06/13/2026
MESSAGE FROM OUR FOUNDER
Hi, friends. As our 10th anniversary (!!!) approaches in October, I find myself overwhelmed with both gratitude and anxiety. What started as a ragtag group of four rescue equine has blossomed into a 30-acre, 130+animal sanctuary run by dedicated volunteers. We have rescued well over 200 animals and adopted out over 75. We currently care for 6 different species. I have found what I can only call my sacred work, which has fulfilled me in ways beyond description. Every day I am surrounded by animals and trees, truly “living the dream,” or so visitors tell me. 😅 I have never felt more grateful for this life.
At the same time, we are at a crossroads. What we actually DO - caring for animals - is going better than ever. I have learned so much in 10 years, and we are partnered with a wonderful vet and farrier. The potential to elevate this sanctuary to truly world-class over the next few years is there.
Financially, though, we are at the brink. In order to pay our expenses and chip away at the huge debt we owe to one of our hay suppliers, we need to bring in at least $2,000 a week. There was a time when I could do that through my job, but that time is long past. We have also seen property taxes go up exponentially, from a few hundred dollars to over $20,000 a year. Right now we owe $35,000 in past-due property taxes, and the bank who holds the mortgage on the property intends to accelerate the note ($240k) if the taxes aren’t current by the end of June. The bank has actually been quite patient with me, but time is running out.
Like so many of you, I am maxed out financially, and traditional options are no longer available. I have also found that my attempt at a balance between rescue work and my “real” job as a trial lawyer is impossible. I’ve been holding on to both, not seeing any way to fund the rescue without my job, but it’s not working. It’s time for me to make some changes professionally. I don’t know what THAT looks like either. 🤦♀️
I have a vision for Blue Moon that becomes clearer even as everything else (like the HOW) becomes murky. Our core work will always be caring for animals, especially donkeys. But I also see us building - no, CONTINUING to build - a real community of people who value compassion and empathy and who find peace, meaning, and JOY out here, interacting with the animals, tending to gardens, hosting gatherings - a community of support and joy brought together by donkeys. I know what it looks and feels like; I can see it in detail. We just have to survive to be able to get there. And if we can’t pay the property taxes and get ahead of our other debt, I don’t know what survival looks like.
How can you help? Please share this post. Maybe, through the magic of the Internet, we can reach folks who believe in our vision and have the resources to help us get through these challenges.
Also, no donation is too small to be impactful. Every dollar helps and will be put to good use!
We accept money donations through:
🩵PayPal: paypal.me/bluemoonequine
🩵Venmo: bluemoonanimalrescue
🩵CashApp: $bluemoonsanctuary
🩵Credit card: https://givebutter.com/gGlkn4
We also have a Chewy wishlist and would be so grateful to receive any of these items! https://tr.ee/qGwxT4pBvy
Last, and certainly not least, we will gladly take all the good vibes and kind thoughts. Positive energy generates positive movement!
Love you all,
Anna
