ASPCA Blog Feed

ASPCA Assists With the Removal of Over 30 Cats from a Property in Ohio

chloe.ferney@aspca.org — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 20:19:05 +0000

At the request of Wood County Humane Society, ASPCA teams were on the ground in Wayne, Ohio, assisting with the removal of over 30 cats from the property of an overwhelmed pet owner. In collaboration with the Wood County Humane Society’s Humane Investigations Division, we removed the cats from extremely unsanitary and hazardous conditions in the home and transported them to the ASPCA Cruelty Recovery Center in Columbus, where they will receive forensic veterinary examinations, medical treatment and behavioral care.

“The ASPCA is grateful to the Wood County Humane Society for our ongoing collaboration and for their commitment to prioritizing animal welfare in their community,” said Teresa Ladner, vice president of criminal practice & investigations at the ASPCA. “We look forward to providing the rescued cats with much-needed care.”

In addition to this rescue in Ohio, our teams have recently assisted with the transport and rescue of over 60 other felines in California and New York City. In California, we helped transport 50 cats from OC Animal Care to make room for displaced and evacuated animals as the area was impacted by a chemical tank malfunction. Across the country in NYC, through our partnership with the New York City Police Department, we are caring for 14 cats, along with nine kittens who were born in our care, after they were removed from a situation of suspected cruelty. The cats are receiving medical and behavioral treatment at our Manhattan facility and we are supporting the criminal investigation.

Tags:

Animal Cruelty

Animal Relocation

Rescue Work and Field Deployments

Celebrities and Influencers Help the ASPCA Celebrate Adopt a Horse Month!

chloe.ferney@aspca.org — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 17:25:09 +0000

Adopt a Horse Month has just come to a close and we couldn’t be more grateful for the outpouring of support we received all month long. So many horses across the country are now living in safe, loving homes thanks to our community of animal (and especially horse) lovers. Among those who participated in the celebrations were some friendly faces you might recognize!

Actress and musician, Noah Cyrus, visited ASPCA Right Horse partner, Win Place Home, in Santa Clarita, California, where she got to meet adoptable horses! She also shared Instagram and TikTok collaboration posts featuring photos and videos from her visit.
Model Sam Asghari visited ASPCA Right Horse partner Wild Heart Horse Rescue where he, too, got to meet adoptable horses! He also shared an Instagram collaboration post featuring a video from his visit.
Actress Beth Behrs, actress Arielle Kebbell, actress Cindy Busby, television personality Leah Kateb and actress Olivia Taylor Dudley also shared Instagram posts featuring their virtual foster horses, while actress Ali Sweeney shared an Instagram story featuring her virtual foster horse.

Influencers also showed their support through the month on social media. Equestrian influencers Jenny Cunningham, Gabriela Reutter, Hayden Kristal, Helen Abrams, Klaire Elisabeth, Michelle Rose, Nana Kakyiri, Tori Stelma, and Nicole Brown, as well as pet influencers Scout and Buttercup and Mini Livy, and media outlet iamthirtyAF all highlighted their virtual foster horses on Instagram.

Thank you to all those who showed their support during Adopt a Horse Month! We, and the animals we serve, couldn’t be more appreciative!

Tags:

Equine Adoption

Equine Welfare

This Adopt a Shelter Cat Month, Meet Your Purr-fect Match!

sam.rosoff@aspca.org — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 17:40:19 +0000

Every June, we get to celebrate one of our favorite months: Adopt a Shelter Cat Month! We are partnering with our friends at ARM & HAMMER™ Cat Litter to help us shine a light on a few adoptable cats who could use some extra attention. If you’d like to learn more about how to help this month, visit aspca.org/meow!

These fantastic felines are available for adoption at the ASPCA Adoption Center in New York City, and they are patiently waiting to meet you! Read on to learn more about some of our favorite adoptable friends.

Kolek

This sweet boy loves to give gentle headbutts to his friends! Kolek was initially shy, but with time and some yummy treats, he has really come out of his shell. He especially enjoys playtime and happily chases after his favorite wand toys. Are you ready to see this unique feline blossom by your side? Visit his profile to learn more!

Po

No one values friendship like Po! He is looking for a calm home where his new family will offer him patience and the space he needs to open up. Soon enough, this loving boy will offer you his heart. Are you ready to find this hidden treasure? Learn more about Po over on his profile!

Juliet

Juliet is a true romantic! She adores sharing affection with her people, from cheek scratches to offering headbutts. You’ll always know how happy she is when she peacefully makes biscuits and rolls around to ask for belly rubs. She also loves to play, and she’ll energetically chase after a laser pointer! Check out Juliet’s profile to find out more about her.

Bradley

Friendly Bradley is a true cuddle bug! He adores being close to his friends, from rubbing against their legs to curling up in a comfy lap. It’s always easy to spend time with him thanks to his social nature and his love of interactive play. He also has an independent side, and he enjoys relaxing in his own space. Does Bradley sound like a purr-fect match? Visit his profile to learn how to adopt him!

If you don’t live near New York City, but you’d still like to join in on the Adopt a Shelter Cat Month festivities, there are many more adoptable animals at your local shelter! You can also visit our friends at Animal Care Centers of NYC and the Los Angeles County’s Animal Care Centers.

If you aren’t ready to adopt, you can still make a major impact for animals in need by becoming a foster caregiver! Animals like these greatly benefit from spending time in foster homes. You can foster for the ASPCA in Columbus, Ohio, Pawling, New York, New York City, Weaverville, North Carolina and Los Angeles.

Tags:

Adoptable Cats

ASPCA Adoption Center

NYC

After Being Pushed from a Window, Coral Finds a Soft Place to Land

chloe.ferney@aspca.org — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 17:28:41 +0000

Abby Coleman, Director of Staff at the ASPCA Animal Recovery Center, was in a meeting when one of our veterinarians, Dr. Armato, turned to her and asked if she was interested in adopting a cat.

Dr. Armato knew that Abby’s cat Jay-Z had recently passed away, and that Abby and her dog (a former Animal Recovery Center resident named Disco) had been grieving that loss. Knowing that the two would be interested in having a feline friend again, Dr. Armato suggested meeting a cat named Coral.

In June 2025, Coral was brought to a local veterinary hospital by a Good Samaritan who stated that she found Coral after she’d been pushed out of a window four or five stories high. Coral sustained a severe arm break and a broken tooth as a result and would need expert care and extended recovery time. Once stable, she was transferred to the Animal Recovery Center to receive continued care.

When Coral arrived at our facility, our veterinary staff triaged and assessed her to determine if they could save her broken limb and if it would heal appropriately. Ultimately, they decided the best option for her prognosis was to amputate.

With this upcoming surgery in mind and knowing that many animals recover best in a comfortable home without the stress of being in a shelter, Dr. Armato introduced Abby to Coral in hopes she might be willing to foster and eventually adopt her.

“Dr. Armato had already fallen in love with all of her quirks and really wanted to find her a good match,” Abby recalled. “After that meeting, we went down to the kennel that Coral was staying in.”

As Abby walked up to the kennel, she saw a broken cat with a kind, affectionate nature.

“Even though she had a very severe arm break, she was still super eager to be around people and be affectionate,” remembered Abby. “I felt an immediate connection with Coral, So when the opportunity to foster her arose, I was definitely up for it and excited to see if Disco was as well.”

Road to Recovery

On June 13, Coral had her surgery. For the next few days, she remained in the shelter and went through extensive physical therapy and strict cage rest. By June 19, she was ready to go to her new foster home with Abby.

For the first week or so in Abby’s care, Coral was separated from Disco so she could get used to being in a new home while healing from surgery.

“She was on a pain management medication and had an e-collar or cone, but other than that it was a pretty straightforward recovery,” Abby told us. “I had to make sure she didn’t jump around too much, which at first, was challenging because even though she just had an amputation she still had a lot of energy and was eager to move around. She was a bit more tentative at first but quickly gained confidence and is now just as confident as any other cat.”

Once Coral was feeling more like herself, Abby facilitated a meeting between her and Disco, and the two quickly took to each other. When Disco was first adopted, Abby had two cats, Beyoncé and Jay-Z, who have sadly passed since. But thanks to them, when it came to Disco meeting another cat, it was old hat by then.

It didn’t take long for Coral to feel like a member of the family, so once she was officially available for adoption in mid-July, Abby quickly filled out the paperwork to make her stay permanent.

With her new life came a new(ish) name and Coral became Coral Gloria, in honor of one of Abby’s grandmother figures.

“Her name was Gloria Gray, she went by GG and sometimes I call Coral Gloria, CG,” said Abby. “Coral also reminds me a lot of GG just in that, usually when I come home from work, she immediately leans in for a hello. GG embodied that ever-welcoming spirit too. Even though it’s a little bit clunky, I really love it and think it rolls off the tongue in a funky way.”

Dog-Like Tendencies

Since her adoption became official and she’s had time to settle in, Coral has let her true personality shine.

“I think the further away she’s gotten from her amputation, and the more physically well she’s been feeling, her personality has really come out in many ways,” explained Abby. “She’s really vocal and isn’t afraid to let you know what she wants. She’s also really affectionate.”

Now that she’s used to walking on just three legs, Coral has been testing the waters on how far she can jump or climb. Most of her climbing toys are above Abby’s bed, so if she falls, she has somewhere soft to land.

“That’s been a new experience for me too, just being mindful of what her needs are because of the amputation,” said Abby.

To add to Coral’s quirky nature, living with a dog has led her to have some classic dog traits, like the way she loves to play fetch and steal Disco’s squeaky balls and run away with them.

“I feel like Disco had been raised by cats and now Coral is being raised by him,” explained Abby. “They have this really lovely combination of typical cat and dog traits. The next level that I’m hoping to get to is — if it’s safe — get her a harness to take her outside. She seems really eager to go outside. Every time I harness up Disco she’ll jump right on top of the harness. It feels like she really wants to go with us.”

When they’re not playing, Coral is usually “cuddle bombing” Disco and even grooming him — something that took a little getting used to on Disco’s end. They also love to sleep adjacent to one another and touch paws.

“I think the only thing they don’t agree on is that Disco likes to sleep in and Coral Gloria likes to wake up early,” joked Abby.

How Fostering Saves Lives

Abby has been with the ASPCA since 2019, and during her time, she has seen firsthand how impactful fostering is to shelter animals, especially those who come from cruelty cases.

Most animals like Coral at the Animal Recovery Center are part of NYPD cases and many are considered evidence in their trials. For that reason, they often spend months in our care before we are granted custody and are able to find them the safe and loving homes they deserve.

“Fosters are so important and vital to the recovery process for these animals,” said Abby. “Sometimes a court date will be set, and it will be rescheduled for months later, so having a foster home for those animals is really vital for their ability to thrive throughout this unknown timeline. We do everything we can on our end, but the court system’s timeline is out of our hands. If an animal is in our care for months or even a year, spending the majority of that time in a foster home can really save their life.”

“The longer animals are in the shelter, the more at risk they are for their mental health to deteriorate. We do everything we possibly can to provide the animals in our care with enrichment, food, water, love, and absolutely everything they need, but it’s inherently very stressful to be in a shelter. So the more time they can spend outside in a home environment, even a temporary home, is really tremendous for their well-being and recovery.”

For those considering fostering an animal, Abby offers some advice:

“Be patient,” she suggested. “It can definitely feel like you immediately want everything to work out and the animals to be settled in, but it really does take time for the animals to settle in. The more effort you put into whatever they need, the better off they’ll be and the more bonded you’ll be with them. Try to listen to what they need and be creative with the solutions.”

It’s not just the foster animal’s life who will change, by connecting with an animal, yours might too!

“Coral and Disco have changed my life for the better,” said Abby. “I was really sad after losing Jay-Z and Beyoncé, but Coral and Disco’s special bond helped me remember the joy in life and the joy in bonds with animals. It’s really sad when you lose an animal, but to remember there’s always another animal that needs you is a helpful way to move forward, so I feel really lucky that Disco and Coral Gloria are in my life. They bring me so much happiness and I love them so much. They remind me not to take things too seriously and remember to always have fun.

“As sad as it was what both Coral and Disco went through, I feel very lucky that they get along so well and I happened to be in the right place at the right time to meet them.”

This Adopt a Shelter Cat Month, we’re aiming to help over 300 cats and kittens find the loving homes they deserve! You can help us make a lifesaving difference for more cats like Coral by getting involved this summer through adoption, fostering or by just spreading the word on your social media channels. Find out more at aspca.org/meow!

Tags:

Animal Cruelty

ASPCA Animal Hospital

Happy Tails

NYC

NYC Cruelty Victims

Adopt a Shelter Cat Month: 5 Ways to Help Cats and Kittens

chloe.ferney@aspca.org — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 15:05:47 +0000

June is here which means our Adopt a Shelter Cat Month celebrations have officially begun! We’re partnering again this year with our friends at ARM & HAMMER Cat Litter™, who are joining us to help cats and kittens find the homes they deserve. Starting June 1, we’re kicking off an extended Adopt a Shelter Cat Month campaign with a goal to help 325 cats and kittens find homes by July 31!

In order for us to make a real difference in the lives of felines, we need YOUR help. Here are five ways you can make a lifesaving impact for cats and kittens in need.

1. Adopt — Not only is June Adopt a Shelter Cat Month, it’s also the height of feline breeding season, otherwise known as kitten season, where shelters across the country are inundated with kittens. Adopting helps to relieve the pressure felt by shelters — and it means you get to bring home your new BFF! It also helps us reach our goal of finding 325 cats and kittens loving homes.

You can adopt cats and kittens through the ASPCA in New York City or Los Angeles, or through your local shelter. Meow’s the Time to take action to help cats, so join us and learn more at aspca.org/meow.

2. Foster — If you’re not ready to commit to adopting a pet just yet, try fostering! Not only does it give you the opportunity to see if you’re ready to adopt, but it gives the animals the chance to decompress outside of the shelter for a little while and experience life in a loving home. During the summer months, the need for kitten fosters is especially high, and many rescues and shelters rely on foster caregivers’ support. You can foster cats or kittens through the ASPCA in New York City or Los Angeles, or through your local shelter.

3. Donate Needed Supplies or Funds — Check in with your local shelter to see if they are requesting any donations like towels, blankets or pet food. You can also donate critical supplies through our wish lists to our Kitten Nursery in New York City and our kitten foster program in Los Angeles.

You can also consider becoming an ASPCA Guardian! Being an ASPCA Guardian is one of the easiest ways to make a difference for vulnerable animals year-round. If you’re able, your monthly donations can help us reach animals in need, at a moment’s notice, all across the country.

4. Volunteer — If you’re not in the position to donate funds, consider donating your time by volunteering! Shelters across the country, including the ASPCA Adoption Center, are always looking for volunteers. Not only are you helping out shelters in need, but you get to see adorable cats and kittens every day, what could be better? Sign up to volunteer for the ASPCA or for your local shelter today!

5. Post on Social Media — Making a big difference is only a click away. You can use your social media channels to share content and information from our social media accounts or from your local shelters. You can help adoptable animals get the visibility they need to find their loving home.

Be sure to follow us on Instagram and TikTok!

However you choose to help, we are so thankful for your dedication and support for our felines in need! To learn more about the ways in which your participation impacts cats and kittens in need, visit aspca.org/meow.

Tags:

Adoptable Cats

Partnerships

Kick Off Your Summer With These Fabulous Adoption Events!

sam.rosoff@aspca.org — Fri, 29 May 2026 19:15:34 +0000

Are you ready for fun-filled summer events? We have fantastic weekend plans for you! Come see the ASPCA at these tri-state area events — you might just meet your new best friend.

On Saturday, June 6, the ASPCA will be attending Catherine’s Butterfly Party in Newtown, Connecticut! We will be there with adoptable kittens and dogs for you to meet. The event is located at 3 Primrose St. in Newtown, and it will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Visit their website to learn more about the event!

In honor of the 10^th anniversary of Catherine’s Butterfly Party, the event has become a nationwide celebration with the "Bring Love Home — From Newtown to Your Town" campaign, inviting people across the nation to help their local shelters and rescues. Find out how you can nominate your local shelter!

On Sunday, June 7, you can also stop by the Pet Adoption Block Party hosted by Petco Love! We will be there, along with a few of our adoptable dogs. The event will take place in Union Square Park in Manhattan from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can learn more about this exciting event by visiting petco.love/blockparty!

Tags:

Adoptable Cats

Adoptable Dogs

ASPCA Adoption Center

NYC

Spring Into Summer With a New Canine Companion!

sam.rosoff@aspca.org — Fri, 29 May 2026 19:03:37 +0000

Spring is almost over, but these adorable dogs are still taking the time to enjoy every flower they see! These pups in New York City are eager to find their future families. Are you ready to meet your new best friend? Read on to learn more about them!

Puddles

Puddles is a social lady who loves being out in the world! She is always excited to see her leash, since it means she’s about to head out on an adventure. Afterwards, she’ll be happy to curl up by her favorite person’s side and get lots of pets. If you’d like to learn more about Pebbles, visit her profile!

Wembley

This clever guy loves to learn and show off his skills! Wembley is also an affectionate dog who enjoys getting hugs from his people and being the center of attention. He’s ready to be by your side, filling every day with love and loyalty! Visit his profile to learn more about him.

Pebble

This sweet girl is looking for a home where she will be able to stay both physically and mentally active! Pebble enjoys taking long walks and games of fetch with her people. She hopes to find an adopter who will help grow her confidence, too. Check out her profile to learn more!

Primrose

Primrose can’t help but show off her excitement for life with lots of wiggles and tail wags! On walks, she enjoys taking her time and sniffing the world around her. She also likes to stay busy with enrichment activities, like toys with hidden treats. Primrose is also quite smart and will enjoy learning new tricks with you! Learn more about her by visiting her profile.

Conner

Once this sweet boy settles into your home, Conner will happily show off his affectionate nature. He adoringly places his head in laps to politely ask for attention. He thrives with social connection, and he enjoys making friends with other canine pals, too. Learn how to adopt Conner by checking out his profile!

Tags:

Adoptable Dogs

ASPCA Adoption Center

NYC

ASPCA Assists Animals in California Following Toxic Chemical Tank Malfunction

chloe.ferney@aspca.org — Fri, 29 May 2026 18:34:08 +0000

On Monday, May 25, we urgently mobilized to provide on-the-ground support in response to evacuation orders following the State of Emergency declared in Garden Grove, California, due to a toxic chemical tank malfunction.

Our disaster responders provided animal sheltering support and logistical coordination for pets of families in the evacuation zone while they received temporary emergency shelter and continue to provide OC Animal Care (OCAC) with assistance at their shelter. We are also transporting unowned shelter animals who were at OC Animal Care (OCAC) prior to the incident to make more room locally for displaced and evacuated pets. Animals transported from OCAC will be placed with our network of shelter partners across the country to be made available for adoption while local resources in Orange County focus on animals most in need.

Our emergency response efforts come immediately on the heels of demobilizing from the Northern Mariana Islands where we provided critical support for over a month in response to the devastating Typhoon Sinlaku.

Tags:

Animal Relocation

Disaster Relief

Rescue Work and Field Deployments

Blessed with a Second Chance

madeleine.rolka@aspca.org — Wed, 27 May 2026 14:05:40 +0000

Douglas R., a marriage and family therapist, was on a mission to find the right horse — one calm and intuitive enough to become a trusted partner in his animal‑assisted therapy practice.

He had been leasing a retired, 20‑year‑old Dutch Warmblood from a stable near his home and had even purchased a saddle for the future horse he had in mind when his wife, Sheryll, suggested they visit Equine Affaire, a four-day equine adoption event held each spring in Ohio and each fall in Massachusetts. The couple, who live on Cape Cod, attended the Massachusetts event last November.

Walking down the rows of stables, they stopped when they saw Bless Me, also called Pepper, a 5-year-old registered Thoroughbred available for adoption from the Susquehanna SPCA, an ASPCA Right Horse Partner.

“When we left the building, I said to my wife, ‘Do you mind if we go back and look at that horse?’ Douglas recalls. “So, we looked at her again.”

Sheryll and Douglas valued Bless Me’s temperament and potential.

The couple led Bless Me to an arena near dogs, golf carts, bikes and other distractions — but she remained calm and unflappable.

“I’m the dreamer; my wife is the practical one,” Douglas says. “So, we slept on it. The next morning, I got the green light.”

Pinpointing Potential

Bless Me has a congenital stifle — an abnormality affecting her right stifle joint, equivalent to the human knee — that can make her challenging to ride.

She was transferred to the Susquehanna SPCA by another ASPCA Right Horse Partner, Lollypop Farm, the Humane Society of Greater Rochester, who received her from a horse therapy group because she wasn't a good fit for their particular program.

But Bless Me’s gentle spirit and temperament turned out to be just what Douglas was looking for.

“She has a slight hitch on her right side — the subtlest thing,” Douglas says. “But we weren’t hesitant to take a horse with a lameness issue.”

Allison Hungerford, director of communications at Susquehanna SPCA, says Bless Me’s adoption was especially meaningful because what made her a less ideal candidate for other therapy programs was not a priority for Douglas and Sheryll.

“They recognized and valued her temperament, age and potential to grow into a non-riding therapeutic role,” says Allison. “Horses like Bless Me are not just pasture potatoes — many are just looking for a new beginning. Her adoption is a strong reminder that there truly is a right person for every horse.”

Benefits of a Partnership

Susquehanna SPCA has been an ASPCA Right Horse partner since December 2023. In 2025, they placed 35 equines, six more than the year before.

Samantha Ceresna, Susquehanna SPCA’s farm manager, with Bless Me, also known as Pepper, just after her adoption was made official.

“Having access to the network of other rescues and shelters in this partnership and communicating with experts at the ASPCA when we confront hurdles is incredibly helpful,” says Allison. “The Right Horse team helped us mold our equine adoption program into what it is today.”

Initially, Susquehanna SPCA leased a small farm with capacity for four horses. Last fall, they purchased a farm, expanding their capacity to help more horses in the years ahead.

Equine Connection in Therapy

Since adopting Bless Me, Douglas says she has gained weight, and she lives at a barn with covered and outdoor arenas. She has her own paddock, has turnout every day and comes in at night.

“There are about 30 horses on the property, so Bless Me has lots of company,” says Douglas.

A trainer works with Bless Me five days a week. Douglas sees her up to four days a week and has shared her story with his clients.

Bless Me loves to nap in the snow.

“A handful of my clients are part of the Bless Me fan club,” he says. “Hearing her story prompted their reflection and a restored sense of possibility. In one case, a client opened up in ways that had not been achievable through traditional interpersonal connections.

“Significant loss can lead individuals to suppress emotional engagement as a protective mechanism, and while some gradually regain this engagement, others do not,” Douglas explains. “For these individuals, connection with an animal — particularly a horse — can facilitate a renewed capacity for trust and interaction. That connection can help reopen pathways to trust and emotional connection after loss.”

Making Strides

Despite being considered a non-riding companion, Bless Me recently handled a lightweight, experienced student rider without any signs of lameness.

“It was her first ride without being led by a trainer, and she made the arena loop five times all on her own,” Douglas says proudly. “She always comes over to greet me when I arrive at the barn.”

Douglas taught Bless Me how to back up on a voice cue in 10 minutes by holding up one finger.

“We employ consistency and continuity; everything should be fun,” Douglas says. “She’s smart and sensitive; you don’t need to be tough on her.

“She’s the star of the barn, and everyone’s interested in her progress,” he adds. “We’re looking forward to a great summer with her.”

Inspired to adopt? Visit myrighthorse.org to browse hundreds of adoptable horses today.

Tags:

Shelter Collaboration

A Last-Minute Chance, a Lifetime Match

madeleine.rolka@aspca.org — Wed, 20 May 2026 14:23:37 +0000

Bud, a 28-year-old registered Missouri Fox Trotter, had barely warmed his hooves at the 2025 Equine Affaire adoption event before he stole someone’s heart. In less than a day, his future adopter knew: This was her right horse.

Equine Affaire featured dozens of adoptable horses — including many from ASPCA Right Horse Partners like MSPCA at Nevins Farm. The staff hadn’t originally planned to bring Bud to the four-day, horse‑lover’s paradise held each spring in Ohio and each fall in Massachusetts, but Bud’s last-minute appearance turned out to be exactly where he was meant to be.

“Bud was new with us and needed to put on a good bit of weight to reach his ideal body condition,” says the MSPCA’s Erika Tonnon, equine and farm animal placement coordinator for Nevins Farm. “However, when two of our other horses couldn’t handle the environment and had to be sent back to the farm, we decided to take a chance with Bud, hoping the exposure would benefit him.”

Described as a kind soul who “goes with the flow,” Bud took the adventure in stride. It paid off.

Amber D., a horse lover who lives in New Hampshire, initially shrugged off Bud because he was older, but as she walked through the barn with a friend, she couldn’t help being drawn to him.

“He was quietly eating and looked up at me,” Amber says. “And he looked so cute, like a little man. I walked him around to get a feel for his disposition. He was calm and collected.”

Amber adopted Bud and picked him up the next day at Nevins Farm.

“Amber somehow knew Bud was the right fit,” says Erika. “His adoption was one of the first that weekend — a serendipitous moment for a horse who almost didn’t attend.”

A New Chapter and the Right Companion

In his 28 years, Bud has weathered plenty of seasons — and a few turning points. When his previous owner fell ill and could no longer care for him, Bud’s next chapter was suddenly uncertain.

It didn’t take long for Amber to see into his past.

“You can tell he’s been loved; he’s got personality,” she says. “He’s incredibly sweet. He laid his head on me, and I rubbed his neck.”

Bud and Finn, with Amber at left, are close companions.

Amber had adopted Finn, a 31-year-old American Paint and retired show horse, 15 years earlier.

“Finn was lonely,” Amber explains. “I thought I needed another show horse, but what I really needed was the right companion.”

A Lifetime with Horses

Amber has had horses since she was 5.

“I asked for a pony for Christmas and got one,” she says. “We’ve always rescued or adopted.”

Amber describes her home as a “zoo,” which includes a chocolate Labrador Retriever, Waylon; a Beagle/Australian Cattle Dog mix named Willie; a cat named Daffodil; and several fish for her son, Chase, who is 6 and has been riding horses since he was a baby. The household also includes her husband, James.

Six-year-old Chase enjoys feeding Bud and giving him treats.

Amber describes her menagerie as a hobby above all else.

“I still ride Finn; I took him out of retirement and showed him last year for the first time in a while,” Amber says. “And I’m excited to ride Bud. He’s going to be comfortable.”

Building Connections, One Horse at a Time

Erika at the MSPCA enjoys hearing from adopters and is thrilled at Bud’s outcome.

“It’s hard to fully express just how important events like Equine Affaire are to our farm animal program,” she says. “It’s more than just adoptions; we make connections.”

“Past adopters visit the event and seek us out to let us know how happy they are with the equines they adopted from us,” she says. “We’ve spoken to people who adopted from us anywhere from a few months back to 20 years ago.”

“Being able to connect with other rescues at this and other Right Horse events is so valuable,” Erika adds. “It’s nice for our partners to celebrate our wins with us, and to understand our struggles, because we know they truly get it.”

Bud Bounces Back

Amber’s first mission with Bud was simple and practical: helping him get back to his ideal weight and settle into his new life.

“He was a 3 on a scale of 1 to 9; he was skinny,” she says. “They trimmed his hooves at Equine Affaire, but he was still weak. By March, he’d gained nearly 600 pounds and can now stand by himself for the farrier.”

Because Bud has bad teeth and is missing some, he gets a mash diet, carrots, apples and soft treats.

“When you give Bud a cookie, he’ll roll his tongue and suck on it, then curl it under,” Amber explains. “He’s a hoot.”

Inspired to adopt? Visit myrighthorse.org to browse hundreds of adoptable horses today.

Tags:

Equine Adoption

Equine Welfare

Happy Tails

Shelter Collaboration