Sophia Dean has been Executive Director at Living Free for a little over a year, during which time she has overseen growth and renewal, reflected in rebranding and a new logo, once again incorporating a horse. In a letter to supporters Dean wrote “The horse had been part of our original 1980’s logo, but removed in the 90’s. We thought it was very fitting to bring it back, especially as we continue to grow our equine therapy programs.” We spoke with Dean this week to catch up with developments at the sanctuary. She noted that horses became part of Emily Jo Beard’s original rescue program when a horse and two donkeys joined the original ten dogs and five cats.

Living Free began to reintroduce horses as part of their equine therapy program. The workshops integrate the EAGALA model (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association.) Last year the Town Crier met participants in Living Free’s War Horse Creek Initiative, which has since expanded from veterans and first responders to include youth groups and private clients. “The therapy workshops, led by our certified equine specialist and licensed clinical therapist, focus on fostering emotional well-being and resilience through horse-human connection.”

Dean notes that the equine herd has grown to 13 horses and three donkeys. with new members including several mustangs, a retired racehorse, an abandoned 20-year-old Arabian, and two miniature horses, all of whom participate in the therapy program. Now Living Free is helping some of these animals find new homes. “The growth of the therapy program has made it possible for us to rescue more horses and make it part of an adoption program.

Cat and dog rescues continue apace, with 116 animals rescued and 79 finding homes this year. The cattery has been “focused on caring for our senior cats and those with special medical needs…Our commitment to giving animals as much time as they need to heal has been at the forefront of our efforts.”

Dean wanted to share with our readers one challenge all our local animal rescue organizations face: “This year one of the problems we have been dealing with is a lot of animals being abandoned at our gate or along Keen Camp road. A couple of chihuahuas got killed by coyotes.” Dean noted that ARF is facing the same problem. “My guess is, the economy is challenging, groceries are so expensive, people have to make hard choices. At Living Free we are not licensed to take strays, but we still prefer that people contact us so we can put them in touch with other organizations that can. People seem to think they are going to get in trouble, or someone is going to shame them, but really our priority is to make sure these animals are safe and taken care of. We can’t help if they are abandoned where we can’t see them.”

Last year Dean mentioned Living Free’s desire to collaborate more with the community. Now she points to their first Hoedown event, which welcomed over 500 attendees and raised about $12,000 to support the rescue and therapy efforts. The 2nd Annual Hoedown is planned for early next summer. In late October the Idyllwild Brewpub hosted Paws for Pints, “It was very successful, we had seven adoptions.” There were also several community events with El Sereno Mercantile and Pharos gym, and Dean notes that Amelia’s Donuts has been supportive, “When our staff come through town on horseback, she always brings the horses apples.” Living Free will be at the November 30 Tree Lighting ceremony, and will bring some adoptable animals, “probably dogs and horses.”

As director Dean is looking to future outreach. “What I have seen as a big community need is veterinarian care on the hill. I’m working on fundraising to get our Living Free clinic back up and running. We used to offer low cost spay and neutering, nail trimming and vaccinations. I want to acknowledge that the mobile vet in town, Dr Lorraine, is doing an amazing job, but she is only one person. It is clear that our animal -loving town needs a regular vet clinic.”

All these activities build on the vision of founder, Emily Jo Beard. “Our mission goes beyond saving animals, it’s about saving people too. By fostering the powerful connection between humans and animals, we are advocates for healing, hope, and second chances. At Living Free, we believe in saving humanity one animal at a time, creating a sanctuary where both animals and people can find a fresh start.” For Dean, this is just the beginning. “So much has happened and there is a lot more growth to come.”