pictured above: Sassy the Quarter Horse rescue welcomes rescue dogs Kimber and Sig to their new forever home at Hillcrest Farms
Happy Holidays!
We figured there is no better time than the season of giving to kick off our new Inspirational Rescue series! Each month, we will be sharing photos and stories from horse & dog rescues that are doing amazing work. We hope you will consider supporting these organizations. Spreading the word, raising awareness, and donating funds and goods are all ways you can help!
Hillcrest Farms Equine & Donkey Sanctuary
IT ALL STARTED WITH CHANCE...
When Billie Athanas moved to the 115 acre Hillcrest Farms in Southwestern Pennsylvania with her husband and daughter in 2016, she knew she wanted to rescue a draft horse. It wasn't long before a draft horse was listed on a kill lot page and she knew she had to save him. So she did, along with three others! She named him Chance.
Soon after Chance and his friends were rescued, Billie came across two sad, pregnant donkeys on an auction lot that badly needed care. The two lonely mama donkeys were welcomed to the farm, and blossomed with love and care. That sealed the deal! Billie and her family decided that the farm had to be used to help amazing animals by providing a second chance at life, love and happiness.
Today, Hillcrest Farms Rescue & Sanctuary is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and safe sanctuary of abused, neglected or otherwise unwanted donkeys and horses, both minis and biggies. Hillcrest also provides a safe haven for owners to surrender their donkeys in the event they are no longer able to care for them.
We asked founder Billie Athanas why she is inspired to do this work. She said, "I have this quote on my email signature. I’ve always let it guide me. But, it’s a little long, so I always say this. When people ask me why we do what we do I just say that they always save me right back. No matter what my day throws at me, I have a farm full of animals just happy I came home. And that’s always worth it."
