08/19/2026
One week ago today we welcomed back the amazing volunteers who would ensure the last group of Ridglan Farm beagles were introduced to their new life through loving arms and take their first steps, first naps, and first runs outside, on real grass, in the sunshine.
The mission and the design behind the “healing” OPHEEL barn would not be possible without my husband, Max, and our two children, Ruth and Jake ♥️
When I shared the news of the possibility of hosting a “group” of beagles for “a day or two,” to provide vet care and transportation to various rescues, my family said, “yes!”
Even when we were asked to host and volunteer several more times, they always answered yes, and, how can we make it better for everyone?
Max made sure the heat worked (it was cold back in May and these dogs only knew one temperature and lived under one ugly shade of light) and that the propane tank didn’t need filling, the grass was cut and watered to keep it soft for tender paws, repaired fencing (Ruth triple checked for any holes or weaknesses), put up and took down extra fencing several times, the parking was clear from debris. Often it was short notice movement as the communication between Ridglan Farm and BDRR initially appeared quite fragile.
When the water from the outside water faucet turned brown the day before (of course….of all times…), we were all up until 10pm, in the dark, trying to get it to run clear (a great BIG thank you to Marshall Plumbing for walking us through it!!!).
Max, Jake, and Ruth constantly adjusted our horse pastures to ensure our horses would remain calm through all the visitors, buses, trucks…I could not have gotten through our 2 year old filly’s abdominal surgery without Ruth’s expert horse handling and care during the busy days (our filly was on strict stall rest and strict activity limitations for two months so keeping visitors from visiting the horses was critical) and for Max and Jake and Ruth for building a cozy, quiet recovery area and shelter for her.
Contrary to rumors, we did not adopt a beagle as we knew they had homes waiting for them so instead, our neighbor and Director of beagle operations, Jen, found us an 8 week old kitten that showed up at her house a week prior to the last beagle transport with a broken tail, belly full of worms, ear mite infestation, BB to the neck, and multiple puncture wounds to her nose and chin. Some how the animals that need help always find Jen!
I could go on but without Max, Ruth, and Jake maintaining the barn and the yard, and keeping the animals that I work with happy and healthy, there would be no barn to share with animals and humans♥️
Yes, we’d do it all over again, especially knowing the fight to stop animal research will continue.
