Congratulations to Miranda Cannon, our July Volunteer of the Month! Since September 2021, Miranda has been dedicated to improving the lives of SAFE horses. Her kindness, dedication, and uplifting spirit are invaluable to her Friday morning team, and we are especially fortunate when her daughter joins in to help! Miranda’s contributions extend beyond her regular duties; she has also taken on the crucial task of raking leaves in the fall, ensuring our roads remain clear and safe for the horses, she has helped fill in on short shifts, and has supported fun SAFE events like BINGO at the Barn! No matter how long your week has been, seeing Miranda at the barn on Friday morning guarantees a great day ahead! Thank you, Miranda, for sharing so much of your heart to ensure our horses live the lives they deserve. Learn more about Miranda below!
How and when did you first get involved with horses? Do you have one now you want to tell us about?
When I was a kid, I lived on a small farm in the Midwest, and I had a beautiful golden palomino horse named Golddust. When I moved from home, I was in school for a long time and then moved to Seattle. While I dream of having a horse again someday, I wasn’t sure how I would accomplish that living in a city. In fact, I’m still not sure how to do that. That’s why I was so happy when I learned about SAFE because I am able to be around horses and horse people on a weekly basis. It’s such a privilege to be a part of this community!
What do you like most about volunteering with SAFE?
I love the people I work with. Friday AM Team is the best! I also love seeing how the horses change, both physically and behaviorally, between when they arrive and when they are adopted.
Do you have a favorite SAFE horse? If so, why?
The first horse I really fell for was dear, gentle Arigato. My current favorite is Bijou. I think she has a lot of personality.
What do you do when you are not horsing around with us?
My husband Mark and I have 2 girls (age 8 and 11) and several pets at home. We have a 4 year old Australian Shepherd and recently adopted 2 kittens who are sisters and they are the sweetest kittens. I am an optometrist and I own my own optometry office in Seattle (Cannon EyeCare.) My husband is also an optometrist and helps me run the business. I also love to hike, especially at Discovery Park.
Do you have family or special people in your life who support your volunteer work that you would want us to mention in your write up?
My husband and kids are so supportive of me coming to SAFE every week. And I am also grateful to all my family members who have come to SAFE as a guest volunteer with me every time they come in town to visit, and to my friends who have come along to see what it’s all about.
