08/13/2026
Our hearts are broken. Shelby Ann, our magnificent Queen of Red Bell Run, was laid to rest today. Her enormous, loving heart had simply carried her as long as it could. On the advice of Dr. Emilie Setlakwe, her vet of many years, we did one of the hardest things we’ve ever done: we let her go. She was—and always will be—the heart and soul of Red Bell Run, and we know her spirit will reign on here forever. Our hearts may never completely recover.
I made Shelby Ann a promise over a decade ago: she would never suffer again. Her life as a beloved partner had been upturned when her original owners were forced to sell her in a bankruptcy proceeding. Because a kind soul cared enough to contact the Circle of Friends Rescue Group in Oklahoma upon realizing Shelby had been purchased for slaughter, this magnificent animal was saved and brought to Red Bell Run, back when we were based in Florida.
Though she arrived thin and sad from her ordeal, the light soon returned to her eyes. When Red Bell Run relocated to the Foothills of North Carolina, Shelby Ann came along to live the good life with her friends at our Hilltop Barn.
Every day since, she was a pure blessing to everyone who met her. She loved us; she loved children; she loved babies; and she was especially attuned to anyone who was compromised emotionally, mentally, or physically. She was simply magic—a gift we didn’t deserve, but one we will forever be grateful to have shared our lives with. There will never be another like her.
To all of you who have met her and experienced her magic; to all of those who loved and cared for her—and there are so many—we know your hearts are breaking alongside ours. Please feel free to share your memories and pictures of her.
She touched everyone who met her.
To Shelby Ann: Fly free, my girl, through the gates of Heaven above Red Bell Run. Graze on that green grass and demand lots of ear rubs. Heaven is truly blessed to have you, but we know you will always be with us.
Silver Winds by Samantha Kennard🪽
From shadow and pain, she drifts away
To golden gates and endless hay
She charges ahead, ears up, eyes bright
On soundless wings she now takes flight
Through silver winds with wings of gold
She loses touch of dark and cold
Her coat now gleams with crystal's sheen
Dancing through great fields of green
Away with worry, but not with love
She watches them from up above
Prancing, flying, no need for sleep
But aware is she of those who weep
A sign for those who've yet to fly
A flash of colors against blue sky
She knows her flight has caused dismay
A final message she must convey
"Mother don't you cry for me
I'm eating from an apple tree
I've wings of gold and no more fear
You need not shed another tear
I loved my life I'm sad to go
We'll meet again, like rivers flow
I'll see you again, no pain no cold
Through silver winds with wings of gold.
