragic stories of families losing their homes and animals. We meet people under huge amounts of stress. For many, feeding their animals is more important than feeding themselves.

There is no way we can help. It is often a struggle for Cathy and I to feed our own animals. But we can search for help. Not only through this website, but from friends long ago made.

So I phoned a friend in the San Francisco area. He works part time for a feed store. I said there is a mutt of a gelding owned by a teenage girl who loves him like crazy. Her family is out of money. Can you supply this gelding with enough hay to last through winter? He said yes, and I knew he would.

I phoned a farrier friend, and asked can you trim the feet of this gelding every 6 weeks for free. The farrier friend said yes, and I knew he would.

I phoned a friend who always loves to help. I have a gift card to a grocery store, given to Cathy and I by a nice lady at our front gate. I asked my friend, can you go grocery shopping? Use this gift card to buy the girl and her mom some people food. My friend said yes, and I knew she would.

The gelding has been dewormed. He was given his autumn vaccinations. Paid for by a friend who hauls horses for us.

If you saw her bedroom. All those photos of her horse. If you saw how much she loves her dog. A good kid. You would do anything for her, and I know you would.

I thank all of you involved. Once again, there is no way we could function without your help.

more to come

There are good people out there. There are kind and loving people out there. There are people out there that care. Thanks for helping, Joe. Thanks for always trying and never giving up.

Denise

##Hi All thank you again so much for your kind thoughts and prayers.

I would like to share with you a video that is showing on You Tube of our Coby. I watched it a few times, cried my eyes out but so happy to see him alive and doing what he loved to do.

Click here: YouTube - In Memory of Cobra Strike

What would the world be like without Joe and Cathy
to do God's work? Like so many rescuers, it is what they live for, what makes them happiest: the weddings of young girls and families with horses who just need a chance.

Support and cyberhugs to all who need them.

xxoo:j
COURAGE

Good Morning Barbaro

We love you...we miss you...we ask you to keep your sweet spirit among us....your FOBS...are a fighter...just like you, Barbaro...WE WILL NEVER GIVE UP!

Good Morning Family/Fans of Barbaro

PLEASE CALL, FAX, EMAIL......we might have a lame duck Congress meeting....we need to be ready at all times....we are going to get our Barbaro Bill PASSED.....

Please remember and help our rescues...read the db...alot going on....I know...speaking for me...we are all strapped....but I have to help them....without us, who?????

And our Fallen Angels, the ones suffering human or animal, our wildlife and always our loving family.

My prayers to Mary S...and Harriette, and so many more....Debbie in LA....and the list goes on....

The only thing we have in life FOBS....is us our family, and hope...and as long as there is life...there is HOPE.

Have a wonderful day.

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

Our Fallen Angels...we are here.

Lorraine, the video is wonderful. It's absolutely beautiful. That's one of my very favorite songs. It is so uplifting. Coby is galloping in the wind now.

Equineangel Rescue (8 are saved so far; working on horse #9):

"We have a limited opportunity to save these 14 horses a trip to the Canadian slaughter house.

"The funds must be raised by the end of the day Wednesday, 11/12/08 (There will be no extensions. In fact, we're going to pull horses as the funds are raised, to ensure they do not inadvertently get shipped)

"To help get these 14 horses to safety, please go to www.paypal.com and send funds to equineangel22@yahoo.com"

(On DB - EA: Save slaughter bound horses by 11/12)

Thank You!

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

The Angels Of Love

Angel Lou Ann, Angel Equine Heaven, Angel Lynne,
Angel Padme A'Tea...........Your Angelic Hearts
Of Love...........

So, So So Very Special Prayers

Angel Richard, Angel Debbie LA And Angel Dot
And Angel Family, Angel Mary S. And Angel Sherman, Angel Lorraine And Angel Coby, Angel
Harriette And Jackson Brown........God's Light
Of Love..........

The Wings Of Prayer

Angel Maribel, Angel Hans, Angel Mary S. And Angel Sherman, Angel Joan Roya, Angel Richard,
Angel Jonna And Heart And Jessie And Angel Jack,
Angel Lynne And Angel Murphy, Angel Sherry And
Amigo And Angel Chico, Angel Barb AZ, Chunky And
Punky And 153 And Petunia, Angel Barb And Starine
Angel Nala, Angel Janice And Angel Denny And
Angel Kaiser, Angel Padme A'Tea, Angel Harriette
And Jackson Browne, Angel Patricia And Blondie,
Angel Renee, Angel Laurie H. And Bart, Angel C.J.
Angel Adam La Costa And Angel Lisa, Angel Dawn,
Angel Tammie And Angel Cheesie, Angel Margie And
Lucky, Angel Otherylyn, Angel Cheryl Jones,
Angel Skyler, Angel Tee, Angel Momo, Angel Anne
And Angel Terry Brennan, Angel Stephanie, Angel
Rob, Angel Tony, Angel Magic Flute, Big Brown,
Angel Sandra And Chief, Angel Cheryl G. And Reggie, Angel Joe And Angel Cathy, Angel Tim And
Angel Penny, Our Angel Horses, Our Angel Connections, Barbaro's Angels..........God's Love For You..........From God's Glowing Heart Of
Love........To Your Angelic Hearts Of Love.......
..Angel Barbaro And His Angel Frens Of Love Are
With You...........Your Angels Are With You......
...God's Glowing Sunshine And The Clouds In The
Day And The Stars At Night.........So, So So Special Wishes.........

God Paints The Skies With Angels And Hearts......
..

Our Sacred Journey In Rainbows

Traveling Together In Care, Love And Support
On The Golden Road Of The Rainbow
With Angels All Around
Many Beautiful Rainbows...........

In Halos..........

Affirmed

I’ve prepared an altar – it seems to give me some peace. It is in my bedroom. I have locks from Sherman’s tail, mane and forelock, his flymask (that I hold often and still smells of him), pictures of him, a suncatcher my nephew gave me for Christmas – two horses... A bay with a white star and an all black, running through a stream in a forest. I found this again by “accident” yesterday. There are candles and a plate of food – Sherman’s favorites – iceberg lettuce, carrots, cucumber, and a pear.

There are so many things I wish I could say – a fitting tribute for Sherman.... I can’t seem to express myself right now – but I felt it was time to try to post to my friends. I haven't been able to read posts - I will do that soon.

From the moment I first saw Sherman (my first day to volunteer at HFH, he was the horse to greet me at the gate) all I saw when I looked up were those eyes, open so wide - just staring at me. I now know how unusual that was – Sherman held back at the ranch – but he was first in line when I did Healing Touch there, stood peacefully when I gave him sponge baths... And gradually his attitude changed and he became more confident. Looking back, I know we were bonded from the first day. That is what drove me to adopt him - my first horse....and it all fell into place in a most remarkable way. There hasn’t been a Saturday since that first day, April 2007, that I haven’t been with Sherman – not until this Saturday.

Over the past year he had gained weight, and he didn’t colic once (he did 3 times at the ranch in 7 months). But I wish I had been more relaxed with him... I kept trying to get him healthier, I was so protective, so vigilant... I wish I had just relaxed more. Some days, he would cut his eyes at me, as if to say – I want you to know I am allowing this...I fussed over him. Sherman was an exceptional horse, full of personality.

I love this horse with my very soul. I know it was a once in a lifetime union – a team. I was so lucky to have him – I wish we had had more time. The last days.... I am so grateful I was with him – he would put his head in my lap for his naps – he snored, he dreamed with is hind legs running... Sherman was grazing Thursday morning - Tuesday and Wednesday too... in the sun. I slept behind him the last night – my arm across him. I think we both already knew what the vet would say the next day.

Friday I went into the tack room screaming – I didn’t know how I could do it – tell her to put him down.. I just lost it. Then, I remembered Tee – all the times we spoke about Sherman. I heard her clear as a bell – you have to do it – I know you can, you know you can - you have to... I knew she was with me – and I believe Barbaro came for Sherman. I’ve had others tell me the same thing – and it just feels true. I feel like he gave him to me – makes sense he would be there then. I gave Sherman Healing Touch, an essential oils treatment, and he ate, and ate. Oats, lettuce, carrots, cucumber... I would go back for more, and each time I came into the stall, his ears were up, eyes bright (often, when he had that look, I would say, Sherman, you look like a racehorse).. I wondered about that – for a brief moment I thought, wait –am I doing the right thing... he was so animated – but then I realized he was happy, he was happy - he knew we had made the decision – the two of us, together - and I will always believe he was telling me it was OK. I remember telling Sherman one day, I just wanted you to be happy – I believe I heard him say, I am happy – right now, I am happy.

Sherman was such a gift to me. Sherman taught me how important the moment is – the moment... and he taught me about love. He was a strong, brave horse – and he fought a good fight.

I want you all to know - you gave Sherman a chance – you gave him time to complete his journey - each one of you did that.. The FOB with their love, prayers and donations made it possible... the gift of time. I wanted the miracle of healing of the laminitis - but Sherman did have a healing - I think he healed his emotional wounds these last days. I never left him - he knew I loved him for what he was inside..... He knew love – mine yes, but he also knew the love of the FOB – I am sure of this.

I told him every day, many times, that I loved him - I told him I would never leave him. One day, several months ago, we were in the arena, and I said I love you, I love you.... I kept saying it, over and over. He started walking towards me - I was sitting on the ground, and I didn't move. He walked up to me, and stood over me - all the while I kept saying I love you. I think it was that day he began to believe me..... Over the past weeks, I also told him many others were loving him and holding him in prayer. I am not sure about some things that happened since September 6th – but I am sure of two things.... Sherman knew he was loved, and I am sure I did the right thing for him on Friday.

Thank you for taking this jouney with me and Sherman - we could not have been in better company - and I could not have done it without you - I am so grateful.

Sherman was the great love of my life – there will never be another. It was an honor, and a privilege to be with him.

I don’t know how to move forward right now. Please keep me in your prayers.

For I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us…” Romans 8:38, 39

Love, Light and Protection for All of Our Horses

Mary,

welcome back - your posting was powerful

and you know Sherman will be with you always - soulmates are never really far apart...they are just a tug of the string away....

Fran

Debbie La, thoughts and prayers for you and your family. Dot is with the Angels now.

Mary, thinking of you and Sherman with love. You are a great team, united always by the deep bond of love and trust that you shared. It will always be. Forever.

Loving so much helps us to do the right thing, even though it is an enormous, almost impossible struggle. You aren't feeling the relief yet, as the grief is too present and too imposing. But Sherman does, and soon you will too. Soon you will feel that he is with you, that he has never left you, and never will.

We'll all see sweet Sherman again

Beautiful post Mary. My heart goes out to you...

Mary - thank you for your courage - to do the right thing for Sherman - and to include all of us in your most powerful journey. You have touched me with your words and insight .......... and always, always - your courage - and your tenacity ...... when I consider these attributes, I always think of our Beloved Barbaro. There is no doubt that Barbaro was there, with you and Sherman, all along ....... to lean on ..... and trust. I am sending you Cyber hugs and my cyber shoulder - and you know, always, that we are here for you. How fortunate for both you and Sherman - to have shared such a deep love and trust - that will always, always endure.

Much love to you, Mary ........
Sherry and Amigo in Arizona

Mary S

Remembering Barbaro and Sherman today-- and you too. Your posting today is so beautiful and touching. Your love comes through. Take care,
Deborah M23

#####
Sherman is love, Mary S...
your posting was from a true heart...and I will pray for you...for healing....Sherman, Mary knows love....you are love.

For the love of our animals, and what we have to do, our hearts grow bigger and bigger. Mary, may you find strength, and you have all of our love. Altars are such a comfort. I have 2 very large ones that my fur children from all of these years have laid claim.

((((Deb L.A.))))

Looking at the pics of Nistle's Crunch and Peppers Pride warm our hearts. Magnificent creatures. So determined.

May I post this little story? Alex, remove it if inappropriate. An honor to all of us that disagree with the statement, "It's only an animal."

While waiting this morning for my client to finish her dialysis, I sat in my vehicle with 3 cookies and a thermos of hot coffee. I'll title this story: 'The Raven and the Golden Oreo Cookie.'

What caught my eye was the raven on top of a freshly snow covered lamp post, feverishly cleaning his beak in the snow. I thought he might like a cookie, a Golden Oreo Sandwich Creme cookie. I tossed it out the window, and it rolled to the bottom of the lamp post. The raven spotted it immediately, and swooped down. He eyed it for a second or two and then picked it up. He held it in his beak for maybe 2 seconds, then he laid it down and put his left foot on it. He broke it cleanly into 2 parts. One side was full of the creme, the other side was plain. He began to scrape off the creme with his beak. Like a bulldozer. Once cleaned, he pecked it to pieces and consumed that side. Then he took the other side and flew to a grassy patch, where he finished it off. After he finished, he came back and perched on a fence near the car, looking at me. His head cocked as if to say, "Is there anymore?"

What surprised me was how he knew how to get to the creme without breaking the cookie. Was he an Oreo expert? He wanted that creme first.

I wished I had brought the whole package of cookies with me this morning, not just 3.

Margie that is an absolutely beautiful story. Thank you for sharing it. No film documentation needed. You illustrated it perfectly.

I have always disliked qualifying words like "just" or "only" when speaking of animals. They're all perfect creations, none less significant to our universe than the other. Perfect, beautiful creations with amazing attributes, all of them. I know the adverb "dumb" has been used often, meaning that they are without the ability to speak human language. But they are no less able to communicate, are they?

Thanks for sharing your perfect example of how sometimes the everyday small encounters with other creatures are the best ever.

######
Please help the Equine Angel rescue...Horse No. 9....they need us...we almost got them all....FOBS...PLEASE HELP....PLEASE....

####
Mary
Mary and Sherman.
Everytime I think your name,
Mary, I will also think:
SHERMAN>
I never met him.
You made his life with you
so real for us.
Which makes his loss
so real for us.
We will hold him
in our hearts with so many
others we have lost these
past two years.

You gave the same death as
you did life: kind, fearless
and--in the end--a gift.

with much sympathy: jonna
xxoo:j
COURAGE

####
Jonna...beautiful...and from our hearts...that is what we all feel...

###Mary S, my heart goes out to you and my prayers. You were so very brave and courageous to let Sherman move on. You can rest easy knowing that he is home and that you gave him dignity and love to carry him. God Bless You and Sherman.

Judy

#####
Please help our rescues...please...
and remember all of our family in prayer....

and pray for the healing of our nation.

####

Mary S., please know deep in your heart that the love of Barbaro Nation will always be with you on this journey, now more than ever. As you were with us during Barbaro's happy days and during those days of agony, so we are here with you. We send you all the love and prayful strength we can muster. And we know that Barbaro and Sherman are watching over you.

Jackie in VA
FOB Forever

Hiya, FsOB! Alex, have you made a decision as to where you may go for the Winter? My secret hope is that you may end up in Ocala with Michael Matz, Nicanor, & Lentenor! Thank you for the story about Sheik Mohammed, fascinating reading. His desire to have a KY Derby winner makes me think of how eager Queen Elizabeth II would be to win the English Derby.

#### To Mary S.: My eyes are streaming from the beautiful description of your last evening, recumbent with Sherman. I agree with everyone who's posted today, Mary. Sherman felt your love and his love for you will never pass.
To Margie in NM: Thank you for sharing your observations about the Raven and the Golden Oreo Cookie. I get very distressed when I hear people speak disparagingly of animals' intelligence or their capacity to love. Many humans could learn so much from watching the example of animals.
To Debbie LA: Dot was very fortunate that you were willing to follow her wishes, Debbie.
To Lorraine; My sympathies once more for Coby, I lit some candles for him this morning.
To all: Joe Shelton's blog today really renewed my sense of hope for the future. It shows how people can work together to help others, didn't it?
To Sandra: How's our dear Chief-ster doing tonight? Please tell Chief that I restarted a candle group for him on Gratefulness. I hope that he has "ACN". ####

Debbie LA,
I never had a sister. Always wanted one and thought it must be the most wonderful thing to have another female who understood things that a brother never would. I hope you had that kind of sisterly relationship with Dot.
God bless her and keep her safe and happy in heaven.
May He also bless you and send you comfort and grace. Loss of a loved one is a terrible strike to the heart, and I send you heartfelt condolences, to your family also. A warm hug, sisterinBarbaro.

Mary S.,
and Sherman,
I must say that "and Sherman".
Mary, my heart literally aches over this, and I have no words. You were the dream his heart made.
Thank God you were there for him, my fren.

Debbie L.A.
I'm so sorry for the loss of your sister. My prayers are with you and your family.

Shelley

A Cherub's Welcome To:

Sherman
Coby
Forest
Frosty
Molly
L S Sunrise
Malakoff
And all animals who have currently joined us.

Think of them all romping together! From time to time, there's a wistful look to earth, and the thought.."Are you alright? I hoped that there would be no more tears... I know you will miss me, but I'll be with you always. I'll wait for you" and then our loved ones prances off to join the joyful romp.

They'll wait for us until our time comes. To them, it's just a moment, just a short time away from the romp, and there will be the reunion. And there we will be, together again for eternity.

Thinking of all those who have to bear great losses. Deb in LA, am thinking of you and Dot, praying that the peace will come soon