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HoofPrints Newsletter
A True Story With a Happy Ending - April 2, 2011 Issue
FREE collectible magnet - 4th in the series!
100 years from now it will not matter what car I drove, what house I lived in
100 years magnetor how much money I had in the bank. But someday the world may be a better place, because I was important in the life of a child.

This new magnet features Brenda Murphy's pencil drawing "Daddy's Little Helper." It measures 3.5" wide x 2" tall and is FREE with any order placed at HoofPrints.com.


Not ready to order right now? Send us a self-addressed, stamped LONG envelope and we will still send you one for free!
HoofPrints free Magnet offer
13849 N 200 E
Alexandria, IN 46001
This fourth in a collectible series, and once this version is gone we will go on to the next. Feel free to send me your own photos and ideas; email gina@hoofprints.com.

  

Leather framed verse makes a great gift -
A wonderful reminder of life's priorities for someone's desk
100 years framed verseAnd it's ON SALE for under $20.00!
This stitched faux leather wedge-shaped frame measures an impressive 11" wide x 6" tall x 2" thick.  The drawing (Daddy's Little Helper) and verse are printed on parchment for an elegant, antique effect. The frame is fashioned so it will stand by itself on a desk or other surface.

Makes a wonderful Father's Day Gift.
To order click here.

FARRIERS: this one's for YOU...
Do you have papers blowing all around the cab of your truck?
Farriers Traveling DeskDo you use the hood or tailgate as a desk when writing out invoices? Do you go digging through the glove box looking for a pen? Need a calculator and can't find one? This solves it ALL!

Made in the USA of durable aluminum, this is the perfect thing to keep in your truck - to keep all you papers and pens contained and organized. There's a high capacity clip (holds up to 1"! of papers) on the front that also doubles as a calculator.

It measures 14" x 9" x 1.5" thick (not counting clip on top). The lid has a strong, self-locking latch that stays closed. There are two separate compartments; a big one for your papers (holds letter size 8.5" x 11") and a smaller compartment in the front that's perfect for pens, a short ruler, etc. The 8-digit LCD calculator has auto shut-off, and the battery is replaceable.

To top it all off, we include a small assortment of our best-selling farrier business forms and stickers for you to try! To order click here. We also have a couple of these on sale for HALF PRICE (they may have calculator issues) for more information, click here.
Women Riders Who Could... And Did
Life stories of top level equestriennes
Women Riders Cover This is a compilation of stories about horsewomen we've all heard of and admired. It's an inspirational blend of adversity, struggles, setbacks and triumphs. In case you ever thought that those successful women in the horse world were privileged and without troubles... this is a book you should read. You'll feel a lot better about your own "dysfunctions" and be inspired to persevere.

Without being sordid, author Karma Kitaj has included details about each - struggles with confidence, alcoholism, learning disabilities, relationships, finances, health, injuries and more... that help you fully appreciate their tremendous accomplishments.

Contained in the pages are the stories of many greats: Trainer Linda Tellington-Jones, Endurance Rider Valerie Kanavy, Cutting Horse Champion Lindy Burch, Jockey Julie Krone, Olympic Jumper Kathy Kusner, Three-Day Eventer Carol Kozlowski, Reining Horse Competitor Roberta McCarty, Rodeo Trick Rider Karen Womack Vold, Barrel Racer Sharon Camarillo, Creator of Centered Riding Sally Swift, Sally Swift Protegee Lucille Bump, Olymic Jumper Anne Kursinski, and Olympic Dressage Coach Jane Savoie.

To order, click here.
A True Story with a Happy Ending - Part 1 - The Sad Part
One of my resolutions for the new year in 2010 was to become more connected
Anna & Remington- to learn about, and to use Facebook both socially and to promote HoofPrints. It's been great fun, and I have enjoyed catching up with former classmates, co-workers, etc. One of which was my friend Anna, who worked with me at RAM Graphics. We were both aspiring graphic artists, fresh out of college, hell bent on setting the design world on it's ear with our brilliant creative solutions. (Ha Ha - the things you think you know when you're 24) Eventually we went on to other things and lost touch for 20+ years. One night I logged onto facebook and saw this picture of Anna and her Australian Terrier Remmington. Remmington had been suffering with a serious esophageal condition, and Anna had previously mentioned their struggles to diagnose & treat him. But this time her status read:
"This picture taken last night. At 9:05 this morning, I sat at my table with my Remmington on my chest, kissed his forehead and said my goodbyes; read him Psalm 23 and he quietly, gently slipped away naturally... (Doug and I weren't even sure he had passed on at first.) He was MUCH loved and will greatly missed."
Of course, I bawled my eyes out. Our own dog Zack had been doing poorly, and I knew that his end was near soon, too. I wrapped up a framed Pet's Prayer Verse and sent it off to my friend with a sympathy card.
A True Story with a Happy Ending - Part 2 - the suspenseful part
First, we need to clarify that my dog placement skills are not so good.
Benji at AACC This summer, after someone dumped 2 black Lab pups at our farm, my bestest, most super-woman, mega- connected, marketing-savvy efforts resulted in only 1 taker. My success rate is a dismal 50%...  "Piece of cake!" - I remember telling my husband - "All these people read my newsletter - these pups will be in good homes (not ours) in no time!" (Watch this newsletter in coming weeks for details about what happened to the 2nd pup.) The ensuing experience plunged me head-first into learning a great deal more about the unwanted pet problem than I ever wanted to know.

In my efforts to place my pups, I'd made connections on Facebook with Maleah Stringer, the director of our local animal control. This woman is a dynamo - she spearheaded a huge effort to make major changes at the shelter, which had a terribly high euthanasia rate. She's rallied an army of volunteers. She writes a gutsy column in our newspaper that spells out in eloquent detail, just how big the unwanted pet problem is in our community. They are getting things done and it's refreshing and inspirational to watch.

Their Facebook page is another that I keep an eye on. So, one night I log on and this guy (Benji) pops up in the status. He looks like Anna's dear departed Remmington. So, what to do... here's a friend that I don't know very well after many years... her heart is broken from the loss of her dog. Do I send her this? I didn't want her to think that I felt Remmington was replaceable by another dog - it seemed pretty shallow to send her a picture of a dog that looked just like...

But Anderson Animal Care & Control is a municipal shelter. They can NOT turn dogs away. When they get full (which is nearly always) some have to be put to sleep. So I decided to take the chance. I sent her a note with the picture saying; "This dog is at the shelter, in case you're interested." Fortunately, Anna wasn't upset with me, although she did tell me that it was still too soon, and that they were considering a larger dog for their next choice. A few days later I got another note from her, saying they'd stopped by the shelter to see Benji. I could tell she had reservations; she said he wasn't at all friendly, and that they didn't want to bring him home and discover that they had psycho dog on their hands.

More days passed and she told me they'd decided to foster Benji, so if things didn't work out they could return him to the shelter. As all this played out, I began to question the wisdom of my getting involved and trying to play "doggy matchmaker" over the internet for two parties I don't really know. What if he attacks them? Eats their couch? Poops on the carpet? I was beginning to think I should have left well enough alone. Which, in turn, gave me even more respect for those folks who do this very thing - every day. All over the country, shelter workers take in frightened, upset, untrained, and sometimes abused dogs... and try to safely match them with families that will give them good homes. HoofPrints carries two books that tell these folks' stories; Don't Dump the Dog, and Tales from a Dog Catcher. Both are poignant accounts of what it's like to deal with the canine unwanteds of the world.
A True Story with a Happy Ending - Part 3 - the happy ending
Benji goes to live with Anna & Doug on a trial basis...
Anna & Benji Since Benji was so fearful and distant at the shelter, my friends had reservations about how well he would adjust to life in their home. Both are busy professionals, and were not ready to add doggy psycho-therapy to their already full plates. I held my breath, hoping that Benji was just stressed and afraid from being at the shelter, and that he wouldn't get worse after another move into yet another strange environment.

I breathed a great sigh of relief when this message came from Anna:
"As for BENJI - what a love! He really is a great dog.  Our vet said he is between 2-3 years old and appears to be healthy. He is a lover. He is obedient. He is house trained. He walks well on a leash, too. I am healing from what could only be described as a devastating loss. We are SO thankful to you. Not going with a puppy and all the chewing, the house training, and energetic but destructive behaviors and social training required... is just such a huge relief. This is the right move for us. We are completely enjoying this dog - NOW."

The adoption has been finalized and Benji is now a permanent resident of the Whiteman home. When I first started dabbling with Facebook, I viewed it as a fun social "toy" - a way to snoop into what my former classmates had gone on to do with their lives, to see what my equestrian friends were doing with their horses, and tell HoofPrints' friends about new product developments. But for Benji, Facebook may very well have saved his life. I am glad I pushed past my reservations against meddling, and shared his picture with my grieving friend.

This post from DailyOm says it all:

"Life is sculpted on a moment-to-moment basis. Every one of the thoughts we think, the words we speak, and the actions we take contributes to the complex quality and character of the universe's unfolding. It simply is not possible to be alive without making an impact on the world that surrounds us. Every action taken affects the whole as greatly as every action not taken. And when it comes to making the world a better place, what we choose not to do can be just as important as what we choose to do.

 

For example, when we neglect to recycle, speak up, vote, or help somebody in immediate need, we are denying ourselves the opportunity to be an agent for positive change. Instead, we are enabling a particular course to continue unchallenged, picking up speed even as it goes along. By holding the belief that our actions don't make much of a difference, we may find that we often tend to forego opportunities for involvement. Alternatively, if we see ourselves as important participants in an ever-evolving world, we may feel more inspired to contribute our unique perspective and gifts to a situation.

 

It is wise to be somewhat selective about how and where we are using our energy in order to keep ourselves from becoming scattered. Not every cause or action is appropriate for every person. When a situation catches our attention, however, and speaks to our heart, it is important that we honor our impulse to help and take the action that feels right for us. It may be offering a kind word to a friend, giving resources to people in need, or just taking responsibility for our own behavior. By doing what we can, when we can, we add positive energy to our world. And sometimes, it may be our one contribution that makes all the difference."



Recap - From the last newsletter...
Here's what we talked about last time:
Mesannie Wilkins"What you're doing is most unladylike." Excerpt from Last of the Saddle Tramps here
Handmade Dog Treat Pouches here
Excerpt on preserving memories from Beautiful Jim Key here
Horsey Scrapbook kits (for preserving memories) here
Horsewoman BIG calender only $4.99 here
FREE Dog Lover's Prayer bookmark here
Dogs comfort earthquake victims in Japan photos here
I only clean up after my HORSE! Sweatshirt here
Good Horsekeeping Sweatshirt here
Pamper Your Horse book ON SALE here
HORSEwork
before HOUSEwork tin sign $1.99 here
More about our embroidered logos here
BLESS this BARN wood sign here 
Train your horse to eat carrots here

PAST NEWSLETTERS - See what you missed!
Click HERE to catch up on the news.
More about HoofPrints
Be sure to check out the "GOOD STUFF" links at the bottom of this section 
Rob shoeing RockyABOUT THE COMPANY
Farriers Greeting Cards was started by Gina Keesling in 1986 (in a very small way) to provide helpful promotional materials for her farrier husband Rob.

 ABOUT THIS NEWSLETTER
It's written by Gina Keesling, and emailed to subscribers a few times a month, depending on how often I have something to share. Watch for special sales, interesting stories, uplifting quotes and maybe some personal stuff. Let me know if you like it, and if you don't. We aim to please.

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This week's quote is by Karma Kitaj:

 

"As many women and girls report, some of them turned to their horses for comfort during a stressful period of their lives. Parents' divorce, abuse, alcoholism, rejection from peers, academic and physical challenges - all of these conditions receded as they visited the barn and started to groom their horses. Most of them were resilient in overcoming personal or cultural obstacles to attain the success they have achieved. None were given things they needed without a struggle. They all had fortitude, determination, and perseverance to get where they are now."


from Women Riders Who Could And Did 

 

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Thanks everyone, for reading!
Gina Keesling, owner  

 

 Contact Information

GOOD STUFF: Prison inmates and animals helping each other
These programs are working - for everybody involved
Hank Curry with MustangDawn at horseandman.com says it best:
"Now, I have my own issues with the BLM. For my dime, I'm not really sure they have the best interest of the Mustang in mind.  So, I started out with trepidation regarding this adoption event.  I also thought that a wild mustang and an inmate would not be a very good combination... kind of an accident waiting to happen. I also had a picture in my mind of this really tough and mean inmate just hammering a poor, wild mustang into submission.
After some time and education on the matter, I now think the inmate and the newly captured mustang have something in common and can make unlikely but succesful partners."
Dawn goes on to describe in detail the Prison Mustang Gentling Program at Northern Nevada (Warm Springs) Correctional Facility here.
In central Indiana, the F.I.D.O. Dog Program (Faith+Inmates+Dogs=Opportunity) takes place at the Pendleton Correctional Facility. This youtube video produced as an immersive learning project at Ball State University tells about the program - click here.
Share our emails
Viral marketing... it sounds bad, doesn't it?
You can ask my husband - a frequent topic around here is that of forwarded emails - and the psychology behind them - just WHAT prompts people to decide; "I am going to send this to everyone I know!".

We receive a lot of them. Some are pretty good, and others are dumb. Dumb in a myriad of ways...  Alarmist email rumors that have been around forever - that folks keep sending "just in case it's true" Pictures of someone's butt (or worse) - don't even get me started about the firecracker butt - but at least that one was timely when it showed up around July 4. Christian messages that are uplifting - until you get to the end and you're threatened "if you're not ashamed that you love Jesus, forward this - if you are, then delete." Pictures of cute puppies and kittens (awww)

I enjoy writing these newsletters - and sharing all this stuff with you all. But the fact is, it's also a way to help us stay connected with customers and sell products during the time between catalog mailings (which is only once a year) So I really, really like it when someone new stumbles upon the newsletter and is excited to "discover" our company and the products we offer.

In all my efforts to make the newsletter interesting and forward-worthy - it never occurred to me to JUST ASK you all to send it! Duh. Sometimes the obvious is elusive, I guess. So here goes - my request to ask you to forward our email newsletter to your horsey friends.  All we ask is that you please be judicious and only send to folks who might be interested. Otherwise we are no better than the "firecracker butt". Click the Forward email link below to get started. (please note - using this form does NOT subscribe anyone to our list - it is a one-time only forward)