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Memorials Given In Memory Of... March 2008 - Leesha B. of Eau Claire, WI, met Refuge Farms at the ECCHA in February of this year. Her donation was received with the following notation: "This is for my sister, Naomi. Sent in her memory to help and heal these wonderful horses. Thank you!" An earlier email from Leesha went on to explain that her sister "is in heaven and hopefully caring for and playing with some of the precious horses that have crossed over from your farm." I hope so, too, Leesha! March 2008 - Gerianne W. of LaCrosse, WI, gave a donation of sponsoring two (2) months feed for Jeri-Ann in honor of the birthday of her friend, Susan A. of Green Oaks, IL. Gerianne noted that the sponsorship was in honor of her birthday but also in recognition of Susan's love for horses. Thank you, Gerianne and Happy Birthday, Susan! January 2008 - I'll let the note from Barb T. of Minneapolis, MN, speak for itself: "This is a donation in memory of Marjorie M. I never knew her, but she produced our Kathy, and that's all I need to know. She must have been something!" December 2007 - Merry S., owner of Stockman Farm Supply in Wilson, WI, made a donation to THE FARM in the name of Rex Stockman, her Father. Merry wishes us a "Merry Christmas" and tells us "our caring, loving spirit is an inspiration." Thank you, Merry. Your Father was an inspiration to me! December 2007 - Darla S. of Eau Claire, WI, wanted to recognize the 28th birthday of her daughter, Kristin, who now resides out in sunny (and warm!) California. So in your honor, Kristin, Refuge Farms gratefully accepts your Mother's contribution to our Missions. Happy Birthday! December 2007 - Susan S. of Hartford, WI, made a donation in support of the Missions of Refuge Farms in honor and in the name of Lois D. We would like to extend our appreciation to the both of you for your support of each other and of THE FARM! December 2007 - Our friends at Northwest Pathways to Independence, Inc. of Chippewa Falls, WI, sent us a donation with this note attached: “Dearest Sandy and the Volunteers and The Herd – We were so sorry to hear about the passing of Jim and Bonita and Lady-the-Dog. We feel very fortunate and blessed that they touched our lives and the lives of so many others. May their memories live on forever in our hearts and minds!” December 2007 - Craig N. of Eagan, MN, made a donation in honor of his Father, Arthur W. Neils, and Craig's dear friend, Alyce Pedro, who have recently crossed. They are being remembered by Craig through his donation and support of our Missions of Healing. Thank you, Craig. And blessing to you for your generosity and belief in us. November 2007 - Tere M. of Apple Valley, MN, enclosed this note with her Christmas donation: "Please accept this donation in honor of my friends at work (Dispatch Industries): Juleen, Kevin G., Karen B., Sue, Heather, Rob, Joe, Jeff, and Amber. Merry Christmas!" Thank you, Tere, and you are the gift to us this Christmas! October 2007 - Lois C. made a donation for "care of the horses" in honor of her husband, Ralph, who passed away on July 28, 2007. "Ralph loved to drive horses," she writes. And he would have loved our big workhorses, Lois! Thank you for your donation. September 2007 - After an initial meeting with our new little filly, a Friend of THE FARM made a $200 donation accompanied with this note: Sandy - What a beautiful filly! It’s unbelievable that someone would literally abandon a horse by just dropping her off. For some reason she sounds like the type of Minister that was sent to Refuge Farms for a specific purpose. I have $200 that I would like to contribute for her care. I wish you and the rest of The Herd the very best as you continue your Missions. Thank you, my friend. We will put your donation to good use in the care and hopefully reconstructive work on her legs. August 2007 - Marge A. of Green Bay, WI, made a donation to THE FARM "in Irv's honor". Irv was Marge's husband for more years than I have been alive! And a great friend to all of us here in Spring Valley. His trunk always held treats for the Lady-the-Dog, the horses, and of course, we humans! Thank you, Marge, for your donation and for bringing back great memories of Irv! July 2007 - Barb G. of Eau Claire, WI, or "LB" as we affectionately call her, has made a Sponsoring Donation for Lanna, our large Belgian mare, in memory of her longtime companions, Tootsie and Cookie, with the following notation: "Tootsie and Cookie, my dear "Montana Girls" believed in taking good care of themselves, and preventive medicine as well as emergency treatment was a good formula for a long, happy life. With this in mind I am proud to sponsor the diagnostic workup for Lanna. At this point she is a medical mystery! We know it is not Cushings, but something is preventing her from losing her winter coat and her baby fat from Jeri-Ann. If you look at her you would think she would be having a foal anyday. She is loved by all, and I do hope a diagnosis is found in the near future. As a further step, it would be great if, as a whole, all the supporters of the Missions of Refuge Farms would consider giving a small amount to attempt to be ahead of the veterinarian costs for normal care of The Herd. Any amounts would be wonderful and could be sent to Baldwin Veterinary Center, 390 8th Avenue, Baldwin, WI 54002. As always, "For the love of horses", Barbara G. Thank you, LB, from our big Lanna and me! June 2007 - Kristin B. of Mar Vista, CA, made a donation to Refuge Farms "as a 'Father's Day' gift to THE FARM in memory of my Dad, Tom B."  We miss your genuine smile, Kristin, and so await your visit with us whenever that may be. Take care and blessings to you. Oh, and The Herd sends their love right back to you! April 2007 - In memory of Ray L. "who had the same respect for horses as Refuge Farms", Judith S. of Menomonie, WI, made a donation to help support the beautiful horses of THE FARM. Thank you, Judith, and we are sorry for the recent loss of your Father. We would have liked him and I think he would have liked us. March 2007 - Gloria W. of Eau Claire, WI, made a donation to THE FARM "In honor of Big Jim." Gloria's note read, "My heartfelt sumpathy goes out to you in the loss of Big Jim. I wept with sadness at your loss." But her message went on with, "Be comforted by the years of love you gave him, and that he knew it and loved you back." Thank you, Gloria, for your gift and your words just as I was missing him so much on this very day! February 2007 - Sabra B. of Bloomington, MN, made a Valentine's Day donation "In memory of Jimmer...". Thank you, Sabra, and we will use your donation in the character of Big Jim's giving and gentle spirit. January 2007 - "In honor of your and Kristin's January birthday, I wanted to make a donation to Refuge Farms." Such are the handwritten words of Darla S. of Eau Claire, WI. - long time Friend of THE FARM and mother to our very own Kristin. Thank you, Darla! January 2007 - Darla S. of Eau Claire, WI, chose to memorialize her dear friend, Carol L., with a donation to Refuge Farms. Carol enjoyed her horse, Slick, and any opportunity to ride. We are sorry for your sudden loss of your friend, Darla. Our thoughts are with you and Carol's family. January 2007 - Paul B. of Lake Elmo, MN made a donation to Refuge Farms as "a memorial to my sister's longtime horse companion, Shasta, who crossed over on Christmas Day." Paul found our web site by searching for horse rescues/sancturaries in Wisconsin. He wrote that "it sounds like you do wonderful compassionate work for horses and for people that my sister would appreciate." Please accept our appreciation for your donation and also give Georgiann our condolenses for her loss. We, at Refuge Farms, can so relate to the tears of their crossing. Blessings to you both. December 2006 - Gary S. of Eden Prairie, MN, made a donation in honor of Gary and Sandy's shared birth dates. Gary's message included "the hope that 2007 is a great year for you". Thank you, Gary, and the very best to you, too, from all of us creatures here at THE FARM! December 2006 - Barb G. of Eau Claire, WI, donated a "Christmas gift for the herd - the gift of hay - in honor of my Mom's upcoming 82nd birthday. My Mom has always been apprehensive about horses, but Jeri-Ann stole her heart! The 'magic' of Refuge Farms!" December 2006 - The Printz's of Hudson, WI, made a donation to Refuge Farms "In Memory of Hope". We will use your donation in memory of Hope and with hope. Thank you. December 2006 - Kristin B. of Mar Vista, CA, says, "I'd like to make this donation in memory of my kitty, Ramses. I miss him so much." December 2006 - The Locust Grove Homemakers Community Club of Spring Valley, WI, made a donation "In memory of Carol Steimer-Bailey" who recently passed. There was a special connection during Carol's visit to THE FARM last summer. I'm sure the angels are thrilled to have Carol amongst them! December 2006 - Claudeen and James O. of Elk Mound, WI, made a donation saying, "Enclosed is a gift given to Refuge Farms as an 'in lieu of' Christmas Gift to Kristin Blexrude, a friend of your farm." September 2006 - Diana P. of Ridgeland, WI, made a donation "In memory of her daughter, Andrea". Mother and daughter had planned to attend the Open Barn Event at Refuge Farms but a vehicle accident claimed Andrea's life. Her mother, Diana, however, did still attend and spent a brief moment talking with me. The love between these two was evident and touched me deeply. Diana's donation was used to purchase perennials so Andrea's spirit will bloom each year in glorious flowers! August 2006 - Tara B. of Baldwin, WI, donated an Andy Durco Memory Bench saying that, "As for Andy, I have heard so many stories about him and I know what he means to not only you, but THE FARM, also". How appropriate that at our 5th Annual Open Barn we celebrate the man who's challenge began this mission we call Refuge Farms! Thank you, Tara. August 2006 - Tara B. of Baldwin, WI, donated a Memory Bench "In honor of Tom-Boy". Tara says, "He was only at THE FARM for a little time, and I was one of the few to know him. And so since he was so barely known, I figured no one else would remember him, so I made sure he was honored properly." And now Tom-Boy is just that, Tara. Thank You. June 2006 - Kenneth and Jean S. of Altoona, WI, made a donation "In memory of Ralph B., father of a good friend, Jim B." May 2006 - Marjorie M. of Wabasha, MN, made a donation "In memory of Helmer, Tony, Joey, and Joann". Thank you, Marge! Blessings to you from all of us here at Refuge Farms! April 2006 - John T. of Eau Claire, WI, made a donation to Refuge Farms "In memory of Aspen and other lame horses." Thank you , John, for your generosity. April 2006 - Doris B. of Arden Hills, MN, made a donation "In honor of Donna Nelson who has rescued so many cats and dogs and takes care of 2 old horses." Bless you, Donna! for your care of those creatures that have come your way. And thank you, Doris! for your continued support of Refuge Farms' missions. April 2006 - Kathy M. of Menomonie, WI, made a donation "In honor of Jerry, DukeDuke, and Halima". "They taught me so much!" she says. Kathy also said that out of respect and her love of these very special ministers, her donation is to be used to reduce the veterinary bill. "We couldn't help these 3 any more than we did. Their diseases were too bad and too advanced. But, please put this money toward making a way to help the next one(s) when we need to." Thank you, Kathy, from big Jerry, gentle DukeDuke, and little Halima. And from those yet to come. April 2006 - Barb G. of Eau Claire, WI, donated a beautiful Aldo Leopold Sitting Bench "In honor and memory of Halima". The bench will have Halima's name burned in to the backrest and become a part of THE FARM's permanent memorial in her honor. The bench will be placed under the Halima tree for all to sit, relax, and enjoy the peacefulness of their surroundings. March 2006 - Diane M. of Ellsworth, WI, made a donation to THE FARM "In honor of Shannon". Shannon and her mom, Colena, are volunteers at Refuge Farms and Diane's donation is graciously received in honor of Shannon, an outstanding young lady! March 2006 - Deb A. of Menomonie, WI, made a special donation of farrier tools saying, "I left the farrier tools in a wood box with ropes beside it on your porch. My dad once had a horse named Vodka, and the tools were his. He passed away in July 2005, but I'm sure he would have been pleased to know that the tools went to THE FARM." And, Deb, Refuge Farms is honored to receive and use your Father's tools. Thank you. February 2006 - Cass D. of Menomonie, WI, made a donation "In memory of dear DukeDuke. I loved that horse!" Cass's donation will be used to purchase a Memory Bench in honor of DukeDuke to be placed by his Memory Bed. January 2006 - Barb G. of Eau Claire, WI, made a donation "In memory of my dear quarter horse, Andy Barton. Andy Barton gave me many hours of joy, trail riding and showing in pleasure classes. He was one of the last of the "old fashion" quarter horses and passed over at the age of 30. The mission of THE FARM enables him to "walk on"...". December 2005 - John, Karla, and Cameron P. of Fountain City, WI, made a donation "In memory of Jerry & the others you've lost - And in honor of those still at home with you!" December 2005 - Kristin B. of Menomonie, WI, made a donation "In honor of James, Claudeen, Jon, Andy, and Bailey Oebser". November 2005 - Gloria W. of Eau Claire, WI, made a donation "In memory of Jerry, the gentlest of giants". September 2005 - Donna and Collette E. of Spring Valley, WI, made a donation "On behalf of MaKenna Johnson's 11th birthday". Happy Birthday, MaKenna! August 2005 - Heidi and Scott J. of Ramsey, MN, made a donation "In honor of MaKenna Johnson". March 2005 - Bonnie F. of Hudson, WI, made a donation "In memory of my Aunt Clara Cummins who raised and cared for horses on her farm for many years".