It’s been said that everyone deserves a second chance. For many animals who have been neglected, abused or otherwise abandoned, Last Chance Ranch (LCR) in Quakertown provides the opportunity to be rescued from an uncertain future and the chance to live a life with love.
Last Chance Ranch’s primary mission is to rescue and rehabilitate equine, companion, and small farm animals. Many of their animals go on to live productive and happy lives in forever homes through adoption or find a place at the ranch as part of the many programs offered to visitors. Animals range from the usual dogs and cats to chinchillas, rabbits, pigs, goats, birds, horses or anything else that needs a safe home. The animals receive medical care and rehabilitation if needed as well as complete updates on all their shots, de-worming, flea and tick treatments or farrier services. Animal adoption fees are applied to the cost of this routine care.
The organization was founded by Lori McCutcheon, a graduate of Delaware Valley College who had a degree in Animal Science/Husbandry and a deep love of animals, especially those in need of extra love and care. She and her family rescued her first horse when she was a teenager and her desire for caring for sick animals or those in need developed into the organization as it is today. LCR began in 1989 as a for-profit and offered lessons, boarding, rehabilitation, and training. By 1999 its designation changed to a not-for-profit. It continues to be dedicated to promoting and educating the public to humane and responsible treatment of horses, ponies, donkeys, and mules (equines) and other domestic companion animals.
In addition to caring for animals and working to see that they are adopted in loving, responsible homes, the ranch has many programs which bring visitors on site. Horseback riding lessons, summer riding camp, birthday parties, educational tours and a variety of special events keep the staff and volunteers busy throughout the year. A Community Education Building is also available for rental for group events or seminars and another new facility is available for use in temporarily housing animals in need in the event of a disaster.
Donations for the ranch are always needed and can be made directly online or contributions through the Amazon Smiles program when making your own personal purchases. Volunteers are welcome as well to help with animal care, barn and kennel maintenance, office work, fostering and assistance with communicating the work and mission of the ranch. Volunteer orientation sessions are run the first Saturday of each month on site. Additionally, LCR operates a thrift store located in Coopersburg, PA. All proceeds from the store are used to further the work at the ranch.
If you would like more information about Last Chance Ranch or are interested in seeing the many pets available for adoption, visit their website at www.lastchanceranch.org.
// BY BETSY NATTER
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