Meet Phinneas and Steven

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These two incredible survivors have spent over 100 hours together in the past 24 months — both healing, growing, and learning to trust again.

Phinneas is a young horse rescued from an abusive situation. Steven is a teenager who has experienced unimaginable loss. Together, they embody the spirit of our mission at Robin’s Nest: We rescue them. They save us.

How does our work at Robin’s Nest happen?

We are a sanctuary for animals who have suffered severe abuse or neglect. We provide them with critical care and a forever home where they can heal. Currently, Robin’s Nest is home to 20 such animal survivors.

In return, these animals give back in profound ways — offering comfort, companionship, and healing through the powerful bond between animals and humans. For Phinneas and Steven, this bond has been life-changing.

Steven’s Journey

Steven’s story began when his mother, Tonya, saw our call for volunteers in a local community forum. At the time, Steven was 16 years old, struggling with depression, anxiety, and the deep grief of losing his father, two grandparents, an uncle, three childhood friends, and his beloved Australian Shepherd, Jake — all in the span of just a few years.

Steven was isolated, falling behind in school, and suffering from PTSD, including night terrors. He needed help, and that’s when he found Robin’s Nest — and Phinneas.

Phinneas’s Story

Meanwhile, Phinneas’s journey to Robin’s Nest was equally heartbreaking. At just two years old, he had been sent to a kill pen in Louisiana, a cruel industry that exploits animals for profit. Phinneas was underweight, frightened, and in desperate need of care. After rescuing him from that terrible situation, we brought Phinneas and his companion donkey to Robin’s Nest, where he began to heal physically and emotionally.

And heal, he did — in his own quiet way. As Phinneas gained trust, weight, and confidence, he became a central part of our sanctuary, helping to inspire others like Steven.

The connection between Steven and Phinneas was immediate. Together, they thrived. Steven found purpose in caring for Phinneas, and Phinneas provided Steven with a sense of calm, connection, and hope.

The bond they share has been nothing short of transformative

Tonya, Steven’s mother, calls his time at Robin’s Nest “like a miracle.” Since joining us, Steven has developed social skills, made new friends, excelled academically, and even graduated from high school. He is now learning to drive — something he once feared — and plans to take his driving test in January. Tonya states, "As he continued to persevere as a young boy, I saw and continue to see the growth, strength, and love come back into a now young man as his journey continues with Robin's Nest Rescue."

On particularly difficult days, when Steven struggled with nightmares or anxiety, he knew that spending time at Robin’s Nest would help. “Phinneas has helped me get through tough times these past couple of years. When I am having a tough day, it always helps knowing I have the animals waiting to see me!"

Now, Steven is not just healing himself. He’s giving back, mentoring younger survivors like AJ, a Gold Star child who lost a parent. Steven was honored with our Volunteer of the Year award in 2023 and is receiving the Veteran Volunteer award in 2024. He proudly wears his volunteer t-shirt as a reminder of the difference he’s making — and the healing he’s experienced.

Healing Hearts Together

At Robin’s Nest, we are committed to supporting both animals and people, fostering the kind of transformative connections that heal hearts and minds.

And we need your help to do more

With your support, we can continue to offer life-changing animal-assisted therapy to more trauma survivors, like Steven, Phinneas, and AJ. Your donation will ensure that we can rescue and rehabilitate more animals, and in turn, help more young people and families heal through the extraordinary power of the animal-human bond.

Will you consider making a gift this Giving Tuesday to help us extend this healing to more lives? Together, we can make an even greater impact.

Thank you for supporting Robin’s Nest and the healing work we do. We are truly grateful for your generosity.

Giving Tuesday at Robin's Nest

By Robin's Nest Rescue

Giving Tuesday at Robin's Nest

We rescue them. They save us.