My dear, dear friends,
As many of you may know, MY JOHN and Dottie go to Santa Anita each evening to check on the horses at that barn and walk SOPHIE. It is a relaxing ‘family time’ for them. Last night, they were commenting to each other how very special ALL OF YOU are. John was sharing several emails he’d received during the day with Dottie. The tone in all of them was so warm and tender!
The outpouring of love, sympathy, and kindness you have expressed for Cloud Man and My Team is deeply appreciated! THANK YOU!
One exceptional and charming quality I absolutely ADORE about this web-site is the way everyone rallies around to support each other.
You are constantly doing this when you respond to each other in the DIARY…and you have faithfully done this for ME during my entire career. Additionally, you have expressed the same support and love for MY TEAM.
Life, as we all know, can often present many different challenges. The manner in which all of you share thoughts, kindness, support, and encouragement seems to help make some of these situations and handling them simply feel so much ‘better’.
Thinking of you…and sending each of you a very special HIGH HOOF…for being such a DEAR FRIEND…not just to ME and MY TEAM…but to EACH OTHER!
Enjoy your day!
With Love,
Hugs to All~
Z
Lynne Langill
My sincere condolences for the loss of your wonderful Cloudman. I watched the Hollywood Derby on NTRA videos, and was so overcome with emotion. You are all in my thoughts always.
Regards,
Lynne from Surrey,British Columbia, Canada
Barbara Wood (Texas)
@Karen Gogue–you are so right about the slaughter plants. It is obscene.
@Sue Fredrick–go for it. That little one is a fighter.
Trina Nagele in So Cal
In the link provided by Signofthetimes yesterday about dealing with grief for a lost horse, the writer tells us that Michael Bingaman of the Race Track Chaplaincy of America “sometimes will take grieving owners to a farm where there are young horses–not to shop, but just to enjoy the animals and remember their love for them. ‘There’s something about new life that gives us hope for the future…’” (Denise Steffanus quoting Bingaman). I join Jeanie in hoping that we can together help save that pregnant mare in the feedlot in Nevada, and her unborn little one that rescuer Marlene Dodge will name “Cloud” in honor of Cloud Man , if she gets the funds to effect the rescue. Donations via paypal can still be made Nov 30. THANK YOU for joining in this effort. We all need a little “hope for the future” now. Rescue site: http://www.valleyviewranchequinerescue.webs.com
@ Don Martello —Condolences to you on the loss of your TB Willie Whitesocks after twenty-five of companionship. He must have had a wonderful life with you. RIP, Willie Whitesocks.
Trina Nagele in So Cal
@Suzanne G (IL) and others who have join us in donating—Yesterday, since there was no special little box in which to post that info on the donation link., I sent an e-mail to Marlene with the names of the posters here who wished to honor Cloud Man. I’ll do the same tonight to be sure she knows. If anyone would like to send their own e-mail, I’ll repost the e-mail address here: valleyviewranch@gmail.com
@Abigail in Montreal—WOW! What beautiful news and a beautiful story at this time of grief! I am SO GLAD for you and for Daisy that your beloved Spirit Dog Jericho led you to your new love. This is amaZing, and, like the little yet unborn Cloud, gives me hope for the future. High paw to you, Jericho, and Daisy!
Linda in NJ
@Karen Gogue: This is outrageous! For those that agree, please click on the link below and scroll along the Right NAV side to “Horse Slaughter Bills” and send a letter to tell Congress that you support S. 1176: American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act of 2011
http://tuesdayshorse.wordpress.com/
Barbara Grimaldi/NJ
There are only 36 hours left to give Marlene Dodge enough money to rescue a pregnant mare (foal’s name will be Little Cloud), a two-year old TB, and hopefully another horse or two before they go to slaughter on December 2. Marlene has a great record regarding placement of the horses she rescues but she is not a bank–she has to ask for money each time she rolls her trailer down to the holding pens. To me, she is a hero.
I said this on this site earlier–THE BEST WAY TO MOURN FOR A HORSE THAT HAS PASSED ON IS TO RESCUE ANOTHER HORSE AND GIVE HIM A LIFE. Thousands of unwanted and abandoned horses are out there—waiting for us.
http://www.valleyviewranchequinerescue.webs.com
Please share this with anyone who loves horses and tell them the need is immediate. The maggots at the kill pens should give these horses away, but the price per pound guides their broken moral compass.
Please help. Thank you.
Love,
Barb (Skip)
Haley
Hi Z-
We had to put our dear cat Sprocket down today. He was only 2. He was very sick and was having seizures nearly every day. I am so glad that you and all other horses are here. It really comforts me. I love you Queen!
Jackie from California
Good Evening Queen Z,
I have been away for awhile tending to my father who had a stroke, dealing with medical issues and must tell you I get such great comfort in the love and support of this sight.
To Eveyone Connected with this sight,from Dottie (the lovey and eloquent voice of Zenyatta), John, Jerry and Ann Moss, fellow Z followers thank you for always being positive and uplifting. This must be such a difficult time for you John. The love you have for these animals is shown thru your your amazing gift of photography and Dotties beautiful words.
My thoughts and prayers with all. Cloud Man may you RIP.
Hugs and Kisses
Jackie
sue/Va
@Haley, thinking of you and am so sorry for your loss.
Donna from Baltimore
Dottie – I am one of those who don’t post every day, but I read every diary entry. It is usually the high point of my day. It is so incredibly generous of you to lend your voice to Queen Z, but that is so characteristic of all of Team Z. You all have become so important to the legions of Zenyatta fans. Thank you for sharing your world with us.
Linda in NJ
@Trina Nagele:
Hi Trina–I would appreciate it if you would please let Marlene of Valley View Ranch know that Linda Edwards just made a donation in honor of Cloud Man.
Thanks so much.
Melissa-Gainesville, FL
I love you Zenny!!! My heart aches for Cloud Man-may he rest in peace. I recently found a retirement farm for abused,neglected and unwanted horses called Mill Creek Farm in Alachua, FL. The moment I heard about it, I had to go. The admission was 2 carrots (I brought tons) and I had the most amazing day walking and seeing all of the horses who have been rescued by two amazing individuals. I will be volunteering my time on Saturdays grooming, feeding and doing anything else needed on the farm. The site is millcreekfarm.org. Take a look. Lots of love from Gainesville, FL. XOXO
Trina Nagele in So Cal
@Linda in NJ—Hi, Linda! I will be more than happy to mention your donation for “Little Cloud” to Marlene! THANK YOU!
Peppermint
@ Haley, thoughts and prayers are with you as they are for Cloud Man and all who are connected with him. We are all so fortunate to have this wonderful website and all the caring people who participate in it.
Linda in NJ
@Trina Nagele in So Cal: Thanks so much. I just figure since you have already been in touch with Marlene with the names of other posters there wouldn’t be any confusion.
AJ from CA
Check this story out – guaranteed to warm you heart::
http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/sideshow/video-rescued-beagle-dogs-experience-sunlight-first-time-221217299.html?ugccmtnav=v1%2Fcomments%2Fcontext%2F90df51d0-4edf-3140-8463-f4ef25756715%2Fcomments%3Fcount%3D20%26sortBy%3DhighestRated%26isNext%3Dtrue%26offset%3D20%26pageNumber%3D1
Cheryl Harshall
Soooo sorry for your loss Ann & Jerry, John & Dottie, and Mike and each of you at barn 55. I know how much it hurts to see that empty stall.Thanks for sharing even the tough times with us. We really do all care. Cloud Man was fortunate that he had a team of caring people that made the right decision for him and released him from his pain. I am certain if anything could have been done for him to save his life, it would have been done. Hugs to all of you and may Cloud Man RIP.
Irene Caty
Hi Zenyatta and the barn 55 team. Thinking of you always and always remembering the glory days with Zenyatta winning and the crowds screaming while watching Zenyatta cross the finnish line in one of her unbelievable wins. I can’t believe that I still continue to see this in my mind but it was all so real.I will always love you Zenyatta and the tears run regularly thinking of your success and what a wonderful Racehorse you were and what a great personality that you posess. You will be a good mommy to your foal. Love you forever!
Barbara Wood (Texas)
@Jackie from California–God bless you. Prayers and hugs for you and your daddy.
@Melissa–thank you so much for mentioning Mill Creek. On the http://www.equi-army-ndo.com website, we keep a list of rescues. I’m going to make sure they are on our list.
@Trina–thank you for keeping in touch with Marlene. Can we get reports on how close we are? This is a miraculous thing going on here.In the midst of death…life!
@Kathleen Kimber and others who were involved with Noor, the horse and man blog today (www.horseandman.com) was all from Old Friends about Noor.
Trina Nagele in So Cal
@Sue Fredrick—Best wishes to you and little Precious. Please let us know how this journey progresses.
@Melissa in Gainesville, FL—What wonderful news that you will be volunteering at the Mill Creek Farm horse rescue! We all look forward to hearing stories of your experiences there. I went to the website and made a donation in your honor and to honor Cloud Man again too.
@Haley—Condolences on the loss of your sweet kitty Sprocket. RIP, Sprocket.
Paula Higgins
@JAG gf and @ Sue, yes, those of us who love The Queen will tell her story again and again to those who do not know it. She is legend. Reading these posts, it hits home how wonderful the people on this site are. Compassionate and loving all animals. Dottie is right, we are a good bunch here. I never want to see any horse breakdown, ever. But when it happens to Zenyatta’s family, it is especially heartbreaking to me.
Kimberly
My heart felt sorrow is with your family Z.
signofthetimes
@All the CA dumplings and Fans
You have been so lucky to actually experience Zenyatta and Team Z in person and it is so great that you are sharing that with us.
Thank so much.
signofthetimes
@Trina Nagele
What a lovely addition to the link posted yesterday. How very special these people are. Horses are such wonderful, creatures specially made by god for us to love and enjoy.
signofthetimes
@AJ from CA
It sure is very heartwarming. Thanks for posting.
signofthetimes
@Karen Gogue
Thanks for reposting the TBTimes article, grieving by those on the track when a horse is lost, from 2005. It is a very lovely article that describes all involved and their personal experiences in how they cope with the loss of their beloved horse;
http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/horse-health/2005/november/19/grieving-the-loss-of-a-friend.aspx
signofthetimes
Snow Fairy injured:
http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/racing-news/2011/11/28/snow-fairy-injured.aspx
Sheri Gasche
Dear Queen Z and Dottie, I’ve been pondering some kind of consolation for Ann and Jerry, John, and Mike as well as you and Dottie and have come up empty handed. I can only offer my sincere condolences and know that the quality of care and respect all of you offer your horses is unsurpassed. Cloud Man was very special and I am assured that he received the best of care and consideration. My heart goes out to all of you. There are good things and babies to look forward to which will bring much joy and fulfillment to many of us who care for you all and certainly to all of your connections Queen Z. Many hugs to all. Sheri
Marshall (older girl in NC)
What a beautiful vision — John, Dottie, and Sophie out walking after visiting the barn. Love to you, Zenyatta, and to all your wonderful connections, both two and four legged. Endless hugs!!
@D.Stuart:Very well said!
@Don Martello: So sorry for the loss of Willie Whitesocks. You and he had a good long run and many sweet memories.
@Barb Zylbert: Very saddened about Packer.
Bless you!
@Abigail: Sincere happiness for you and Daisy! Love and thanks to Jericho.
@Sue Fredrick: Condolences on the loss of Opie. Thoughts and prayers, but one bit of advice (probably unnecessary), go for Precious! It must be right.
@Karen Gogue: I definitely agree with you about Congress! I clicked on the anti-slaughter bill and voiced my opinion.
@Haley: RIP Sprocket. Much sympathy and heartfelt prayers to you.
jeean
Hi Abigail, from Montreal, and all Zenyatta fans and family, I lost my beloved dog, Fred, my companion for eleven years, last August. I sat,for many days, hugging his ashes that had been placed in a lovely sculptured box of wood, with a brass plate with his name on it. Some times, I go to bed, hugging his favorite toy. So, I know what you, and others who must endure a loss, have gone through. I have another dog, who had followed us home, and whom I adopted, and he, also, is showing signs of aging, so I know what is ahead, but, I’m thankful for the time I have with him. And, I,’m very thankful for the Zenyatta family, and for all of you. Love, Jean