The Last Time

It is the last day of the year. I have kind of felt that ever since we
began the year 2000 and beyond, we are just floating around in this new
age. The year 2001, 2002, 2010, 2011 just sort of sounds weird and looks
weird. Why, when I was growing up, there was so much anticipation and
excitement leading into the new millenium, yet, when it arrived, so much
that is not good and perfect has been ushered in with it. World events
have included tsunamis, earthquakes, terrorism, and horrible war. I
wonder what the future holds, but part of me wants to go back in time to
the 80's and 90's where it seemed so comfortable. Funny, huh?

I have been thinking a lot about the year 2010. I guess if someone would
have told me it would be the "last time" I would touch someone, hug
someone, or get to spend time with someone, I would not have believed it. Whether it is a beloved pet, an equine companion, a dear friend or loved
one, or acquaintance, unexpected "good-bye's" are such a shock to our
heart and soul. We never know when it is going to be the last time.

I never knew when Cookie was chasing me across the yard and farm for me to
pick her up, or following me down the road to the best of her ability with
her crippled legs, that it would be the last time she would ever be able
to follow me. This year Cookie lost both of her eyes, and now she gropes
the house looking for me, then jumps on my leg. Every morning when she
wakes up my wish for her is that she will see again, but know that is
impossible. So I am her eyes. I am her life - I have to be - to keep her
happy and strong.

I never knew when I headed out to feed horses in the lower valley one
night about a month ago that it would be the last time I would ever get to
hold Tigger in my arms. When I returned from feeding, Tigger ran to greet
me. I waited - I swore I waited, for all dogs and cats to get out of the
way. Yet, it would be the last time I would ever see Tigger alive. The
gross feeling of the truck tire passing over a bump told me I had done the
unforgivable - I had run over the very pet that was running to greet me. It was the last time she would ever run to me.

I never knew that when we placed Flaunting It in her new adoptive home, it
would be the last time we would ever see her. Flaunting It had spent
years at a farm before being brought back to ASAP - and she came back thin
and tired. After an easy rehabilitation period, it was time for her to go
to a forever home. The adopter was so happy, thrilled and excited to be
bringing home such a nice quiet mare. Yet, within a week, Flaunting It
had died - aspiration and pneumonia had taken her. No one ever saw that
coming and no one ever knew it would be the last time we would see her.

The circle of life is expected, yet sometimes hard to accept. I have seen
my mother failing this year. Every day when I leave her I hug her and
tell her I love her, as if it would be the last time I would ever see her.

I could never imagine that I would learn that in November a dear friend to
ASAP had passed unexpectedly. Every year in March for the past many years
we have been asked to participate with ISOBA at the Illinois Horse Fair. John Cisna was the ever-present leader at the horse fairs, making sure we
had our stalls and our scripts ready, and walking with us up to the line
up point at the coliseum/arena. John was professional, articulate, a true
Christian and a lover of Standardbreds. In November, John was killed by a
train after purchasing and planning for transport of two race horses. I
am not sure if he was coming back from dropping them off north of
Springfield, or on his way to pick the horses up. The trailer was empty,
but the tracks in this small town where he drove did not have crossing
arms. The train tried to stop, but couldn't. We lost a great man when
John Cisna died in November. We are still trying to get over it.

So we never know when it will be that "last time". Our pastor said that
if we are on this earth long enough, it is never a matter of "IF"
something bad happens to us that touches us all, but "WHEN". I look up at
my wall in my living room to a big sign that reads, "LIVE LAUGH LOVE"
A good motto to live by!

Happy New Year to everyone, and I hope you all enjoy the videos that I
took yesterday.

Sue

Taser Gun Cobrador Kosmos Magnus Fargo Remmie and AJ Say "Happy New Year"

Download now or watch on posterous

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Shelter Destroyed

I woke up this morning and went out to have my usual cup of coffee in the
sunroom.

I gazed down at the lower turnout where Sadie, Kung Fu, Holly and DT are
kept, and noticed an empty spot where the shelter used to be. This is the
same shelter that blew down in the wind storm we had several months
ago....

Well, the weight of the water, ice and snow on the shelter was too much,
and it is completely collapsed and destroyed thsi morning. I guess I know
what I will be doing after work today - clean up.

Now to worry about getting a shelter for the lower horses!!!!! If it isn't
one thing, it's another. Pictures will follow....

Christmas Cheer

I am back on line - not sure it's a great thing, as there are some
bothersome issues to deal with involving people.....never the
horses.....but before I deal with them I want to share something
fantastic.

On Christmas Eve my daughter gave me one of the greatest gifts I have ever
received.

We all went to 5:30 church, then went out for Chinese food for dinner and
came home. My daughter really wanted me to open a small gift big she had
set in front of me. It was as if she were giddy from the anticipation. I
was more excited for the others to open a few presents than for myself,
but I complied. When I read the handmade card, and saw all of the names
listed on that card, I began to cry. This is what the card said:

"Selfless donations from the following people...to give you hope, and show
you I am proud....I love you and believe in the heart of what you do. Love, Cherie"

Grace Dahl ($100!!!) Shelly Joyce
Jessalyn Kimball Kristin Esswein
Alex Johnson Tom Shepard
Jason Larsen Mark Hering
Ryan Reichwaldt Jeff Miller
Lisa De Garmo Cherie Vinson
Anna Johnson and Michelle Phillips

I have never met some of these people, yet my precious daughter, who works
at Java Detour in La Crosse and has many friends, played activist for ASAP
this holiday season! My precious daughter, along with the help of the
above-named people, were able to raise over $500 for ASAP!

I am speechless. I have never sobbed like I did that night. This was one
of the greatest gifts I have ever received on behalf of the horses. Thank
you Cherie, and EVERYONE for the most treasured contributions.

I will send along some pictures, and also want to thank Betsy F. for her
$50 gift this season. I am sure there are people I have not included that
I will be sure to thank shortly.

My son, Jordan, is arriving home from Ocala Florida tomorrow. We are
ready to welcome him with open arms and are looking forward to an exciting
New Year!

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Thank you!

Merry Christmas, everyone.
As a child growing up in a Norwegian family, Christmas Eve was our biggest
celebration. We waited all day while mom cooked the traditional
meatballs, codfish with drawn butter, lefse, mashed potatoes and gravy, or
just good ol' boiled potatoes with butter on it.

We went to church on First Street in San Jose at the lutheran church and
took part in the Sunday School plays and programs. It was usually raining
when we drove from church over to my aunt and uncle's house. My mom's
sister was one of the most kind and compassionate people I ever remember
in my life. She made everything cozy, and was always smiling with her big
dimples and twinkling eyes. My uncle would take out the accordian (he was
Swedish and boy, could he play), and we would sing, and sometimes dance. There was always a big Christmas party in Los Gatos - a Norwegian
Christmas party - that we went to. A huge Christmas tree was in the
middle of the room, and all of us would hold hands and sing and dance
around that Christmas tree for hours. I can still remember some of the
Norwegian songs we danced to, and the bowing and curtsies we did!!

Those are my fondest memories.

My aunt ended up dying of cancer at age 45, thus finishing the tradition
of Christmas Eve at her house. My uncle remarried, and my cousins grew up
and moved to Sweden. We ended up moving to Wisconsin, and having
Christmas with my father's relatives. This was such a serious let-down
compared to what I had always known and loved. My father's side of the
family did not get along, and many family members ignored each other even
though sitting in the same room. No one knew how to have any fun, and I
don't remember any dinner at all. I just remember wanting to get out of
there. Those are the sad times.

I have tried to carry on the tradition of Christmas Eve with my own
family. We open presents on Christmas Day now, but the kids do get to
open one or two on Christmas Eve. The waiting and anticipation is almost
tortuous for the kids - I know Rachel, right now, is counting the hours
until we go to church, and can come back home for dinner and gift-opening.
It is a great time in life, and we want to make it a happy time, all
about Jesus and his love.

There have been a lot of sad days this year. I have watched my mother's
decline and see now that her memory is fading and so many things that have
been important to her now are forgotten. Life seems so unfair, to think
that she lost her home and her husband ten years ago within two weeks of
each other, and had to start over. It is a good thing that my sister and
I have been able to care for her until her placement in assisted living
recently. Still, remembering the days that have passed in our lives
sometimes bring sadness that could overcome the joy of the holiday season.

I well up with tears as I remember the loss of my pet chicken this year
due to neglect by a college student who was interning at our farm. He
died lonely and miserable in a rain storm without shelter. He always
looked to me and called for me to help him, as he was disabled by a back
injury that left him unable to walk. For two years after his injury I
placed him from his chicken house to outside, then back iside at night. I
carried him into Craig's shop when it was too cold to be outside. I gave
him bread soaked in water each and every day for his special treat. We
were friends, but this time, I was on vacation......

I think about the loss of Tigger, who I accidentally ran over with the
truck just a few short weeks ago - not sure I have forgiven myself for
that one yet. The sudden onset of sobbing tells me I have not. Sometimes
life just doesn't seem just, or merciful, or kind.

I think of the struggles that my dog, Cookie, has had this year. Only 12
years old, Cookie lost an eye to glaucoma in May. I prayed and prayed and
prayed she could keep her other eye, but sadly that eye also was lost to
glaucoma in November. Totally blind, Cookie now relies on me for
everything in her life. She has no self-pity! She is happy and faithful
that she will receive all she needs for health and happiness. What an
example she should be to us! Still, at times, I cry for her. So unfair.

I think about the losses we have had this year in terms of friends and
other peoples' beloved pets, all too soon. Where is God then?

The truth is that God is very real, and has proven His presence in our
every day lives time and time again. We live in a world that includes the
Enemy, who roams the earth, seeking to steal, kill, and destroy. He can
do that through doubt, not faith. Faith overcomes that doubt, and God
sending His only son to die for us sealed the deal for eternity in heaven.

There are many things I do not understand. Then I turn to the Word. Sometimes I don't find the answer. I can only go on faith. I do believe,
and I know He cares for all of His creation. I believe He holds our loved
ones in His arms, waiting for us to join them in paradise. We just need to
accept Him, believe in Him, and hang on to that faith. The size of a
mustard seed.........

So let the holidays bring joy to your lives, and celebration! I will try
to do the same. Merry Christmas. My promise to the Lord is that I would
not get on the computer on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day so that I could
concentrate on His birthday, and my family. So I will be back on the
computer on December 26. I love you all, and ASAP thanks you for your
support!

Mary Ellen M - $200 donation received today - your gift is precious!
(adopter of Tyler's Tanya)

Bryan and Kim, who do so much already for ASAP (just look at the new web
site!) - adopters of Pan Overboard - $100

Bless you!!!!

Sue

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Shout Out

It's one day before Christmas Eve, and we are happy to share that today we
received three donations!

Ralph and Bunny - (adopters of Copper Cadet and Egyptian Fashion) - $100

Dawn Meyers - adopter of Finale's Fooler - $20

Debbie M. - Monee, IL - $100
Debbie sent a little note that meant so much:
".....I have had some of your ASAP horses at my boarding farm when they
were racing, including Janimal, Bob Cook, and Yagottalovethiskid. I want
you to know how important your work is to the industry. You don't get
nearly enough support or thanks. I will do my best to _____ to other
trainers and owners to make a donation. Thanks for all your hard work,
and have a great holiday season!"

I hope she doesn't mind I shared this - it meant so much coming from the
racing industry!!!

Thank you everyone! I will continue to post things up until Christmas Day
- so many things on my heart!

Sue

A Truly Selfless Act

I received a letter from a dear friend that I have gotten to know over the
years through ASAP.

Her name is Lou, and she has been one of the most instrumental people in
ASAP's history, thanks to her many talents and her compassion.

She adopted Santa Fe Freight several years ago, followed by Johanna's
Flyin Star, then Silent Pursuit. Sandy, as he is affectionately named,
has been in many horse shows and taken many placings over the years. Jo
prefers driving to riding, and has been in many parades and has
volunteered by giving buggy and cart rides at the local church and youth
functions. He also was showcased with Lou at Super Night at Balmoral Park
this past September.

In lieu of a Christmas gift from her father this year, Lou chose to have
her father send a gifting of money to ASAP. I can only say that this is
most humbling, to think that someone would give up something for
themselves so that the horses at ASAP can eat.

Lou, we love you! I will post pictures when I get home from work so all
of you can see Lou and her horses in action at various events!

Let's not forget that Lou made all of the stall covers for the Midwest
Horse Fair in 2010 - her sewing talent is amazing and because of her our
presentation in Madison looked very very professional!

Hugs,
Sue

Thank you!!!

In the last ten minutes, Michelle S. has just donated $$ for the Cause for
ASAP!!!

Thank you Michelle - she was here a couple of months ago and brought us
back a very special horse, Kung Fu Guru, that she was able to obtain and
nurture back to health from a not so great situation.

Thanks for all you have done for Kung Fu Guru Michelle and bless you and
your husband! Merry Christmas!

Sue

Thank you Scott!!!

Just have to give a 'shout out' to my childhood friend Scott Serres who
just donated $25 "to the cause".

We knew each other back in grade school and high school and just reunited
as friends on facebook! He has been living in Las Vegas since we
graduated and has offered to donate another $25 for a picture of me
kissing a horse on the nose if it is posted on my wall!!! Well guess what?
I have one - be looking for it!!!!

Thank you

Another quick holiday update:

Many thanks to Trudy M. for her $100 gift

Thanks to Larry Rosenblum for his contribution of $100 (co owner of
Cobrador Kosmos!)

Thank you for gift received from Halt-Gate Haven Farm aka Louanna W.
(adopter of Silent Pursuit and Johanna's Flyin Star) today in the amount
of $100

All of you mean so very much!

Susan

PS - NEEDED - 200 BALES OF HAY HAVE BEEN DONATED TO ASAP BY A FAMILY NEAR
WYEVILLE - WE DON'T HAVE THE MEANS TO HAUL THAT MANY BALES - ANYONE
WILLING TO HAUL HAY FROM WYEVILLE TO GENOA AREA LET US KNOW WHAT YOU NEED
TO TRANSPORT IT HERE!

Another great report - 60 bales of hay donated today from a family near La
Crosse!!! Thanks to Kelly Wilde (100.1) and his public service
announcements, as well as 97.1 for theirs! "The Great American Bale Out"
is working for ASAP!!!

Transport Needed and Pics of Lou Annie

Hi everyone,

I do believe we have a home for Sadie and Holly, but we are in need of
transport for them.

A woman who specializes in drafts and minis has stepped up to say they are
welcome at her farm in Gratiot. The only problem is we are unable to haul
them because our trailer is a slant load and we don't think Sadie can turn
around to get out of the trailer. Is there anyone out there willing to
haul from De Soto to Gratiot if the adopter pays for shipping? Please
call me on my cell at 608-792-5126. For every horse placed we are a bit
closer to bringing home the sanctuary horses who are down in Newton
Valley. I worry about Arne and Bob Cook the most, as their arthritis
flares up and the shelter there is not big enough to comfortably
accommodate six horses.

I want to include a few pictures of Lou Annie, who is available for
adoption. She is currently in Illinois. What a champion race horse,
making a HALF MILLION dollars! This girl has been ridden a few times on
trails and is sweet and will be a gentle trail horse with more hours this
spring!

See and download the full gallery on posterous

This is 19 Below in Wisconsin

I took these pictures the other morning before I went to work. It was
only a few days ago, at our coldest temp of the year. BRRRRR

Thanks to Nancy W. for her $100 donation today. Some donations are not
being reflected on the Holiday Wish totals. Stay warm!

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Two In Urgent Need - Crawford County - Help!

Two Standardbreds in Crawford County are in desperate need of homes.

One mare and one gelding have been pasture mates for at least 12 years -
mare is believed to be close to 20 and gelding is younger - gelding has
Quarter horse build. Horses are out of feed - adopter has had recent
surgery and can NO LONGER GET TO HORSES TO FEED THEM.

As much as ASAP would like to be there, we are unable to physically house
the horses. If you can help (horses are trained to ride, both bay) please
call us this weekend at 608-689-2296 or cell 608-792-5126.

This is a very urgent situation!
Email Sue at asapinc@mwt.net if you know of anyone willing to take these
two in!

ASAP's 12 Days of Christmas

Check out this great article by Ken Terpenning for KyHarnessRacing.com: "The 12 Days of Christmas; A.S.A.P. Needs Your Help ASAP"

Thanks so much, Ken!

Thanks for your help!

Thanks so very very much for the contributions from the following people:

Christine H. - $20
Ursula C. - $100
Mrs. Hahn - $250
Annemarie K. - $500
Trudy M. - $100
Evelyn C.- $10
Aimee - $100

We are now able to pay much-needed hay and feed bills!! Thank you again!

Also, thanks to Ken Terpenning (placing owner of Cobrador Kosmos) for his
beautifully-written article about ASAP. Go to:
www.kyharnessracing.com/kterpenningasap.html

Thank you again!!!

Sue

Good Neighbors

The weather may be horrible outside (my daughter was trying to drive to
Milwaukee today and didn't even make it 15 miles from home before turning
around), but I have a peaceful, warm, fuzzy feeling inside.

Jut two days ago I arrived home in a panic to find not one fleck of hay
left on our farm. Brandy and Race for Home and Cyd the llama were tucked
away in their private areas, calling for food. There was none.

In my desperation, I phoned my neighbor, explaining that Craig was working
night shift and we had no hay, and could we please buy a few bales. He
chuckled (it has happened before when our hay guy was delayed in getting
here), and told me to come on over. I was overjoyed and could breathe.

Then I remembered! All I had was my car!!!! Did I dare ask for help from
yet someone else? Hesitating, I picked up the phone and called my friend
and neighbor, Lisa, who has been a great supporter of ASAP at the Midwest
Horse Fair over the years. She works night shift at Gundersen Lutheran,
and it was already 6:30 pm. I offered to pay to borrow a pickup so I
didn't have to make five trips with my car, hauling two bales at a time in
the trunk (don't laugh - have done it numerous times!). Lisa, being the
person she is, said she would be over to help. I grained all of the
horses in the meantime, and made sure all had water. Lisa came, and we
drove down the road to Ed's farm, where he greeted us at the hay barn
doors and asked what kind of hay we wanted. We loaded the truck, and the
horses without round bale feeders ate like kings and queen from Ed's rich,
beautiful hay.

The next day, numerous trailers arrived every hour, carrying large squares
that will feed us for some time to come. Our neighbor, Todd Whisler,
contacted someone else, and someone else, and the hay appeared! We now
have 48 large squares in our storage building, thanks to our community's
help. Of course, we also have a $2,400 additional bill for this hay, but
we are hoping for a miracle this holiday season.

So I want to publicly thank Lisa and Ed, my gracious neighbors, for caring
enough to bail us out of a bad situation. This lesson has taught me that
next summer we are going to, hopefully, be able to pay up front for
several thousand small square bales so we never have to go through this
situation again!

Love you all!
Sue

Rescued Gelding

See and download the full gallery on posterous

This poor gelding was just days away from starvation when he was rescued last week. If you are able to contribute to his rehabilitation, please make a donation at http://www.4thehorses.com/supporting.htm. Thank you for keeping the horses in your thoughts during this holiday season.

Desperate Times Call For Desperate Measures

I just got in from chores, and the whole time I was out there I kept
talking myself out of an anxiety attack. Our hose that fills up five
100-gallon water tanks is springing leaks and has kinks everywhere. We
must reel it up every day now to avoid the frigid cold that is Wisconsin
(3 degrees this morning with 9 below windchill when I left for work).

This afternoon, I looked and found only one large square bale left, plus a
half one that has already begun being fed out. Twenty six horses, six in
lower valley = 32 horses that need hay, and none in our hay barn or arena.
We are almost afraid to call our hay supplier, since we have not yet paid
the bill in full for summer and fall. The real blessing came last week
when Ursula and Ann Marie donated $500 to feed the lower valley horses
(Bob Cook, Arne, Stylish Sharon, Little John, Steelin Apples, and
Strawberry Jacki). This should last us a few weeks.

But, what about the rest? Where do we turn? Our pleas to IHHA have
turned up no donations. Our pleas to the race tracks have produced no
gifting whatsoever. If we serve the racing industry, what, in turn, if
anything, does the industry do for its campaigners? Let's go over the
list:

Taser Gun - $0 to support his care this year to date
Timesareachanging - $0 to support his care this year to date, or last year.
Steelin Apples - $200 given to help sponsor his sanctuary stay with ASAP
Bob Cook - $0 in sponsorship dollars or donations in 2010
Arne - $0 in sponsorship dollars or donations in 2010, although a fan of
Arne's (Lori!) has donated a new water tank and given money to sup-
port ASAP's work
Stylish Sharon - $100 donated to help support her care during winter and
early spring
Strawberry Jacki - $0 to support her care since she was placed 8 years ago
Little John - $0 to support his care since placement in 1999
Taz - new horse
Chief - donations of ivermectin wormer for much of the ASAP farm - and
Dana donated her farm to foster Goodnight Starship this year - thank
you!
Cash Wilco - despite letters to former owners, no sponsorship dollars or
donations to ASAP
Lakehills Texas - no sponsorship dollars or donations in his name since
placement in 1993 (that is SEVENTEEN YEARS!)
Janimal - $0 donations in his name since he was placed in 2000
Cobrador Kosmos - his caring owner paid his way to the ASAP farm, and
has continued his support for Cobra since September!

Now the newbies:
Kung Fu Guru - still awaiting adoption
Sadie - no sponsorship dollars
Holly - this Standardbred has not found a home since she was placed with
ASAP literally YEARS ago - no support given from former owner
DT - caring former owner that sends support
New rescue case from Vernon County - being provided for only through the
kindness of Andrea and Shannon - thank you so much for caring!!!

These horses (minus the new rescue) are all at the ASAP farm as of today. I think you can see that without support who is going to provide for them?
We are on a sinking ship right now, with nowhere to turn.

Maybe there is someone out there who knows someone in the industry - some
owners, trainers, ANYONE who can light a fire under the tracks - the IHHA
-and if so we are asking you to take action.

Luckily, we have many foster homes providing care, but this is coming out
of their own pockets!

Fox Valley Terror - no support given since he was placed as a yearling
Sugar - no sponsorship monies given
Comet - a horse relinquished by adopter that has not found a home in over
two years
Thunder - a horse saved from euthenasia who has not found a home since
placement
ALL OF THESE HORSES ARE WITH ONE FOSTER FAMILY!!!! SHE NEEDS SPONSORSHIP
TOO!

Ginger - no support given since placement
Three other horses in foster care with one family - would appreciate support!

Anxious Larry - no sponsorship dollars or donations received in his name
Jackson - relinquished by adopter
Thankgodforgranny - relinquished by adopter - all currently cared for by
Carmen, our administrative assistant.

Yagottalovethiskid - being fostered in Illinois - no sponsorship $$

Ideal Place To Be
Lou Annie
Ooops - all in foster care with Illinois foster farm - to date no
donations given in any of these horses' names

I hope I am painting a picture - have not listed all of the horses in
foster care or given everyone the credit I should.

Where do we turn right now? We need your comments and suggestions!
Email me at asapinc@mwt.net

See and download the full gallery on posterous

A New Look!

Everyone, please take a moment to visit our web site - it is getting a face lift, with revised forms, all thanks to the hard work of Dr. Bryan Kopp and Kim Olson-Kopp, adopters of Pan Overboard.

Thank you Bryan and Kim! Good luck on your trip to visit Pierogie and Photomatt!!!

Please, everyone, consider your gift to ASAP for the holidays - all dontions will receive a receipt for your taxes. We are a 501 c 3!!!

Mail all donations to:

ASAP Inc.
S6039 Pedretti Lane
De Soto, WI 54624

Thank you!

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Barn Fire Survivor Needs New Home

Missy is in urgent need of a home. She is a Percheron mare approximately 18 years old, very beautiful and gentle in temperment. She was trained as a working draft horse. She survived a barn fire weeks ago and her current owner is no longer able to feed her hay. Her hooves need attention but she seems to be otherwise in good condition. Please spread the word to help find this sweet girl a new home! See pictures of her at http://horsesavailable.posterous.com/missy

New Urgent Needs

Just in our county alone, these calls have come in to our office:

Urgently needed - home for 18 year old Percheron mare near Coon Valley, WI
This mare is a victim of a barn fire that happened two weeks ago - many
animals perished but she survived. She will go to kill sale if no one
helps her get a home, as there is no hay at the farm to feed her.

Urgent need - older Quarter horse gelding - trained - no hay to feed -
needs to be moved immediately or may starve.

Help if you can!!!
Sue

Thanks

We are pleading with the former owners and fans of race horses this
holiday season to make their end of year, tax deductible contributions.

We want to thank Craig and Jennie D. of Chicago for their donation on
behalf of Bad Boy Adam and all horses at the ASAP farm - received today!

We need about $5,000 to get paid up on hay right now and purchase more. Every penny helps!

Also, don't forget Izabeau, pictured here, needing a home ASAP - located
in Iowa near Cedar Rapids.

Sue

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Arne

We got a call last night that Arne has been "down" much of the day in the
lower pasture that was donated for us to use this past summer.

Due to space constraints at our farm (too many horses dropped off that we
did not plan on), we have been unable to bring back the six sanctuary
horses that need to be here so urgently.

Arne suffered a severe race injury approximately seven years ago to his
rear hock. His hock, swollen with scar tissue the size of a small
football, seems to particularly ache with arthritis throughout the winter.
The owner of the farm where Arne is located is worried about him being
unable to get to food and water. We will go to his aid at noon today, and
bring blankets and administer some bute.

We implore anyone who can foster or adopt to come forward to the farm to
help us ease our population so that we can get Arne and the other horses
home to more closely monitor them throughout the winter!

Sue

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Tigger........

I just wanted to share one of the hardest days of my life. I could post
pictures, but since this only happened 1 1/2 hours ago I am not yet ready
to see my cat's beautiful face as only a memory.

Today was a busy day, with people here at the farm and precious time spent
with old friends, talking horses, being with the horses, and working on a
troublesome lap top.

I did chores late, and realized I had not yet grained the horses in the
valley (Bob Cook, Arne, Stylish Sharon, Strawberry, Little John and
Steelin Apples). I loaded the bucket with grain and did my first trek
down there, only to discover, at dark, they had no hay left. I drove the
few miles back and loaded my truck up with hay as high as I possibly
could. Usually the cats and dogs gather round, but I do not recall seeing
Tigger. Tigger came to us as a kitten, afraid of being touched. She was
abandoned and we kept her inside, and with time she became our closest
companion cat. Before I could get her spayed she blessed us with four
kittens. I will never forget her depending on us to help her with the
delivery. She was the kind of cat that would sit at the window until we
let her in, would cuddle by my head at night and give me kisses. In the
early morning she would wake me up for breakfast. She always had a kind
of little "leap" that was a happy leap that she did when we were outside
doing things together.

I went to the valley to feed horses hay, and when I got back the dogs and
cats were all in the driveway, as if to block my way. I stopped the truck
and waited for the sea of dogs and cats to part so I could get through. I
saw Tigger to my right and Winnie to my left. I stopped. I waited. I
saw both cats, so moved forward, ever so slowly. I heard a thump under my
wheel and could not even think of what had just happened.

I shut the truck off and in the dark I groped my way down the driveway. I
thought I saw Tigger lying in a heap in the driveway but could not believe
what I might have just done. I went screaming into the house, and Rachel
and Craig went outside to check, and found her, no longer breathing.

I have come to question why a cat who was abandoned and came to trust
people so much and be so loving and kind would be taken so soon. Worse
yet, I am the person that took her life. I have a lot of questions right
now that make me question God's goodness and mercy, but I just don't
understand why she went back underneath that truck.

I have wailed, cried, sobbed, screamed, and my kids have cried. Nothing
will bring her back. Life is so hard. I am heartbroken. She was only
three years old.

Country Today

Press releases were sent out to 25 newspapers this past week.
Look for a feature article coming in this week's Country Today newspaper!!!
Sue

My Precious Cookie

Twelve short years ago, a dear Amish friend of mine that I affectionately
call "my little brother" showed up at my door. I had been to his farm in
December of 1998 to discuss teaching special needs children with his
sister, who is also a special educator. She invited me to come to her
schoolhouse some time, and while we were there we went to the barn where
the boys were milking and I saw beautiful little puppies in a crate on the
ground. They were Jack Russell Terrier pups, and I was instantly in love.
The family was selling puppies, but we already had a few dogs, so I knew
Craig would not want another one.

Yet, here suddenly in my kitchen was my Amish friend with a tiny puppy
cradled in his arms. He explained that he had hired a driver to bring him
on the one hour trek to our farm because his dad was going to shoot this
puppy. The puppy had been born with a congenital defect in both front
legs. She could only crawl, could not sit, and could not stand upright on
her front legs. Her little tail just wagged and wagged when I picked her
up, as my friend begged me to take her so that she would have a chance at
life.

I can't say that Craig was very happy, but it was hard to resist this tiny
little life. A few days after she came to us, I took her up to Viroqua to
be examined by a veterinarian. He looked at her only briefly before
stating, "You need to put her down - she will scrape her legs open
scooting across the ground and will not learn to stand upright to walk. Surgery is out of the question. A pup like this will, most likely, have
multiple anomalies".

I thanked him kindly and told him I would seek a second opinion. I drove
down the street to another veterinarian in town. She did a thorough exam
and told me that my little Cookie would be normal in every other way
except for her legs. Surgery would be an option - to go in and break the
legs and then pin them, but it would cost about $3,500 and there was no
guarantee that the pins would hold. Everyone there at the vet clinic fell
in love with Cookie, and one receptionist even told me that if I did not
decide to keep her that she would love to have her.

That was 12 years ago. Since that time, Cookie and I have been
inseparable. She has gone with our family on trips to California, South
Dakota countless times, Florida, and has been on a million car rides with
me to run errands. Her favorite thing to do in the summer is go out in
the boat to sand bars, where she runs up and down the beach and bites at
incoming waves. She can walk, she can run, she can swim. Most of all,
she loves to be in my arms, and I feel quite empty when she is not there.

I had one of the biggest scares of my life in 2005, when Cookie decided
she was invincible and began chasing a horse that was running along the
fence line. I shouted at her but she would not retreat, and before I
could get to her she got kicked in the head and lay, lifeless, on the
ground. I picked her up out of the dirt and she was not breathing. I
began shrieking and groaning and sobbing beyond control. I remember that
there was someone at the house that day to look at horses available for
adoption, and they stood, watching helplessly as I carried Cookie to the
house. At one point, before I got to the steps, I slumped down on my
knees and cried out to God, "Oh please, don't take my Cookie - please dear
God, help us" over and over again. Still, no life.

I went into the house screaming and my foster children came upstairs from
the basement to see what had happened. I screamed at them, "Cookie is
dead, ohmy God, Cookie is dead". The sobbing and wailing continued and my
family did not know what to do or say. I stumbled back outside with her
in my arms, dialing the cordless phone. Craig was on the other end, en
route to Washington state with two horses that had recently been adopted. I sobbed into the phone, and Craig just had no words - what could he do or
say from 2,000 miles away?

The tears continued to roll, and I thought I felt Cookie begin to breathe
again. I saw a fly buzzing around, and suddenly Cookie's eyes flew open
and she snapped at the fly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! How could this be????? She was
back! I was overjoyed, and amazed at the goodness and mercy of my Father
God in heaven. Cookie was my little miracle pup.

You would think that living with a disability would have been hard enough,
but Cookie had more challenges ahead. In May of this year I noticed one
of her eyes swelling up, then tearing. On Mother's Day of this year our
entire family went camping at The Natural Gait. Of course, Cookie, Tina
and Peanut all came along. I noticed Cookie becoming increasingly
detached and not wanting to move much. I looked at her eye in horror,
realizing it had swelled even more in a short time. She must have been in
tremendous pain, so on Monday we went immediately in to see Dr. Knight. He
diagnosed glaucoma, and we began aggressive treatment to save the eye. Unfortunately, it was too late, and Cookie's eye is no longer. Dr. Knight
also explained that when glaucoma strikes one eye, the other eye will
often become inflicted. I have been very proactive in continuing to treat
the good eye with drops. Again, it didn't matter. Last week, we traveled
to the vet again and he gave me the worst news I had had since May - she
had glaucoma in that eye and it could not be saved.

I have been helping Cookie and pampering her. I have gone to bed crying,
holding her in my arms and telling her I will continue to be there for
her, and that she will not lose her love for life. I have put her on
pillows in the kitchen and fed her her sandwich treat every night. I have
made sure she can find the water dish, and have carried her outside to go
to the bathroom. She has been so brave, and such a sport about her loss
of vision. She still wags her little stubby tail every time she hears my
voice, and I am keeping an upbeat attitude when I am around her. Last
night we went out to eat, and I asked Cookie if she wanted to ride along. I swear she looked right at me and her ears perked right up, tail in the
air. I carried her to the truck, and she sat in the back seat to the
familiar rumble of the truck's diesel engine.

I really can't see life without Cookie, nor can she see it without me. Call me selfish, but I can't give up. The vet told me she is healthy in
every other way, however cruel life has been to her. So we will continue
to be there for each other until the end. I have cried a thousand tears
for her, but realize that life is what it is, and we will make the most of
it. The most awesome, inspiring thing is..........she is still happy. And.....I promised her that next year she will "see" the sand bar again,
and we will feel the sun together and dip our feet in the water and she
will lie in my arms as the fishing boat chugs along the back sloughs of
the Mississippi, and we will be grateful that God put us together!

Sue

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Just To Give You An Idea Of Expenses

Currently, the ASAP farm is feeding 32 horses.
We pay $2.50 per small square bale.
Each horse averages one bale a day per horse for hay.

OUR HAY EXPENSE ALONE IS $80 PER DAY CURRENTLY X 7 = $560 PER WEEK.

We always supplement with feed, and we feed between 3-6# per day per horse.
Add more to the $560 per week.

We received a donation from Pat M. of Holmen of $25 today - thank you so
much and every little bit helps.

We received a donation from Lori of Iowa today - thanks so much for all
you do.

Adoptions this week = 0
Adoption fees this week = 0

Farrier bill Thursday = $80 - farrier returning to trim an additional 5
which equals $100.

We are applying for grants at the rate of one per day for emergency
funding for housing the overflow of horses. Please please spread the word
about our circumstances.

Sue

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Poor Shed

Here's pictures of the shelter that blew down in the wind storm less than
two weeks ago- our goal is to put up a sturdy lean-to with help from
supporters.
Also, the round bale feeder that urgently needs replacing.

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Another Saturday

I have been devoting my week to trying to post horses for adoption. If
any of you have any ideas besides dreamhorse.com or illinoisequine.com or
the mwt bulletin board, please let me know. I did post horses on
craigslist and the posting was removed but I am not sure why yet? I did
get a handful of responses before it was removed, so will follow up on
those and hope for the best.

An older couple pulled up today and looked around and commented, "You have
horses absolutely everywhere!". Yes we do, and it makes me panic, not
knowing how we will provide for these numbers without support. I had to
drive hay and feed for miles down the valley to Steelin Apples, Stylish
Sharon, Strawberry, Little John, Bob Cook and Arne because there is no
vacant space for them at home. Their pasture is getting very low now, and
they were all waiting eagerly in the paddock.

I have spent the afternoon wanting to cry, then realize that the anxiety
we feel is terrifying. I want to cry because the horses deserve my
attention, but we are so busy caring for every one of them that the
quality time for handling and riding doesn't happen like it should. I
want to cry because each one of our horses is so wonderful, kind, gentle,
and has so much to offer, but there are not enough people to go around. I
cry because I didn't get those bot fly eggs off Brandy again today, like I
promised myself I would. I cry because Cricket and Taser Gun have been
waiting for me to work them and something always gets in the way. I cry
because I realize the deworming didn't get done - again - today. I am
just plain down, hoping for a better day tomorrow.

If you can spare a donation, now would be the time. We don't know how we
are going to meet bills for hay and feed this winter, but we have to have
faith!

Weekend News

There are times in life when a person or an organization can feel
especially blessed, lucky, or just darn good inside all over!

This past weekend brought at least four of the very nicest people that
ever happened to ASAP to the farm. Ray, Alice, Lori, and Mike pulled in
the driveway on our warm, sunny Saturday. It is always great to see them,
and I consider them really great friends. They are friends not only
because they support ASAP's mission both financially and morally, but
because they truly care about animals, and especially horses. They have
watched ASAP over the years, and know, firsthand, the struggles ASAP has
faced and continues to face, as more horses flood into the farm and more
adopters are forced with the difficult decision to give up a pet they may
have had for more than ten years due to health issues or economic
challenges.

Ray, Alice, Lori and Mike have done their part in providing excellent
homes for horses. With amazement I remember back to a day when Ray and
Alice asked me, "Which horse do you think needs a home the most?". At the
time, we had just taken in an aged Standardbred mare who had raced in
Michigan, then had been a brood mare until coming to ASAP. With limited
training under saddle, the likelihood of a mare such as this finding a
permanent home was slim. Still, Ray and Alice shared that they would like
to take Sunny home. They not only took her home, but they continued
training under saddle, and also made Sunny into a pleasure driving horse! They have done so much for Pistol Pete N and Mini Happy Times,
participating in competitive driving events in Wisconsin this year, and
placing! In addition, they have made Penguin Beware into a competitive
driving horse now, too, and he placed first last week up north!!!! They
gave Cam's Matte Finish a great home and much happiness until his passing
in September, and we have many pictures of Cam to remember him by.

So on Saturday it was another day to say "so long" to a horse that,
presently, may not be the MOST adoptable horse we have on the farm. Goodnight Starship, 15, was adopted as a two year old by a loving couple
who provided the best of everything until last year when their health
forced them to return Goodie to the ASAP farm. Goodnight had not been
ridden regularly, and had a bit of a reputation as an "overreactive"
horse. Goodie can be spooky at times, which makes some people believe he
is unpredictable - definitely not your laid back, nothing-bothers-me kind
of horse. Ray and Alice offered to take a horse in for the winter, and to
prepare him or her for the Midwest Horse Fair where he or she could be
showcased as a horse available for adoption. They looked at Kung Fu Guru,
Goodnight Starship, and Comet as possibilities. After some deliberation,
they decided to take Goodnight home on Saturday. The way that they
handled Goodnight and talked to him with such loving care made me feel
100% right about the match between them. Goodie went home to meet the
other four Standardbreds he will be with until next April (and can I tell
you I secretly hope they fall in love with him so much they will decide to
keep him!!!?), and everything has gone smoothly. Ray and Alice also took
home the harness that Remmie did some damage to almost two years ago now. To have Ray and Alice in our lives makes us feel very privileged, and
every horse that finds its way to their farm is a very very very fortunate
horse!

Lori and Mike pulled in the driveway just about the time that Goodnight
and Ray and Alice were leaving. They drove over three hours to get to
ASAP from Iowa. They have adopted a few horses over the years, including
Family Counselor (Sigi), Taken By Surprise (TBone), and Wawatassi. I can
still remember Lori driving all the way from Iowa to go with me yet
another hour or more to rescue an emaciated horse from an Amish farm over
near Wilton/Kendall. Lori and I were both sick to our stomachs after
seeing Wawatassi in the condition he was in, and needed to raise money to
purchase him. Lori paid his ransom and brought him home - spent months
rehabilitating him - and when he came to ASAP he did not look at all like
the same horse! Lori also helped with JD (bless his memory), and is
always quick to volunteer anything she can do in times of crisis. She has
donated faithfully to ASAP's mission of helping horses, and hopes to some
day provide a permanent home for Arne, who she has loved since the first
time she laid eyes on him. Lori and Mike were very busy on Saturday, and
drove down specifically to help us repair round bale feeders, and raise
the shed in the lower arena that blew down in last week's wind storm. They spent the entire afternoon with us, and thanks to them we were able
to get the shed back up for now! Thank you so much, Lori and Mike and
Dennis and Jamie and Jamie's sister and Lexi! Without each of you we
would not have shelter up for the horses!

Lori and her husband also blessed ASAP with a big surprise - a brand new
Rubbermaid 100 gallon water tank! I can't forget to also mention another
gift she brought that touched my heart so very much - a framed picture of
Taken By Surprise, a Standardbred gelding who made over $260,000 before
retiring due to injury wayyyyyy back in the 90's. In fact, T Bone was one
of the first horses to come into the ASAP program, so I believe he may
have been placed in 1994 or close to it! He has had a wonderful life and,
like Ray and Alice, any horse that finds its way to Lori and Mike's arms
will always receive the best of love and care imaginable. Knowing these
four people has made such a difference in my life - the true meaning of
friendship, loyalty, compassion, and empathy can be seen in each of them.

I have appealed to the Illinois Racing Board for advice on sources of
funding for our program, but the condition of harness racing in Illinois
is bleak, as was reported to me again today. We have had no financial
support in any way from Balmoral Park or Maywood Park this year, and next
to nothing from Illinois Harness Horseman's Association. We appealed to
Hawthorne, Maywood, and Balmoral Park for donations for our fund raiser,
but received nothing. Thankfully, the United States Trotting Association
sent a wonderful big box full of donations. The USTA is very attentive to
ASAP and we appreciate their support. So who cares for the horses who
graced the tracks in Chicago and beyond when the tracks, IHHA, and/or
former owners do not? ASAP Inc. continues its mission, with support from
individuals and small corporations who firmly believe that the horses who
gave everything they had to the racing industry deserve to be taken care
of AFTER their racing days are accomplished. Up until this past year, I
really believed in my heart that the tracks and racing associations and
owners and trainers really did care about its horses, but now I have
serious doubts, as evidenced by the lack of support received.

We will continue to work tirelessly to provide for what has been entrusted
to us!

Upcoming events:
Nothing on the calendar - hallelujah, we go into a season of rest!

Hugs,
Susan

See and download the full gallery on posterous