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Post by SandyG on Dec 15, 2008 14:29:13 GMT -5
November 2008 - On November 17th, Vernon and his brother visited THE FARM with a distinct purpose in mind. Their brother, Tom, had just passed as a result of a motorcycle accident in the Baldwin area. And Tom had been a local Spring Valley man with a soft spot in his heart for animals of all kinds. In fact, the brothers were currently caring for a cat that Tom had 'tamed' by placing food outside his door.
A generous donation was made to Refuge Farms in memory of Tom E. of Spring Valley, WI. Much as Tom did for his cat, we'll use these funds to care for creatures left out on their own, too.
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Post by SandyG on Dec 16, 2008 7:07:25 GMT -5
December 2008 - Susan S. of Hartford, WI has made a donation to Refuge Farms "in honor of my great affection for my friend, Lois, her deep love for horses and her big heart!"
What a kind and generous gesture in honor of their great friendship! Thank you to Susan and best wishes to Lois D. of Menomonee Falls, WI.
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Post by SandyG on Dec 16, 2008 7:11:37 GMT -5
December 2008 - Tom and Kathi J. of Eau Claire, WI have decided to give each other a Christmas gift of a donation to Refuge Farms. And with even further generosity, their gift to Tom''s brother, Dr. William and his wife, Marlene of Ithaca, NY, has also been given as a donation to THE FARM.
Many thanks to Tom and Kathi ladled with the very best to all of you in 2009!
December 2008 - Carole B. of Rochester, MN made a donation to Refuge Farms in honor of Bud Brown. Thank you, Carole!
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Post by SandyG on Dec 16, 2008 12:15:09 GMT -5
December 2008 - Penny K of Plymouth, MN made a donation to Refuge Farms in honor of "God's Creatures". Her donation is intended to "buy feed for the horses". This note for her donation was included:
"Thank you for the great work that you are doing. And thanks for letting me play a small part."
Thank you, Penny. And feed we wil buy!
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Post by SandyG on Dec 16, 2008 12:57:13 GMT -5
December 2008 - Mom and Dad of Hudson, WI have followed the direction of their twelve year old daughter: Please make a donation to Refuge Farms as my Christmas gift.
What a fine job of raising this young lady they are doing! And how generous and thoughtful of 12 year old Leah! May your kind heart be rewarded over and over again, young lady!
Mom and Dad say this to you:
"Merry Christmas, Leah. Your gift will help feed homeless horses in St. Croix County this season."
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Post by SandyG on Dec 25, 2008 11:59:13 GMT -5
December 2008 - Somewhere in Fall Creek, WI on this Christmas Day the big heart of a big man is a bid sadder than usual. One of his rescues has crossed and his email below sums up the whole story of rescue - its joys and its sorrows. Bless you, Ricky R., for your gift of hay to THE FARM and for your big, generous, and kind heart. May you heal knowing you gave of yourself and Sheppy is grateful.[/color]
Hi Sandy. Hope this e-mail finds you and yours happy, healthy and warm. I am writing to ask a favor. I see you have started a memorial page and I was wondering if you could dedicate the round bales as a memorial to my dog, Sheppy. After a year long battle with cancer, he lost the battle today (December 23rd). He fought hard and was a real trooper but today he could fight no more. I think he would like to be part of your mission.
You see when he was just a mere 4 weeks old somebody thought he was a throwaway and left him on the side of a country road where I found and took him home with, I might add, true intentions of finding him agood home (you see I already had 3 dogs - 2 great danes and a saint bernard and one small house at that time). Well after one night, Linda and I knew he had found his forever home.
Sheppy loved to go for rides to grandma's house for cookies and he loved to RUN-RUN-RUN. But most of all, he loved his mama, Boy, did he love his mama! She could not go any where in the house without him follwing her.
It would make me so proud to see his name as a donor to your cause and to maybe make some of these people that think animals (no matter what they are - be it dog, cat, horse or any other of God's creatures) are not throwaways. These animals don't ask for much and they give so much love. It's unbelievable.
God bless you and yours for what you do.
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR
RICKY H R.
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Post by SandyG on Jan 11, 2009 20:44:40 GMT -5
January 2009 - A presentation at the Eau Claire based Bit & Spur Saddle Club brought a young lady, Janice B. of Eau Claire, WI, forward who made a donation "in the name of a great person that I have known for 62 years - Jerry R. Brown, who recently died of cancer."
January 2009 - Kris R. of Waconia, MN is a young lady who loves her horse and also competes in the Minnesota North Star Point Horse club. In 2008, Kris earned three (3) high point year end awards! Congratulations, Kris! Her donation was accompanied by a note from the club treasurer:
"Kris earned 3 High Point year end awards in the Minnesota North Star Paint Horse Club in 2008 and graciously decided to donate the dollars to the Refuge Farms to help all the hungry, abused horses."
So, not only do I say "Congratulations" to Kris but also a hearty "Thank You", too!
January 2009 - The Beldenville Veterinary Service of Beldenville, WI made a donation to Refuge Farms thanks to Theresa J. of Ellsworth, WI. Here's the explanation:
"Theresa has helped me at my rabies clininc and instead of taking payment, she aske me to donate to you. Happy New Year!"
Thank you, Theresa, for remembering us and thank you Dr. Rinke for hosting your clinic!
January 2009 - This note touched my heart and so I thought I would share it with you. Such kindness in this woman's heart!
"This donation (to the Hay Fund) comes with my wish of good health, comfort, prosperity and much joy for you and The Herd in this new year."
Amen!
January 2009 - This generous donation came to THE FARM all the way from the east coast of Maine. Thank you to your continued support with this donation being made in honor of Jeff, Charlene, Taylor, and Ashley by the Briggs family of Varmouth, ME. By the way, the Briggs family is the daughter and family of one of "The Other Herd" out of Fall Creek, WI.
January 2009 - The Ed Wilder Family loved their Father and Grandfather! A donation was made in honor of Mr. Wilder with the following comment:
"Our Father and Grandfather passed away last fall. He always loved horses and we would like to honor him with this donation."
Refuge Farms is honored to receive a donation in Mr. Wilder's honor. Thank you to Michelle B. of Elk Mound, WI as well as Dennis and Gayle D. of Ellsworth, WI.
March 2009 - Leesha B. of Eau Claire, WI and her family fondly remember Leesha's sister, Naomi, with this note attached to their donation:
"Sandy - You and The Herd have really touched our hearts. My family and I wanted to donate on March 6th, which would have been Naomi's (my sister's) 40th brithday. Naomi would have loved your farm and I'm sure she would have been a dedicated volunteer. Thank you for your love and dedication to The Herd."
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Post by SandyG on Jul 22, 2009 11:39:11 GMT -5
April 2009 - I was saddened to read the following note from David M. of Eau Claire, WI:
"Sandy: Please accept my donation ... to Refuge Farms in loving memory of my beloved Marjorie, whom I lost to cancer last June. Like you...and me...Marjorie truly loved all of God's creatures."
I had spoken with Marjorie several times over the telephone these past years and yes, David, Marjorie was sincerely concerned about the plight of all unwanted creatures. We'll continue to do our best to care for a few of them.
May 2009 - A fellow horse owner, Bob H. of Loyal, WI made a donation in honor of Charlene Carter with the following note:
"Keep up your "calling"!"
May 2009 - The Vezina Veterinary Clinic of River Falls, WI contributed a generous donation in the name of Theresa J. of Ellsworth, WI - a hard working and long time rescuer of creatures of all kinds! Thank you for the lives saved, Theresa! And thank you, Vezina Veterinary Clinic, for the donation in Theresa's honor!
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Post by SandyG on Jul 22, 2009 20:10:38 GMT -5
May 2009 - A whole group of friends sponsored the Printz Family out of Hudson, WI for the Annual Walk for Refuge. This event is a one mile walk where the pledge donations are used to provide hoof care for the rescue and sanctuary horses. We walk so they can walk.
Anyhow, this group all pledged their support in memory and in honor of little Harley Printz. Harley was about the size of a roll of paper towels but had personality the size of a great dane! Harley was the "first born" of Heather and Jason and just recently crossed, leaving broken hearts behind.
Many thanks to those who sponsored the Printz Family in Harley's name:
* Tanya F. of St. Paul Park, MN
* Janice & Richard H. of So. St. Paul, MN
* Ron & Carol N. of Denmark Touwnship, MN
* The Mohrland Family of Hudson, WI
* The Printz Family of Hudson, WI
June 2009 - Ann W. of Shoreview, MN donated to general horse support with the following touching memorial note:
"My Grandmother used to ride a horse to her one room school house to teach, in Northern MN in the 1920's. She passed away at 100 1/2 years old, one year ago today. So, in honor of her and the wonderful rescue work you are providing to horses in need. Thank you!!"
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Post by SandyG on Aug 8, 2009 16:58:50 GMT -5
June 2009 - Long time supporters, Jim & Linda J. of Eau Claire, WI made a memorial donation with the following note:
"In memory of Addie-Girl, a gentle soul, and in honor of Sandy, her loving caretaker."
June 2009 -Terry & Sue Ann J. of Chisago Citymade a generous donation to THE FARM "In loving memory of our 2 horses, Fay L. and Anna Day (American Saddlebred & Arabian)."
July 2009 - Abbott & Company, LLC of Edina, MN made a donation to THE FARM, saying, "Thanks for doing such good work!"
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Post by SandyG on Aug 8, 2009 17:05:35 GMT -5
July 2009 - Vern & Nancy E. of Ellsworth, WI celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary and asked that gifts be made as donations to either food shelves or animal rescues. Thank You to Vern & Nancy for making a generous gift to Refuge Farms in honor of your milestone day! And also a Thank You to Carol & Jane L. of Centuria, WI who made a donation in honor of their friends' anniversary.
And congratulations, Vern & Nancy on achieving 50 years of life together! Congratulations!
October 2009 - Aunt Leslie J. of Maplewood, MN sent a donation to THE FARM in honor of her niece's birthday. And that niece is none other than our own MaKenna of Spring Valley! Thank you, Aunt Leslie! And Happy Birthday, MaKenna! It is an honor to be just a tiny part of your life, young lady!
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Post by SandyG on Oct 20, 2009 15:32:07 GMT -5
October 2009 - Doris and her daughter, Linda, of Cumberland, WI visited THE FARM at the height of the mud and cold fall winds. Neither of these women seemed to mind or even notice.
You see, Linda's Father, Lester, had crossed in June of 2009. As Doris said, "He would have loved it here." It seems that Lester had horses and was a horse lover his entire life. So, finding Refuge Farms from a newspaper article, these two women visited THE FARM and made a donation to support the horses "in memory of Lester".
Doris commented as they were about to depart that she wished "he could have seen this place". I did my best to assure Doris that, in fact, Lester had seen the place and wasn't far from her.
Thank you to Linda and Doris.
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Post by SandyG on Oct 20, 2009 15:41:10 GMT -5
October 2009 - I received this letter from Candy A. of Boyceville, WI just today. Candy's letter says it all. My heart goes out to you, Candy. I believe Jay knew he was so dearly loved.
"My name is Candy A. I am writing to you with a donation I'd like to give in memory of my horse, Jay.
I got Jay when I was 12 years old. Last week, Dad had to have the vet come out and put Jay to sleep, he was 29 years old. I had him for 25 years.
I grew up with Jay. We were in 4-H together. My two best friends to this day were also in 4-H with their horses. He was part of our family.
Please accept this donation in memory of my Jay Jay Jetaway. Not a day has gone by when I haven't cried, but I hope helping other horses will somehow fill the hole in my heart.
Sincerely, Candy A."
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Post by SandyG on Dec 24, 2009 14:44:53 GMT -5
October 2009 - Sherri A. of Studio Works Art Glass in Nelson, WI planted pumpkins and gourds early this spring. Then, in early October, she held an Open Studio and sold those pumpkins and gourds to benefit Refuge Farms.
Her volunteers told the stories of THE FARM and not only sold pumpkins and gourds, but helped to spread the word about our Missions. Thanks to Sherri and her helpers! How thoughtful and supportive and plain ole' wonderful of you!
November 2009 - Bonnie A. of Stillwater, MN made a generous donation to THE FARM, saying "I wish to donate . . . in my Dad's memory for the care of your rescued horses. He passed away on October 7th at the age of 91. Of course he was of the generation that used horses for work before the day of tractors. I believe I inherited my love of animals from my monther, but Dad like horses very much, I'm sure.
I heard of you from Patti S., who adopted two horses from you. She boards my daughter's horse, Liberty."
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Post by SandyG on Dec 24, 2009 15:00:25 GMT -5
December 2009 - Marge A. of Green Bay, WI made a donation noting that "Erv & I always enjoyed visitng Refuge Farms. I miss you and The Herd. I hope I can visit next spring or summer."
We miss you, too, Marge! And of course, the smiles and stories of Erv, as well. I'll keep a look out for you this spring!
December 2009 - Tom & Nancy O'S. out of Bemidji, MN sent a donation with this note:
"Thank you for opening up your heart and home to so many beautiful creatures. You are appreciated. The enclosed is in memory of Keller from Red Lake."
Oh, what a dog that Keller was! It was a brief 5 months but he played and was loved and Little Man was his best friend! And, remember? Keller had a girlfriend! Remember how he would sit and "watch" Spirit and how they would scratch each other? Oh, what a dog that Keller was! Thank you, Tom & Nancy, for bringing back his memories!
December 2009 - Jim & Claudeen O. of Elk Mound, WI made a donation in the name of Kristin B. (who, by the way, is moving back to Wisconsin! ;D). Thank you!
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