ABOUT US At the present time, all of the people listed below are working to develop this program on a strictly voluntary basis. In fact, these folks are investing their own money in facility development as well as the costs associated with rescuing, training, and maintaining the horses on the farm. CATHY MESARIC Cathy Mesaric is the heart of our rag-tag band of misfits! She has always had the softest spot for horses and loves them all like children. Her role as Vice President/Chief Operations Officer at LCR is to oversee the day-to-day care of the horses, getting up well before the sun to make sure all is well. There isn't a horse or a child that Cathy would turn away or give up on! Cathy has over 20 years experience in the field of law enforcement/corrections as a police officer, corrections officer and corrections administrator, which gives her a great understanding of what becomes of at-risk children whom the system fails. MARY MYSHRALL Mary Myshrall is Cathy's right hand. Mary's primary role as our President/Chief Executive Officer is making sure the we don't get ahead of our finances (no small task!) and to ensure that our records are kept in order. She will also bear responsibility for maintaining updated records on clients, volunteers, and horses. Mary recently graduated cum laude from the University of Maine at Augusta with an Associate of Science in Criminal Justice, a degree program which has included courses in psychology, criminology, and corrections. Mary's background as the administrator of a foster home for special needs children along with her education gives her a firm foundation from which to work with at-risk children as well. In addition, she plans to attend the EAGALA Level I certification program in the fall. SANDRA WOODWARD Sandra Woodward of New Hampshire has graciously volunteered to assist with the duties of the Chief Financial officer as Mary transitions to the duties of Chief Executive Officer. YVONNE STAREN Eve is our Administrative Assistant; she spends many hours helping with the running of the ranch. Eve has a long history of working with animals big and small and always makes time for the LCR family. ADVISORY BOARD We are currently assembling a top notch Advisory Board who will be responsible to oversee the operations and governance of Last Chance Ranch. Once our board has been selected, member biographies and pictures will be posted in this section. OUR TERRIFIC BARN STAFF Darren and Priscilla Greenleaf, have donated a tremendous amount of time and energy to help with the success of the ranch. They are here on a daily basis assisting in all aspects of the ranch. HISTORY In 2002 Mary and Cathy met while working together for a security company. Both having a mutual love for horses, they spent countless hours talking and dreaming of the wonderful things these magnificent animals can do. In March 2004, Cathy was given the opportunity to take over her late brother’s land in Troy. This is when the dreaming of helping retired and abused horses turn toward a reality. Cathy called Mary and said “let’s give it a shot”, and Mary jumped at the opportunity to build the dream. She added a slight twist, “how about combining rescuing horses and working with at risk youth?” Cathy’s reply, “let's do it!” So they began, with no barn, a house that needed to be totally refurbished and land to be cleared, they set out. The first step was finding the funds. Retirement, savings, and weekly paychecks all went in to put up the barn and start work on the house. Then for the real stumper, what would they have for a name. Cathy said half jokingly to Mary, “it’s my last chance, now or never”. Mary replied with a grin, “Last Chance Ranch”. With that, LCR was born. The first year was the most difficult - plotting and planning what to do and how to do it. Much of the work was being done by themselves, family and friends. Work days went well into the night and the dream became more of a reality each day. Some days were filled with excitement others filled with pure fear. Had they taken on more than they could deal with? The fear would soon subside and with family at their side, giving encouragement and strength, they would carry on. By the end of that first summer they had half of the barn built, pastures cleared and fenced, and the house done enough for the oncoming winter. Still working from their own funding they marched into winter. And as the weather grew colder they met with frozen pipes, freezing pelting rains and lots of snow. By now they had four horses on the property, and much determination to see this project become a reality. They had each silently made a vow to themselves that they would not give up, no matter what. Work went on slowly through the winter, but each completed task brought on a new sense of gratification - they knew they were getting closer to their goal. Spring 2005 comes to LCR, a relief to say the least. With the warm sun and longer days, all on the ranch were happy. Immediately the rhythm of saws and hammers could be heard. Visitors came to see what was going on up that long narrow driveway, and word spread of what the girls at the ranch were up to. Volunteers came to help, donating their time and use of equipment. It was all very exciting and some days were just unbelievable with the love and laughter that filled the air. Adults came young and old, children ran the fields. And the horses knew they came here to live their years out as they should with dignity, honor and lots of love. In June of 2005 the first financial donation came. It was a check for thirty dollars and a note expressing what a wonderful thing was happening here at LCR, tears flowed on that day. Mary and Cathy knew there was no turning back, the dream was happening and they were right in the middle of it. At the end of 2005 the herd had grown to eleven, electric heater buckets are installed and run-ins are up. Knowing they are more prepared for the oncoming bitter weather, life relaxed for a long winter. The ranch enters 2006 with media coverage, non-profit status being filed and a large group of supporters. Fund raisers are planned and volunteers come to assist in raising product and funds for the first LCR Chicken BBQ. Lawn sales were held with donated items, wood cleared from pastures is being sold, soliciting outside shopping malls, and volunteer work days take place through the summer months. Those efforts resulted in monies for the first time to help purchase feed for the winter months. Although LCR is still in its infancy and has a distance to go before completion, much has been accomplished still without outside funding. Children come to the ranch to learn self-worth and what it means to give and receive love. Sixteen wonderful horses walk the fields knowing they are safe, loved, and will live their years out in peace. LCR is now set up to take on emergency care horses and works closely with are animal welfare. While much has been accomplished we have not and will not reach our final dream until our indoor therapy and riding arena is complete. That will afford the horses to the receive therapy for injuries and tired old bones. It will be a place to be used by children, were they can come throughout the winter months and enjoy the harmony of the love of a horse. The show size outdoor arena will also be used by children who can bring their horses and ponies to show off their skill and talent without worrying about cost, where everyone is a winner. The youth program will allow us to bring children here to teach them what it is to give and receive just by learning their own self-worth. Not until we reach the place where no child or horse will have to be turned away will the dream of LCR be completed. OUR ROLE The role of Last Chance Ranch is the breaking down of barriers that prevent children from communicating their thoughts and feelings. By engaging in a non-threatening horse-related activity in a non-clinical setting, we are able to build healthy interpersonal relationships between at-risk youths and adults while not judging them by their past mistakes. Further, these activities build self-esteem by helping a rescued horse make progress in its training and health restoration. This approach helps overcome personal problems that may hamper development by giving a sense of responsibility and positive achievement. This program, while still in its infancy, offers a practical and successful alternative to the slaughter of horses and the alienation of forgotten children. IN MEMORIAM Our memories are our past, present, and future... We dedicate our efforts and our love to the memories of: Jim Mesaric Johnny Mesaric George Mesaric - your love for animals lives on, Dad Keith and Thelma Harriman Ernie Allain, Jr. Wendy Lynn Mesaric-Reidinger Richard Wood And our equine friends, gone but never forgotten... Shiloh - "age has nothing to do with it!" Even though you were 40+ years old, you taught us that age has nothing to do with anything. If it is in your heart, you will find a way to make it happen. I am getting old...not giving up! Caesar - Making friends came easy to you. Your heart was as big as the rest of you thank you for sharing it with us. Jojo - You were so sweet, loyal, and forgiving. Your halter will never be worn by another. You are much missed, dear Jojo. Mariah - Your willingness to teach novice riders was only surpassed by your incredible patience with them. Thank you. Flashy Britches K (Flash) - Thank you for all the lessons you taught me about responsibility and life. I miss you Dubba. Princess - A feisty Shetland pony, you were too small for adults and too fast for kids but we loved you anyway. Flash's best friend always. Cody - You were only with us a short time, but your grace, spirit and gentleness will live on here. You are much missed my friend. Evey - A beloved friend of 33 years. You gave so much and asked for so little. Rest until you are reunited at Rainbow Bridge. Monti - Your leaving has saddened many hearts as we will miss that funny little call of yours each morning when the porch light goes on. The wonderful call to your friend Eve when the black truck pulled in, what a team! Rest my friend, the love you gave will never be forgotten. Never to be forgotten; the special Pups in our lives: Flamer - Each day is easier but you are always on my mind and in my heart. Rinnie - My smiling dog, I love you. Shamus - You are the man, loyal and dedicated to your girl Rinnie. Rest my friend, in peace. Pepper - Aunt Sandra's faithful and loving companion. You had all around you very well trained. "A devil in a dog suit" indeed. We will all miss you. See you at the bridge. Shelby - Your time has come to be with Rinnie and Shamus, how wonderful to be with your two buds once again. A very special friend to many, but dedicated and so ever loyal to his best friend Dave. You will be missed by many and will always be in our hearts. Mac - The ranch has been saddened with your loss. Not a day passes that you are not in our hearts and on our minds. Rest little buddy, you and Mary will again someday ride that tractor through the fields. Harry - My loyal little buddy. I miss our Saturday rides and stops for Slim Jims. Today you are with our friend and I know you are safe and happy together. Percy - My beloved and loyal friend, no words can express the emptiness I feel, your devotion to me throughout the years cannot be put into words. I love you my friend and miss you more than words can express. Meet me at Rainbow Bridge my friend and we will once again walk in the fields and play together by the moonlight. Silas and I will miss you, but we know that you are with those that have come before you and are safe. I love you my bud, you are my guy! We're so glad you stopped by! As you browse our website, please feel free to note any ideas, suggestions, questions, or any other comments that might help us improve our services to you the public, to the horses, and to our kids! Thanks to all of our generous donors and volunteers who make what we do possible!