09/03/2025
Sadly on Monday afternoon we lost a dear friend. Peter Labelle (Snoop’s owner) passed away after battling some medical issues. Pete joined the Hillside family shortly after we first opened our doors. I have fond memories teaching Pete to ride. He loved Snoop, and honestly treated her more like a big dog than a horse. He never got mad at any of her antics. And even took her on vacation with him many times.
I think if you asked those who knew him they would all say Pete was a kind, generous man, who loved animals. We experienced Pete’s kindness many times throughout our friendship. When we first started the stable we did not have our own tractor. Pete saw this and purchased a tractor that he had delivered to the farm. He let us use that tractor for several years until we were able to purchase our own. Pete was the type of guy to never expect anything in return nor would he accept it when offered. If he had something and someone needed it he was always the first to offer. Pete had a pool in his backyard and I remember stopping by his home and all the neighborhood kids who did not have their own were in his pool, always welcome to come have a good time. Those are just a few examples of Pete’s never ending kindness.
When Pete would visit the farm he always arrived with a pocket full of treats for the animals and a story to tell. All the animals knew and loved Pete.
Pete, Hillside will not be the same without you. We miss you tremendously. Thank you for all the love and support through the years. We will never forget you. Rest in peace.
