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Heaven Can Wait Latest News

Be sure to stay current with our monthly newsletter.

Adventures with Horses Program

  • Meeting, greeting, grooming, walking horses and donkeys

  • Learning basic horse manners, body language and safety skills.

  • Reading aloud to a horse or donkey

  • Creating an art project

  • Watching or joining "round pen" activities

  • What is a "round pen"? Well, join us this summer and learn!


Sponsored by Library & Recreation Services, City of Paso Robles


Download the PDF flyer for more information
Date: 2012-07-14


Medicine Horses - Experiences with Wellbeing

This article, “Medicine Horses—Experiences with Wellbeing,” is in the current issue of Canine and Equine News (pages 30 – 31). This article features our programs and how our equines and the programs are changing people’s lives for the better. Keep your eye out for the latest issue of Equine Enthusiast, also featuring HCW and Medicine Horse Warrior Horse.

Read the article here


Date: 2012-04-17


2012 Spring Camp Adventure

Join us for a fun filled morning of meeting, greeting, grooming and walking horses, donkeys and mini's, and watching or joining round pen activities. We will also be learning about horse manners, body language and safety skills.

Afterwards children can pick from several horse related arts and crafts projects.

Parents are welcome to stay, participate and/or enjoy the 360 degree views.

Ages: 4-12 (Limited to 12 children)

Date: Saturday: April 7th 9:00 -11:30

Fee: $25.00/child, $15.00/2nd sibling $10.00/3rd sibling..

To register, visit us at Centennial Park, 600 Nickerson Drive or Go to www.prcity.com/recreation - and look under Heaven Can Wait.

* For information about Heaven Can Wait and directions check website at: www.HeavenCanWait.us or call Robin @ 805-769-6260


Date: 2012-04-07


A letter from Karen Cathcart

This is an excerpt from a letter from Karen Cathcart. Karen and her daughter visited with the SLO County Mommies group on Saturday, February 18. She was so thrilled and impressed by her daughter’s response to the equines, that she has become an avid supporter. She wrote the following letter in our support and is sending it to a variety of organizations, encouraging their involvement with and support of Heaven Can Wait.


Please read on…

 



“My little girl is now seven years old and has a past full of trauma and loss. She has issues with prenatal drug and alcohol exposure, attachment and self esteem. My daughter and I have always had a hard time connecting in a relaxed, deep way. We love each other, for sure, but truly connecting takes constant work on both our parts. We have spent years in attachment therapy and occupational therapy.

 


While these therapies are very valuable, I was shocked at how valuable our outing to the Heaven Can Wait Horse Sanctuary was for me and my daughter. In one morning, we accomplished what we would have in months of conventional therapy.


We arrived at Heaven Can Wait with no expectations. As we started the tour, we were just a couple of people excited to see the animals. As the tour progressed my daughter, who is generally tense, started to relax. I could see her shoulders and face start to melt. Half way through the tour, I told my daughter that all of the horses had been adopted and that this was their forever home. She didn't say anything, but I could tell that she was processing what she heard. A little bit further on the tour, she started asking me questions like, “why were they adopted like me?” For once, she was engaging in a conversation about trauma, loss, permanence, etc. I can't explain it well, but when we talk about this regularly, it doesn't sink in. She is part of the conversation on a shallow level, but rarely does the conversation sink in. Today, we were able to freely speak about complex issues in connected spirit. In the 5 ½ years I have known my daughter, I have never felt so bonded to my daughter. Keep in mind this is all happening while we are engaging with the horses."

We have spent years in attachment therapy and occupational therapy. While these therapies are very valuable, I was shocked at how valuable our outing to the Heaven Can Wait Horse Sanctuary was for me and my daughter. In one morning, we accomplished what we would have in months of conventional therapy.

Date: 2012-03-20


A Special Message From Susan Schwartz

Dear HCW Supporter:

 

I am daily amazed at the response our programs are getting from the community. More and more groups arrive for tours and from those tours, families and individuals return to participate in the programs. We had a significant visit in February from the “SLO County Mommies,” resulting in one mother commenting on the profound effect the visit had on her daughter. This family is now returning on a regular basis. You’ll read her letter in this month’s newsletter.

 

Special Announcement! This coming Friday, March 23, a group of mental health professionals are being trained in the Medicine Horse Warrior Horse program. We are thrilled beyond belief about their enthusiasm in promoting this program and bringing veterans. Medicine Horse Warrior Horse has generated interest from veterans and therapists in other states, in Alberta, Canada, and as far away as YellowKnife in Canada’s Northwest Territory.

 

Our newsletter has gone from a few pages to nine pages to cover all of the news about our activities. All this activity is certainly an indication of our success. Success, however, is a double-edged sword. As I watch a long-held dream become reality…the dream of offering learning, hope, and a place of sanctuary to the many, many children and adults in our community who are challenged by life circumstances…I am even more aware of how important our programs are and how important it is to keep our equines healthy so they can help those who are coming through our gates.

 

As of the end of February, we are only at 8% of our income goal for 2012. We needed to be at 16%. By the end of March (about two weeks), we need to be at 24%. Our program growth is much faster than we anticipated. The recent spurt in growth is fueled by budget cuts to school and community programs. The children and adults who have relied on these school and community programs have no place else to go except to Heaven Can Wait. We are the only equine facility offering our special one-of-a-kind version of equine-facilitated wellbeing!

 

Our programs are more than simply brushing a horse or taking one for a walk. Those who participate in our programs learn critical life skills for improving communication skills, setting and respecting personal boundaries, building confidence, self-understanding, and an improved sense of self-worth.

 

Unfortunately, because our programs are growing so fast and so suddenly, we are speeding upon the “point of no return.” This is the point at which we will no longer be able to support our programs with the manpower and dollars we have. Just for the Tuesday Someone To Smile For group of 10 to 12 young people, we use three to four volunteers in addition to the teacher and her assistant. We are going to need at least 10 new volunteers, trained to assist with Medicine Horse Warrior Horse, and more to help with the growing visitors, tours, and participants in our other programs. The cost for us to meet our growing program needs and to be able to continue to operate them have already outstripped our current abilities.

 

Make no mistake…we still have the capability to meet the new program needs … we are under the threat of losing the ability! This ability is sustainable by more volunteers to learn to help with the programs, serve as docents for visitors and tours, to provide critical professional skills and creative solutions, and more $$$$$!

 

Just as you have all helped the equines survive and thrive over the years, you are in a special position to make a profound difference in the lives children and adults who are challenged by life’s circumstances, the specter of disease, and the physical and emotional ravages of war. Your contributions now guarantee that our equines are able to help children and adults in need to survive and thrive.

 

Thank you for caring,

Susan


Date: 2012-03-20


New Workshop!

Medicine Horse Warrior Horse is an equine facilitated workshop to help you develop personal touchstones for coping with grief, fear, depression, stress, trauma, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Through guided meditation, and group and individual activities with horses and donkeys, you learn how emotions, such as anger, fear, and grief have become part of your body-memory, and techniques for helping you move towards wellbeing. As you practice the techniques during the workshop you encounter very real experiences in personal understanding, strength, peacefulness and serenity that you can carry forward into daily life.

More Info


Date: 2011-09-26


Solstice Harvest Green Mixer

Sample healthy and delicious appetizers provided by The Wellness Kitchen and sip wine poured by Clayhouse Winery. Listen to live music with Nashville recording artist and local singer/songwriter Amy Estrada.


The festivities are topped off by more than $1,000 in giveaways including everything from massages to green products and other services.

More info


Date: 2011-09-22


Not-so-Good Changes for Faith

She Needs Your Help!

Faith is suffering from a uterine infection. As you know, complications from any infection can be life threatening. We don't know what caused it, but she is very uncomfortable and has lost her appetite.

Faith came to Heaven Can Wait 5 years ago. She was tied to a gate and abandonded in Santa Margarita. The good neighbor who found her also found her a new home, but she was neglected and starved at her new home. The good neighbor was keeping tabs on her, and called Susan for help. She’s been at Heaven Can Wait ever since.

Veterinary expenses for Faith are going to cost up to $2,500 depending on how quickly she recovers. Her uterus has been flushed once, but needs more flushing until all of the infection is out. She needs antibiotics and other medications. Our funds are very, very low and we need your help. Your donation of any amount can help pay Faith’s veterinary expenses and add to our emergency veterinary fund.

View the profile for Faith


Date: 2011-08-16


A Message from Susan

There is much to say to bring everyone up to date about what is going on at Heaven Can Wait. Our little mother and son mini-team, Chili and Ortega, have joined Snickers with the same affliction—laminitis (founder). As you know, there is no way to know for sure why it happens as it is caused by many different things. Now there are six little front feet that need x-rays every three to four months and trims every 3 weeks. Consider yourselves fortunate if you have never had to deal with this problem—it is very expensive and HCW needs help to pay these upcoming bills.

Please read the August Newsletter

As some of you may already know, I had to use some of HCW’s limited funds for air time on KPRL to ask for donations. Yes. HCW is facing some economic challenge Yes. I am really scared for the first time in nine years. Unexpected increase in hay prices, three new rescues, unexpectedly bringing home three foster horses due to insufficient care (all six of these horses needing immediate veterinary attention), plus other medical emergencies have stretched our budget very thin, despite your very generous support.

As of this month, HCW has about $3,000 in our bank account. The good news is that because of your support and some grants we have enough hay for most of the rest of this year. The bad news is that we still need five months supply of the senior feed that makes up the largest part of the diet for some of our senior rescues, plus funds for routine and emergency veterinary and farrier care, supplements and necessary equine incidentals, and medical supplies.

We need an additional $15,000 to make it through the end of this year! Your donation of any amount goes a long way towards helping us meet this goal.

With mixed emotions, I must announce that Debbie Beamis has resigned from the Board of Directors due to other commitments. Debbie’s contributions have been invaluable. Most recently, she compiled an Excel list of all of Heaven Can Wait’s contributors and supporters. This list is an important asset to Heaven Can Wait because it is integral to Heaven Can Wait’s business and survival as a nonprofit that depends on all of your contributions and support. Because of Debbie’s efforts in compiling this list, we are able to keep in closer contact with all of our supporters. Thank you Debbie for your service on the Board of Directors, and most recently for your dedicated work on our contributors list! You will be missed.

Thanks to all of you who dined at Chili’s! You appetites earned Heaven Can Wait a $100 donation—30 of our hungry supporters spent more than $600 to feed our rescued horses and donkeys and themselves. Good food! Good people!

Thanks to Amtrak and the Paso Robles Main Street Association, HCW had a presence at this year’s Lavender Festival. It was an unexpected windfall so we had to scramble, but we were there. Thanks to everyone who stopped by the booth! We’ll see you soon!

Susan

Get Involved - Donate, Sponsor, Volunteer


Date: 2011-08-09


Summertime Reading Adventure

Does Your Child Love Horses?
Let our non judgmental equines assist your child in a different kind of reading experience. Bring a book or story from home, or read one of ours.

In addition, there will be an opportunity for meeting, grooming, walking and bathing horses, donkeys and mini's, as well as, watching round pen activities. We will also be learning about horse manners, body language and safety skills.
It's fun and informative session in a protected and supervised environment. Materials are available for drawing and sketching.

Parents are welcome to stay and enjoy the views or bring a sack lunch
and blanket to enjoy the property, after the program is completed.

Ages: 5-12 (Limited to 12 children)
Fee: $15.00 per child, $10.00 for siblings
$12.00 per child, $8.00 for siblings if attending both sessions.


To register, visit us at Centennial Pak, 600 Nickerson Drive or go to http://www.prcity.com/recreation and look under Heaven Can Wait.


Date: 2011-07-16


Heaven Can Wait was in the New Times

As you may or may not know, Heaven Can Wait was in the New Times again this week; well Pair O’Docs was anyway.  I am including the link to the article. 

http://www.newtimesslo.com/news/6282/grandson-of-a-king/

 We really do desperately need help!



Date: 2011-07-07


Restaurant Chili`s Cares Donation Day

Pick up your coupon(s) to enjoy a delicious meal and drinks at Chili’s restaurant, in the OSH shopping center on Theater Drive in Paso Robles and present it on Tuesday, June 28th. Chili’s is donating 15% of the entire bill to HCW. Coupons available at the Open House, the Sanctuary, Consignage (1041 Paso Robles Street, Paso), Pillow Talk (1210 Park Street, Paso) or by calling 805/712-3109.

Click here to download and print the coupons. They do not need to be in color so can be printed from anyone’s computer. Please distribute them to one and all.

Thank you, Chili’s! What a gracious gift to the equines.


Where: OSH shopping center on Theater Drive
Date: 2011-06-28


5th Annual Open House!

FREE admission! Plenty of free parking including handicap parking.

June will be here before we know it! Mark the day on your calendars and be our guest for lots of tasty free food and local wine, music, local vendors, craft and massage demonstrations, raffle prizes, and more!


Date: 2011-06-12
Time: 11:00 am
Address: 6275 Cerros Pioneros Way


Heaven Can Wait 5th Annual Open House Heaven Can Wait 5th Annual Open House The line-up of entertainers, vendors, unique raffle and silent auction , demos, wine pouring by San Marcos Creek Vineyard and food for this great event now includes: David Manion and Jack Morrow (live music), Derek Hood (magician), Freckles the Clown (Christina Reid – facepainting and kids fun), Amy Foster (massage), Jackie Iddings (Wind Rider Therapies Myofascial Release); Peggy Talkovic with Scentsy, Mark Cruzen with Steel Design by Cruzen, Heather Young and Dove Chocolates, Second Chance at Love Humane Society; raffle prizes including Sea Venture Resort, Sycamore Mineral Springs, steel horse sculpture by Mark Cruzen, original painting of HCW rescues by Terri Quinn-Faucette, cigar lover’s gift basket, Vista del Rey Vineyards, Amy Foster Massage, food by Chris’s Smokehouse, finger food from Dining with Andre; demos and samples of therapeutic massage, Scentsy flameless scent systems and more.


Admission is free. Tours of the Sanctuary with introductions to many of the rescues and their stories will be given. Open House hours are 11 AM – 4 PM; located at 6275 Cerros Pioneros Way, Independence Ranch (San Miguel) at the Heaven Can Wait facility. Plenty of free parking including handicap spaces available. Bring your camera!


(We are still seeking a few marvelous raffle prizes to entice everyone: do you have an item or service that might be appropriate? Donations are tax deductible up to their stated value. Please email susan@heavencanwait.us if you can help.)
Date: 2011-06-12


Does Your Child Love Horses?

If so, Heaven Can Wait Equine Sanctuary for Healing and Learning
is hosting an event for children on Saturday March 12th, 9:00 - 11:30.

It's a fun and informative experience that includes educational materials,
arts and crafts, and an opportunity for each child to choose a horse or donkey
to meet, groom, or walk, in a scenic yet protected and supervised environment.

HCW’s “Resource Library” located inside a covered area, has materials for
children to draw or color pictures, write letters or stories and/or read books to
or about equines. Carrots will be provided to give the horses and donkeys.

Parents are welcome to stay and enjoy the views or bring a sack lunch
and blanket to enjoy the property, after the program is completed.

TO REGISTER” visit us at Centennial Park, 600 Nickerson Drive or
www.prcity.com/recreation.
Ages: 5-12 (Limited to 12 children)
Date/Time: Sat., March 12, 2011, 9:00 - 11:30
Rain Date: Sat. March 19, 2011, 9:00 - 11:30
(picnic time: 11:30 - 12:30)
Fee: $15:00/$10:00 for siblings.


Where: Heaven Can Wait
Date: 2011-03-12
Time: 9:30
Address: 6275 Cerros Pioneros Way


Hurry! Buy Your HCW 2011 Calendar

Order your copy of the The Heaven Can Wait 2011 Calendar.

These beautifully photographed Calendars make perfect last minute gifts (especially if you add something from the store where you get them).

They are only $15 $10 each and we pay the tax (+$2 s/h). All proceeds go directly to the care of our equines and operating our horse-assisted therapeutic activities programs.

Click here to purchase


Date: 2011-02-04


Tribute To My Mom's Dream

"DREAM"
5/14/1988 - 1/3/2011
by Kitt Jenae

On that sunny Monday morning an urgent call summoned HCW's veterinarian for Dream. His condition urged options be carefully explored and weighed as the process of diagnostic tests stretched out. Flickering promises played erratically on emotions as heavy doses of rubs, scratches, and caresses were doled out. Stark reality landed, nothing could reverse the emerged diagnosis. Teetering emotions plummeted into grief's abyss.

As the 20 years of having Dream had drifted by the evoked image of owning a live carousel horse became more distinct. This quality mingled with his desire for human attention and strokes evoked a magical magnetism that attracted roaming eyes around like bees to honey. He basked in feeling special under attentions as individuals reaped the same feelings in return. Over the years he racked up more fans than I can count. I kid you not!

Back in 1991 Dream was carefully selected as a 3-year-old. His beauty was such that he would keep my Mom's eyes off my horses (this had been a problem until Dream!). In addition, I knew his pedigree spelled out a disposition that with training should keep my Mom safe. He outdid both jobs and gave so much more than expected working his charm the whole time! Last July HCW graciously agreed to accept him as my Mom at age 79 could no longer keep him. Dream quickly embedded himself into their hearts. He excelled in that calling as well, over and above anyone's expectations. God only knows why he was not allowed to continue his special retirement role that he filled so very well.

Life is truly a miraculous thing and death is incomprehensibly final. There are never enough nor adequate ways to say a 'forever goodbye'.

Not long after purchasing Dream I consistently derived the sense that he would have liked the ability to be a literal 'pocket pony' enabling him to be consistently close to the humans he loved. Now he is a true pocket pony, tucked for life and living in very special pockets of all those hearts he enchanted.

View Dream's Story


Date: 2011-01-30


A New Year Arrives

To all our friends and supporters, old and new - the January newsletter will be in your emailbox soon, we promise.  2010 went out on a painful note, even after HCW won the $100 Sweepstakes Award with Mark K's ferris wheel design lighted float in the Paso Robles Christmas Parade, and 2011 came stumbling in with more sad news.  Then came the heavy rains sluicing through the Sanctuary, requiring a carefully choreographed schedule of turnouts so that all the residents could stretch their legs yet remain as safe as possible with the muddy conditions.

For everyone who has sent us donations at year end to help us into the New Year, our thanks.  These donations are much needed and used with great care, as you will see when the newsletter arrives.  Angels for Equines who wish to contribute for the month of January, please view our Angels for Equines page to donate online or you may also send your $10 made payable to HCW to P.O. Box 5, San Miguel CA 93451 and our long-term AFE's we salute you!

If you could be at the Sanctuary now, and could listen to the inner voices of the animals you so generously support with your funds and your time and energy, you would know their wish for you: a healthy, peaceful and rewarding New Year surrounded by safety, comfort and friends.

Thank you, everyone.

Ramey Zamora
Executive Director


Date: 2011-01-07


Holiday Wishes

This year has been difficult for everyone, including your friends at Heaven Can Wait – but it has also shown us a way to take our work in a new and inspiring direction, focusing on bringing equines and people in our community together for healing and learning. This is a great step forward in our mission. But we need your help now, more than ever.

At this special season, we ask you to remember the horses and donkeys with your tax deductible donation – help us keep our promise to them and to the people whose lives they improve every day.

Blessings and Warmest Holiday Wishes for Health and Happiness to everyone, from all of us at Heaven Can Wait Equine Sanctuary for Healing and Learning.


Date: 2010-12-20


Sweepstakes Award Winner!

HCW wins the $100 Sweepstakes Award with Mark K's ferris wheel design lighted float in the Paso Robles Annual Lighted Christmas Parade.


Date: 2010-12-07


Lighted Christmas Parade - Paso Robles

Paso Robles holds the annual Lighted Christmas Parade through downtown on December 4. Starting at 7 PM, a series of almost 70 brightly decorated floats from many organizations, clubs and businesses will make their joyous way from the start of the parade at 10th and Spring Streets to the end at 9th and Park Streets. HCW volunteer Mark K is creating another great float this year (his float for us in 2009 won the Santa’s Award). Come watch the fun and cheer HCW on. Parade goes “rain or shine.”


Date: 2010-12-04
Time: 7PM


New! The Heaven Can Wait 2011 Calendar


Order your copy of the The Heaven Can Wait 2011 Calendar.

These beautifully photographed Calendars make perfect last minute gifts (especially if you add something from the store where you get them).

They are only $15 $10 each and we pay the tax (+$2 s/h). All proceeds go directly to the care of our equines and operating our horse-assisted therapeutic activities programs.

Click here to purchase


Date: 2010-12-01


Heaven Can Wait T-Shirt

We have plenty of our handsome HCW T-shirts available in all sizes from Small to XXXL. A generous donation toward their printing means a larger portion of the proceeds from sale of these shirts can now go to the Sanctuary.

T-shirts are available at HCW or order online (we can deliver locally or arrange mailing). They are $15 each, short sleeved with vibrant turquoise and teal logo on a sand colored background. Whenever you get a T-shirt, it benefits the horses and donkeys.

 

Select Size:


Date: 2010-12-01


Happy Thanksgiving to all our friends!

Ever since she began rescuing equines, Susan Schwartz has wanted to bring horses and donkeys together with adults and children.  Everyone can benefit -- as many studies and successful therapeutic programs have proved over the years.  HCW is now set up for just the kind of human services programs Susan has been dreaming of all this time.  Now that we have reached the limit of how many animals we can take in, we are redirecting ourselves to focus on the important work of helping people and equines heal and learn together.

Our website, our brochure, our newsletter will all have a new look.  We have programs for almost everyone - the newest is called "So Your Child Wants a Horse" and is designed as a family workshop to prepare everyone involved for happy horse or donkeykeeping.  Also offered: HoPE (Horse Power for Everyone) geared toward cancer patients and survivors, The Word Herd created to give kids a place to read aloud to non-judgmental horses, and special needs sessions where folk enjoy horse-assisted therapeutic activities and learn about equines at their own pace.  There's even a place in the Sanctuary called The Nest where artist and writing supplies, books and magazines and music, places to sit and draw and write and read are always available and visitors are encouraged to express themselves creatively.

We need the help of our friends now more than ever - and there are easy ways to do that and still make a big impact for us.  Like becoming an Angel for Equines for only $10 a month.  Join this special club and get a club card, discounts on HCW merchandise, invitations to Angels Only events, personalized tours and special mailings.  Purchase our 2011 Calendar for yourself and friends.  It's only $15 and we pay the tax.  Consign your unwanted furnishings at Consignage (1041 Paso Robles Street, Paso Robles) on behalf of HCW.  Sell Avon for up to 4 weeks with 25% of your sales benefiting HCW.  Donate your unwanted vehicle to Cars4Causes on behalf of HCW.

And always, we thank you for all you do...

Ramey Zamora
Executive Director.


Date: 2010-11-24


HCW Now Closed on Sundays A day of rest – we all deserve one, and some of us need one just to keep on going...Beginning November 1st, Heaven Can Wait Equine Sanctuary for Healing and Learning will be closed to the public on Sundays. We are more involved than ever before in so many projects and efforts that one day must be set aside so HCW is ready to receive and host visitors and program participants.
Thanks for your understanding, as always.
Date: 2010-11-01


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