BARBARO's EFFECT CONTINUES Part II

DEBRA's WEEKLY PERSPECTIVE

Saturday, December 9, 2006 by CLN Shaw

Campaigning for Barbaro started out as a dream to honor the father of a courageous lady who wanted to make a real difference for horses and the racing industry. She perceived in Barbaro the same hero that captured her heart when she saw William and Carole Shaw's "Finding a Folk Hero In Barbaro" posted in the news section of www.timwoolleyracing.com back in July 25, 2006 by "Cool Man" Alex Brown. This was the beginnings of the "Barbaro Effect" widening and bridging together www.campaigningforbarbaro.com to Tim and Alex's own horse racing website.

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Deborah has a racing horse named "Bond Beauty" who was coming along very well until it was decided this week, she and her partners would retire their 3-year-old baby girl to become a brood mare. There comes a time in every horse's life when they just do not want to race anymore but hopefully, she will still be much "cherished delight by giving unconditional horse love."

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As Campaigning for Barbaro's Chairman, Debra and her team of Barbaro Ambassadors remain focused on getting the legislation passed for S.1915. She says," It will come to pass and we will get it passed." The ball is round! And, it can still land positively with the Horse Protection Act against horse slaughter passing if Senator William Frist brings it before the Senate tomorrow Saturday, December 9th. Word has it that the Senators will be reconvening and working on certain bills throughout the day.

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Hopes of having Senator Mary Landrieu of Lousiana speaking Tuesday afternoon, were set back a bit by the Middle East War reaching critical mass this week. Also the Agriculture Appropriations amendment debates went into longer overtime and eulogies for soldiers dying for our U.S. Citizens's freedoms went into lateWednesday evening on C-SPAN LIVE.

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However, on Tuesday, December 5th, Teams Barbaro called their Senators to voice concerns,asking them to support and cosponsor S.1915. Praises from Wayne Pacelle, president of the Humane Society of the United States said that it was another great National Call-In day with hundreds of thousands speaking up for their horses. You can still go the following link below to let them know you called. https://community.hsus.org/campaign/US_2006_horsecallinday_4/w3sx53640tt786k?source=gabax5%.

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And, according to Jill Anderson of www.returntofreedom.org in Lompoc, California, the HSUS just posted a new disturbing video showing newly released footage at their press conference in Washington D.C. It can be view at www.hsus.org. Again, she gives special thanks to all of us who called and continue to do so. You can call the capital switch board at (202) 224-3121 or go to www.senate.gov .

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On December 6th, Debra spoke with Senator Landrieu's office and confirmed that the oil bill fund OCS/3711 she's been working on for the past ten years is most likely what she will talk about for ten minutes. She did ask for a update on S.1915 as "things are happening behind the scenes and Senator Landrieu wanted to be brought up to speed," per Debra. "Continue calling Senator Frist...put all your attention on Senator Frist." It was also confirmed that earlier in the week people were not able to get through to Frist's office as nobody was answering the phones. Today, that changed and finally Ambassadors were able to speak to his aides and those manning the phones. Debra's final words are "Stay focused on Frist!!!"

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Regarding the questions of a filabuster blocking the horse bill from coming to the Senate floor for voting, Senator Chambliss had said that he was working on a procedural process where it is held until the Senator holding it releases it. This is according to Shelley Sawbook, President of the United Equine Foundation. However, Senator Ensign confirms he is holding the bill until he and others like Senator Landrieu who continues to get other Senators' support by signing her circulating letter in Washington. It has also been confirmed that Senator Landrieu did not want the horse bill to be added as an amendment into the Agriculture Appropriation's amendment involving emergency aid relief funds for farmers and ranchers severely affected by the torrential rains in the Northwest and Western states for 2006.

*UPDATE: NEWSFLASH FROM DEBRA at 4:45 AM EST Saturday, December 9th, horse bills H.R.503/S.1915 were not brought up for discussion and voting to floor before the Senate adjourned early this morning.

*HERE IS DEBRA:

Good morning everyone.
Excerpt above: and,

I know how you all feel reading this if you haven't already heard. We will save our horses...if it takes the rest of my life. I'm committed and hope to be working with you all again.
You all should be very proud of yourselves and we will continue this fight until we win. I will be updating you over the weekend.
I'm sorry...
Debra
God Bless you all and God Bless our horses....
Debra

So the Appropriations amendment, presented by Senators Kent Conrad and Byron Dorgan of North Dakota, was voted on with 57 in favor plus 3 votes yes absentee. Still no word until tomorrow on whether or not Frist will present S.1915 for voting on the floor. You can watch it on C-SPAN WATCH LIVE (Click on title to left). Last word from Debra is at 3:45AM EST (2:45AM CST), she was still up watching and praying.

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Just a reminder, Congressman Whitefield is one man we owe lots of thanks to for getting the House to pass H.R.503, sister companion to S.1915. He took Senator Landrieu's letter to Senator McConnell to urge Senator Frist to get the horse protection act/bill passed anyway possible. Things continue to happen behind the scenes and stay tuned to C-SPAN (be sure it's the SENATE).

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Since S.1915 will not be attached as an omnibus, here is the working definition: Think of it like a mystery potluck stew where all the leftover legislative bills and amendments have not be finalized during due process for the year in the 109th Congress. So, in the lame-duck session after Thanksgiving recess, the Senators review the newly, lumped-together, legislative sections of this omnibus and decide if they will vote on them as a lump sum or not. Hope this helps clear up any confusion.

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ALEX's SPECIAL UPDATE ON BARBARO:

Friday, December 8, 2006
"Update 1156: My second visit with Barbaro. Mrs. Jackson called me yesterday (thursday) and asked if I would be able to help out a little this weekend with Barbaro. Of course the answer was easy. I had intimated to her before that I would be happy to help out if needed. Tom, who works for the Jackson's, has basically been doing what Peter and Michael did before they left for Florida; visit, groom Barbaro and take him out to graze. Today the plan was for me to observe this, and to then do this tomorrow in Tom's absense.

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This morning at Fair Hill I received a couple of packages; two sets of posters. I thought I would combine my trip to visit Barbaro with the task of hanging these new posters. Jennifer, who works at New Bolton in Publicity etc. had previously volunteered to help me with the posters. I arrived at New Bolton a little before noon and Jennifer and I hung the posters. It was a cold job, but fun nonetheless. Once done, we went for lunch, in the New Bolton canteen. I was then to meet Tom at 1 pm at the ICU. Jennifer and I got there and Tom arrived shortly thereafter. A few quick introductions and we went in to see Barbaro.

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Tom set to work grooming Barbaro, I watched. As Tom was doing what he was doing we chatted away, he explaining a few things to me etc. Once Barbaro was groomed it was time to take him outside. Tom put a blanket on him and led him outside. I then grazed him for about thirty minutes as Tom and I continued chatting away. Barbaro was very easy to handle while grazing ... lets hope and assume he will be the same tomorrow. After thirty minutes he was not totally ready to come in ... I was. Back in his stall Tom set to work again grooming Barbaro a little more and then applying a standing bandage to his left hind leg (this is normal). Again, Tom was explaining a few things to me a long the way so when I get there tomorrow I should be able to find my way around and do what Barbaro has become accustomed to being done with him.

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And how was Barbaro ... good, feisty while being groomed, tranquil while grazing."

THANK YOU ALEX, from all Fans and Friends of Barbaro reading your updates. We all appreciate how you are helping to graze and groom Bobby. As the wind blows, don't let Bobby pull you down. Just remember he has the strength of twice the horse and four times the manpower. We'll be praying you stay safe. Horsewhisper to Bobby for us. Arabian Blessings!

QUOTES FOR THOUGHT:

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Whomever holds the tether is likewise tied and as unlikely to soar. Horses are not envious when we are at our best. Being our best is what they ask of us. Melissa Sovey-Nelson, quoted in If I Had a Horse

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Consider this, the beauty and poetry of a horse in motion, drawing its power from the ground into the very air through which it moves. Like Pegasus reborn. Margot Page, quoted in Just Horses

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Solace and serenity are mine throughout the day as I recall early mornings, soft beckoning whinnies, the sound of my own footsteps passing the stalls, and the sweet smell of the horse and hay. When finally everything comes together harmoniously on the back of a horse, only for a moment, it feels like magic. Because of my horse experience, I find myself taking the reins more often in life. Melissa Sovey-Nelson, quoted in If I Had a Horse

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HIGHLIGHTS OF THE KENTUCKY DERBY DINNER/TCA EVENT:

Thursday, December 7, 2006

REFERENCE: Friday, December 1, 2006

Thoroughbred Charities of America

Keeneland Entertainment Center

Debra and company (Gayle Ballard, WV Ambassador with sister Bernie; Jim and Debra Hartman, Indiana Ambassadors; Libby and Steve Fraysure, Kentucky Ambassadors; Gloria Nussbaum from Illinois (in spirit, as she was sn0wbound) had an interesting and exciting evening. She got to chat with Mrs. Gretchen Jackson and personally hand-deliver before the evening ended some very special thank you emails composed by Barbaro's Ambassadors and Teammates. She will be following up with a phone conversation later with Mrs. Jackson after the holidays.

The ultimate highlight of Debra's evening, however, was something personal of Barbaro's. There was a nervous, nailbiting moment when Debra placed an early evening bid on Barbaro's halter. Others placed bids for it but when it came down to time's racing wire, guess who won? Barbaro/Bobby for Debra! She came home with Bobby's most gorgeous halter! High Five Hooves! Debra's words, "It's soooo BEAUTIFUL." Believe it took awhile for her "trembling body" to recover from the fact that she actually got the final bid for it from the auctioneer. Seems also Alex's expression for "very cool" is "paying it forward" because that is how everyone described their dinner table settings and the evening's gala. (Thanks Mary L, our Ohio Ambassador, for helping us pay and pass it forward with spreading joy where we can find it).

Opening ceremonies included films of Barbaro's maiden race and the Kentucky Derby Race he won in May 2006. Edgar Prado arranged a special taped message to be played while dinner was served. He even thanked the entire Barbaro Team and mentioned "It was Barbaro's will to live..." After dinner, the stallion seasons auction began...including Bernadini who "had an unguaranteed season going for $280,000.00." Well, those of us who could not attend, had to imagine it through Debra's feedback with only a few choice photo pics.

*EVENING QUOTES:

"I have not disposed of all my property to my family, there is one more wish I could give them, and this is the Christian religion. If they have that and I had not given them one shilling, they would be rich; and if they have not this, and I had given them all this world, they would be poor." - PATRICK HENRY in his will.

* "Thou must learn the thoughts of the noble horse whom thou wouldst ride. The horse is a wise animal. Let him show you the best and most natural way to accomplish a desired end." Johann Wolfgang Goethe, quoted in If I Had a Horse

HONORS FOR BARBARO's NEIGHBOR

"LEGENDARY ROADIE"

Thursday, December 7, 2006 Commentary by CLN Shaw

(original article LEGENDARY DOG DIES, by Greg Kocher, CENTRAL KENTUCKY BUREAU - December 7, 2006) Kentucky.com (You Can post there and leave your fairwell to Roadie comments; he was Barbaro's/Bobby's neighbor).

Horses and hounds have always gone together like a really good pair of shoes. But 'Roadie' was no ordinary dog. He became legendary after his own two legs were amputated because of his accident with a train. Making national headlines, he became an icon for "perseverence to people with disabilities."

On November 30, 2006 he was put down at age 14. During those earlier years, Roadie had become the most famous dog in the world, much like Barbaro has become today. Both have touched millions of lives and Barbaro is "paying it forward" for Roadie. In a way, he is handing the torch of hope to Bobby.

The two actually met when Barbaro was just a foal. In 1992, at just 9-months-old, Roadie spent two and a half days and nights lying between "the rails of a Nicholasville railroad track" in Kentucky, after a train ran over and mangled his right rear and left front legs. A railroad employee decided to use a gun to stop Roadie's painful suffering but the gun jammed. Instead, the man went to a nearby farmhouse and phone calls were made to Veterinarian Mike Griffitt of Bluegrass Veterinary Clinic.

Upon seeing Dr. Griffitt, the puppy "feebly wagged his tail." Dr. Mike said,"He was just so tickled to see somebody (he knew)." As it turns out, the owner was a client of Dr. Griffitt's and the puppy was the son of a "$10,000.00 former world champion Walker Coon Hound." The owner said that he would take the puppy home and dispose of him as he could no longer be trained for hunting. However, the pup continued to wag his tail at the good doctor and so he asked if he might keep him. His owner agreed but exclaimed, "I don't know what you're going to do with a two-legged dog."

Dr. Griffitt was forced to amputate both gangrenous legs and the pup had a determined will to live with appetite to match. Soon Railroad (he renamed the pup) became able to adjust his first steps by "kind of balancing himself with tail and had a little lope to him." He exclaimed, " Honestly, in his younger days, he could run as fast as a four-legged dog. Roadie was just an athlete."

Roadie's incredible true recovery was featured in Dog World Magazine and Reader's Digest, including Paul Harvey's "The Rest of the Story" radio spot. By CNN broadcasting Roadie's life story, $3,000.00 in funds were donated to a "Roadie fund" to help treat pets who had owners that could not afford expensive surgeries and procedures. Roadie even did guest appearances for animal-welfare charitable fund-raisers and numerous disability groups. He became the mascot of HandiCAPABLE Guide Services Inc. - a group which services disabled people with outdoor recreational opportunities with wheelchair-accessible boat plus adaptive fishing equipment.

He traveled to lots of schools and nursing homes and the people and kids just loved him. "He knew he was special. The kids were just in awe of him," according to Dr. Griffitt.

Mike Carr, member of the Moron Bluegrass singing duo, wrote the following song about him:

"And they called him Roadie short for Railroad, he's known for miles around.

That love that beats within his heart in humans can't be found.

We can't wag our tails but we can smile when hardships come around.

We could all learn a lesson from that little Walker hound."

People still sent Christmas cards every year to Roadie from across the U.S.A.

And, "There's a woman in California who, every Christmas, would send him a big box of treats," said Dr. Mike. Despite his failing, foggy eyesight from catatracts and crippled, arthritic legs -- he could still remember the scent of the one who gave him the treat. Dr. Mike added, " He would bark and would not shut up until you gave him a treat."

In November's last few weeks, Roadie's health deteriorated fast, and ..."telling us it was time," commented Partrica Boggs, a veterinary technician. He could no longer get up to relieve himself and stopped eating. After tears flowed, fairwells were hailed, Dr. Griffitt gave an anesthetic that allowed his buddy to "drift off and sleep" peacefully. Dr. Mike told him, " Go run on four legs, old friend."