Lucca is adopted by our very own Jane Millar! Jane has been a huge part of SAFE for many, many years and we could not be more over the moon that she found Lucca. As the Volunteer Manager for over 3 years, most long-term volunteers remember her as the first face of SAFE. Jane transitioned from a pretty big part time volunteer job to wanting to have more free time, try a few different roles at SAFE and be part of the horsemanship program.
Jane adopted one of our alumni horses, Dyna, back in 2017. Dyna was boarded at a barn just across the park from SAFE called Mackey Creek. The two would often take a trail ride through Farrel McWhirter Park to SAFE, do a little loop and then back home. Occasionally you could hear your name called somewhere in the park and realize it was Jane riding Dyna and hollering a quick hello. This past Thanksgiving weekend, we were heartbroken to hear Dyna was sick and Jane had to make the horrible decision to help end Dyna’s suffering. She was devastated and our hearts were so sad for Jane’s immense loss. She loved Dyna and had provided her so much love and care during Dyna’s golden years.
When it came time for Jane to start considering another horse, SAFE didn’t have a horse that matched her needs. Jane continued her work at the barn each week, helping with various barn chores and working with a horse or two. Then one day, Jane accompanied Terry on a ferry ride to pick up Lucca and another horse, Aries, in Kingston. Jane did not know at the time this would be her future horse, but Terry was hopeful.
A few months later, Jane was asked to ride Lucca in the Joel Connor Clinic and that may have been love at first ride. Jane loved this mare’s temperament and was aware of the interest potential adopters had in Lucca. She had to act fast if she wanted her, so she spoke with her accountant and was able to make it work!
In early August, Lucca left SAFE with Jane riding her, accompanied by staff, volunteers and SAFE horses. We had a SAFE “adoption parade in the park” where Jane had ridden so many times with Dyna, to bring Lucca to her new home at Mackey Creek. It was a wonderful way to start Lucca’s new life with one of our favorite people, Jane. The two continue to do trail rides and Jane keeps us updated on how lucky she feels to have found Lucca. We think they are both really lucky.
