Hiya, FsOB1 Well, it's snowing very hard here on the bnaks of the Thames this AM. I can barely see the lights across the river in New London.

Alex, thanks for blue-linking Stev Hasken's top 10 list on the road to the KY Derby. Makes for interesting reading!

May each of you and your animals have a safe and warm day! Peace, RMH

#### To Debbie LA: I hadn't realized that it was Peter O's first race. Very sad.
To Janice, hoping that Maia is recovering well this week. ####

Happy Thursday FOBs

I've not heard any news about Maia. I will post when I do.

I echo Robyn's wishes for a safe warm day for all.

Janice
A forever devoted to Kaiser FOB

crossposting from the DB - am I the first to break the news? OH HAPPY DAY! (tomorrow is my bday, btw - 67...)

this is it, from AWI

(I personally find it ironically and poetically just, that the bill is introduced on 1/15 which is MLK Bday.)

"FREE AT LAST" - CJ in Hammond IN

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BILL TO END HORSE SLAUGHTER REINTRODUCED

Washington, DC (January 15, 2009) – The Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act (H.R. 503), was reintroduced yesterday by House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI) and Representative Dan Burton (R-IN). They first introduced the bill, which will ban horse slaughter, in the summer of 2008. It gained quick bipartisan support and passed out of the Judiciary Committee but did not move further as the legislative clock wound down. Committed to seeing the measure passed into law, Chairman Conyers has given the bill priority in his committee, as signaled by its reintroduction so early on the legislative calendar. With sixty-one original cosponsors, the bill already enjoys strong bipartisan support.

Although the few remaining horse slaughter plants operating in the US were shut down in 2007 under state law, the absence of a federal law banning the practice means that American horses are still at risk of being slaughtered for human consumption. In fact, more than 100,000 horses were exported to Mexico and Canada in 2008 for slaughter; In Canada horses are often shot to death while in Mexico some plants still use the “puntilla” knife to stab the horse into a state of paralysis prior to being slaughtered while still fully conscious. The meat is then sold to high-end consumers in Europe and Asia.

“There are naysayers who claim we should reopen the US plants rather than seek to ban all horse slaughter. Clearly, they’ve already forgotten how awful the plants here were,” said Chris Heyde, deputy director of Government and Legal Affairs for the Animal Welfare Institute.

Documents recently released under the Freedom of Information Act reveal just how brutal conditions were at the US plants before they were shut down. Hundreds of graphic photographs taken by U.S. Department of Agriculture employees at one plant show live horses with missing legs, with eyeballs hanging out, with skin ripped from the body and the birth of foals at the plant. Other photos show horses dead on arrival, having succumbed to the miseries of transport.

“The suffering of hundreds of thousands of our horses rests solely on the shoulders of those blocking this bill. Were it not for their stalling tactics horse slaughter would have ceased years ago. Meanwhile an American horse is slaughtered every five minutes. We commend Chairman Conyers and Representative Burton for taking the lead once again to end this cruel practice through introduction of H.R. 503, the Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act,” said Heyde.

##30##

For further information contact:

Chris Heyde, 202-446-2142

Liz Ross, 202-497-6780

For over 58 years, AWI has been the leading voice for animals across the country and on Capitol Hill. Please join us in our ongoing campaigns to reduce the sum total of pain and fear inflicted on animals by humans. Sign up for AWI eAlerts to receive the latest news on what you can do to help us protect all animals: http://www.awionline.org/joinus

######
CJ...I pray that the bill passes on your birthday....what a huge present to you and all of us...our horses safe...

http://forums.delphiforums.com/alexbrown/messages?msg=32460.1

DB thread where you can chime in on this commendable development.

######### the only reason I'm up and about at this ungodly hour for a musician, is that today is a VET HOUSECALL - that was postponed by the vet to this morning from the orig scheduled Weds noon - without which development I would not have had the extreme thrill and joy and nachas of being the first one to tell you all.

You all mean so much to me, you never ever will know.

ooops I broke from the gate to soon again, it was introduced YESTERDAY 1/14, not today 1/15 MLK Bday. Oh, well . . .

Dear Americans Against Horse Slaughter Members,

New Legislation (H.R. 503) was introduced and needs immediate action!!

Please read the press release below from AWI and start calling your Representatives and ask them to cosponsor this most important bill.

Thanks for all of your help.

FROM AWI:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BILL TO END HORSE SLAUGHTER REINTRODUCED

Washington, DC (January 15, 2009) – The Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act (H.R. 503), was reintroduced yesterday by House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI) and Representative Dan Burton (R-IN). They first introduced the bill, which will ban horse slaughter, in the summer of 2008. It gained quick bipartisan support and passed out of the Judiciary Committee but did not move further as the legislative clock wound down. Committed to seeing the measure passed into law, Chairman Conyers has given the bill priority in his committee, as signaled by its reintroduction so early on the legislative calendar. With sixty-one original cosponsors, the bill already enjoys strong bipartisan support.

Although the few remaining horse slaughter plants operating in the US were shut down in 2007 under state law, the absence of a federal law banning the practice means that American horses are still at risk of being slaughtered for human consumption. In fact, more than 100,000 horses were exported to Mexico and Canada in 2008 for slaughter; In Canada horses are often shot to death while in Mexico some plants still use the “puntilla” knife to stab the horse into a state of paralysis prior to being slaughtered while still fully conscious. The meat is then sold to high-end consumers in Europe and Asia.

“There are naysayers who claim we should reopen the US plants rather than seek to ban all horse slaughter. Clearly, they’ve already forgotten how awful the plants here were,” said Chris Heyde, deputy director of Government and Legal Affairs for the Animal Welfare Institute.

Documents recently released under the Freedom of Information Act reveal just how brutal conditions were at the US plants before they were shut down. Hundreds of graphic photographs taken by U.S. Department of Agriculture employees at one plant show live horses with missing legs, with eyeballs hanging out, with skin ripped from the body and the birth of foals at the plant. Other photos show horses dead on arrival, having succumbed to the miseries of transport.

“The suffering of hundreds of thousands of our horses rests solely on the shoulders of those blocking this bill. Were it not for their stalling tactics horse slaughter would have ceased years ago. Meanwhile an American horse is slaughtered every five minutes. We commend Chairman Conyers and Representative Burton for taking the lead once again to end this cruel practice through introduction of H.R. 503, the Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act,” said Heyde.

This message was sent by: Americans Against Horse Slaughter, 1551 Willow Pond Dr., Yardley, PA 19067

Americans Against Horse Slaughter
http://www.americansagainsthorseslaughter.com

crossposting from the DB - 32461.1

let's know who we don't need to bother from the get-go. The Bill came in with 60 cosponsors in addition to the sponsor Rep Conyers. These are already on board. (List from http://www.thomas.gov)

COSPONSORS(60), ALPHABETICAL [followed by Cosponsors withdrawn]: (Sort: by date)

Rep Ackerman, Gary L. [NY-5] - 1/14/2009

Rep Berkley, Shelley [NV-1] - 1/14/2009

Rep Bilbray, Brian P. [CA-50] - 1/14/2009

Rep Bono Mack, Mary [CA-45] - 1/14/2009

Rep Bordallo, Madeleine Z. [GU] - 1/14/2009

Rep Brown, Henry E., Jr. [SC-1] - 1/14/2009

Rep Burton, Dan [IN-5] - 1/14/2009

Rep Capuano, Michael E. [MA-8] - 1/14/2009

Rep Castle, Michael N. [DE] - 1/14/2009

Rep Cohen, Steve [TN-9] - 1/14/2009

Rep Cummings, Elijah E. [MD-7] - 1/14/2009

Rep DeFazio, Peter A. [OR-4] - 1/14/2009

Rep Delahunt, William D. [MA-10] - 1/14/2009

Rep DeLauro, Rosa L. [CT-3] - 1/14/2009

Rep Gallegly, Elton [CA-24] - 1/14/2009

Rep Gerlach, Jim [PA-6] - 1/14/2009

Rep Grijalva, Raul M. [AZ-7] - 1/14/2009

Rep Gutierrez, Luis V. [IL-4] - 1/14/2009

Rep Hall, John J. [NY-19] - 1/14/2009

Rep Hinchey, Maurice D. [NY-22] - 1/14/2009

Rep Inglis, Bob [SC-4] - 1/14/2009

Rep Jackson-Lee, Sheila [TX-18] - 1/14/2009

Rep Jones, Walter B., Jr. [NC-3] - 1/14/2009

Rep King, Peter T. [NY-3] - 1/14/2009

Rep Kirk, Mark Steven [IL-10] - 1/14/2009

Rep Klein, Ron [FL-22] - 1/14/2009

Rep Kucinich, Dennis J. [OH-10] - 1/14/2009

Rep Lewis, John [GA-5] - 1/14/2009

Rep LoBiondo, Frank A. [NJ-2] - 1/14/2009

Rep Lofgren, Zoe [CA-16] - 1/14/2009

Rep Maloney, Carolyn B. [NY-14] - 1/14/2009

Rep McCarthy, Carolyn [NY-4] - 1/14/2009

Rep McCotter, Thaddeus G. [MI-11] - 1/14/2009

Rep McGovern, James P. [MA-3] - 1/14/2009

Rep Miller, George [CA-7] - 1/14/2009

Rep Mitchell, Harry E. [AZ-5] - 1/14/2009

Rep Moore, Gwen [WI-4] - 1/14/2009

Rep Moran, James P. [VA-8] - 1/14/2009

Rep Murphy, Patrick J. [PA-8] - 1/14/2009

Rep Nadler, Jerrold [NY-8] - 1/14/2009

Rep Payne, Donald M. [NJ-10] - 1/14/2009

Rep Platts, Todd Russell [PA-19] - 1/14/2009

Rep Rahall, Nick J., II [WV-3] - 1/14/2009

Rep Rangel, Charles B. [NY-15] - 1/14/2009

Rep Rothman, Steven R. [NJ-9] - 1/14/2009

Rep Ruppersberger, C. A. Dutch [MD-2] - 1/14/2009

Rep Schakowsky, Janice D. [IL-9] - 1/14/2009

Rep Scott, Robert C. "Bobby" [VA-3] - 1/14/2009

Rep Serrano, Jose E. [NY-16] - 1/14/2009

Rep Sherman, Brad [CA-27] - 1/14/2009

Rep Smith, Christopher H. [NJ-4] - 1/14/2009

Rep Sutton, Betty [OH-13] - 1/14/2009

Rep Van Hollen, Chris [MD-8] - 1/14/2009

Rep Wasserman Schultz, Debbie [FL-20] - 1/14/2009

Rep Watson, Diane E. [CA-33] - 1/14/2009

Rep Wexler, Robert [FL-19] - 1/14/2009

Rep Whitfield, Ed [KY-1] - 1/14/2009

Rep Woolsey, Lynn C. [CA-6] - 1/14/2009

Rep Wu, David [OR-1] - 1/14/2009

Rep Young, C.W. Bill [FL-10] - 1/14/2009

DON'T FORGET HR 305!!!!

again it's poetic - and a great mnemonic - that the bills we are pushing - are numbered 305 and 503 - easy to remember.

AAHS has already asked you all to get your Reps on board for HR 305, the bill that bans ALL transport of equines in double-decker trailers. Please do that while you lobby for 503.

And we are starting with very few cosponsors for 305 - HEY - maybe it would be a good idea to call the cosponsors of 503 (from that list of 60 I just posted) and remind them they should ALSO cosponsor 305 - - - we need BOTH to end equine suffering. And the traffic safety aspects of 305 are important to the public even if they don't care about the critters . . .

ANYWAY for those like me who want to spend 48 hours a day on this project, that's another thing we can be working on, time permitting.

TVG and HRTV had nice tributes to Go Between yesterday re-playing all the big races he won. Things are still very sad at Payson Park, he was the star there. Thanks to everyone for your posts, it was really difficult to hear the news after I was standing right next to him before his workout. He patiently waited for all the horses to clear the track and Mott took him to the quarter pole and let him go to catch up to his work mate which he didn't do, he was struggling. He walked back to the barn and they then realized there was a problem and he laid down in his stall and passed away. He had a presence that won't be forgotten, he knew he was a racehorse and everyone at Mott's barn is devastated.

His breeder and owner is Peter Vegso, the author of all the chicken soup for the soul books. He also wrote Chicken Soup for the Horse Lovers Soul - Inspirational Stories about Horses and the People who love them. He also owns Silver Tree, now 9 years old.

Cosponsors of HR 503 (from thomas.gov)

http://forums.delphiforums.com/alexbrown/messages?msg=32332.20

H.R.305

Title: To amend title 49, United States Code, to prohibit the transportation of horses in interstate transportation in a motor vehicle containing 2 or more levels stacked on top of one another.

Sponsor: Rep Kirk, Mark Steven [IL-10] (introduced 1/8/2009) Cosponsors (2)
Latest Major Action: 1/8/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
--------------------------------------------------
COSPONSORS(2), ALPHABETICAL [followed by Cosponsors withdrawn]: (Sort: by date)

Rep Cohen, Steve [TN-9] - 1/8/2009

Rep Whitfield, Ed [KY-1] - 1/8/2009

#####
Barb m...I am so sorry....and for his owners...God just wanted to bring another angel home...

Joe at TB Friends

Barb Gulfstream has also had a bad week for the horses.

****For Jonna, here is Joe for today*****

Thursday, January 15th... Please remember, if you see a horse on this website which perks your interest, it is better to call than write. Yesterday I showed you the mare Colleen, and there were 14 phone calls asking could they adopt her?

And now I see there were at least 25 e-mails inquiring about Colleen. I am normally a day or a week behind in replying to e-mails. A horrible feeling, knowing we missed out on a good home because I have little time for the computer. With a phone call we can get to you quickly.

Also yesterday there were over 20 phone calls asking for sight unseen horses from ranch foreclosures, and private homes. We are rushing our simple screening process, and if approved you should have your new horse this weekend. If not this weekend, then next week for sure.

I always thought auctions and feed lots were the saddest places to be. Looking at all those horses, with no one wanting them.

But this past year, working with families who have lost their homes, and their animals. The sadness is numbing. They still love their horses, but owners are broke and unable to provide proper care. Almost weekly comes a new home in foreclosure. Their horses must go. If you can help, my cell is 530-383-2120. The horses are always free, and we provide transportation.

more to come

for those asking about the exact language of HR 503 -

from http://www.thomas.gov as of a little before 10 am Central time

The text of H.R.503 has not yet been received from GPO

Bills are generally sent to the Library of Congress from the Government Printing Office a day or two after they are introduced on the floor of the House or Senate. Delays can occur when there are a large number of bills to prepare or when a very large bill has to be printed.

Good Morning Barbaro

Please be with your famblee...we have a huge task in front of us...with Congress...to get them to pass the anti-horse slaughter bill and transporting...

We love you and miss you...and ask to keep your sweet spirit by each of us...

Good Morning Family/Fans of Barbaro

Please be ready when we get our orders to bombard and let Congress know...that this barbaric horse slaughter to American Horses...needs to stop and stop NOW!!!!

Also please read the db and help our rescues and help they need that is going on....we are their only hope...hope for a good life with a loving home.

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

Prayers to all of you who are experiencing bad weather or a loss....whatever...just know your family is here...with love and understanding.

Have a nice day...

####
Good Morning Alex..and thank you.
Good Morning Tim and Fair hill.

Our Fallen Angels...we are here.

ooops - re my Post, CJaffe at January 15, 2009 2:59 PM, top line should read Cosponsors for HR 305, NOT HR 503. The rest of the post is OK, just the top line is wrong. 305 has 2 cosponsors while 503 has 60.

GREAT NEWS....

The correct Bill 503 has been introduced and we must take action. This is wonderful news and is a great indication of how important this legislation is to Representatives Conyers and Burton!!

Make sure you have your Representatives contact information and get started calling and faxing. It is also a good idea to check the co-sponsors of HR6598 from last year and call upon those people to sign on quickly. You can find those names on the wiki under the section titled 2008 Bills That Died:

Remember, this Bill was introduced in the House so call your REPRESENTATIVES. Further information regarding the Senate will follow at a later date.

And, PLEASE....spread the word wherever you can. The more constituents they hear from, the better. Many of you belong to social networks (facebook, etc.) and they are great places to gain support.

Thanks to everyone who has been waiting so patiently for this day. You can also go to americansagainsthorseslaughter.com where you will find links to sites that will give you a wealth of information on the subject. We have many new members who may have questions. Please feel free to ask.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Shelley and Deb

Good Morning Gang. Our work begins.

toll free number for calling your Rep

I tried using the three 800 numbers we had been providing, and only ONE was valid. Here's the one that works:

800-828-0498

You can use this DC 800 number and ask for the legislators by name (or ask for extension, last 5 numbers of each legislator's office phone).

how to find our who your Rep is if you don't know

Using your zip code you can find who your Rep is via this link:

http://www.visi.com/juan/congress/

**********************************************
AN EASY WAY TO LET THE NEW ADMINISTRATION KNOW THAT WE MEAN BUSINESS!

Please go to Change.gov, the official website of the Office of the President Elect, and REGISTER...

Share your ideas on any issue facing the new administration, then rate or comment on other ideas. The best rated ideas will rise to the top -- and be gathered into a Citizen's Briefing Book to be delivered to President Obama after he is sworn in.

Once registered, VOTE HERE!

Thanks everyone!

What great news, and how fitting this bill should be passsed in January. MLK Day, CJ's birthday, the anniversary of Barbaro's passing, and the official birthday for all thoroughbreds.

Anyone else notice that 305 and 503 share something rather remarkable? 8. 3 + 0 + 5 = 8, 5 + 0 + 3 = 8.

Tamme, thanks for your lovely words the other day. Chessie is growing and will be huge. He has the biggest paws I've ever seen. He is becoming more dark buff than red, and his eyes have changed from milky blue to the most remarkable shade of dark amber. He is absolutely gorgeous and so loved.

Thanks for the hugs, Joan.

Deb, when DH was still in school, he made farm call to a place in eastern Ft Collins, and found the farmer face down on his property. He'd been administering bute to himself because his aging knees were giving him fits. Poor old guy almost died from a gi bleed, but he was ornery enough to survive, and as far as I know, is still there. Have heard of stuff like that more than a few times.

Getting the phone warmed up. This will be the year of the horse

Starting from square one again here in Maine but I have called both Representatives, asking for support and co-sponsorship. One is new and probably hasn't a clue and the other one has been pokey in the past. We're hitting right out of the box this time!

##Cheryl Jones - Yes, the lovely 8 thing again!

Marg
Proud Fan of Barbaro forever

Please Join Americans Against Horse Slaughter!

Find you state here!

State leaders are also listed on the WIKI page under "horse slaughter."

The state groups work! Legislators want to hear from CONSTITUENTS. PLEASE contact your state leader. If you still need help, contact me here, removing the spaces.

arizona. aahsus @gmail. com

Thanks, folks. It's time to ROCK and ROLL !

Jan. 15 Cherokee Devotional [sharing email from Harriette Brillianthawk]

The pond reflects a day of mist in gray tones. When the sky is blue, the pond is blue. Patterns like icewebs spread across the frozen surface in the middle of winter--so like we are when we take on the mood of others.

Hills and lakes and fields are touched by the actions of the wind and the sky. In the night season and all through the day changes take place. Sometimes the sky glitters with wings--sometimes it is softened by snowflakes. Man's soul has a light like that of a human lantern that is untroubled in the turmoil of wind and storm. But we must know what we are reflecting.

My Grandchildren, be good. Try to make a mark for yourselves. Learn all you can.

Sitting Bull
Sioux Medicine Man and Chief

After much thought, I will be fostering a 5 y.o. Shar Pei/Pit Bull mix female, Charlene, and if all works out, I will be adopting this sweet angel. Her sister was rescued after giving birth. The litter of pups were dead and frozen to the ground. Charlene was torn open by coyotes. She is recovering perfectly after surgery, but she has a scar across her muzzle, and a scar across the abdomen. She also is being treated for tape and round worms. She would be hard to adopt out because she is not "kennel pretty". Charlene has the Shar Pei ears and tongue, dark brindle, very coarse hair, with a pit bull face and black eyes. She is smooth, no wrinkles, and a long tail. To others, she is scary looking, but to me, she is perfect. Please say a prayer for this new member of our family. And that all goes well with my other dog children, so that Charlene will have a peaceful, safe, and very loving home. I hope to bring her home in the next few days. To Charlene, future member of the FOBs.

Keep working for our horses. They need us.

####
MargieNM...you have a heart of gold....many thoughts and prayers for your new family member and ours...Charlene...God Bless.

I will contact Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison AGAIN. Am always told she will take it into consideration. She is probably going to run for Gov. Of Texas and so far shes not getting my vote even if I am a Rep. Senator Coroyn is just as bad. He will also take it into consideration. If Hutchison does run for Gov. I will take it into consideration and vote for the other person.

WELCOME sweet Charlene to your new home and welcome to your new FOB famblee. I take it life hasnt been easy for you but now you have love and a family as you belong to all of us now.

What a horrible beginning poor Charlene had. Thank you for taking her in.

margie in n.m. There isnt anything more rewarding than taking a dog into your life that hasnt known love or care. When I got Chief at 3 mos,(we think 3 months) he was so bad and hated people and the world that I told my vet if I couldnt conquer him I would put him down. It took about 2 years and look at him now. Just loves and drolls on everyone and thinks everyone is his friend. I am so proud of him in over coming his obviously bad start in life. I dont take any credit as finally he went deep into his heart and became a loving dog. I am so lucky to have him 13 years now. It was worth hot wiring the fence, standing in the vets parking lot muzzled and replacing hundreds of boards in the fence after he loosened them by his trick of running full speed across he yard ahd hitting thr top of the fence then doing a summersault back into the yard. How wish he could do his tricks now.
Margie, please keep us posted on Charlene.

######### news from Jonna greyhound lady -

Just heard from Jonna - we now have eachother's phone numbers (THANKS LYNNE BROWN) and while she held on, I used my other phone to call the DC 800 number to get through to her new Rep's office, so I could give Jonna his direct office phone number.

While talking to the phone aide I paved the way for them to be receiving constituent calls. Explained to her all about the new bills and to expect constituent calls ASAP. Furnished websites to AAHS and ABR and asked her to pls pass on to the legisl aides who will be working on the respective bills.

ANYWAY - Jonna is aggravated about no computer, but happy to get contact info for her Rep. And the everpresent albeit everchanging problems with doggies - lameness issues. She did get her heat fixed. I will act as gobetween if anybody wants to communicate with her.

Just checked with thomas.gov again (about a quarter after 2 Central time) and it STILL says

The text of H.R.503 has not yet been received from GPO

Bills are generally sent to the Library of Congress from the Government Printing Office a day or two after they are introduced on the floor of the House or Senate. Delays can occur when there are a large number of bills to prepare or when a very large bill has to be printed.

###Rescue is "where it's at," as far as I'm concerned ;o) Currently I am playing phone tag with my shoer's wife who has not one but TWO (count 'em, TWO!) Corgis. One is a two-year-old male she got at work (she works in Animal Control at one of the local pounds) and the other is the mother of my dog, a Corgi-doxy mix.

I may end up with both dogs.

(I am not a well woman).

### ;oD

Oh GOD Plane down in Hudson River. Pray, Famblee

USAir flight No sure from JFK or LaGuardia, destined for Charlotte

amazing live feed from MSNBC Plane is still afloat, rescues taking place right now passengers being given life jackets and pulled off the wings and out of portals

Everyone is out of the plane and safe. Pilot did an amazing job.

Ro & Brady

AMAZING. It seems they all got off. Still praying.

Thank God. Second plane crash after takeoff in less than a month and all survived. There are a lot of heroes in NYC once again.

Definite Appeal is on a feedlot and SOS Equines is trying to save her. We only have until Friday morning. $470 still needed! She won over $44K at the racetrack and has been a broodmare. Sired by Irish Stronghold who is a son of Bold Ruler, Out of Medalisa who goes back to Graustark.

Let's save her and give her a nice life in a loving home!

http://forums.delphiforums.com/alexbrown/messages?msg=32442.1

Thanks!
Debbie

A good outcome for all of those in the plane crash. Thank God. Now, if the plane could only be stopped from floating to Cape May!

Thanks for the good wishes for Charlene. She is a dumpling. But.......there is still Ollie, the Great Dane mix, that needs a home. I give Ollie some rub downs in the big yard every day. He is a good boy. I know, because Ollie is a younger, good looking dog, that he is adoptable. Charlene really wasn't. And I believe she'd be at risk because she looks so much like a pit bull. The fear in our society would have prevailed. But I will protect her always. There are so many furry ones waiting in cages, feed lots. Wish we could help every one of them. I felt a pull with Charlene that is hard to explain. We have to get the owner to relinquish custody or end up paying the vet bills. I am betting the owner will give her up rather than pay. Charlene and her sister were left to fend for themselves, run loose, and tend to their own wounds. Sickening. If I find out the owner named her Charlene, I will change her name to Shira - (my song).

Happy New Year to all FOB. Southern California is hot and dry: hope all in the inclement weather are keeping safe and taking care of all animals. The legislation must pass this year. Thank you for this web site, and all the information.

I sure wish Barbaro was still around...Here's to a year of change!

Hi Famblee...

Hans and I just returned from the cardiologist appointment and he has OK'd the prostate surgery.We still have some other issues to overcome but at least we are on our way !!!

THANK YOU for prayers.It is very positive for our horses that our bill has been reintroduced so quickly once more!!!

WE WILL WIN !!

DEFEAT IS NOT AN OPTION !!!

HUGS and love to ALL

more great news today -

PEPPERS PRIDE RETIRES UNBEATEN

crossposting from the DB (thanks cchurch74 for posting) [remove spaces]

http: // forums.delphiforums.com/alexbrown/messages?msg=32492.1

Not sure if this has been posted yet....but I just read this on DRF. Can't wait to see who she's bred to and to see her babies!

Peppers Pride retires unbeaten
By Mary Rampellini

Peppers Pride, the New Mexico-based mare who owns the longest winning streak in modern North American history, has been retired, her trainer, Joel Marr, said on Thursday. She will be sent to Richland Hills Farm in Midway, Ky., in the next two or three weeks, where she will be boarded. Joe Allen, who bred and owns Peppers Pride, said stallion plans for her are being finalized and that her first foal would be born in Kentucky.

Peppers Pride retires undefeated in 19 career starts. She raced exclusively in her home state of New Mexico, with her final race coming on Dec. 14 in the $125,000 New Mexico State Racing Commission Handicap at Sunland Park. Allen and Marr intended to retire her following that race, but she turned in such a powerful performance they briefly considered racing her another season. Ultimately, the decision was made to stick with the original plan.

"We just felt like it was in her best interest to go ahead and retire her," Allen said. "I hope it's the right thing to do."

Peppers Pride, 6, made her career debut in a trial race at Ruidoso Downs on July 16, 2005. As the wins continued to mount Peppers Pride found herself in a position to equal the modern North American record for consecutive wins, 16, in April 2008. She rose to the occasion, overcoming a horrid trip in the $75,000 Foutz Distaff Handicap at SunRay Park and tying the mark held by Citation, Cigar, Hallowed Dreams, and Mister Frisky.

Peppers Pride then separated herself in the record books one start later, when she won her 17th straight race in a $35,000 optional claiming race at Zia Park on Oct. 4. She raced twice more, taking the $177,000 New Mexico Cup Filly and Mare Distaff at Zia on Nov. 9, and the New Mexico Racing Commission, for which she earned a Beyer Figure of 98.

"You have to quit sometime, and we'd definitely rather quit while we're ahead," Marr said. "She's sound, and it just seemed like the right thing to do."

Carlos Madeira rode Peppers Pride throughout her career, during which she won 14 stakes and $1,066,085. She is a daughter of the Fappiano stallion Desert God and the mare Lady Pepper, who is by Chili Pepper Pie. [end crosspost from DB]

adding link to the DRF article -

http://www.drf.com/news/article/101061.html

What an amazing rescue from that plane crash, was watching on NBC news. They are saying that the plane seems to have been brought down by a "goose strike."

######## MargieNM, I missed reading about Charlene earlier, have to go back and catch up. Did you take another baby in? Good for you!

##### Maribel good to 'see' you - and glad things are progressing for Hans. Ppl were asking about you yesterday, as I recall.

####### found Post by: MargieinNM at January 15, 2009 7:46 PM and that explains it all re Charlene. What a big heart you have! Hope the rest of your famblee takes to her and vice versa. You know, I'm sure, the "trick" of introducing a new one into the home - to have the first meeting of the new one and resident critters take place on "neutral territory" rather than in the home. Just something to consider to try to avoid anything negative happening.

re Peppers Pride -

I am SO GLAD she retired safe and sound. I watched the last three races that she ran after I started following her (because of this site of course) and was so worried that she might get hurt. If only they all could have such good luck!

Does anybody know how to contact her connections? I would like to congratulate them for doing such a great job with her - a record-setting 19 wins of 19 starts - and thank them for not risking her again.

oops what an awkward sentence, meant to say,

and thank them for not putting her at risk by racing her again.

#####
Please help Definite Appeal...what ashame....a horse that made money...in a feedlot....please do not let this beauty go to slaughter....PLEASE....

read db...and help if all possible...

MIRACLES DO HAPPEN....thank you Lord for all that are safe on the plane crash.

Hiya, FsOB! Alex, please take care, OK? Do horses get more frisky when the weather is cold? Nikita is really revved up with this ghastly cold snap, but then she is a Husky. At least it wasn't too windy coming home from work this evening, but temps will drop more tonight & tomorrow. Hoping all people and animals are sheltered from the bitter cold.

Great news about Peppers Pride! Midway is one of the most idyllic towns in central KY. What a great place for a retiring horse!

Wishing everyone "ACN". Peace, RMH

#### To CJ, please permit me to wish you a happy birthday a few hours early! And have many more, Caroline! Please give Jonna our fond regards, OK?
To Margie: Charlene/Shira is one lucky dog to have you in her life.
To Sandra: Please tell Chief that we said hello from up here in CT.
To Maribel: Awesome news from the doctor for Hans! I've missed seeing you here and have been worried by your absence. ####

305 508 = 8 incredible #

CJ Happy Birthday tomorrow Special Lady. Thank you so much for all you do and have done over time.

305 503 =8 the change did not happen.

Where is DEE???

Please Light up for Barbaro!

He has slipped to second. He just needs a few..............

Thanks.

ALL,

Our DEAR PRECIOUS CJ is turning 39 tomorrow! PLEASE remember to wish her the best!

######## Robyn, Renee - thanks for the bday wishes - but tomorrow, I couldn't be any happier than I was today at finding the new legislation introduced!

####
Dee we need your beautiful rainbows!

####
Famblee....definite appeal is now to $215.00

we have a starving OTTB....needs help....and a beautiful black percheon...

we need blankets...etc.

###
we dogs, puppies,kittens...and cats...

God Bless each of you....I pray he gives you double in everything...nothing but blessings.

Oh, CJ! Turning 39 is terrific. You'll just love it. I turned 39 on my last 10 birthdays!!!!!!!!! I hope you have a wonderful day.

Happy, happy trails for Pepper's Pride.

Thanks Margie, very funny! We used to have an annual Jack Benny class at the 'fun' show at a barn where I used to board - open only to riders 39 and over and horses 20 and over.

Hiya, FsOB, & TGIF! Alex, I hope that you are getting a chance to sleep in this AM, because the Comments page hasn't turned over yet.

I wish that everyone could see the Thames right now. It is so cold here that fog is rising up from the river's surface. Whenever I see fog, I always think of the loely horse Lost in the Fog. Wishing everyone a safe & productive day and a very happy birthday to CJ!

#### To Wendy, there are some posts just prior to mine from this AM which are in need of your "spam buster" expertise. Your friendly "hall monitor" is watching out for you! ####