Lotus Haven Farm Support

Our Story

In 2018, my life was forever changed by a horrific boating accident in Alaska. I fought for my life, a battle I only survived because of my incredible husband and the grace of God. This traumatic event happened just three months after I lost my precious mom to breast cancer. These back-to-back events left me broken—haunted by nightmares, paralyzed by anxiety, and stripped of my confidence.

I sought help through therapy and psychiatry, and while it helped me heal to a degree, something was still missing.

In 2019, my heart son—not my biological son, but the son of my heart—changed everything. He comes from a place of abuse and abandonment, and we had watched him carry deep wounds from his past. But for his 7th birthday, he had one simple wish: to be a cowboy. I gifted him horseback riding lessons, and somehow, he convinced me to join him for a ride one day. Then another. And another. Before I knew it, we were spending hours at the barn, and I was researching show barns to take lessons of my own. Slowly but surely, I began to find pieces of myself again. The new me was different from the person I used to be, but I was rebuilding—a little more confident and a little less anxious with each ride.

As we spent more time with horses, I watched something incredible happen. The animals began to heal my son in ways I never thought possible. They gave him confidence, joy, and a safe space to let go of the pain he carried. Seeing their impact on him inspired me even further.

By December 2020, I began dreaming of having a horse of my own—a companion to build a deeper connection with and spend more time in the saddle. While searching online, I stumbled across something that will haunt me forever: horse kill pens. The idea of beautiful, sentient animals being sent to slaughter was devastating, and then I saw her—a mama donkey with her baby, both marked for slaughter in two days. Without hesitation, I paid their bail and arranged for their transport. Ten days later, the trailer pulled up, and my first rescues arrived—scared but safe.

I had never owned a horse, a donkey, or any farm animal for that matter. I had no idea what I was doing, but I was determined to figure it out. I did what I do best—I researched like crazy and prepared for their arrival. I leaned on my amazing support system, including my dear friend Trish Mills, who was on call to answer my endless questions, and my wonderful neighbor, lovingly known by me as the 'horse whisperer,' who patiently responded to my million texts.

But no amount of preparation could have braced me for what happened next. Just three hours after arriving, the momma donkey passed away. She was so frail and in such terrible condition that despite all my efforts, we couldn’t save her.

Her loss was devastating, but it strengthened my resolve to do everything in my power to help animals like her and ensure her baby had a chance at a better life. That moment became a defining chapter in my journey—a mix of heartbreak and hope that fuels everything I do today.

Since then, rescuing animals has become my passion and purpose. Each animal that comes into our care is given a second chance, whether they stay with us as sanctuary residents or find their forever homes through adoption. Along the way, I’ve discovered the healing power of these animals not just for them but for people too. My son has been at the heart of this journey from the beginning, and it remains just as much his mission as it is mine. He’s there every step of the way—whether rescuing animals or joining in animal-assisted healing visits, where our rescues bring comfort and joy to people in need.

Together, we are building a community of hope and healing—for both people and animals.