Michelle Derrick knows that a donkey named Cora has brought healing to her wounded soul.
Derrick opened Hope for Hooves, a North Augusta animal rescue back in the fall, but plans to have a grand opening celebration March 20.
Derrick was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013. After a mastectomy and reconstruction, she was cancer free. A few years later, the cancer returned, and this time it was worse.
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It had spread, she said, and doctors didn’t offer much hope.
“I didn’t want to talk to people,” she said. She kept the cancer’s return a secret from everyone including her own husband.
In September 2018, she met a donkey and fell in love with the animal. She brought the animal home and soon she began rescuing other donkeys, horses, pigs and a variety of animals.
She spent nights outside with Cora, often pouring out her heart in prayer to God, but Cora heard her too. One night after many tears, she covered her face with her hands and wept.
The donkey sensed Derrick’s pain and gently nudged her hands. Derrick looked into the animal’s eyes and knew everything would be fine, she said.
More than two years later, Derrick is using a new treatment that is keeping the disease under control.
Derrick doesn’t provide a therapy program, but she said she allows people dealing with trauma to share bonding moments on her farm with animals who’ve been abused or neglected.
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They can sense a wounded soul, she said, and often their nuzzles or looks provide something that can’t be explained.
Recently a little boy came for a visit, and he was drawn to one horse who wasn’t exactly the friendliest. The horse was drawn to him too, and the two of them shared one of those moments that brings joy to the soul, she said.
“The horse’s whole countenance changed. She became very relaxed around him,” she said. “She knew that little boy had been through some hard times.”
The Hope for Hooves grand opening will be from noon to 6 p.m. March 20.
There will be tours of the farm, and activities such as a bounce house, corn hole and arts and crafts. Vendors will sell items on site. There will be food and a chili cookoff.
The Bearded Elvis will provide entertainment from noon to 3 p.m.
Hope for Hooves is located at 45 Van Rd. in North Augusta.
Charmain Z. Brackett is the Features Editor for The Augusta Press. Reach her at charmain@theaugustapress.com
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