ELIZABETH, Colo. — The livelihood and safety of more than 70 horses, mules and donkeys are at risk at Journey with Equus Sanctuary. Now, the founder of the rescue group is hoping some angels can step in to keep the nonprofit alive.
The founder of the sanctuary, Candice Ensign, says her animals are "misfits."
"Before they come here, they are completely disposable," Ensign said. "When they don’t serve their purpose anymore, when they’re not going bring in money, or they’re injured ... they're just let go. Throw them away."
The sanctuary isn't just a safe haven for the animals. Many of them are given a new purpose to serve as therapy animals for humans.
"These animals are sharing their gifts to help people dig down and unpack their baggage and their traumas."
Ensign said the animals provide help to first responders, healthcare workers, survivors of abuse and veterans, just to name a few.
"I do believe every one of these animals is here because they have a mission to help people," Ensign said.
Now, it's all in jeopardy. The owner of the land where the sanctuary is housed has decided to sell in order to move to a new home in Idaho.
Ensign said there are no hard feelings. She said the owners want the animals to stay. In fact, they are leaving a few of their own with the sanctuary. But without financial help, it's impossible. The land is just too expensive. Ensign said she now has until January to come up with a solution.
"Maybe there are some angels out there, I don’t know. But the work we do here is important," Ensign said with tears in her eyes. "To be able to touch at least 476 lives or more a year of people that need healing, that need a safe place to come find themselves, is vital."
Now, Ensign just hopes that all of her efforts haven't gone to waste.
"It’s been tough and it’s been the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done," she said crying. "There’s a reason I'm doing it. I'm just going walk in faith something is going happen for us."
If you want to help keep the sanctuary where it is, send an email to info@journeywithequus.com or call 303-517-5856.
