Rescue Me: After the Finish line
After the Finish Line TM is a horse protection organization who help Thoroughbreds transition off the racetrack into a second career through the funding of qualified rescues and retirement organizations that support, rehabilitate and retrain them. The organization’s name was inspired by the book called “After the Finish Line: Race Against Slaughter” by Bill Heller.
Their belief is our Thoroughbreds have the right to live a fulfilling life when the purpose for which they were first bred has come to an end. This wonderful organization is committed to making that happen, and feel it is a privilege to be associated with these “magnificent Thoroughbreds.”
The Thoroughbred race horse is central to the existence of the racing industry and we owe it to them to give back as much as we can when their careers are done. It should not be the end of the Thoroughbred just because it is the end of his or her racing or breeding life.
Based in San Diego, California, After the Finish Line is run by its president Dawn Mellen. Dawn was so committed to establishing the organization she personally paid all the expenses of its start up costs.
They are an all volunteer organization and have Board Members and Officers located throughout the United States. To date, all of the funds they receive directly benefit the Thoroughbreds in the form of grants or emergency funds.
After the Finish Line relies on the generosity of individuals, corporations and foundations to support its commitment to help the horses. They are establishing a loyal following of supporters who realize the significance of the work they do.
Some of organizations they have given grants to are Friends of Ferdinand, Indiana; Tranquility Farm, California; Heaven Can Wait, California. Emergency funds have been provided to CANTER, Ohio; Equine Rescue League, Virginia; ReRun, New Jersey; and Bright Futures Farm, Pennsylvania. These funds were given to help pay for board, veterinarian, feed expenses, to provide supplements for equines in their late 20’s, and help rehabilitate seized horses. It is their goal to give emergency funding on a monthly basis.
After the Finish Line received their tax-exempt status from the State of California and are awaiting their federal 501(C)(3) non-profit designation. All donations are tax deductible as provided by law.
To be considered for donations or emergency assistance from this organization there is an application form and review process. Their current funding options are yearly grants and funds for emergencies.
Dawn asked me to let everyone know their url has a hyphen in it. Their website address is www.afterthefinish-line.org. There is another website without the hyphen, and she believes people are getting confused between the two.
After the Finish Line has many plans in the works to help the Thoroughbreds they are so devoted to, and a summer fund raiser is planned for August.
© Chastity Weese 2008 for Tuesday’s Horse
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
CHASTITY WEESE is a mother of 7 with a passion for writing, researching and saving the lives of animals. Chastity has managed a horse rescue for over 5 years, and recently began taking in dogs and other animals. In addition to writing, her greatest joy is spending time with her children, husband, and horses. Visit her website at Heartfelt Stables.
Landrieu invites you to become a Citizen Co-Sponsor of the bill to ban horse slaughter
You can become a citizen co-sponsor of the federal bill to ban horse slaughter at Senator Mary Landrieu’s website.
In her introduction, Senator Landrieu says:
“Right now, our laws contain a glaring loophole that is keeping our horses vulnerable to the brutal practice of horse slaughter: it is still legal to ship American horses across the border to Mexico or Canada to be slaughtered, a tragic fate that befell tens of thousands of these majestic animals last year.
I hope you will help me build momentum for my bi-partisan legislation to stop this practice once and for all in our country: become a citizen co-sponsor of the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act today!”
LINK TO TAKE ACTION:
US CITIZENS ONLY PLEASE!
http://action.marylandrieu.com/page/s/horses.
Humane Society to hold event for seized horses
Columbia SC (WLTX) — After the Humane Society seized as many as 45 horses from properties overseen by the Trexler family, they are planning to hold an event to raise money to help nurse them each back to health.
The “Mane Event,” which will feature a silent auction, cuisine from Southern Way, and a live bluegrass band is set to begin at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 25th at The Millstone at Adams Pond, according to organizers.
The focus of the event is to raise funds for the recently seized Arabian horses, like No. 35 seen on News19, from properties overseen by Hazelene, Terry, and James Trexler, Humane Society officials say.
If you are interested in helping the seized horses, you can find tickets at www.humanesc.org or by calling 803-783-1267. Tickets are $75 per individual, and $60 each when you buy two or more tickets.
All proceeds from the Mane Event will go towards the cost of vetting, boarding, feeding and rehabilitation of the 45 Arabian horses due to malnourishment and neglect, Humane Society officials say. They say they have already accumulated more than $20,000 in vetting and care fees. They are asking for the public’s help to end animal cruelty.
Quote: St. Francis of Assissi
All creatures are created from the same paternal heartbeat of God. Not to hurt our humble brethren is our first duty to them, but to stop there is not enough. We have a higher mission–to be of service to them wherever they require it. If you have men who will exclude any of God’s creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow men.
– St. Francis of Assisi
Read more thoughts and quotes on the treatment of animal at our Spiritual Resources page.
