Cattle dogs are bred to boss around and direct 1,000 lb animals. While we weren’t Bluey’s livestock, he directed us to our calling over his 3 short years with us. He herded us so well! Bluey was our first baby, he brought peace and wholeness to our little household. These dogs have a way about them, getting you to do what they want and, here we are, continuing the work he started.

We packed up and moved from our little townhouse in Elizabeth City to Currituck County, North Carolina so that Bluey would have more land to run and play. We rescued our first horse, Billy, so Bluey could have the full cattle dog experience and enjoy the farm life. We never would have imagined the impact that that cattle dog and horse would have on our future. Bluey knew his time here was going to be short and I believe he knew we would do all we could to save him and He let us try, gosh did we try. He made sure the last thing he did with us at our home after losing his sight and strength in his back legs, was to walk all the way out to Billy’s paddock to say goodbye. They slowly nuzzled noses how old friends give a big hug and for the first time, he didn’t nip him!

Bluey’s hope 4 horses started out of a desperate need. The urgency you feel when someone reaches out to you for help and you get a picture like we got of Chance. So many people assume “someone else will help.” The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are really few. We’re here to be that someone.  We do not have volunteers yet, donors, or all of the answers but we’re here. We’ve rescued 11 horses and 3 cattle dogs over this short period of time and with your help, imagine what we can do together. We can’t wait to see how you all get plugged in and make this rescue something really meaningful and really impactful.

Our most urgent need at this time is get the word out and start raising funds. Building up our rescue fund is crucial so that we are prepared when we get these calls and not scrambling to do fundraisers while their condition could be going downhill in the waiting. When we take in a horse, they need to be transported, checked into a quarantine facility, seen by a vet immediately, as well as farrier care. It may be a local owner surrender, a horse in the auction or slaughter pipeline that just needs a chance, or a horse needing rehabilitation and some training. We prefer saving these horses at the auctions so there are less for the kill buyer to buy. We want to shine a light on the value that these lives have. Its very common for horse owners to care for their horses in their prime, when they’re young and competing. Some believe, you’d be surprised how many, that horses not in competition possess zero value. They care for them as long as they are performing for them. What a sad, selfish, one sided relationship. We believe every horse has value and we will do everything we can to help them under the guidance of veterinary experts. Let’s change our outlooks and help spread awareness.

We can do this ♥️ One life at a time.