Dear Friends of Squirrelwood Equine Sanctuary,

It is with the heaviest of hearts that I write to you today. After many years of serving as a refuge for animals in need, Squirrelwood Equine Sanctuary will be closing its doors. This is not a decision made lightly, nor one we ever imagined we would face.

As many of you know, my beloved partner in life and in this mission, Diane, passed very suddenly at the end of January. Diane was a tireless rescuer of animals, an advocate for justice, and the heart of this sanctuary. Her passing has been a devastating loss—not only to me personally but to the entire Squirrelwood family. In the months since, my own health has declined significantly under the weight of grief and the unrelenting demands of running the sanctuary. After much reflection and many difficult conversations, it has become clear that continuing in this way is no longer possible.

What has always been possible—and what we are committed to even now—is ensuring that every animal in our care is safe, loved, and placed in an appropriate new home. This means working with other sanctuaries and rescues to transition animals, while still providing daily feed, veterinary care, and the necessary health documents for each animal prior to transfer.

This is a heartbreaking process. The decision to close our gates goes against everything in our hearts. But the truth is that the continued stress is directly contributing to my failing health, and if I am unable to care for myself, I cannot care for the animals as they deserve.

Over the years, with your unwavering support, Squirrelwood has been able to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome hundreds of animals who might otherwise have been forgotten. Every life saved, every creature healed, and every moment of peace for these animals was possible because of you—our supporters, volunteers, and friends. Together, we built not just a sanctuary, but a community of love, compassion, and hope.

Even as we walk through this painful transition, your support remains vital. The animals still need food, medicine, and veterinary exams in order to prepare for their safe passage to other sanctuaries. Your generosity will ensure that they leave Squirrelwood with the same dignity, care, and love with which they were welcomed.

On behalf of myself, and every staff member and volunteer who has poured their heart into Squirrelwood, I want to thank you. Thank you for standing with us, for believing in this mission, and for helping us bring light into the lives of so many animals. Though this chapter is closing, the love and legacy of Squirrelwood will live on—in the lives of the animals you helped us save, and in the community we built together.

With gratitude and love,
Beth Hyman
Squirrelwood Equine Sanctuary