About Patch's Place
Why "Patch's Place?"
During his childhood in west Texas, my father, raised in a financially struggling family, used to tell us the story of his dog. When he was about 6 or 7, he was forced to abandon his dog on a desolate highway, in the middle of nowhere, between their town and a neighboring one. He tearfully parted ways with his dog on that lonely highway. Eventually, his mother relented, allowing him to retrieve the dog on their way back home. Using his own money, that he made from collecting soda bottles, he purchased bologna, planning to pick his dog back up, only to find it had tragically been killed, hit by a car. This story touched me deeply.
Growing up, my father, always made sure our pets were cared, and my mom and dad always allowed me to take in all the strays. My dad would sing this song to my sister and me from Clarence Carpenter, "Patches," which goes, "I was born on a farm way back up in the woods. I was so ragged that folks used to call me Patches." It had always been my dream to honor his dog by opening up a rescue to save the ones that could be saved, so the name seemed fitting. To my dad, his dog, and all the Patch's of the world, this one is for you!
Why Horses?
During my upbringing, spending time around or on horses provided the rare moments when my mind could truly unwind. It was the singular place where I could clear my head, alleviate anxiety, and slow down my thoughts to focus solely on the present. Although I later discovered I had severe ADD, back then, horses were simply my sanctuary. Growing up with an innate love for these magnificent creatures, I seized every opportunity to ride and be in their company.
Upon having my first child, I knew instantly that he was what most people call "atypical." He struggled with speech, was diagnosed as a social mute, and later with autism. Despite these challenges, his affinity for animals was evident, prompting me to enroll him in a therapeutic riding program at the age of 3. Remarkably, within weeks of starting the program, transformative changes occurred—he began to speak, and tolerate peer companionship more. Witnessing the profound bond between him and the horse, and observing their communication and understanding of each other, was nothing short of extraordinary. The connection I saw not only in him but in other children undergoing therapy was truly impactful. While I had always cherished and felt drawn to horses, this experience deepened my understanding of their role in human well-being and healing. Motivated by this newfound insight, and by my own connection to horses and my health, I delved into researching animal behavior and communication, further uncovering the holistic healing benefits horses offer. My goal is to share this knowledge and these experiences with others.
Why Draft Rescue Horses with Special Medical Needs?
The impactful words, "If I were a horse, I would have been put down at birth," uttered by my eldest son, offered an insightful perspective. This came up as we administered allergy pills to Leo, his beloved horse, as he was empathizing with Leo on how they both have allergies. The deep connection between them is strong, but even stronger because they navigate similar health challenges. This revelation struck me deeply, especially considering our two horses at the time faced medical issues, some similar to those of our children.
We have always believed that animals are part of the family, so we reassured our children on the well-being of our horses and that we would grant them a dignified end when the time came, echoing our philosophy toward animals and undue suffering.
During the fall of 2021, fate led us to a pair of bonded Belgian draft horses teetering on the brink of being sent to a slaughterhouse in Mexico. The mere idea of these gentle souls meeting such a fate solely due to their age and perceived usefulness shattered our hearts. Choosing to adopt them was an easy decision. Bill and Mitch, despite their challenging past, exuded gentleness that touched our hearts deeply. Our journey of understanding their traumas fueled our determination to help them heal.
As we delved into their stories, we uncovered the unsettling reality of draft horses being commodified for meat and cosmetics, separated from their bonded counterparts, or sold to slaughter due to age or perceived inability to work. This revelation highlighted the urgency of providing a sanctuary, especially for medically fragile or aging draft horses, offering them a haven after years of toil.
Inspired by the transformative bond between individuals and horses, as witnessed in our own family, we embarked on a mission. Our goal is to create a sanctuary for medically vulnerable draft horses and establish a wellness center, enabling others to experience the profound connection and therapeutic benefits of horses.
This not only guarantees that these remarkable animals secure the forever home and life they deserve but also empowers rescues to persist in rescuing horses from slaughter, providing space for fostering, while those with enduring needs can now have a permanent home.
Leadership
