Candy stolen from Houston April 17, 2003 RECOVERED JULY 8, 2004

Candy stolen from Houston April 17, 2003 RECOVERED JULY 8, 2004

05 April 2013

Candy- stolen from Houston April 17, 2003 RECOVERED JULY 8, 2004 up to $10,000 Reward

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Hi, Jessica! You did an interview with me about my stolen horse CANDY on April 23, 2003 & said to let you know if there's any updates. Well SHE HAS BEEN FOUND & is now in Harris County Police custody. There will be a hearing this Thursday @ 11am at the following location: Harris County Annex 7300 North Shepherd Houston

I would very much love for you to do a follow-up story on this! After nearly 63 weeks, I am nearly reunited with my special friend "CANDY"! I don't know the stipulations on media coverage, but I think this story would be great because of the happy ending. With all the bad news going on in the world today, it would be wonderful to do a story on something good! I have to go to the Harris County Livestock location before the hearing so I can make the 100% positive identification myself, but with the close up photos and description from me to our P.I. & law enforcement, they are certain this IS my horse. I would also like to share a website with you, that would show you how SERIOUS Horse Theft is! This affects 40,000-55,000 horses in this country annually! Many more have been stolen in the Houston area since my little horse. Here's the link: http://www.NetPosse.info The lady who founded this organization, Debi Metcalfe, has been such an emotional shoulder & full of support for me! She founded this organization after her horse "IDAHO" was stolen & was recovered after 51 weeks of searching. I could not have done this without her help ! Jessica-can you help? My husband & I now live in Round Rock/Austin area but I will be in Houston for this hearing with all the proof of ownership papers the court wants! You can reach me at the phone # 's listed at the end of this transmission. Thanks for your time & I really hope you can be there for this joyous occasion! Sincerely, Cheryl Snyder 2306 Amanda Cove Round Rock, TX 78681 (h) 512-388-2654

SHI Tell The World - July 8, 2004 Like Taking Candy Candy's link: http://www.NetPosse.info/stolenmissing/stolencandytxapril2003.htm

Houston, TX - On April 17, 2003 a horse named Candy was taken from a Houston area farm. Cheryl Snyder has been hooked to the Internet for more than a year.

Today after knowing the big news since last week I am finally able to tell you what I have been dying too...CANDY IS WITH CHERYL AGAIN!!!!! Another SHI flyer did it's work again, even after 63 months! It has been so hard not to spill the beans on this one before it was time!!!!

The short story is a woman in her 40's bought her first horse. A couple of months after she purchased this horse someone brought her a flyer that said her new horse was stolen. She is an honest woman so she painfully picked up the phone and called the number on the flyer.

Today Cheryl went to a Texas courthouse to claim Candy. Tonight I got the long awaited call from Cheryl, with Candy in hand. What a wonderful feeling!!!!!

Thank you all that helped in any way in the search for Candy. The flyer that identified Candy was one of the earlier ones (I think) so you never know what good can come of posting one flyer. I always say, "Never underestimate the power of one", and "I never give up!". I am so glad so many of you didn't either. Email Keeps Coming - Read the comments below from joyous people around the world. If you would like to add to the list email your comment to idahonc@aol.com Write Candy Comment in the subject line

July 8, 2004

Debi, The story on Cheryl Snyder's horse should be posted on our website http://www.abc13.com/ by tomorrow morning. Thanks for your interest, Jessica

Notes from the world on recovery July 9, 2004 It was late, and I was tired and in a bad mood when I downloaded my mail, and then found my spirits soaring reading this news! I can hardly believe this! I've seen Cheryl on various lists over the time since Candy was taken, and knew that her heartbreak was growing with each passing day. I'm overjoyed that they have finally been reunited!! Roberta

Thank the Lord, I know Cheryl was out of her mind and now hopefully you can get some more home Debi. God bless that lady and I hope someone does something nice for her.

SEE !!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is why SHI can NEVER be closed down. We need to include these success stories in your special. Kelly

WAY TO GO GUYS!!!! WAY TO GO HUGS Bonnie

Congratulations on Candy recovery. You do good work!

Darlene Geiser

I am sitting here in tears ... I AM SO HAPPY!!!!! I know how diligently Cheryl was looking for Candy ... How the Faithful are Rewarded! Stories like this are rays of sunshine and glimmers of hope for the others out there!
NEVER GIVE UP!!!!
I can't wait to here the whole story, but I am sure that Cheryl is probably w/Candy know just thinking that it's all a dream! PINCH YOURSELF! AND ENJOY IT! Thank God for the HONEST people out there!
Angela in AL

Thank God for all of the people who help find horses & thank God for the honest lady who had bought Candy! Moe

Notes from the world on recovery July 9, 2004 Just a thought but I think an effort should be made through emails or whatever means to applaud the honest people in this world like the woman who gave up Candy. If she has an email address or if you have her name, I would love to write her and tell her how great it was what she did and how sorry I am for HER loss. It would be heartbreaking for someone top come to me and tell me that my first horse was stolen and has to go back. I would be out not just the money but the love I gave the horse and would probably feel really reluctant to buy another horse. One really bad experience can really ruin things fast for a person and we need as many horse advocates in the world as possible. As you said before, the horse owner is not the only victim of the theft. I think if the people who turn over theses animals had many pats on the back, they may not feel so bad. Like I said, just a thought...!

THAT IS THE BEST NEWS I'VE HEARD IN A LONG TIME. WOW...WONDERFUL...TERRIFIC.!!!

PatsyI have just gotten off the phone with Cheryl Snyder. She told me that Candy has been located and she has been returned to Cheryl. I am just overjoyed at this news. Candy has been missing for 63 weeks. Cheryl was elated! She told me Candy was in need of minor vet care, but otherwise is in wonderful condition. We will have further updates coming soon. Cheryl did say that there is a suspect that is being investigated. There is an ongoing investigation witht he Fort Bend County and Harris County Police Departments. Congratulations Cheryl and Paul. We know this is the best news you have had in a very long time. Give Candy a hug for all of us with Arkansas Stolen Horse. Cheryl also expressed heartfelt thanks and gratitude for everyone that has help in searching for Candy! Keep up the good work guys! It does work! Barbara

How very, very exciting to hear about Candy's return home. My hat is off to all involved: including the very honest woman who thought she'd bought a legitimate horse. Good for her and her conviction if character. I hope that she has some recourse in possibly getting her money back, as well as the thief getting their come-up-ance!! Keep up the good work, y'all! Best regards, Bruce

This is terrific news! Now, I can take down Candy's flyers - everyone will be thrilled!!!

How very, very exciting to hear about Candy's return home. My hat is off to all involved: including the very honest woman who thought she'd bought a legitimate horse. Good for her and her conviction if character. I hope that she has some recourse in possibly getting her money back, as well as the thief getting their come-up-ance!! Keep up the good work, y'all! Best regards, Bruce

July 10, 2004

Whether it be one day or 10 years, the time to the owner of a stolen/missing horse is torment. Each second that passes is filled with the horrible doubts and fears of where they are and how they are being treated. It is pure & simple torment. I can liken it only to one thing, and that would be the fears and torments of a parent with a missing child. And the reunions are filled with many of the same emotions. There is nothing like the love we have for our children. And to many of us, the bond with our horses is about as close as it comes to the emotions we have for our children.

I think it's wonderful what this lady has done. You know it had to have torn her heart out to make the call to Cheryl. But she did the right thing and made that call. She will be blessed for what she did.

Barbara And for those of you have not done it yet....I micro chipped all four of my horses. I want no iscrepancies if something should happen to them that they are mine! Happy Trails all!

Deb

Previous letters and updates from Cheryl:

Adobe Acrobat flyer here. Must have Adobe Acrobat Reader. Free download available on main SHI page.
(This chronology helps you understand the victims viewpoint when a very special horse is stolen.)

Subj: Re: "CANDY"-STOLEN HORSE FLYER Date: 6/17/2003 From: cazs6969@hotmail.com

Hi, Debi :) Last night my husband & I went to our first meeting with the Greater Houston Horse Council (GHHC), and the guest speaker was Butch Davis with the TX. Cattleraisers Assn., and with all the territories he's responsible for, he was well aware of CANDY and has viewed her flyer online.

I spoke with him briefly after the meeting & he wants me to send him a copy of the "bill of sale", and any other papers we have to show proof of ownership.

There was also another lady there, who lives 17 miles away from where CANDY was stolen from, & said that she does not want to give me false hope but she noticed a pretty little horse in a pasture near her & she would take her horse for a ride there today & see if she can get a closer look. Of course I realize not to put all my feelings on this but I feel "hopeful".

Did I ask you if I can get your book through "pay-pal"? Thursday is payday & I want to get your book & get more information on how you were feeling during your search, and what tip led you to finding your precious horse IDAHO.

I assure you, that when we DO find CANDY, she will be fully examined by her vet at Katy Equine, which will include a pregnancy test, and THEN she will be guarded around the clock until she is branded.

Among the things that I've been doing within driving distance, is going to local shows & talking with people & giving them flyers.

One of the questions I get from time to time is, "when are you going to give up & just get another horse"? Here are the two responses I always give: (1) I WILL GO TO MY GRAVE LOOKING FOR HER, and (2) IF YOUR DAUGHTER WAS STOLEN FROM YOUR SHOPPING CART, WOULD YOU JUST GIVE UP AND GO HOME, GET PREGNANT AGAIN AND HAVE ANOTHER BABY TO TAKE THEIR PLACE?

These responses ALWAYS make these people shut up & walk away-they are the ones who do not understand how strong the bond is between Candy & me, or even the bond between you & your special animal friend.

I have an idea of just how devastated a parent is when their child is abducted. They do not give up their search and neither will I! My husband says that he has seen such a determination in me that he admires and that he will help and support me in any decision I make within our financial means to find CANDY.

Today marks day # 61...for each day she is missing I read that particular numbered psalm in the Bible for comfort, and there is always something that "jumps out" at me. There are also a few "spiritual email friends" who are there for me.

But I would say the biggest emotional supporters would be my Mother, Step-dad, my husband & my two brothers-all of my family lives in San Diego, California & we live here in Houston, Texas. Anyway, sorry to talk so long, but sometimes you just have to do "as the Spirit moves you"...

I'll be keeping you posted on these recent developments. I have not had a chance to work on the draft letter to "Good Morning America" since these recent developments came up. I still think it's a good idea to inform them of the horse theft in the USA-maybe other citizens will come forward & get involved. Even when we find "CANDY" I will continue to stay involved as much as possible in helping others in their searches... Thanks for listening... :) Cheryl

Subj: Re: "CANDY"-STOLEN HORSE FLYER Date: 6/9/2003 7:57:13 AM Eastern Standard Time From: cazs6969@hotmail.com
Hi, Debi :)

Good to hear from you. No definite leads but sheriffs in two different counties are being very helpful. I speak with them either daily or every other day, just depends on if they are in the office, out in the field, etc. They do call me at work if it's between 10pm-7am (my Wal-Mart shift-I'm an overnight stocker).

There are a few things that are being checked into, but full details cannot be given to me until more investigating is completed. The reason I say that is because part of this has to do with the reward money.

The Houston Crimestoppers is offering up to $1,000.00-the next two thousand dollars will be paid by me, but this is how it's coming: $500 from myself and my husband; $500 from my brother Tony in California; $500 from a friend of my brother Tony in California, and $500 from Sandy & Mike Clark (my husband's ex-boss but we are all still friends-he just got a better job in Austin, Texas). Here's the rest of the information as I know it: A lady named Lynda had called me several times & emailed me, etc. & offered UP TO $7,500.00 for the safe return/arrest, conviction of those responsible, etc. She had also offered UP TO $5,000.00 for ANOTHER stolen horse from Houston named "SINATRA"-a big, beautiful 16.2 hand Clydesdale-paint markings.

Within the past two weeks, Lynda is not returning phone calls, is nowhere to be found, and is not answering emails. She is being investigated right now & that's what the sheriff is not going into details on-I have to respect his position and not be a pain in the ass. So, I don't know how you want to word the reward $$$ on "CANDY's" flyer, but I think leaving Lynda's name OFF right now may be the right thing to do, until I get more info. from the sheriff. I did tell him that I've been emailing and regular postal mailing a ton of flyers and can I be arrested for "fraud" in case Lynda does not come through on HER end? He said ABSOLUTELY NOT!!! After all, the flyers say "UP TO...", and it will be up to HER to come up with what she promised. And wouldn't you know, I can't seem to locate the page I printed out from her that proves what she said. If you want to check out her "promise" on the other horse SINATRA, here's where you can find it: www.hideoutstables.com On the front page is "missing horses" with his photo there. Just click on this horse & his info. will come up. Incredibly, the flyer she HAD there on CANDY has been REMOVED...something's going on, and today is day # 53. I would like to give the Ft.Bend County Sheriff and the Houston P.D. the opportunity to do their jobs without complicating things. So, before you actually write HOW the reward is to be paid, email me, OK? Thanks-Oh, and the $2,000.00 part of "CANDY'S" reward will be paid in CASH.

On another note, the weekend of June 14-15 is a Texas Reining Show at a local equestrian center that my husband & I will be attending with more flyers.

We've already posted flyers ALL OVER this equestrian center & there was a Hunter-Jumper show this past weekend there & we were there, passed out flyers, talked with folks & MOST people were very nice, asked questions & took flyers. The few that were very snobby have NO idea what the words, "HUMBLE, PERSISTENCE, DETERMINATION AND REAL LOVE FOR MY HORSE" means! We KNOW that the "good 'ol boys" in the reining community will be a lot more cordial and helpful :)

Our poor printer is sure getting a serious workout! Thanks again for your help-looking forward to talking with you & will let you know what I find out from the sheriff's department. I have gotten lots of calls from people who have seen Candy's flyers at feed stores, convenience stores, online AND on the internet!

So the word is out all over-I have even been in touch by phone and emails on several occasions with Mr. Larry Gray, head of law enforcement with the Texas Cattleraisers Association-sent him flyers, got information, and no matter what I am hearing, I truly believe that he is GENUINE with wanting to help find Candy, and offering assistance. Matter of fact, there is a local organization here called GHHC (Greater Houston Horse Council). I am attending my first meeting on June 16-the guest speaker is Mr. Butch Davis of the Tx.Cattleraisers Assn...guess my new motto is: "Have flyers will travel"!

My time is extremely limited between the time I get off work in the morning and when I lay down for my work nap, which is about 6 hours, so I'm cramming everything possible in during these hours. Even finding telephone poles to staple-gun flyers to is a challenge. And I asked if it's illegal to do this & the sheriff says, "no, not that I'm aware of-you go ahead & do it!" So, looks like I have complete help with the two different sheriff's offices, so I'll be paging them here shortly. I have to go over & pick up my truck at the repair shop, so I want to be sure I'm HERE before I page the cops :)
Thanks again for your help-I really have been meaning to order your book, and I'll do that on payday next week. Do you accept "paypal" for this? If not, I'll send you a postal money order. Talk with you soon,,,,,,,,,,,,,Cheryl
Just letting you know there is still no word of my horse "CANDY" that was stolen on 4/17/03 from the Slater Ranch in Orchard, TX. The reward fund for her SAFE return and apprehension/conviction of those responsible for her "horse-napping" is now $10,500.00 CASH.

We have been blanketing all the areas of Orchard/Simonton/Fullshear/Austin/Houston with flyers, and even channel 11 did an interview with me two weekends ago at a bookstore in Northwest Mall, where "the pet psychic" Sonya Fitzpatrick was doing a book signing. Some friends at my work have seen me on channel 13 and channel 11 news, and also a Crimestoppers segment.

Meanwhile, my husband and I are COMPLETELY HEARTBROKEN and still searching/sending emails and calling vets, ranches, and whatever else we can do within our budget. I'm really drawn to the idea of an "open letter to the thieves", but don't know exactly how to go about this.

Please feel free to call me anytime @ 281-829-9046, or email me.

Your friend, Cheryl A. Snyder-Houston, TX.

* "One source says 40,000 to 55,000 are stolen each year." - These numbers are based on a study done in the late 90's. There are no current numbers available.

 

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