Calls to Cam Owners.....Viewers and Owners please read this.

[Wendi(ca)]

I am so saddened to hear about the 2 foals lost I send My love and prayers!

I wanted to say even though I'm NOT having any foals This year I so appreciate BB being watched in her paddock below AND the horses that can be seen on the cam.Anything can happen on a farm and sometimes Ya'all see it Before We do...I would rather have tons of calls then known at all..BB's Life WAS Saved by a Viewer she was cast below and I needed to get there Fast, Without the call Who knows....and I want to say THANK YOU to all who do watch the cams they are the Xtra eyes we all need and we all APPRECIATE how much ya'all Care!!!.
PLEASE Do NOT be afraid to Call...If it's Nothing at least we said Hello and THANK YOU. BUT that call CAN and has saved Lives. IF a MOD is right in front of you on chat etc thats great BUT if NOT the precious seconds lost looking for 1 can be disasterous. PICK up the phone if you belive there is a Problem Please don't hesitate.
Thats why we have Mare stare...for all the wonderful people who CARE so much...
Again Thank You...
and Do NOT hesitate to call.... to all those xtra eyes!

[reikinurse]

Hi all!
Viewers making that phone call is exactly what I am counting on and the reason I came to MareStare last month. I have talked with some really great people who have called to report the cam down to the mares acting funny.
Each of these phone calls just increased my confidence in that others are helping me and these calls make me feel all warm and fuzzy that I am not alone.
Some of the phone calls have been to my work as well as 2am. Thank you , thank you , Thank you!
Cheryl
Tiny Tails Miniature Horse Farm

[mcguireranch1]

We are new to marestare as well and have foaled out 5 mares this year on marestare and everyone was thier to help and call and this is an invaluable service to us mare owners who cannot be watching our mares 24 hrs a day. I too would rather be called any time day or night to save the live of one of my mares or foals. Thank you to all marestarers this year for making our foaling year easier.
Erica Leeman
McGuire Ranch

[horsewoman1965]

Just want to say        to all who did call me when they felt like it was needed or the internet was down.
I couldn't post enough times our phone numbers letting everyone know to "please call". I did this repeatedly because I felt worried about calling others myself. At times it felt like people were being chastised and I didn't want anyone to feel that way about calling me. A couple of the people that did call seemed like they were on guard expecting a verbal lashing or something and I hope I made sure to tell them all that it was very OK and Thank You (I think I did  )
No mares left to foal but cam is still on due to a couple horses being in the stall. And anyone who pops in to take a peek, please don't hesitate to STILL call my cell number (listed on cam page) to let me know if one is cast or hung up on something, or or or...you get the idea.
I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of the farms. My condolences.
To the person who witnessed the tragic event  and just remember, all any of us can do is our best.

[CheyAut]

Like everyone else, I am sorry to hear of the losses (any losses for any reason of course) and  for those involved.

I, too, APPRECIATE phone calls! I'd MUCH rather have false calls then no calls at all. I've had two so far, from people from a horse forum I frequent, and was greatful to have them, even though they were false alarms. I thank anyone who calls I may sound a little confused on the phone, but that's b/c the thoughts of IS IT TIME? are rushing through my head

I am a little timid to call, but I WILL do so, and have a couple of times (never get an answer, but I leave a message.... and watch... if no one goes to the stall I continue to call). That's the whole point of this wonderful community: we're all here to help each other out!

We can't possibly watch our mares 24/7, so I am SO THANKFUL there are others out there helping me watch my girls!

Jessi

[Sandyb]

I have read all the posts and i agree with most calls are very important to the safe well being of all cam owners fur babies. I do not have any due this year I am leaving that up to heather and shannon, But for you that have watched my cams and were there for months thur the lucky and stormy story it was a long process. I had so many different calls for months but not once did i get mad for getting them. I had so many eyes on her it was great she was a special donkey that kept  all of us on her toes and i had calls to tell me she had a snake in her stall  and yes she did. Calls that she was stuck against the wall or stuck on her side cause she could not roll over. Oh Stormy had the calls come in but the most important one was when she started to delivery it was very long and painful and if it wasn't for the calls well she and lucky would never have made it.
Then we had Angel she was maiden and not a very sharing girl and i had calls on her also and if laurie had not been watching i would not have know that either. She had a picture perfect delivery..But later it wasn't so nice but the calls still came thur cause you the viewers were watching. Misty is fine now but with out all the eyes after her birth as well would never alerted me to major problems.
Some times in the midst of the confusion of the birth and the after we loose patience and are short with our words to others this is not meant to be done and please understand that alot of owners of the beautiful animals are very tired. And you the viewers are just tired for you have watched for hours and days also. But please call if you think it is important or if you see something wrong. Go into any chat that has someone in there and tell them and then you will have more help reaching someone but please understand it sometimes takes time to get a mod or owner but keep trying. Viewers don't stop watching and don't stop calling for when you do things could go wrong very wrong.
I have no babies this year but my cams are still running and i have them in all my babies in the barn as well as outside and that is also why i still have them up and running i can't be here 24/7. After i had no more babies i was going to turn off my cams and just go on for foaling is what most what the cams for. But then my Gary passed away and there was no one to watch my babies when i had to work all day. So i decided to keep them on so they could still be on cam for me to see at work and so that the viewers could still see them of they chose to do so.
And i am so glad that i did. I have a lil escape artist "Beauty" she knows how to get out of the fence and when she came up missing from her paddock i got a call and sure enought she was outside of her area and could have made it to the road.
So in this i wil just say call if you think it needs be i will call and i have and i will continue. Right Wrong or Indifferent you could save a life by just a simple phone call.

Don't panic when calling. Just say who you are and get stright to the point and then smile for you have then done a wonderful thing and that is what this marestaring is all about.   

To all you that watch...to all you that allows us in your barns....and to all you that make this possible big hugs and smiles to you all.

Sandy

[gypsymeadows]

I also got Heathers e-mail and was very concered. I for one really depend on everyone to call if their is a problem. Last year i remember twostudponies calling and calling. I was out at the barn and sisnt know she was calling right away. I was ever so greatful and always will be cause the baby when she was finally born was not able to get out of the bag. we were their and baby was fine. But that was not the end of it.at 6.00 in the morning i got a call saying sweets was rolling alot they felt their was something wrong. I called the vet and sweets ended in the hospital for 3 days. she had coliced on me. If it was not for the person who called me i wouldnt have known sweets was in trouble after she had her baby.I never know who that was that called me that morning but i thanked them from the bottom of my heart.I would of lost sweets for sure if that person had not called.
However i know Heathers concern. It does seem like everyone is afraid to call the farms now. I have big time issues with my dial up and thats all i can get where i am out. I have posted all over my board about the cams going down. I have not in about 6 weeks had a call from anyone late at night that the cams went down. Im talking 2, or 3. in the morning. and 90 percent of the time my cams goes down. Right now i have a 28 inche mare who is a maiden and im scared to death my cam will go and she will foal.So please I dont care if she passes gas and her tail mores the wrong way If you even think but are not sure Call anyway. Them calls are very inportant to me And most of all if my cam is down please call I dont care what time of day or night. or how many times i get calls as long as i get them. Safer than sorry is better for me

[Norsire]

I am always happy to get a call whether it be a false alarm than no call!!!  I am always cheerful no matter what time it is and thank them for the call!!!  It is sad some feel afraid to call..that is a real shame.  You can all me anytime and as always...

THANK FOR WATCHING MY MARES AND FOR THE EXTRA EYES!!!!  

[texasproud]

I am one of the watchers, but mostly during the day. I've made a couple calls, mostly about cams being down, and I will admit that it's scary for some odd reason.. maybe it's the fact that you're calling a total stranger. I will still call though.    I haven't had any curt replies, but would totally understand if I did. I am always prepared ahead of time to say exactly what's going on, and not expect any kind of nicey-nice crud-chat. My feeling is that if I was an owner, and got a call in the middle of the night(or day), my instinct would probably be to get right to the animal in question immediately. No hard feelings from me!

[Paintlover]

I am a watcher too and as a fellow mare owner I know the stress and worry that goes on everytime a mare is due.  I certainly would want to be called as well.   I have never called but mostly because I can see the owner on the cam or somebody else all ready called.  However I am really glad this came up.  I know I would have been hesitant to call before.  Hopefully now that will never be the case.  I think the people here are great and someday I hope to have my mares up on cam also!!!!
  I am really sorry for the foals.

[redmustangwoman1]

  Good morning everyone..    I am a watcher also and I do call if need be.I do get toungue tied tho but I do call and let the owners know .....This is such a wonderful family here on Marestare and please never be "afraid" to give the owners a call if something doesn't seem ok...I am truly sorry for the loss of the foals yesterday....I want to thank everyone for letting all of us be a part of your families.... Judy

[barbw]

I have called myself even though I was a nervous wreck and shaking like no tomarrow and my voice was cracking!!! But I called anyhow because it looked Like the Mare was moving the foal around.. But it was nothing and it didnt matter the Cam owner was so Happy that I called to let her know something didnt look right and Thanked me..
So if something doesnt appear right no matter what I check to make sure no one else has called and then call.. Ya just never know what  can happen...
And Devotee thank you for the Heads Up On the report a post to let the mods know something isnt right!!!!! If and when I cant find one in chat or on the board I will be doing that....
Thank you to all the cam owner's for Allowing us in your barns And Thank you Heather for this Wonderful Wonderful Place  Through all of you owners I have a stable of the most Precious and Beautiful Animals On this Earth Thank you All

[Heather]

I have been asked by several of the cam owners to spread the word of their feelings on this - so I will post them here.

From Paintscape Farm

All of you at marestare deserve a standing "O" I agree totally, I encourage people on my board or anywhere else to call, I don't care the time of day or night. This is why we got the cams, because as all breeders know there are times you just can't stay awake, or be there every second. So use this service for what it was set up for, and all farm owners should be so thankful that there are people out there that don't mind sitting and watching while we get rest. Thank God for all of you out there that watch and help us farm owners out. I for one am very thankful for every call I get, whether any thing is going on or not, at least the small amount of sleep I do get during foaling season is peaceful knowing that there are extra eyes out there watching just in case. Heather I don't know how to put this statement out there for other farm owners and my opinion, so if you wish to share this with others please do so. Thank you again for this wonderful service and we here at Paintscape Farms take our hats off to you and your staff. Myrrha Youngblood.

From Rockin Fox
Its true, every foal is a gift.  What a sad loss for the ranch and for everyone on Mare Stare.  We started with Mare Stare a few years ago.  And have had several babies while on cam.  I've enjoyed the message board and chatting with people all over the world.  And I can tell you I APPRECIATE EVERY CALL false alarm or not.  Now it might be that you've jumped me out of a deep sleep and I fly off the phone at a dead run.  Or it might be that you've caught me in the barn whispering trying not to be noticed by the mare yet.  But no matter how short the actual conversation, I want you to know I APPRECIATE that you've taken the time to call me.

Mare Stare is a wonderful way for everyone at home to peak into our barns and enjoy the miracle of these births, but more seriously it is truly an invaluable service for us mare owners.  We only had three this year.  Our first was born while we were already having a big day in the barn.  So we just sat down while he was born.  But the other two.....I was woke up by a caller and was able to make it to the barn in time. 

I feel a little guilty responding to this e-mail since we haven't been very active with Mare Stare this year.  Rarely posting messages or updates and only having the cams on for a couple of months.  But, some of you might remember, last year we were getting ready for my husband's open heart surgery and I'm amazed at how long it takes to get back to normal.  Surely by next foaling season you'll find us on cam, chatty and ready for our first foal come January!!!  So don't count us out just because we were mostly missing this year.

I feel like Mare Stare is a network of helpers, working as a team for the safe delivery of each and every foal.  So please don't be hesitant to call.
But remember its also important that you post so that everyone else knows the mare owner is on the job.  This can be a stressful event and when we're in the barn we're away from our computer.  So help us post so others know, then no one has to worry if they should call or not. 

THANK YOU to everyone on MARE STARE.  Know you're appreciated by Rockin Fox Farms.

Darla McConnell-Fox
www.rockinfoxfarms.com
Home of APHA/AQHA Barlink Gold Rush
Res. World Champion & World Show Top 5 Sire

From Walnut Lane

We agree here with the other messages.  PLEASE PLEASE call us – each foal is so important to us, and our hearts ache for the losses of the ones who don’t make it.  We only have one more to go, but the call I got for the first one alerted us, and I can’t say Thank You enough.  I had checked her about an hour before the call, just thinking she was having another restless night.  All went well for us, and I can’t say knowing that there might be someone besides me watching makes all the difference for us!!  Never be afraid to call here, you might get the answering machine (sorry only one phone in the house) but I do hear it, and it means so much!!

Michele

Walnut Lane Farm

From High Meadow Quarter Horses

I agree, a hundred calls is much better than no calls, even if it's a false alarm.     

Heather and the others at MareStare have a great thing going and myself as farm owner really do appreciate the extra eyes.    I'm really sorry
that some people are afraid to call.      And I'm sorry for the loss because of that.

Judy Bateman
High Meadow Quarter Horses
Home of Salty Hobby Boy
AQHA buckskin stallion
Bred for speed, performance and color
http://highmeadowqhs.tripod.com

[Joann]

I'm a watcher and have made calls and I still get nervous to call, but I do it. If it's about the life of a horse or foal, that's more important than my nervousness. It's reassuring to hear others get nervous too. So, if you're nervous about calling, just know lots of us feel that way. Just do it anyway!

I actually think I've puzzled a couple of owners by calling up, spewing out my name and what's going on and then saying bye and go to hang up. They catch me and talk some more. They have been much more calm and collected about the situation than I have been. I'm all, "I know you need to get to the barn, so bye!"

I feel very sorry for the farms that lost foals and for the person that was watching and couldn't get a hold of anyone. I worry about being in that situation as a watcher. I don't know the situation at all, but just want to say to the cam owners in general, please, please make sure you can be gotten a hold of at all times! I know unexpected things happen and it isn't always possible to be gotten a hold of, but whenever it is in your power make sure you have a phone right next to you...with the ringer turned up on blasting volume...some of you sleep hard. LOL!

[UK_Nicky]

Hi everyone,

I'm new to Marestare (this is my very first post). As you can see from my name i am from the UK and i was wondering if i saw i mare in distress or in labour would it be ok to text via mobile phone rather than calling? as calling would cost me heaps and i have noticed some people have provided their mobile number. i would i think post a msg on the relevant forum post and try to contact a mod before worrying myself sick. I would never forgive myself if i saw something going wrong and had no way of contacting the owner.