This is how their story with us began. . .  On January 23, 2005, the Center acquired seven starving Paint horses from a failed breeding program in Dunlap, IL to prevent the possibility of slaughter.  It was announced Thursday, Jan. 27, 2005, that due to the publicity surrounding this matter, a Chicago firefighter, who had recently had six of his 17 horses confiscated and one euthanized by the Illinois Department of Agriculture, was arrested by the Cook County Sheriff’s Department on two outstanding warrants.  As reported by the Peoria Journal Star, the warrant was issued on Jan. 6 by Peoria County after the horse-owner failed to appear in court on one count of deceptive practice.  He allegedly wrote the landowner where the horses were pastured a bad check for $2,100.  The Putnam County warrant was issued on Oct. 14,2004 after the horse-owner failed to appear in court on two charges relating to his horses’ previous stay last spring on a pasture in rural Tiskilwa.  One count alleged the owner hadn’t given the horses enough food and water.  The other count alleged he hadn’t provided “humane care and treatment” for “failure to remove an accumulation of soupy manure from the horses’ confinement area.”   Although the Center does not normally purchase horses, this was a special case.  When it was reported to the media that the horse-owner was planning on sending them to Cavel for slaughter, Lazy Maple offered its facilities and the public started donating money for the purchase and care of these ten horses.  The donations came from all over the country; from California to Florida, and everywhere in between.  The Center was able to purchase seven of the ten, as the landowner who has a lien for money owed against the horses, thought he had someone interested in purchasing the remaining three.  He will let the Center know if the prospective buyer is not interested, and at that time the Center will acquire those horses as well.  As the situation progressed, the Center did not receive the additional three horses.

The seven horses, three yearlings and four mares, have been moved to the Center, are being reintroduced to good feed, have been seen and treated by a veterinarian, and vaccinated. Six are expected to recuperate fully, and the seventh will require surgery for injuries sustained while delivering a foal last summer. From what is known, she delivered the foal in a field alone. The foal did not survive. We are hopefully optimistic on her recovery. After their lengthy recuperation, all will be available for adoption through the Center.

Yearlings

July 10, 2005:  Since their arrival at the Center, full of worms and very emaciated with bloated bellies, they have undergone a magical transformation!                             Cloud                                    Cloe                                        Sasha The yearlings turned out to be two-year-olds, just underdeveloped due to lack of proper nutrition.  None of them had ever seen a stall, and had been handled only at a minimum.  They all quickly became comfortable in their individual stall with no one trying to keep them from all the lovely hay they could want.  They were gradually introduced to feed, and quickly started to change into the lovely horses they truly were.

Apache
	Apache, who was thought originally to be a two-year-old, turned out to be three or four.  When she first arrived, she was quite a handful.  We were pleasantly amazed at how gentle she quickly became and how much she craved attention. She is now starting life with her new owners.

Cherokee

From the very first moment, Cherokee was anxious to get on that trailer!  We could tell immediately that this horse was very used to being handled and transported, and muchg more than a broodmare.  She loaded like a dream!  After having time to settle in, we had the opportunity to put a saddle on her.  No rider, just a saddle at that point, and she acted as if nothing was out of place.  She is a beautiful, loving mare and has also been placed in a new home.

Sonnet

Sonnet is estimated to be approximately eight yrs. old.  She is the mare who will require repair surgery from birthing problems.  After a thorough examination by the vet, we have been informed she is free from infection and, although will need the surgery, she is not in any imminent danger.  She is so very sweet and affectionate, always looking for attention and treats.  After a good diet, worming, and shedding out that rough winter coat, she doesn't look like the same horse -- just a beautiful paint with gorgeous markings!  She is now being fostered at a private home.

Suki n/k/a Tammy's Midnight Jet

Suki, as we originally called her, is a solid black breeding-stock Paint horse, and was she full of surprises!  We believe her to be approximately six to eight years old, and also believe she has only been used as a broodmare.  We have been working with the American Paint Horse Association attempting to get any registration papers that may exist for these horses.  She has been the only horse identified to date.  She is Tammy's Midnight Jet! The next surprise came as all the other horses were slimming down while losing their parasite load, she didn't.  To our surprise and amazement we were thrilled when it was confirmed in March that she was in foal.  She delivered a beautiful, healthy filly on April 9, 2005.  Mother and baby are doing fine!  We are extremely proud to introduce to you. . . Tammy's Twist of Fate (And she's QUITE the spirited little handful!)