June 22, 2015
Thank you for all you do. You serve as a resource for those of us wishing to learn more to better care for the equines in our families. Today, I want to write to you to tell you my equine adoption story. Six years ago, I met the man of my dreams, married and moved from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania down to Benson, North Carolina, which is a small rural town outside of Raleigh. It was a big adjustment, from city life to a small farming community. I was now the proud owner of a small farm, with a beautiful barn and two pastures, but no experience or even thought of equines.  
 Recently, a friend had a donkey that needed a soft place to land, and we took her in. I didn’t know she was not really used to people, so I’ve been, with my limited experience, working with her to get her to trust me. It’s two steps forward, one step back. My husband and I knew she needed a companion, so after extensive research, we decided to visit Pasture Pals Equine Rescue, Inc., located in Clayton, North Carolina.  
 Our first visit, we met Alex and Keith, and toured their facility. It was clear from the moment we met that they had a heart for all of God’s creatures, but especially those of the equine variety. We heard the stories of the beautiful horses who had been starved and beaten, or just left to their own devices, and saw how Pasture Pals had brought them back to their former splendor. We learned about their process and found it to be sound and above reproach financially. The most important thing we learned was that they do so much with so little. They don’t take a salary – everything they take in goes into the animals in their care. They would literally give the food off of their plate to feed one of their animals.  
 We decided to adopt Buck, an 18-year-old thoroughbred who had literally been on the brink of death when Pasture Pals ER intervened. The photos of him when he arrived showed skin and bones, and his hoofs were in terrible shape. The vet said he probably wouldn’t make it, but Buck, and Alex, had other ideas. They did NOT give up, and sat up with him for long hours as he slowly healed and recovered. One of the things that impressed me most was that I received an extremely detailed list of each and every item used in Buck’s care. I knew exactly, from the day he arrived, what had been given to him, done to him, and the cost that went into it. That shows me the care that goes into not only the animals themselves, but also ensuring that accurate records are kept. This is the sign of a quality nonprofit organization.  
 We applied, and were accepted, and Alex and Keith delivered Buck to us a couple of weeks ago. I know it was especially difficult for them to see him go, but they knew he would have a forever home. He has been thriving, and seems to love his new home, and his new barn. He’s learning, and we are learning. Being new to the equine world, I have been struggling to work with Penny, my new donkey. Even though Alex and Keith had nothing to do with her coming to me, they continue to give me advice, guidance, and even came out to help me get her feet done. It was nothing they needed to do, but again, it is all about the animals to them.  
 I literally feel there is nothing they would not do for an animal in need. I know all of the rescues you are considering love their animals, and they are all deserving of this generous gift you are offering. I just ask you to consider Pasture Pals because I know they are responsible with funds, but they just don’t go far enough. I know Alex, who suffers from rheumatoid arthritis so badly that she limps, among other ailments, gives up medical treatments she desperately needs in order to help the animals. She has never directly said this, but I know it’s true. I would love to give her a bit of a “break” from having to worry about the next check she has to write. Please consider Pasture Pals. Many thanks for your time. Susan and Greg Nelson