When I walked into the auction that night, my eyes were immediately drawn to him. Quietly tucked into a back corner, his skin stretched tightly over his bones, his grey muzzle reaching through the bars. He walked straight up to me. His kind eyes met mine as he softly neighed, searching my pockets for a treat. Someone had loved this horse once. Every person who passed him shook their head in pity.

That night, I was there looking for horses who needed help. My parents were searching for two pasture companions. A safe home already lined up, with green fields and plenty of love waiting.

I sent a video and text to my mother: “Mom, there’s a horse here that looks like a walking skeleton.” Then I walked out to my truck. The tears were coming fast. I needed air. I needed a moment to process the cruelty standing right in front of me. It’s different in person. It’s different when you feel their energy, look into their eyes and see the undeserved kindness still radiating from them.

I went back to him and made him a promise: he was coming home with me that night.

He was the last horse in the ring. Hardly anyone bid on this “walking skeleton.” For $300, he was mine. As he carefully stepped into my trailer, I vowed to do everything in my power to help him.

When he arrived, it took only a few days for him to realize he didn’t have to be strong anymore. He was safe. No longer a number, no longer a “walking skeleton.” My parents named him Maverick, a symbol of hope, strength, and freedom.

In the days that followed, Maverick began to decline. He was fighting an uphill battle. At 30 years old, he was battling severe emaciation along with other medical issues. In the end, we had to give Maverick the last act of kindness. Help had come too late.

His last days were filled with warm blankets, warm mashes, and endless love. Help should have arrived much sooner for Maverick. His story lit a fire in me that will never burn out. I was angry, devastated, and heartbroken by the cruelty humans inflict on these gentle souls. They deserve better. We can do better.

And so, Chasing Mavericks was born.

This fund will provide grants to owners who cannot afford the last act of kindness, or who need support surrendering their animals to a sanctuary. It is not only about financial assistance, but about education. We aim to show people that auctions are not the only option when they can no longer care for their animals. Too often, auctions become a convenient way to discard an animal when affordability becomes a problem.

I believe that with more opportunities and resources, many people will choose to do right by their animals. They will choose compassion over convenience. Kindness over greed.

More than 250,000 people were outraged by Maverick’s story, and rightfully so. My challenge to you, the reader, is simple: donate just $1 to this fund. Imagine if every person who saw his story gave $1. Think of the good we could do. Think of the lives we could change.

I need Maverick’s story to reach as many eyes as possible. This wave of change will be too powerful to ignore. This fund will help the animals who need it most.

Be a voice for them.
You can be a hero today—for just $1.
No movement is ever too small when we stand together.