It would ordinarily be a joyful thing to report that four horses have been
adopted and found loving homes in this past month. As spring approaches,
many are anxious to have horses to put on their newly-purchased acreage,
or add to their farm of a few years.
to foster horses (always a welcome thing). What some people do not understand is that ASAP depends upon adoption
fees, as well as private donations, to support horses in case who are
waiting for homes. Without it, where would the money come from to feed,
vet, and provide hoof care (let alone the immunizations due in spring)? One of our adopters offered a generous donation for their newly adopted
horse, one that is both appreciated and, the adopteres stated, was
justified because of the level of training and the life experience and
beauty and health that this horse has to offer them. Three other adopters, however, have felt justified to pick up their horses
from places other than ASAP, and then provide argument on why they do not
feel they should have to pay an adoption fee. Now, if I am not mistaken, I was the one who spoke with each adopter about
where the horses were located, referred them to phone numbers and emails
to speak with placing owners about the horses, and got the communication
back that this WAS, in no uncertain terms, their horses of choice. For
some, the adoption was considered best practice, as the horse did not have
a five hour trip back to the ASAP farm, and could go to adopters already
familiar with the program, having adopted horses in the past. For yet
others, it was a first time experience. The horses were, according to the
adopters, a perfect match for their families. Well trained, friendly,
sound, loving, nickering at them when they showed themselves
outside....then why would an adopter feel justified in asking NOT to pay a
fee? I dont' remember this being a free-for-all in the past 18
years.....but some people choose to try to take advantage of the program
in this way. We are currently faced with an electric bill for Midwest Horse Fair of
$100 due by Monday. We have kept up on most current payments on hay, but
owe some people for last year's hay. We have a $2000 outstanding balance
on feed from late 2011 which we are chipping away to pay, and a vet bill
with Cashton Vet Clinic of $800 from 2011 due to emergency visits and
other routine calls that got out of hand. The Midwest Horse Fair has cost
us an extraordinary amount of money this year, compared to when we are
able to bring horses to demo (we split the costs of the stalls so it
defrays the ASAP cost). We did have a generous donation of $300 from Mary
Ellen M. towards the horse fair, which we are very grateful for. This has
covered the cost of the booth, but cost of electricity and the vests that
are being provided for the booth by Lou W. are going to add another $250. Chief needs shoes - $60, scheduled to put on him today but we may not be
able to afford them. Bob Cook and Arne need trimming Thanks to Sara S. former owner of Brandy, her trims and shots have been
paid for!!! Cobra, Arne, Bob Cook, Market Analysis, Cricket, Chief, Timesareachanging,
Taser Gun, Fox Valley Deon, Kung Fu Guru, Stunner (Mintos Shower), all
need shots, deworming, and trims.............total????? Thanks to Lori H. and others, dewormers are here and there are enough to
provide for all horses as well as those in foster care. For now, we sit and watch the mailbox for those adoption fees.......
