Horse Shelter Heroes – S4E24
Life at Horse Plus Humane Society is never just another day at the office. From sunrise feedings to unexpected rescues, and the occasional lightning strike, our team stays on their toes to ensure every animal gets the love and care they deserve. Pull up a chair and grab a coffee; here’s what’s been happening at the shelter!
🎥 Watch the full episode here: Horse Shelter Heroes -S4E24
More Than Just Horses
While “Horse” is in our name, our hearts have room for everyone! This week, we welcomed a pot-bellied pig surrendered by a homeowner who inherited them with their new house.
Getting a pig off a trailer is always an adventure, but the pig’s settling in nicely with some fresh mud puddles to keep them cool (since pigs don’t have sweat glands!).
We also celebrated a very special adoption. Our team member decided to give Ella, a sweet three-legged dog, her “furever” home. Now renamed Trinity, she’s living the dream on a 14-acre farm.
We’re even looking into custom prosthetics to help her run like a champ!
Rescuing Through the Storm
The weather in Tennessee can change in a heartbeat. One minute we were unloading a massive surrender of 12 horses from Texas, and the next, we were staring down purplish, rotating clouds.
Things got a little too “electric” when a lightning bolt struck so close to the barn that Keith and Kory actually felt the shock through the metal squeeze chute!
Thankfully, everyone, human and horse, is safe, though our ears were ringing for a while!
Medical Milestones & New Friends
The vet barn has been absolutely bustling lately as we look after our newest residents and catch up with old friends. Sweet Turnip is currently under close watch while we treat a puncture wound; she’s taking her daily meds and Butte powder like a total champ to stay comfortable during her recovery.
Meanwhile, the “Texas 12” have kept us busy with microchipping and health checks. Among that big group, a gentle soul named June Bug has already stolen everyone’s hearts with her incredibly calm demeanor.
Beyond our own gates, we recently took a trip to Pennsylvania to visit Bonded by Strength, a fantastic partner in our Full Circle of Life network. Spending time in their nursery, complete with adorable babies and a tiny miniature mule, was the perfect reminder of why we work so hard every single day to give these animals a second chance.
A Heart-to-Heart: We Need Your Help
We believe in transparency, and right now, we’re facing some tough hurdles. Donations are down 30% compared to last year, leaving us with a $350,000 deficit. To make matters worse, our trusty rescue truck, “Big Red,” has finally given up the ghost.
We want to keep rescuing at full capacity. We want to save 20+ horses at the next auction. But as a responsible shelter, we can only rescue what we can afford to care for.
“If every one of our followers donated just one dollar, we could replace Big Red and continue saving the countless lives that depend on us.” — Tawnee, President of HPHS
We are so grateful for this community. You are the reason these horses have a second chance at life. If you believe in this mission, please consider making a donation or supporting in any way you can, because every contribution helps save lives.
Why Rescue Matters
This episode isn’t just about rescues, it’s about resilience.
It’s about showing up in the storm, literally and figuratively. It’s about choosing compassion even when resources are tight. And it’s about a team that refuses to turn away from animals in need, no matter how hard the road gets.
Because at the end of the day, every feed bucket filled, every wound treated, and every life saved is a step toward something better.
And that’s what being a hero really looks like.
Want to help more horses
like the ones in this episode? Visit the Horse Plus Humane Society website to learn how you can support rescue, rehabilitation, and healing.
Watch the full episode here: Lightning Strikes! Horse Shelter Heroes S4E24
Your donations and shares truly make a difference — one horse, one rescue, and one story at a time.