Serendipity Farm & Rescue

11/08/2024

New Blog Post: Consent-Based Training ft. Amy Vanner
One of my favorite trainers in the horse world is Amy Vanner of STARS Sporthorses, nestled in the suburbs of Ooltewah, Tennessee.
I've been so fortunate to cross paths with her, not just as an equine professional, but as a mentor and a sister on this journey. Every time I step onto her land, I leave with new wisdom and a deeper connection to the universe of horses. What I admire most about Amy, beyond her fierce spirit, is how she taps into the gentle flow of consent-based horse training. Before I dive into the magic of that, let me share a little about Amy's evolution and how she found this harmonious way of working with horses.

In her blog, “Empowering Equines: The Art & Importance of Consent-Based Horse Training,” Amy radiates her soul's desire for a kinder, more loving approach to her equine partners. She’s always growing and evolving. And the horses? Oh, they are her greatest gurus. While Amy’s talent for guiding sporthorses to shine in the competitive world is impressive, her heart resonates the most with the so-called "throw-away" horses—the rescues, the misunderstood, and the ones labeled as too wild or dangerous. You know, the ones other trainers might turn away from, but Amy sees their light.

In the beginning, like many of us, Amy walked the path of dominance-based training, thinking she had to make horses "respect" her by using force and control. She was surrounded by gadgets and techniques that dulled the horses’ true essence, creating more resistance than understanding. But when Amy found her quiet space, her own little haven, she tapped into the stillness, observing the horses in their purest form. That’s when she truly began to listen to them—not with her ears, but with her heart and soul.

Later in life, Amy was diagnosed with Asperger’s, which she now sees as a blessing, giving her an extra layer of sensitivity to the energies around her. This heightened awareness has deepened her ability to connect on an empathic level with the horses, picking up on the subtleties most would miss. Her roots in Spanish and Mexican vaquero traditions also flow through her, grounding her understanding in an ancient wisdom that’s hard to explain.

Amy now lets the horses guide the way, giving them the space to set the pace and direction of their interactions. This shift? It wasn’t some overnight awakening. It’s taken years of soul searching and inner work, trial, and error, but she’s found her rhythm. Now, she stands on a solid foundation built from love and respect for the horses' free spirits.

The Essence of Consent-Based Training
Consent-based training is all about treating horses, and all beings, with love, respect, and dignity. It’s a way of being in sync with the horse, flowing together in a mutual trust and understanding, not fear or force. It’s about giving horses a voice in their own journey, empowering them to choose how they engage with their training.

A few core elements of consent-based training:

1. Empathy and Understanding: Building a real, heart-to-heart connection with the horse.
2. Active Participation: Inviting the horse to show you what feels good and what doesn’t, letting them be part of the process.
3. Trust and Communication: Creating a sacred space where the horse feels safe to express their truth.

In conclusion, Amy Vanner’s journey is a shining example of what happens when we allow ourselves to evolve, embrace love, and truly see the beings we share this Earth with. Through her commitment to consent-based training, she’s shifted from the old ways of control to a more harmonious, partnership-based approach. She’s teaching us all that when we listen, learn, and let go of fear, we can create bonds with horses—and with life itself—that are rooted in love and respect. Amy continues to light the way for others, showing that the path of compassion leads to the most meaningful and lasting connections.

Are you ready to learn more about consent based training? Check out Amy’s work at Stars Sporthorses at https://www.starssporthorses.com

You won’t regret it. Peace and love, always.

11/07/2024

To say I'm upset would be an understatement. My heart is just shattered, and I’ve cried all the angry, helpless tears I have. How can anyone be okay with this?

Since April, we, along with another rescue and compassionate souls in the community, have been following this poor, neglected senior horse in Catoosa County (first photo). If you want the whole backstory, check out the previous post here. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/172U9oQARM/?mibextid=QwDbR1

The second photo is from yesterday. After another round of calls this morning, the latest update from authorities was, “The vet says he is healthy for his age.” I know this vet, and it’s hard to imagine he’d say that — but honestly, who knows at this point? When is a body score this low ever considered “healthy”? It isn’t.

I haven’t been able to sleep because all I can think about is how hungry and lonely he must feel out there. It’s one thing to be starving, but to suffer alone, with no loving presence or pasture mate— it’s just too much. Being “old” doesn’t mean a horse should be allowed to waste away like this. And what’s beyond comprehension is the fact that the owner has refused all offers of hay, grain, and other nourishment! Why not just help him or give him a peaceful, compassionate end?

This whole situation defies logic. Is this some kind of mental health issue like Munchausen by proxy? Maybe I sound dramatic, but I’m begging anyone who can help — MAKE THIS MAKE SENSE!!

All we can do is sit and watch this beautiful soul literally fade away. This horse has no hay, no grass, and winter is coming.

This isn’t just neglect; it’s cruelty.

10/30/2024

Sharing the link from TT so we don’t get muted.

Ashe” about when people do things to others & themselves BUT their actions are a part of a .

Watch, follow, and discover more trending content.

10/29/2024

IYKYK 🤪🤪🤪

10/18/2024

Horse ASMR

10/17/2024

Wow, what a beautiful moment, friends. After nearly two trips around the sun without a rescue, finding the perfect name for “Tag 42” took on an even deeper calling. We're so grateful for all the love and name suggestions you shared with us on this journey.

So, with hearts full of gratitude, we welcome “Nova” into the herd. And just like her name, she is a burst of starlight—a “new” energy, a celestial event, a radiant force reminding us that even in the darkest skies, light always returns. She’s here to help us heal, to lift our spirits after the stormy vibes of the past year, and guide us forward with love and light.

And for her sweet little filly that transitioned, we honor her as “Cheyenne,” which comes from the Lakota for “Red Speakers.” Although she didn’t get to share a breath with her mama, her spirit speaks through her name, through Nova’s journey, and through the deep connection of all that is and will be.

As we continue forward, we’re so grateful for the love, support, and good vibes from all of you, our village of dreamers and believers. Together, with Nova’s bright energy leading the way, we’ll keep nurturing the land, the animals, and each other—growing, healing, and shining, just as we are meant to.

Peace & Love

Love

10/14/2024

Hey beautiful souls! ✨ Looking for a groovy night out or a chance to give back to an amazing cause? Look no further!

Join the tribe at FACES for a laid-back evening of good vibes, good food, and feel-good fundraising at the “Harvest Moon Lowcountry Boil” on Friday, October 18, from 5:30-8:30 PM at
Bud's Creative Arts Center All proceeds go to support the incredible kiddos and adults served by FACES: The National Craniofacial Association.

Our friends at River Drifters Chattanooga
will be cookin' up some tasty Lowcountry Boil — a soulful, one-pot feast of Gulf shrimp, corn on the cob, new potatoes, smoked sausage, and a little Louisiana crawfish love! We’ll be soaking it all in under the magical October Harvest Moon, with craft brews from Odd Story Brewing Company, wine, domestic beer, and, of course, some sweet Southern tea to wash it all down.

Come dance under the moon to the soulful sounds of Chattanooga’s own Americana duo, The Briars Plus, they have a silent auction, fun games, and a chance to snap some groovy pics with to capture the magic of the night.

Tickets are just $50 and cover your meal, dancing, a drink, a rad aluminum ball cup, and a keepsake photo to remember the magic. 🌙✨ Get your tickets at www.faces-cranio.org/harvestmoon or find the link in the bio on their Insta!

Extra drink tickets available at the event, too. ✌️

Learn more about the good work FACES is doing at faces-cranio.org. Come join the fun and help spread a little love!

Peace, love, and moonlight vibes ✨🌙

10/12/2024

Might be an unpopular opinion but who else agrees??

10/09/2024

We are currently accepting applications for approved home offers & fosters. If you would like a link to get started on the application process, please comment below and we will contact you.

Deadline for this group is Friday. Half WILL hold. If you are interested in any of these souls and are not already approved, please start process now!

Peace & Love💜

10/05/2024

**When Is Enough, Enough?**

Back in April, we were alerted by concerned citizens about the horse you see in these photos. At the time, he had a body score of 1, maybe 2—it was hard to determine from the photos alone. His pasture was minimal, and there was no evidence of hay.

We immediately contacted a neighboring rescue to check on the horse and offer the owner feed or other resources. Unfortunately, the owner responded harshly, telling the rescue to “mind their own business” and claiming the horse was just “old.”

Despite the owner's refusal of help, we contacted the Georgia Department of Agriculture (Dept. of Ag). An agent visited, and a few days later, a round bale of hay appeared.

Over the next few months, we discreetly left dewormer and senior feed at the property. We saw a slight improvement in the horse's body condition, but in June, the hay was gone again, the pasture was overrun by weeds, and he seemed to be losing weight. Concerned, we, along with another citizen, filed new reports with the Dept. of Ag. To this day, neither of us has received a response.

In July, the pasture was brush-hogged, and to be fair, there was some grass, but nowhere near enough for consistent grazing. We then contacted Walker County Animal Control, and while they were ready to step in, it was discovered the property was in Catoosa County.

Since then, three different people have reached out to Catoosa County. Unfortunately, by looking at the horse’s declining body score, it seems no action has been taken.

Fast forward to this week—he looks almost as poor as he did when we first started following his case. Another rescue went by today to offer help, but the owner wasn’t home. They were approached by a neighbor who warned them to “be careful” about getting involved.

I’m writing this post in the hope that with enough shares and exposure, the appropriate government agencies—whether county or state—will finally step in to help this old fellow.

Winter is approaching fast, and I’m deeply concerned about his ability to make it through the season.

I’m so tired of people excusing neglect because a horse is old. Age is not an excuse for neglect. He deserves to be well-fed, cared for, and treated with the dignity and respect that any living being deserves.

I won’t name all of the individuals involved in trying to help him, but if they choose to share their part in his story, that’s up to them.

In the meantime, please send this old guy lots of warm thoughts, healing energy, and prayers.

Peace & Love,
Tonja

10/04/2024

“Why I Choose Not to Have a Faith-Based Organization”

One of the most common questions I receive is whether we are a faith-based organization. While faith is a guiding force for many nonprofits, my choice to operate without a faith-based umbrella is intentional and deeply personal.

Freedom to Embrace Diversity

The main reason I steer clear of aligning our farm’s mission and vision with a specific faith is to serve a diverse range of people. Healing—whether for humans or animals—is all about connection. It’s not just about “meeting people where they are”; it’s about uniting individuals from various backgrounds, beliefs, and life experiences. While faith-based organizations can be powerful for many, they can also unintentionally exclude those who may not share the same spiritual or religious perspectives.

My goal has always been to create a welcoming space where everyone feels included, regardless of their beliefs or lack thereof. As stated in our vision, we aim to build a refuge where horses and humans come together to heal from the past, find hope for the future, and embark on new journeys.

By utilizing alternative therapeutic practices—like healing with horses, Reiki, art therapy, and healing circles—we explore unique ways to transcend boundaries. I believe these practices have the power to build bridges between people from all walks of life. Keeping our work faith-neutral allows for a broader embrace of diverse ideas, cultures, and perspectives.

Authenticity Over Conformity

In recent years, I’ve come to understand the importance of authenticity. Healing is about tapping into the core of who you are and expressing yourself freely. By not affiliating our work with any specific belief system, we empower individuals to explore their healing journeys in ways that may not fit neatly into one doctrine. Authenticity allows for doubt, questioning, and discovery. I encourage everyone to trust their inner voice and pursue their own paths of self-expression and healing. This journey can be deeply spiritual in its own right, focused on self-trust and instinct, even when it means stepping outside traditional boundaries.

Inclusivity in Healing

After years of working in the emergency room and trauma care, I witnessed the importance of healing in all its forms—physical, emotional, and spiritual. Healing can come from many sources, and I believe it shouldn’t be confined by any specific belief system. By choosing not to have a faith-based organization, I keep the door open for everyone to find their healing through alternative and creative practices, no matter where their journey leads.

Acceptance as a Universal Language

Acceptance speaks in ways that words often cannot, communicating on emotional and spiritual levels that transcend language, culture, or belief. By not defining my work through a faith lens, I allow acceptance to be the universal language it was meant to be. The Farm’s workshops, programs, and interactions are rooted in the shared human experience of creativity, where faith—or the absence of it—is just one facet of the whole. Instead of focusing on specific beliefs, I aim to help others explore their own stories and truths through being accepted for WHO they are. Whether someone draws inspiration from religion, nature, personal experiences, or something else, my focus is on helping them connect with their unique spirit.

My Personal Beliefs

If you know me, you know I’m a spiritual person. My beliefs are rooted in non-traditional Christianity, but as a Reiki Master, I don’t fit neatly into any box. I firmly believe everyone’s spiritual journey (or lack of one) is personal, and no one should be judged or discriminated against for it. My beliefs have often led to judgment and ridicule, but I embrace that. I believe in the Creator (God), Jesus, and the Great Spirit (intuition), and I promise never to impose my beliefs on anyone or create conditions for participation in our community.

Ultimately, my decision not to operate a faith-based organization aligns with our mission of fostering mutual healing and growth, enriching the lives of both humans and horses in a compassionate and supportive environment. I encourage exploration, creativity, and connection in ways that resonate with each individual. Healing journeys are about freedom, possibility, and self-discovery, and I believe those elements flourish best in an open, inclusive space.

Peace, Love, & Healing
Tonja Denise 💜

09/30/2024

🌻Check out the new blog & let us know what you think!🌻

Horses in a field of buttercups.

09/29/2024

𝙸𝚝 𝚒𝚜 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚊 𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚟𝚢 𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝙸 𝚜𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚞𝚙𝚍𝚊𝚝𝚎. 𝙾𝚗 𝚂𝚎𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚖𝚋𝚎𝚛 23, 𝚠𝚎 𝚍𝚒𝚜𝚌𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚜𝚠𝚎𝚎𝚝 𝚐𝚒𝚛𝚕 𝚑𝚊𝚍 𝚍𝚎𝚕𝚒𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚎𝚍 𝚊 𝚜𝚝𝚒𝚕𝚕𝚋𝚘𝚛𝚗 𝚏𝚒𝚕𝚕𝚢.

𝙸’𝚟𝚎 𝚝𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚍 𝚖𝚊𝚗𝚢 𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎𝚜 𝚝𝚘 𝚠𝚛𝚒𝚝𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚞𝚙𝚍𝚊𝚝𝚎, 𝚋𝚞𝚝 𝚒𝚝’𝚜 𝚋𝚎𝚎𝚗 𝚍𝚒𝚏𝚏𝚒𝚌𝚞𝚕𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝚏𝚒𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚛𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚍𝚜. 𝚆𝚎 𝚑𝚊𝚍 𝚗𝚘 𝚒𝚍𝚎𝚊 𝚜𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚙𝚛𝚎𝚐𝚗𝚊𝚗𝚝, 𝚎𝚜𝚙𝚎𝚌𝚒𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚢 𝚊𝚏𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚊 𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚕𝚝𝚑 𝚎𝚡𝚊𝚖 𝚊𝚝 𝚄𝚃𝙺, 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚠𝚎 𝚊𝚜𝚜𝚞𝚖𝚎𝚍 𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚜𝚠𝚘𝚕𝚕𝚎𝚗 𝚋𝚎𝚕𝚕𝚢 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚍𝚞𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚋𝚎𝚒𝚗𝚐 “𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚖𝚢.”

𝙰𝚏𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚜𝚞𝚕𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚟𝚎𝚝 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚜, 𝚠𝚎 𝚋𝚎𝚕𝚒𝚎𝚟𝚎 𝚜𝚑𝚎 𝚖𝚘𝚜𝚝 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎𝚕𝚢 𝚕𝚘𝚜𝚝 𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚋𝚊𝚋𝚢 𝚍𝚞𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚛𝚊𝚞𝚖𝚊. 𝙰𝚕𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑 𝚠𝚎 𝚌𝚊𝚗 𝚘𝚗𝚕𝚢 𝚜𝚙𝚎𝚌𝚞𝚕𝚊𝚝𝚎, 𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚒𝚜 𝚠𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚠𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚔 𝚖𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚙𝚎𝚗𝚎𝚍:

𝙾𝚗𝚎 𝚘𝚏 𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚞𝚍𝚍𝚎𝚛𝚜 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚍𝚛𝚊𝚠𝚗 𝚞𝚙, 𝚠𝚑𝚒𝚕𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚏𝚒𝚕𝚕𝚎𝚍 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚌𝚔 𝚖𝚒𝚕𝚔. 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚏𝚘𝚊𝚕, 𝚎𝚜𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚋𝚎 𝚊𝚋𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚏𝚒𝚟𝚎 𝚖𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚑𝚜 𝚊𝚕𝚘𝚗𝚐 𝚒𝚗 𝚐𝚎𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗, 𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚜 𝚞𝚜 𝚝𝚘 𝚋𝚎𝚕𝚒𝚎𝚟𝚎 𝚜𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎𝚕𝚢 𝚋𝚛𝚎𝚍 𝚋𝚊𝚌𝚔 𝚍𝚞𝚛𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚊 𝚏𝚘𝚊𝚕 𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚝. 𝙸𝚝’𝚜 𝚙𝚘𝚜𝚜𝚒𝚋𝚕𝚎 𝚜𝚑𝚎 𝚑𝚊𝚍 𝚊 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚐 𝚏𝚘𝚊𝚕 𝚝𝚊𝚔𝚎𝚗 𝚊𝚠𝚊𝚢 𝚏𝚛𝚘𝚖 𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚋𝚎𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚎 𝚋𝚎𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚛𝚞𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑 𝚊𝚞𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚝𝚛𝚊𝚞𝚖𝚊 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚎𝚡𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚗𝚌𝚎 𝚖𝚊𝚢 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚛𝚒𝚋𝚞𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚕𝚘𝚜𝚜.

𝙸’𝚟𝚎 𝚜𝚝𝚛𝚞𝚐𝚐𝚕𝚎𝚍 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚜𝚎𝚕𝚏-𝚋𝚕𝚊𝚖𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚚𝚞𝚎𝚜𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚜, 𝚋𝚞𝚝 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚎𝚗𝚍, 𝙸 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚗𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚠𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚍𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚍𝚒𝚏𝚏𝚎𝚛𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚕𝚢.

𝙿𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚎 𝚜𝚎𝚗𝚍 𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚕𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚙𝚎𝚊𝚌𝚎𝚏𝚞𝚕 𝚎𝚗𝚎𝚛𝚐𝚢 𝚝𝚘 𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚜𝚠𝚎𝚎𝚝 𝚐𝚒𝚛𝚕. 𝚂𝚑𝚎 𝚑𝚊𝚜 𝚋𝚎𝚎𝚗 𝚍𝚎𝚙𝚛𝚎𝚜𝚜𝚎𝚍, 𝚋𝚞𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚔𝚏𝚞𝚕𝚕𝚢, 𝚜𝚑𝚎 𝚒𝚜 𝚎𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐, 𝚠𝚑𝚒𝚌𝚑 𝚒𝚜 𝚊 𝚋𝚕𝚎𝚜𝚜𝚒𝚗𝚐.

𝙸 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 NOT 𝚒𝚗𝚌𝚕𝚞𝚍𝚎𝚍 𝚊 𝚙𝚑𝚘𝚝𝚘 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚕𝚘𝚜𝚜 𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝚛𝚎𝚜𝚙𝚎𝚌𝚝 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚜𝚎 𝚠𝚑𝚘 𝚖𝚊𝚢 𝚏𝚒𝚗𝚍 𝚒𝚝 𝚍𝚒𝚏𝚏𝚒𝚌𝚞𝚕𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝚜𝚎𝚎, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚑𝚘𝚗𝚎𝚜𝚝𝚕𝚢, 𝚒𝚝’𝚜 𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚍 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚖𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚑𝚘𝚕𝚍 𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚘 𝚊𝚜 𝚠𝚎𝚕𝚕. 𝙷𝚘𝚠𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛, 𝚒𝚏 𝚊𝚗𝚢𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚏𝚎𝚎𝚕𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚗𝚎𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚜𝚎𝚎 𝚒𝚝, 𝙸 𝚌𝚊𝚗 𝚜𝚎𝚗𝚍 𝚒𝚝 𝚙𝚛𝚒𝚟𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚕𝚢.

𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚌𝚊𝚗 𝚍𝚘𝚗𝚊𝚝𝚎 𝚍𝚒𝚛𝚎𝚌𝚝𝚕𝚢 𝚝𝚘 𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚌𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚋𝚢 𝚐𝚒𝚟𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚊𝚗𝚢 𝚊𝚖𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚝 𝚊𝚜 𝚊 𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎 𝚐𝚒𝚏𝚝 𝚘𝚛 𝚋𝚎𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚖𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚑𝚕𝚢 𝚜𝚙𝚘𝚗𝚜𝚘𝚛 𝚋𝚢 𝚏𝚘𝚕𝚕𝚘𝚠𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚕𝚒𝚗𝚔 𝚋𝚎𝚕𝚘𝚠.

https://givebutter.com/Tag42AppyPaint

𝚃𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚔 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚑𝚘𝚕𝚍𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚜𝚙𝚊𝚌𝚎 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚜𝚠𝚎𝚎𝚝 𝚖𝚊𝚖𝚊 𝚍𝚞𝚛𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎.

𝙿𝚎𝚊𝚌𝚎 & 𝙻𝚘𝚟𝚎

09/25/2024

In the face of adversity, we’ve found true serendipity. Despite the turbulence of the past year and the challenges we’ve faced from a rogue board member, our resolve has never wavered. Instead of “closing our doors,” we’ve used this time to prepare for the future we envision — one of healing, growth, and community.

As part of this journey, we’ve focused on surrounding ourselves with people who share our vision and are equally committed to our mission. Today, we are excited to introduce a beautiful soul who has joined our village, someone whose heart is aligned with ours and whose energy will help propel us forward. Their passion for healing and their unwavering dedication to our cause makes them the perfect fit for our growing community.

Please join us in welcoming Christen McNelley, a vital new partner as we continue building towards a brighter, more compassionate future.

Christen of Artistic Wonderland, is a mixed media artist who has blessed us with her presence and creativity. Based in Chattanooga, TN, Christen’s journey is as inspiring as her art. After spending 12 years as an ER trauma nurse, she chose to follow her lifelong dream of being an artist. Her work is a stunning fusion of mediums—from paper mache and watercolor to resin and recycled materials—all created with an intuitive touch that adds texture, depth, and hidden meaning.

Christen’s creative process is all about exploring the beauty of imperfection and honoring one’s authentic self. She teaches workshops on fluid arts, mixed media techniques, and intuitive creating, bringing a joyful, judgment-free creative practice to life. She has shown her art in a variety of spaces, from galleries to pop-ups, and now, we’re honored to have her share her talents with our community.

Together, we look forward to fostering a space of growth, transformation, and artistic expression. Until we are up and running at our new location, we encourage you all to follow her on her social media accounts, visit her studio, or book a class with her!

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/artistic_wonderland_?igsh=dmo1cmZsZG11N2p4

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063078677738

TikTok:

https://www.tiktok.com/?_t=8oBWqET9ypP&_r=1

09/23/2024

We love getting updates on our adopted ones!

Y’all- here is “Cinnamon aka Cinny” and her person at their show this weekend!

Also pictured is her person with a yearling that was rescued by our friend Jessica Russell of Boogie Along Farm & Rescue !

Updates like these are why we keep pushing forward and working towards our mission and vision!

Peace & Love

09/22/2024

If you’re not already following us on TikTok- here’s our latest video!
Come follow us! ☮️💜

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTFM3rXMv/

She NEEDS a name!

47 likes, 11 comments. “She NEEDS a name!”

07/07/2023

I raise a hallelujah, in the presence of my enemies louder than the unbelief.
My weapon is a melody; Heaven comes to fight for me

I'm gonna sing in the middle of the storm. Louder and louder, you're gonna hear my praises roar.

Up from the ashes hope will arise. Death is defeated, the King is alive.

I raise a hallelujah with everything inside of me. I will watch the darkness flee in the middle of the mystery.

Fear, you lost your hold on me
I raise a hallelujah 🖤 🌈🙏🖤

04/03/2023

📣𝐖𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐀𝐌𝐀𝐙𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐧𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞!📣
…We hαve found α PLACE to MOVE the FARM…

Lots of acreage + no flooding = HAPPY HORSES AND LITTLE ANIMALS!🐴🐣🐐🐷🐈

☎️ We are calling on our village to help make this happen quickly! We have a lot of work to accomplish before we can move such as fencing, shelters, stall floors and etc.

Are you ready to make an impact in our community and the lives of all the animals great and small?

↪️ You can make a one time or a reoccurring monthly gift NOW using any form of payment here:
https://givebutter.com/lets_move

Also, the above link includes detailed information on how your gift will be put to work making a difference! We absolutely LOVE being transparent so our platform updates in “real time” so everyone can see the progress!

✅ We are a registered 501(c)(3) and all eligible gifts are tax deductible.

We can’t think of a better way to kick off the start of our third year than having a fresh start and the means to provide a safe and healthy environment for our animals and community members! 💯

All of this just in time for 👩‍🌾 spring gardening, 🌼classes, 🐎lessons, and 🥳 parties! What a HUGE relief and blessing!

🥰We are beyond grateful for everyone who continues to encourage and support us- we would NOT have made it through the horrible flooding and winter without YOU!🫵

Stay tuned for updates and more! Have an awesome possum Monday friends!

Peace & Love,
Team Serendipity 💜

*photo of Duke (Daisy’s twin) for cuteness purposes.