LUBBOCK, Texas — Dr. Beth Nickels has loved horses ever since she was a little girl and would sit at the kitchen table, drawing pictures of horses with her dad. This is what eventually led her to start saving horses from kill pins in 2013.
She started the non-profit, Rescued Animals Second Chance Inc., where she takes care of 85 horses at Double Nickel Ranch. She and her staff work to rehabilitate them mentally and physically so they can gain trust in humans again.
“They all have their own story … I’ve rescued some that were beaten and starved coming in with scars and blood and that have been hung up by their halter,” Dr. Nickels said. “My tender heart just couldn’t stand it.”
However, Dr. Nickels said the non-profit needs help. She injured her left shoulder and needs surgery, which will put her out of work for about three months once she undergoes the procedure later this year. She is hoping to raise $60,000 so that she can still feed and pay for the horses’ veterinarian bills while she is out since she is the one who usually pays for a majority of the horses’ care.
“I’m asking the community to help us with our mission to continue to save these animals,” Dr. Nickels said.
According to Dr. Nickels, even up to $40 could help feed a horse for about 8 days.
Dr. Nickels said it brings a great feeling to her heart when she helps the horses recover from past mistreatment.
“I think that God has led me not only to my talent in general surgery but to help these animals,” Nickels said.
Dr. Nickels said this all as she stood, petting a horse that used to never let anyone touch her out of fear. She said it took the horse months to gain trust in Nickels. Now, she can be pet, fed and loved on.
If you would like to donate to the non-profit, you can find a link to it here.