I am looking back on an amazing 2010 and am grateful to the community who shared in making it happen, THANK YOU! The Luv Shack Ranch Horse Rescue has been able to rescue 256 horses in 6 1/2 years. In 2010 alone (and it isn't over yet), because of your help, we rescued 54 horses, Douglas the donkey, Solo the goat, Karl the sheep, and 4 chickens (whose names keep changing).

In 2010 adoptive homes were found for 28 horses and 29 new foster homes opened up to help rehabilitate some of our residents. 8 horses were welcomed by other Rescues where they will receive care and be adopted, and 11 horses were given assistance through our Outreach Program.

We said "good-bye" this year to horses who touched our lives and taught us much: Babe, Bueno's Titan, Indigo, Maya, Molly the mule, Peanut the mini, and Reagan the Paint.

Thank you to those who read the stories of Valora, Reina, Douglas, Fievel, Molly, the Mares and Babies, Stella's horses, Crystal & Justin, Maya, Babe, and Solo and contributed which helped pay for their rescues, medical needs, care, and in the cases of some, to help them cross over the "rainbow bridge".

In 2010 we increased our programs for children and now have students from the Washington School District, Paradise Valley School District, and Deer Valley School District integrating lessons with our horses in their curriculum. We have continued our partnership with Kaplan College whose vet tech students run routine lab tests and x-rays on our horses.

Your donations and hours of volunteering helped us give back to the community at the Agape Foundation's Adoptive & Foster Family Christmas Party, the Kid Zone to the Town of Cave Creek's Wild West Days, and the Christmas party at the Ranch for the 23 families residing at Vista Colina Emergency Shelter with the special gift cards, clothing and other support. A special thank you to Ben Iacobucci and William Milder of GlobeNet Metals, LLC whose donations made Vista Colina's Christmas VERY bright!

SUPPORT THROUGHOUT THE YEAR: (please click "Read more...")

A beautiful woman with a passionate love of life was brutally murdered in her Chino Valley home. At her memorial Stella Grace Streppa was remembered for her love of animals - those who lived with her, be it tortoise, horse, pig, goat, dog, cat, fish or feathered friend, and those whose lives she fought fiercely to protect. She made her living serving others, most notably at Louie's, her Jackson Hole, Wyo., restaurant, and Mama Stella's, her pizzeria in Chino Valley. For Stella, time well spent was in the saddle, on the slopes, hiking, chilling on her land in Idaho, and on Skype with family. Her family all thought, with a soul so strong, that they'd have her forever.

Stella's brother, Art, from out of state contacted Joey Ogburn of the Luv Shack Ranch Horse Rescue to see if we could care for Stella's prize possessions, her two horses, Rose and Arpee. It would be a double tragedy if something happened to them. Joey agreed to help so calls were made to Stella's closest neighbor and to the veterinarians who cared for the two horses.

Arpee and Rose arrived at the Luv Shack Ranch Horse Rescue late at night (12/13/10). As they walked through the gate - a shooting star traveled through the sky -- it was then that Joey changed Arpee's name to Stella, in her honor. Rose and Stella are both 30 year old mares. They are constantly by each other's side.  Due to their ages they have arthritis and teeth issues and Stella has Cushings. They are on a special diet and supplements to help their joints and make them feel comfortable.

They are going through a grieving process and trying to settle into a new place. The warmer weather is agreeing with them.  Little, by little their true personalities are coming out. Rose is intrigued by the mini horses and mini donkeys in the turnout next to her -- we wish we could read her thoughts.

We feel honored to be able to give Rose and Stella the guarantee that they will always have a home and be together for the remainder of their days -- we know that is what Stella Streppa wanted for them. Thank you, Art, for giving us the opportunity to do this for her.

Update 1/16/11: Rose, even at 30, still loves the geldings. Here is a picture of Beau, a 10 year old Paint, who enjoys her company.

Stella had an abscess in her front right hoof. Joey was able to find it and relieve the pressure. Here is Stella in her pink hoof wrap -- I think I see a smile!

Update 1/30/11:  Lisa Irish of The Daily Courier wrote a  story about the community helping find homes for Streppa's pets and animals.   http://www.dcourier.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=89880