The Adopter Becomes the Adoption Coordinator

A summer vacation rekindles an equine love affair and creates a new position at Red

Bucket.

There is nothing quite as exciting as getting your own horse, except helping OTHERS

find their dream horse!

Andrea Elwell and her family have vacationed in Southern California every year for over

20 years, a welcome break from the blistering heat at home in Arizona. During summer

vacation 2012, everything changed for Andrea. “I picked up the Huntington Beach

newspaper and read an article about a horse rescue that was given thirty days to

relocate a lot of horses,” Andrea recalls. “I love all animals but have always had a

special fondness for horses, although I had not owned one up to that point. I was

curious about the group called Red Bucket Equine Rescue, so when I got home I looked

up their website. I was so impressed with what I read that I sent off a small donation.

Nine months later I received an email from Red Bucket inviting folks to their Mother’s

Day event to meet the new babies. I responded that I could not attend and mentioned

that we vacationed in California every year and would love to come out to the Ranch

and visit if possible. Almost immediately, I received an invitation from Susan Peirce for a

personal tour next time we were in town.”

Here’s where the fun begins! A few months later Andrea was visiting California and

thought it would be a treat to visit the Ranch with her two boys while her husband was

back home in Phoenix working. They would finally get to see one of the places they

supported and meet the horses! Susan arranged for a tour the following day, and the

trio set out to stock up on carrots and apples.

“We arrived at the Ranch the next day and were greeted by Susan, who was so kind

and patient with my boys and spent well over an hour with us, answering questions and

letting us pet as many horses and donkeys as possible. In the course of our

conversation I mentioned to Susan that I would love a companion horse someday,

though I didn’t want to ride due to a bad riding experience. I explained how the

instructor would hit the horse’s ears with the riding crop. After three lessons I quit and

decided that if this is what riding was all about, I didn’t want to ride. Susan informed me

that this was NOT what riding was like at all!”

Andrea left the Ranch that day feeling absolutely inspired, and went home to research

riding/boarding facilities in Phoenix. She began riding lessons with the goal of owning

her own horse, and eight months later she did just that! Andrea became the new mom

for Dr. Seuss on April 13, 2014.

“Dr. Seuss is amazing!” Andrea confides. “He is a 17-year-old Thoroughbred bay

gelding and as his story goes, he was rescued from a race track slaughter truck. The

woman who rescued him had him for several years but at some point could no longer

feed him. He was emaciated when he landed at Red Bucket in 2013. When I was ready

to adopt, I came out to the Ranch for a long weekend. I met several horses and had

narrowed my choice down to two. While the first horse was better trained, I fell in love

with Dr. Seuss’ personality! He is very loving but can be a bit cantankerous at times. He

is incredibly smart and picks up concepts very quickly. As I consider myself still a

beginner rider, Dr. Seuss is super patient and forgiving with me. The thing I love most

about him is how much he loves our family! When my husband and two sons come to

the barn to see him, he is dreamy! He stands perfectly still for the boys and gently

nuzzles them. I actually said to Susan that day, ‘Did you train him to show off like this?’

It was as if Dr. Seuss knew what was happening and was going to do everything

possible to secure his new home. He didn’t need to work that hard as I had already

made up my mind, but he was a joy to watch, and he certainly wiggled his way into my

heart forever.”

Andrea’s love affair with animals started early: “I grew up in a household of animal

lovers. My parents were very rescue minded, and I’ve been volunteering with rescue

groups since I was a child. I’ve been exposed to different philosophies and practices

with the various rescues, and I am a firm believer in not just rehabilitation of animals but

also teaching animals a skill set that might give them a better chance at success in a

new home. Susan explained that each horse’s needs are different when they arrive;

some are ready to head to their forever home while others need time to just be a horse

again. I appreciate that Red Bucket is discerning when it comes to their adopters. It is a

big commitment owning a horse, both financially and emotionally. When I came to Red

Bucket, I was immediately impressed with the Ranch AND with the manner in which the

animals were treated with such kindness and respect.”

As her relationship with Dr. Seuss grew, Andrea still craved more. “I often lamented to

Susan that I would love to volunteer remotely, and last September she called to tell me

that she had the perfect position for me; she created an Adoption Coordinator role! As

Red Bucket’s Adoption Coordinator, I begin the personal relationship between an

adopter and Red Bucket. Anna Eddy (Chief Volunteer Officer) or Susan will do an initial

screening of applications and forward to me those they feel may be strong candidates. I

call those applicants and ask a few more questions before we schedule an interview,

begin a more thorough screening, and schedule a visit. I continue to follow up to assure

the process is progressing and to answer any questions the applicant may have.”

According to Anna, Andrea’s new role has been a blessing: “Searching for a horse is an

exciting and special time. From the beginning of this cherished relationship we want to

create special memories of the adoption process. We provide a no pressure

environment and give the adopter an opportunity to make the right decision for

themselves and the horse. Our model is based on trying to find the perfect match, and

Andrea has a very important role in helping our horses find their forever homes. She is

the liaison between the adoptive families and our Red Bucket trainers and volunteers;

Andrea has added organization and an improved personal touch to this special process.

We match horses based on riding experience, temperament, level of training, and a

wish list. Andrea’s addition to the adoption team has made the process more intimate

and efficient.”

As this new role develops organically, Susan Peirce provides direction and coaching for

Andrea. “Susan is a wonderful sounding board and has been very patient and extremely

helpful with me as we continue to develop this role,” Andrea explains. “During this

process, I have learned that horses, like people, are uniquely individual. Some horses

can let go of their horrific past almost immediately and begin the transition toward their

new life. Others need time to heal. I am always amazed by the hard work of the

volunteers and how they lovingly bring horses out of their shells and get them to begin

trusting humans again. I have also learned how truly forgiving horses are. They are so

gentle and can be such wonderful partners if just given the chance.”

Susan could not be prouder of Andrea! “She is absolutely amazing! She got her feet wet

with Red Bucket by making donations, which led to a Ranch visit, which led to an

adoption, which led to a new responsibility as Adoption Coordinator! She is a pilot, a

mother, and an animal lover with a ton of drive; she is super organized and smart and

all around outstanding! Andrea will screen our potential adopters, and is responsible for

keeping the ball moving during the adoption process. She has great follow up and social

skills. She came in through the doorway of donor and has been wonderfully supportive

for many years. I know she LOVES Dr. Seuss! Her husband Jerome is also extremely

supportive, and they both attend our Ruby Red event each year. Andrea is very

detailed, intuitive, and truly gets our culture. I could not ask for a classier representation

of Red Bucket!”

The Red Bucket mission is not just to “find homes” for unwanted horses. “Our goal is to

do our best to support our horses so they can go on to live happy and productive lives

with families who promise to give them safety, love and security for the rest of their

lives,” Andrea elaborates. “Red Bucket takes the time to build a relationship with

adopters to ensure each horse is a good fit. We don’t rush things just to ‘find a home’. I

believe ‘restoring trust in humankind’ is not only necessary for our horses, but for us,

too. I get down sometimes with all of the bad things that go on in our world. We take in a

horse that has been abused and starved and I get very angry. I don’t understand who

could do something like that to an animal! But then, a horse will leave the Ranch and

head to its forever home. We will get a picture from the new owner with the biggest

smile and a look of contentment in the horse’s eye. That’s when I realize that there are

more good people in this world than bad. I think of all the people who have helped make

this new life possible for each horse, and my own trust in humankind is restored. It truly

DOES take a village! I believe in Red Bucket, and I am honored to be part of such an

amazing group.”