Support The Horses At Pure Thoughts!!

Go Team Horse!!
The T-Shirts We Have All Been Waiting For
Are Ready!!
Just In Time For The Holidays!!!
Hi everyone...Please go to the Pure Thoughts website
and check out the shirts!!!www.pthr.org This is a great way to spread the word to others about
Team Horse and the rescue work we support.

Michelle Tolley wore her shirt a few days ago, and it gets attention! It will also make you feel good that you have this shirt and the horses have your donation!A BIG THANK YOU to the "Travelling Circus Ladies" for their generous donations!Note From Michelle:If you order a shirt (and we hope that you do!), please send me an email to let me know your shirt size, # of shirts and your mailing address: mtolley@ctc.net -
Kind Regards,
Laura Boothby
Pure Thoughts, Inc.
A Stand 4 The Horses Fundraising & Rescue Education

The Tale of The Squirrel

Someone in our neighborhood hand raised a squirrel then let it go. They kept the squirrel in their house and as it got older it had the run of the place. It also got very territorial and no one but family members were allowed in the house. The squirrel would jump on the visitor's head, spinning around and cackling. So the family built him a Squirrel House in their yard. It didn't last long. The squirrel chewed through the netting and was a Free Man.
The first time he came up to you it was really cute. He would sit up and cock his head to the side and squeak at you. We all were so smitten! But this squirrel, he had a dark side.
If you gave him nuts, he remembered you and if you didn't have nuts the next time he would attack you. It bit my neighbor Joe on the ear and attacked both Maria and Emma. Over a two week period my kids were chased into the house by the squirrel on a daily basis. They were traumatized. They didn't want to play outside or go in the pool. We knew he didn't have rabies, but he could have gotten them and really caused horrible problems for the whole block.
We called the wildlife center and we explained he was a tame squirrel who attacked people who didn't have any nuts. They kind of chuckled and said if he isn't hurt than leave him be. If he wasn't hurt??? What about all the people with scratches and bites? The cats that hid under cars and wouldn't come out? And the neighborhood dogs? Forget it, the squirrel was super crafty and teased the dogs, they would get close to catching him and he would dart away. I really think it started to affect them. The tail wagging ratio declined and mopey dogs barely enjoyed their w-a-l-k-'s! I am glad Harley wasn't born yet, she probably would have suffered from depression too.
Well the last straw for us came when he ambushed our picnic dinner. The girls and I had planned a cute dinner, we were going to eat on a blanket with their Daddy, we packed a basket and had all the "dressings". We had lot's of goodies, fresh fruit, fried chicken, potato salad to name a few. Emma was maybe 2 so that made Maria about 4. They sat in the window waiting for Mike and I was thinking that damn squirrel hasn't been around in a while so tonight may just be a lot of fun. Again I was wrong!!!
The squirrel seemed to come out of no where. He went from gone for weeks to on our blanket and jumping on Emma. He got her pretty good. We ran in the house. Mike had just gotten home and was about to jump in the shower. He came out in his towel and got the broom. Next thing I see is my half naked husband running out the back door swinging a broom over his head. He started trying to scare the squirrel away, who had literally chased us into the house and was now staring at us through the window, flicking his tail in victory. Mike then tried pushing him off the patio with the broom. Well that squirrel wasn't giving up HIS dinner or his new patio that easily. Next thing you know the squirrel jumps on Mike's butt, holding on to the towel. Mike starts spinning in circles waving his arms behind him. In his panic he had dropped the broom! All we could see is squirrel tail flying around and around and around and we could hear the squirrel chitter chatter. Mike said he looked in the window to see if I was going to help and all he saw was his 2 year old, 4 year old and girlfriend pointing at him and laughing hysterically! And that is true.... we soooo were.

Missouri Horse Trailer Accident

Missouri Accident Uncovers Truth About Horse Slaughter

By Laura Boothby

September 28, 2006

41 horses and one mule became 42 martyrs in the national fight against horse slaughter for human consumption in the early hours of September 27, 2006.

I looked for a way to convey their story to unknown masses that have no idea of the struggle of American horses and the people who work everyday to make this country safer for them. These noble creatures who give everything to their human care givers without question. Then I had a thought instead of going with the emotional response, I thought I would address the facts and lies that were reported in many of the reports that were posted at news outlets across the Midwest.

The statement that the horses involved in the accident were "old" horses is false. The horses in the accident ranged in ages from 7 months old to 26 years old. Horses can live well into their thirties and at 7 months they haven't even been given a chance.

I can only assume that the term "old" was thrown at the reporter by Cavel and the truck driver. This of course was false and must be emphasized that the majority of horses that go to slaughter are healthy animals and are in good body condition. In published slaughter house records it is documented that horses in good/healthy condition get top dollar.

Next I would like to address Cavel manager Jim Tucker's statement that reads as follows:

"Treating these animals humanely not only happens to be the right thing to do, but it's in our best business interest to see that the horses are treated well during their transportation to our facility," Cavel General Manager Jim Tucker said.

"Stressed horses result in an inferior product, and injured horses must be turned away," he said.*

Anyone who has campaigned to end the inhumane slaughter of horses knows that the above statement is simply a lie! Evidence has shown that many horses that are injured are indeed accepted for slaughter.

Just last month 19 horses bruised, battered and bloody were processed at a Texas slaughter plant. The man transporting the horses has been charged with 5 counts of animal abuse. Over the years former employees from Cavel have come forward and spoken about the horrors the horses go through before they are strung up and bled.

Each slaughter plant insists they cannot control what a single transporter will do yet they continue to do business with the same kill buyers repeatedly. They can control who they do business with yet they continue to turn their backs to the suffering of all equine during transport.

A spokesman for Cavel said the horse trader, not the processing facility, arranges for the
transportation and chooses the driver.

Cavel also said that it was disappointed the driver had allegedly been in violation of USDA
transportation regulations

The horse shown in the picture has an injury to his head, yet he stands in line at the slaughter house.

These statements are part of a long list of statements made by Jim Tucker, in a desperate attempt to quiet public outcry .

In 2005 when Cavel bought and slaughtered several wild mustangs he insisted that his plant did not want to buy wild horse meat.

Quoting an article written by Samantha Young in May 2005:

"We've told our buyers, 'Don't bring BLM wild horses to us,' " plant
manager James Tucker said, adding that wild horses generally do not
yield good meat.

Representatives for Beltex Corp. of Fort Worth, Texas, and Dallas Crown
of Kaufman, Texas, said BLM officials had yet to contact them.

"We'renot interested in those horses anyway," said Jim Bradshaw,
counsel for Dallas Crown.++

Yet in another article from the same time period (April 22, 2005) this is what Jim Tucker had to say on the slaughter of wild mustangs:

**Cavel General Manager Jim Tucker said the slaughterhouse has legally purchased wild horses from sellers who have the appropriate certification from the BLM.
"BLM allows horses to be adopted and held for a certain amount of time and allows them to be slaughtered," he said.

He confirmed that within the last week, Cavel purchased and slaughtered some horses from a seller who had gotten them through the BLM. He declined to say how many horses were purchased or from whom they were purchased, saying that such information is "proprietary."
He also said it wasn't the first time the slaughterhouse has processed wild horses.**

The horse slaughter industry has made an art out of contradiction. Take for instance the use of the words humane euthanasia.

Euthanasia is the practice of killing in a painless or minimally painful way for merciful reasons, usually to end suffering.

In a statement released Wednesday, Cavel confirmed the horses were bound
for the slaughterhouse, where they would have been euthanized under the
supervision of federal inspectors and USDA veterinarians, but the horses did
belong to the horse trader who bought them until they reach the plant.

Slaughter plants continue to use this word of mercy knowing full well that the majority of this country believe in humane euthanasia for our animal companions. It is a gross and negligent use of this word. There is nothing about horse slaughter that is humane.

From the beginning to the end horses, ponies, mules, and donkeys sent to slaughter are thrown into an inhumane situation. Beginning at auction houses across this country where disease and injury are regular occurrences. Only to be hauled for days on end without rest, food or water to one of the three operating slaughter plants.

The ending of the journey is the harshest reality. Horses are sent down to slaughter one by one. Forced through fencing and gates by men screaming and whipping them. They can hear other horses screaming in terror and thrashing in the "kill box". They can smell the blood and sweat of the horses that have been strung up before them. The horse next in line can see what is happening and they know what is coming. They struggle and fight for their lives. Blasted again and again with the captive bolt gun, in the shoulder, in the neck, on their smooth noses.....

Is this a humane end to a life of service or for a life that never even had a chance to begin? I say No.

You can find updates and more info on the web site of the organization caring for the survivors at www.longmeadowrescueranch.org

Update From Rt on Emaciated Mare

Maddie

Well, that is what I decided to name here. I was layin in the isle of 
the barn on a cot and was thinking of my gramma Madeline White Owl 
and it hit me to call her Maddie. I think in some way gramma was in 
there with me in that barn. So Maddie it is..

I. bare with me, am about to burst into tears again. Gawd its been 
hard to stay collected all evening. First off I had the local humane 
officer come out and see her himself, legal issues aside as right now 
until I get wild hair up my arse that can sit till I get her health 
under control. Then I can go on a hunt...:D *cheezy grin* He has seen 
her and from look on his face that told me more than a 2 hour 
conversation could. So this way if someone calls about her then they 
know exactly what is going on. He said he would tell them if they do 
call "keep on driving or stop and volunteer or make a donation, 
click". He took a tour of the place and saw all the animals that we 
have here and commented on what good shape they are in, saw the 
babies and was glad that we are here and would 'highly recommend' us 
to anyone. So he will try to get the word out that we need help too. 
They are mostly small animal place.

This am Janet came over and helped me rake the pasture and clean up 
some around the barn area. I had called the vet early this am, Doc 
Haury was out of town but Doc McFarland was waiting on a horse that 
they might have to rush to emergency surgery for colic. They wound up 
taking the horse in and she didn't make it out till this afternoon. 
By then I felt like I had done ten rounds with a bull in a 10x10 pen. 
# hours sleep does nothing for trying to deal with all the things you 
have to esp emotional ones. With all the little things in between 
done I decided while waiting on Doc that I'd pull out the cot that I 
had and lay on it in the isle of the barn. Nice time to grab 30 min 
cat nap? I laid by her stall and she was looking through the rails at 
me. She walked two circles and laid down too right by the wall. I got 
up and went into her stall and sat down by her head and she flopped 
over and laid her head in my lap. I sat there looking at her eyes 
through her fly mask. I almost panic'd as I thought perhaps this was 
it..She was saying its time to go. Then as I watched her I saw this 
look like--sigh, I'm home...She just lay there content. She would 
raise up and sit a minute then poof lay back down with her head in my 
lap while I leaned on the wall dozing off and on..That is when I lost 
it..The tears all evening are hard to stop. That look and that sigh 
of contentment...

Anyway before I turn into sobbing mess and Viet has to pick me up off 
the floor. She is about 20 years old. Has hardly any teeth left and 
the ones she does have edges on them so Doc Haury will have to do 
them when she is on better track. For now its mash and she does eat 
hay pretty well. She has hard time going bathroom since the things it 
comes out of are so sunken in...I feel bad for her...I had the stall 
door open with the vet here and she wandered up the isle in her fly 
sheet stopped at the stall I keep hay in got a bite, then wandered 
through the feed room, then out the side door into the pen, then back 
in feed room and tried to go in my office following the vet to her 
truck...LOL. I had to stop her. We gave her B Complex IV, B12 shot 
and anabolic? steroid shot. I had her pull a CBC and do fecal. I'll 
get those tests on Monday unless she has them tomorrow.

Anyway I will get to everyones mails tomorrow and answer more things 
about Maddie when I've had some sleep. Its going on midnight now and 
Im ready to hit the floor..

Nite all

RT

Viet is going to help me take more pics tomorrow with better body shots

Urgent Help Requested!

This Urgent plea went out today. If anyone can help Please! Please do!!! If you can help RT and Viet help this mare, I know it will be greatly appreciated!

Well, I've done it again..... Decided to go to the auction house last night. Kat wanted to sell some of her chickens and I was hesitant about taking the trailer but opted to in the end. Guess the Creator knows better than I do and was pulling me there even when I didn't want to go and CSI Vegas was on (my fav)...I decided to head out.

Walking in the large animal area I was done even before I got to the second stall. My feet were guided to the other end like walking a path they were meant to go. Passing several along the way not really bothering to pay any attention. I got to the end stall and there she was...

*Huge sigh*  I can barely write this without crying. Whew.. There she stood as if waiting on me. My heart was in my throat and I was fuming with anger at the same time. My first reaction was either to hug her or find the *sob* that did that and give him the beating he deserved behind the barn. I asked Kat out loud in front of the others standing around "you got bail money?" She said "Yep, and its been a long time since you've beat someone's azz". Sighs...SO I walked it off and came back. I knew from the look on her face and how I felt that this girl was coming home. I don't know who was bidding against me as I couldn't see off to one side but doesn't matter. I gladly paid the $120.00 to get her out of there. Kat had gotten a warm blanket for 15.00 used at the beginning of the tack. So I put that on her and we got new halters and leads so had some of those. As soon as we had gotten through most of the animals, she got this little burro? donkey? for 45.00. He is a sweetie and so little...Anyway..back to what I need help on. 

With getting Horse Feathers set up I still am waiting on the federal papers although I am registered and certified with the state now as a non-profit horse rescue, I am recognized by the local humane society, etc. Until I get bank accounts set up in the rescue name which we will where Viet works I can't accept checks written out to Horse Feathers Equine Rescue Inc. No way to cash them. I'm working on setting things up with paypal and so on but takes time and I get to type and then go to the barn back n forth so much that its taken me 3 hours to do this email.

I need some help to get the things that she will need. With over $2,000 in vet bills in 6 weeks along with all the care for the two babies I could use a little help with this one. Kat said she will help with the vet bill today but once Doc gets here we will go over the feeding routine and I will add whatever she thinks is best also. This one has bad teeth maybe but she is eating good, she may be close to 20-25 yrs old not sure as one guy said 5-8?. So right now she is on a mash/soup that I make up. Egads I went out there in the dark of this am to make sure she didn't die through the night and when she saw me coming all I could hear was a whisper of a voice trying to nicker at me as she has no voice left from all the starvation. It made me so sad yet I know she as this will to live that is out of this world...Her hind is so sunken in that when she poops the 'turds' for lack of better word get stuck in the pockets instead of dropping to the floor so I have to pick them off her. This weekend it is supposed to get to 90 one day and I will give her a warm bath then. Its just too chilly now and she needs to settle in more. Her legs and even her feet were cold, I mean cold, from lack of body  when at the auction so now she's is bundled up and has warmth under there. If it warms up I will take that off and let her skin breathe some.

Anyway here is what I need. For those who aren't comfortable sending money then please don't hesitate to call Farmers Grain to pay directly. Those who have known me years know I put everything I have into these critters and do without myself..If you care to just mail things from Jeffers, Omaha Vaccine, etc that is fine also (supplements)  A guy at the auction and his wife were talking to me and he is a farrier, he said if I got her then her foot trimming was on him free of charge, he wanted to make sure someone got her and was taking care of her so I will call him today and get him to take care of that. Was pretty nice of him huh? Anyone wanting to help with her vet bill also can call Doc Haury's office. She may need more check ups than the others and she will need her teeth done probably soon. 

I need:

Hay

Shavings 20-40 bags--she needswell padded stall and allows for mucking

Grain--possibly senior? will know later, beet pulp, bran for mash, alfalfa cubes, apple flavored electrolytes, weight builder

Sam's Club gift cards for----- corn oil corn oil corn oil.. She is going to need a lot of it. Aloe Vera juice. 

Herbs from Lorhyl

I called Atwoods and Tractor Supply and ya know #1 I'd recommend that no one shop there, we spent nearly 8,000 there in one year and they won't even allow you to have people call for a rescue and donate. They say once its paid for they want it out of the store at that moment. That's sad as neither one will donate to Horse Rescue either. I will say that the Farmers Grain Co-op has gotten all of our business now and will continue to get more. They are caring people who deserve a KUDOS!! for making themselves available and even delivered hay earlier this year when my truck was acting up for $5.00 in gas...So I will be prejudice and send ya'll there.

FARMERS GRAIN CO
PO BOX 310
EDMOND OK 73083
405/341-3310 

Farmers grain has alfalfa/timothy cubes that I can soak for 12.75 50#

Alfalfa cubes---$9.95 50#

Wheat Bran--$8.35 50#

Beet Pulp 40# bag---$11.50

Senior Patriot---$10.35 50#

Equine Medical Associates

2625 West I-35 Frontage Road, Edmond, OK 73013 

405-348-3130

Cheri White Owl

6929 E 15th Street

Edmond, OK 73013

405-315-2928 cell

405-359-5184 barn

405-340-2142 house

While We Slept...Humanity Died!!!

While We Slept...Humanity Died!!!

By Jennifer Swanson

While many of us slept peacefully in the comforts of our home, with our loved ones safely secured, a truck was heading down Interstate 44 in Franklin County, Missouri. The truck's occupants were there against their will, they were frightened, had been crammed onto this truck inhumanely and quite possibly illegally. Some were babies recently taken from their mothers, some were young healthy boys in the prime of their life, some had just finished working and one was about to give birth....one thing they all had in common they were confused and terrified...

Photo :

Horse finally freed from

trailer of truck after suffering for hours, covered in blood

and in need of immediate care

In the dark of night who knows what goes on, who knows what laws are broken, who knows what heinous acts are committed ... most go undetected ... but by accident, not this one. The driver swerved into the median and lost control of his truck; as the tuck overturned throwing its' unsecured and unprotected occupants all over....brutally and carelessly killing many...you could hear the frightened screams. Did this happen to someone you know, a friend or a loved one?... No, it did not because our friends and loved ones have a voice and they can say no I am not going ... no you cannot treat me like this, I have rights and you are breaking them. No, unfortunately the occupants of this truck have no voice, they cannot say no, and although our country may say we protect them and keep them safe ... we have failed them.

The occupants of this truck were horses....all of who at one time thought they were safe and loved... a 7 month old foal, 2 young and beautiful Stallions... a pregnant mare close to giving birth, even a pretty little Buckskin well groomed and in great condition still wearing her auction tag, plus many many more nice healthy horses that were on their way to SLAUGHTER!!!.. 42 horses crammed into a double decker trailer that shouldnot have been holding more than 26... 42 horses that were denied their humane and just rights according to the laws of our country.... 42 horses of which 16 lost their lives on Interstate 44 at 3:30 am because of human greed and blatant disregard for laws and humanity...

There are 26 survivors ranging in age from 7 months to 17 years year sold. Although some may not survive due to the extensive injury. Several of the horses were taken by local vets to their clinics for care. The remainder of the horses are being cared for by Longmeadow Rescue Ranch, a division of the humane society of Missouri. You can make donations and read about updates at www.HSMO.org. What is important to understand this is not an isolated interview.. Just recently a truck heading to slaughter broke down, on that truck were horses heading to slaughter that had obviously been beaten and were bloodied ... The inhumanity of it all is incredible

You may be asking what you can do ... well you can help to insure this does not happen again to the horses inour country by calling your Senators and asking him or her to co sponsor and vote in favor is Bill S1915 that would ban the slaughter of horses for human consumption in our country...

Author Contact:
Jennifer Swanson
www.PTHR.org
jswan0415@aol.com

Jennifer Swanson
Pure Thoughts
Horse & Foal Rescue
www.saveafoal.com

Saving the life of a horse may not change the world...........
........but it will change that horse's world.

Pure ThoughtsFeatured in Palm Beach Post!!

Rescuers sometimes can't work fast enough

By Amy Bower Doucette

Special to Neighborhood Post

Wednesday, September 27, 2006

Since founding Pure Thoughts Horse and Foal Rescue three years ago, Jennifer Swanson and Brad Gaver have placed more than 350 horses in permanent homes.

They currently have 24 horses at their farm in Loxahatchee, most of which are ready to be adopted.

More local news Latest breaking news, photos and all of today's Post stories. • State news Storm 2005: Hurricane news • Sound off in the forum • Columnists • Crime, live scanners • Photos | Special reports • Weather | Traffic | Obituaries

Pure Thoughts started as a rescue service for "Premarin mares." The urine of pregnant mares is used to make Premarin, a hormone replacement drug. Pure Thoughts has expanded its rescue mission to include horses awaiting slaughter for human consumption.

Many of the horses Swanson and Gaver rescue are plucked from pens where they are waiting to be shipped to slaughter.

Many of the horses were once someone's pet - healthy animals that were put up for auction by unsuspecting owners. One of the horses at Pure Thoughts, Howdy Cowboy, came with two pages of handwritten notes and instructions written by a little girl who obviously had no idea that her beloved horse had been bought for slaughter.

Often, racetracks sell horses to slaughter after they have been injured. One of the horses at Pure Thoughts, Affirmed Fever, is the grandson of Affirmed, the last thoroughbred to win the Triple Crown.

Racehorses, even famous ones, are not safe from slaughter. The most famous case was Ferdinand, the 1986 Kentucky Derby winner. He was retired and shipped to Japan to stud. He was unsuccessful in breeding attempts, and was slaughtered and "most likely used for pet food," according to the Humane Society of the United States.

Affirmed Fever came close to the same fate. "He broke down at his last race," Swanson said. "They don't give them time to recuperate. The slaughter truck comes right to the track."

Swanson and Gaver work with a network of rescue organizations and individuals who live near the auction houses. Some work directly with the auction houses to buy back horses. Sometimes, they succeed in getting horses out of the "kill pens" in time.

Other times, their efforts fall short.

Swanson said she once got a call from a fellow rescuer who was worried about a particular horse. "She said, 'There's this pony, I can't stand it! He's just so sad!' He was only $60. I told her to go get him. She ran back and they had just slapped the sticker on him," Swanson recalled.

"What really haunts you are the ones you miss."

The "sticker" is a green U.S. Department of Agriculture sticker. Once that sticker is put on the horse, there is no turning back.

Swanson, Gaver and other horse rescue organizations are in a constant race against time to get as many horses out of harm's way as they can. That race might come to an end with the passage of the Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (H.R. 503.) The U.S. House of Representatives voted 263-146 on Sept. 7 to ban the slaughter of horses for human consumption. The bill has to pass the Senate and be signed into law by the president.

Currently, there are three slaughterhouses in the United States that deal exclusively with horses: Cavel International in DeKalb, Ill., BelTex Corp. in Fort Worth, Texas, and Dallas Crown in Kaufman, Texas.

Every three weeks, Pure Thoughts takes in a new group of rescued horses. Many of them will spend months at the farm recovering from the ordeal. Some have emotional problemsand a tough time trusting people. With time, though, most of them are transformed into great pets by a network of people determined to see them survive.

 

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