*~Ivelolharele Horse Boarding, Rescue and Retirement~*Forever Home, Forever Safe

Jody learned from talking with CJ's mother that her heart condition was very much like the one Jody's niece suffered and died from. Jody was compelled to grant CJ her wish and began her search for the perfect pony.

Jody's niece died before she was able to have a pony of her own. Jody thought it would be a second chance in her life to grant another sick little girl with every girls dream. Jody called and talked to CJ over the phone. "I spoke with CJ, and she told me she wanted a pony, and it didn't matter if it was a girl or boy, but really she hoped it would be black and white, and she didn't want it to hurt her!" claimed Jody as she recalls her conversations. Jody started to network. " I started contacting horse people that I knew in the area, but after about three weeks, I was not having any luck so I contacted Midwest Horse Welfare Foundation out of Marshfield, and spoke to Scott Bayerl," added an exhausted pony searcher.

Jody and Bruce did not have any ponies on their farm or in their immediate surroundings to offer to CJ. Jody used every internet resource available to mention her intentions and gift to CJ. She posted web announcements asking for various items that could accompany the pony and decrease the financial burden for the family. With the help of Scott and several other horse enthusiasts and humanitarians interested in the story, a constant stream of donations traveled to the doors of Ivelolharele ranch ready to be sent to CJ. "Over the next month the UPS man was at our doorstep on a daily basis," stated Jody thrilled with the outpouring of support and kindness. "We received numerous gifts for CJ and her new little pony including a new saddle, blankets, riding boots, helmet, cowgirl hat, clothes, tack items, grooming supplies, puzzles, and trinkets" she added. One specification? It had to be pink! This is of course CJ' s favorite color. Jody was amazed to receive a pink saddle, especially for a pony they did not even have yet.

A call came through from Scott, at MWHF, and he told Jody he had found the perfect pony. This was not an easy thing for Scott. He ended up with five ponies at his facility, trying to find the perfect one, he selected one that was from Minnesota and sent a trailer to deliver the pony to CJ. Now, the group focused on how and when to give her gift.

The Central Wisconsin Horse Expo was held on September 22, in Marshfield Wisconsin, Jody and Scott decided it would be the perfect time to present CJ with her new pony. Everyone planned the trip and constructed plans for the arrival of the pony and families participating in the surprise. Jody and her team of well-wishers were busy hauling everything to Marshfield. Just a day before the horse show a setback caused CJ to be ill in the hospital almost canceling her trip to the expo. Tonya called Jody to inform her that CJ was not feeling well and that the whole thing might have to be postponed. Doctors put her on medications to help her blood flow and decrease the size of her liver. She was rescheduled for an October date to discuss further heart surgery later in the month. Because CJ was in good spirits, she was released and attended the expo with her family.

"We decided that it was going to be a complete surprise to CJ and all she knew was she was going to the expo for a "fun" day with her family," stated Jody. The day of the expo, they loaded the vehicles with all of CJ's gifts. Pink bows and ribbons were used to decorate with and add a whimsical touch to a dreamy day for CJ. "Bruce, my son Josh and I traveled to Marshfield to make a little girl's dream come true," Jody proudly proclaims. There, she met in person Scott and Karen, MWHF, for the first time, and they in turn introduced everyone to "Pogo", CJ's new friend. Jody recalled, "The pony was absolutely perfect, and we put on his new pink halter, tied pink ribbons in his mane and tail, and added a huge bow to his halter"

At 2 p.m., they entered the arena. CJ saw the pony, but still had no clue that this pony was hers. They make a public announcement over the microphone in front of a growing audience. Everyone listened to a special message addressed to one person in particular that was just having a little fun with her family and not expecting a big surprise.

"Ladies and gentleman, we would like to ask for your attention for a moment

while we introduce you to a very special little pony that you will see in

front of you here in the arena. First, we would like to tell you a little bit about this pony, then let you

know what it is about him that makes him so special.

We would like you all to meet Pogo. Pogo is a 12-year-old black and white

pony gelding. He is a veteran trail horse and is that one of a kind pony

that anyone can trust, love and ride. Pogo was brought here today for

something special by the Midwest Horse Welfare Foundation, your expo

organizers for 2007, along with the help of a lot of very special people

who have all pitched in to get Pogo here with us today. We would like to

thank each and every person and organization (Ivelolharele Boarding/Rescue

Retirement and Just Horses and Family), that worked together to get

Pogo here today.

Nice pony you say, but what makes him so special?

What makes Pogo so special is that he is here to meet someone today for

the first time someone who has been hoping and waiting for him for a

long time and through some very hard times. Someone who has proven to be

stronger and braver than most of us ever will have to be. This young

person does not know we have all come together today in their honor to

make this dream come true.

Somewhere in the audience today is a young lady who has shown us all that

life is worth fighting for, and it is for her that we are here today with

Pogo. Jody is here in our arena today to present Pogo , as a gift from a

lot of people who wanted to see a little girl\rquote s dream come true.

Cyanna, are you out there? Come on down into the arena and meet your

friend Jody and get your new pony!"

CJ walked up to Pogo and gave him a hug and kiss.

She was without words so she let her smiles do all of the explaining. CJ was in absolute glory hugging her very own pony and immediately turned to Jody and Bruce to thank them for her new friend.

"We hope you and Pogo have many good rides and many warm summers together.

Thank you for being with us today Cyanna. We are honored to have you here

for this special moment!" they told her as she clung to Pogo.

"A very heartfelt thank-you goes to each and every one of you involved in making this dream come true, and a very big thank-you to Jody and her

family from Ivelolharele Boarding/Rescue/Retirement facility. Jody and CJ have talked daily on the phone and this was the first time they have ever

met in person. "Jody, like CJ has told you, there are angels walking on earth and you are one of them." stated another volunteer involved with the small miracle.

Pogo lives with CJ at her house in Medford Wisconsin where she tends to him daily after school. CJ is doing well now and provides all of the love and support one special pony can handle. Pogo is financially supported by donations presented to a website "Just Family and Horses". In a follow up interview, CJ was able to answer a few questions about her big moment.

"What do you think of Pogo and what was your reaction when you first saw your pony?" I like Pogo, and I was very happy when I found out Pogo was my pony and I smiled a lot, stated this happy little girl who has every right to be smiling.

"How long have you wanted a pony?" A long time! , she claimed.

"Pogo has helped my daughter realize that life is worth fighting for, he has taught her how to ride him that he is something that will always be there no matter what and he is something that she will never let go. Every day we go out to see Pogo and if we can't ride, we still groom him and play with him," stated Tonya . "He has changed CJ so much, for she is proud to get up in the morning because she knows that bus goes pass her horse every morning and she knows after school she gets to play with him. She has learned a lot of responsibility and learned to cope with her fears," claimed mom.

What is ahead for CJ? According to Tonya, there will still be another year and a half of chemotherapy along with spinal taps every 3 months, medications every night that sometimes cause her to be sick or causes her to be sleepy. They are also waiting for results yet on the upcoming heart surgery to replace her reconstructed valve with a fake one, which has been a challenging surgery for many chemo patients.

"I would like to thank Jody and Bruce for everything they have done for my daughter to receive her big surprise. I would like to thank Scott and Karen for all their hard work in finding that one special pony for my daughter and taking time out of his busy life during their biggest event of the year 2007 horse expo to make sure that it was the perfect pony. I would like to thank that 9 yr old little girl who had to give up Pogo so CJ could have him," she stated. "Words can not describe on how much I appreciate what everyone has done for my daughter," added Tonya who finds constant support from family and friends and the kindness of strangers from across the state.

Bruce and Jody wish to express that their still is "good" in the world and humanitarian kindness can only be expressed by positive actions and how we spend time. "We were able to make a little girl's dream come true. Now when people ask us why we do what we do, (rescue and retire horses), I show them the picture of CJ, and the question is answered," stated Jody content with the good and the gifts she could bring to a little girl who in turn brought her own gifts to the Ivelolharele ranch. Her spirit is an inspiration for these horse handlers. "If we can make a difference in one little girl's life, everything we do is worth it" they proclaimed.

The owners of Ivelolharele ranch are looking ahead and planning for the future ambitions are their ranch. "I am hoping by spring to begin offering our facility to children with autism and disabled children. If we can bring a little joy, and smile to a child's face through our equine family, as we did for CJ, gives us the strength and the power to continue to help our equine friends," added Jody.

"Everyone has a purpose here on earth, we know now what our purpose is, to bring horses and children with disabilities and life-threatening illnesses together...I've learned that through CJ." Jody stated.

CJ continues to have a relationship with the people who brought her and Pogo together.

"I really like Jody, she made me a promise and kept it, and Scott, I like him because he was nice to me and helped get my Pogo

Pogo listens to me. Do you think he knows I am sick?" stated a brave and courageous child who worries more about her horse than herself.