PFAFFTOWN, N.C. — In a small oasis in Pfafftown, North Carolina lies a sanctuary of second chances.
It's a place where forlorn pets walk a new path. The small farm in the woods is a non-profit called HERO -- the Horse Education and Rescue Organization.
"HERO started with a mission of helping equines in the state of NC who have been neglected, abused or abandoned, and our goal is to rehabilitate them and give them a better life," said adoption and foster coordinator Tiffany Barry.
Barry knows the better life for these horses begins with bad situations. For 12 years, HERO has worked with neighbors, law enforcement and animal control to find and rescue horses from abusive homes all across the state.
At any point, it houses a handful to a dozen horses in the quarantine barn and foster barns. Two of the most recent cases are mother-son duo Ruby and Rhett, found wandering through King and looking like skin and bones.
Now, they look like totally different horses.
"I think that's the greatest thing. To see them come from horrible circumstances and bringing them back to the horse they were meant to be, that's the best thing," said trainer Charity Sajnacki.
Usually, TLC and patience work wonders, but sometimes the abuse is too severe.
"The thing that helps us when we do have that situation where no matter what we do the horse doesn't make it (is knowing) we made the best last months of his life. That's what makes it all worth it," Barry said.
Continuing the mission requires resources -- a lot of them. Each horse costs approximately $450 per month for stabling, food and veterinary care. Some stay weeks and others need months for rehabilitation.
So, HERO depends on heroes to the legwork, as it's an all-volunteer organization. There are eight board members and a few additional helpers who work with the horses.
"The problem is we need more volunteers. Because so many of us wear many hats. We have more than one duty," Barry said.
Ideally, the organization would like two volunteers at a time twice per day, seven days a week to care for the horses. And, it needs 12 people to volunteer to work each upcoming horse show. It also would like to recruit handy volunteers to plan and manage an expansion.
The reward, Barry and Sajnacki attest, is personal fulfillment.
"Horses are incredible emotional creatures, and I think people don't realize that. They can bring out a part of you I think most people don't know exists," Sajnacki said.
They touch souls and open hearts...one hoofprint at a time.
"They can't help what people have done to them," Barry said. "In helping the horses, I truly believe you help yourself."
The locations of HERO's facilities are confidential, because most of the horses are involved in pending animal abuse cases. Approved and trained volunteers will receive necessary information.
To donate or send in an application by mail:
- HERO
- P.O. Box 11045
- Winston-Salem, NC 27116
