Not Just Another Girl?

First and foremost it is important for you to know that since childhood Caitlin had faced a hard time with animals compared to the rest of us. “I’m just highly allergic to animals. All of them — except chickens,” Caitlin explained further, “I knew way before I started the rescue and working with animals in general that I had a terrible physical reaction to them.” Swollen lips, rashes were never enough to keep her away from animals any size big or small wild or pet she was sure to rescue them as she felt it is the mission of her life.

2010, The Begining Of Change

And it began in 2010 when Caitlin made up her mind to rescue one animal from slaughtering. A wild Mustang was being transported from Nevada, by the U.S. government, most probably to be sold. Caitlin with her friend Amy, an animal advocate was getting into this without second thoughts which were very unlikely of them. “I suppose one would say that fate is not held back by natural human instinct in most cases,” said Caitlin.

She was getting into a chain that’ll keep moving for a lifetime and will positively affect many souls at the same time. In this picture, Halona, the white horse Caitlin rescued, is in a far better situation than she was found in. Caitlin named her Halona, which means ‘beautiful choice,’ who was about to give Caitlin a hard time.

A Double Success

Caitlin was looking for a place where Halona could live with her in the backyard and get the proper attention she needs. She looked for more than 50 properties and found nothing relevant. She took a break from everything and right at that moment she realized she should look for more horses that needed to be rescued and she was willing to adopt. This would result in Halona having many friends with her in the perfect backyard.

She got to know about a beautiful Gelding, who retired early from the racing and was recently rescued from being slaughtered. She called the owner and soon went to New Jersey to meet Jake, the Thoroughbred, whose one overwhelming eye contact was enough for Caitlin and she said, “I would love to give him a home. Please. Yes.”

Here To Live!

Halona now had a companion Jake but no place to live yet. Caitlin enquired if Jake’s caretaker Lisa can let Jake stay a little longer until she finds a good place. The reply from the other side she got was strange and Caitlin didn’t believe Lisa when she said, “We can work out the details. Are you looking for a farm? You should buy mine!” But Caitlin was sure that Lisa’s property looked quite unaffordable for the budget. However, the same evening Lisa emailed a makeshift offer, enlisting all the required information about the farm. In no time, Caitlin managed to buy her farm and adopt Jake.

Rancho Relaxo

Caitlin named her new farm Ranch Relaxo as it denotes a place for mental relaxation. She has managed to be it true to the name. She works for animal rights and every animal staying in Rancho Relaxo is treated with respect and generosity. Caitlin has never looked back since her first rescue. According to her, she realizes that it’s not enough and someone out there is still in need of her help and hence she gave it a wonderful start with Rancho Relaxo.

Just the Beginning

Since the day she started her farm life and engaged in it completely, she began gaining more knowledge about horses that are bound to get slaughtered. She started knowing the situations of other animals too. Also, her amazing neighbors Donna and Clarence gave her a trio of old hens as her housewarming gift. Soon she learned chickens are very social animals with strong instincts. 

United

The team was growing and so was their support, a group of people working together for a better future of these animals was the best example world could get at this time. Karen and Gustave Stewart, Caitlin and Justin Bast and few more were now working for a sole aim. Henry Fisher, who added on his part by using his carpentry skills. Jessica Andrelevich worked as a content writer for the farm spreading the word all over. Erica Smargisso, who works 20 hours weekly for the animals, who in return love her the most. Eric Johnson, who worked for saving dogs, came all the way from Florida and not just joined in help but took complete responsibility of Elmer, a piglet and both took few weeks before they became best buddies.

And Counting

“It means more than I can ever say, I tell people that if you like what a non-profit does, give them $1. They have no idea how far $1 can go. We are so grateful for every penny we get,” overwhelmed Cimini expressed her emotions. She has an expense of $4,000 monthly just for food. From millions of little heartbeats growing and playing in Rancho Relaxo, few are quite famous among all.