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"

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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