Well, Grandma has eaten breakfast and we have cleaned the house together. Kids are off to school, puppies are fed and outside to play in their play area created by Craig, and Scarlet, the gray long-haired feline, sits proudly on my lap. Time to write!
We were in South Dakota two weekends ago to clean up our rental house and put it on the market. After a lot of discussion and reminiscing, we decided to rent it again on a long term basis. Lots of reasons why, but we both feel it was the right decision to make. Found a great family and looking forward to long term residents there. It was great to see friends in the Black Hills and go out to dinner with two old dear friends, Rick and Bud. Bud was so kind he even bought our little dogs some hamburger patties in a to-go box!
I am in between jobs and waiting for instructions to begin teaching after Easter. I am really excited to be part of a credible and quickly-expanding program. I thought I would have more time to spend with the horses and in the office, but perhaps my days are not as disciplined as when I am working? Kids, holidays, and making sure everything is taken care of rules my days.
I want to give a shout out to Jean P., who recently sent a donation of $100 towards expenses related to the horse fairs we attend. What a blessing! Also special thanks to Sally W., a placing owner who donated Five Dollah at one time, and Friendly Explosion (deceased in 2009). Thanks to Joy H. for her donation to sponsor Stylish Sharon in care at ASAP. We also received two donations through Halters for Hope - thank you! With 27 horses currently at the farm (all but nine are ASAP horses), we could not need support more than we do right now.
I have to talk to you all about the status quo of ASAP. After meeting with a Dept. of Agriculture agent, some good points were brought to mind. Long story short, unless I hear an overwhelming argument from placing owners or adopters, there is serious thought into releasing ownership of horses to adopters after two years time.
We have always prided ourselves in being a lifetime placement program. It is also, the number one reason why placing owners choose ASAP when looking at a future for their horses.
Without support from the racing industry, without support from placing racing owners and other owners, it is impossible to expect ASAP to carry the financial burden placed on us to be accountable for over 1,000 horses that have been placed through our organization. What I heard the loudest after my meeting with our state agency is that the caring adopters, the most qualified, loving adopters, will ALWAYS contact ASAP when they can no longer care for their horse anyway. If and when the time comes to relinquish a horse, this is where they would turn. If ASAP was unable to take a horse back into care or re-adopt the horse for the current adopter, then that adopter, after two years' time, would have the right to transfer that horse however they see appropriate.
Now understand, this is a very scary step to take. The placement contract would change. This could be continued until July and then presented at our board meeting. So, until that time, feedback is welcomed.
I had to dash outside - one of the puppies got stuck in his turnout - he put his mouth through the link fence and his teeth got caught - you'd think he was being skinned alive. All is okay. Incidentlly, the pups go in for their shots next week, then the week after that will be ready for the new homes. I need five more homes - three pups have tentatively been spoken for - so if you are looking for a sweet little dog, the Tennessee Treeing Brindle would be a perfect family dog! Think about it and let me know - it would be so great to have a dog go to a home that I know!
Midwest Horse Fair comin' up! Horses demonstrating will include:
Tyler's Tanya
Johanna's Flying Star
Squire One
Janimal
Remmie
Springtime Beauty
Pistol Pete N
Mini Happi Times
Sante Fe Freight
Fleur de Mal (?)
Victory Buck (?)
Can ya tell I'm not organizing it this year? Thanks to Carol Griffin for being our breed coordinator and, that reminds me........I'd better get my script to her right now!
Let's not forget horses waiting to get to their new adoptive or foster placements. They include:
Race for Home
Bart's A Bad Boy
King's Royal Fella
A Team Hall
Colonel Meacham (return)
Unmasked (return)
BG Star (return)
Fox Valley Wuvbug (return)
Comet
Fox Valley Terror
Allie
Ginger
Solomon
These are fairly urgent needs - in case anyone can help?
I would love to include pictures on my blogs, but when Craig hooked up his vinyl cutter to my computer it converted all of my jpeg files to Corel Draw 4 and now I cannot open any pics. Anyone have any ideas how to help me convert them back?
Until next time,
Sue
