Josh Dolan’s journey from a chance encounter with neglected miniature horses to founding The Peeps Foundation is a testament to compassion in action. What began as a humanitarian effort to save a group of suffering minis has blossomed into a significant non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming these small equines.
From Neglect to a Mission of Hope
Dolan’s life-changing experience began when he discovered over 40 miniature horses in a state of severe neglect. After alerting authorities and finding no owner, he returned the next day to find one foal had already perished. Driven by a desire to help, Dolan arranged to purchase all the surviving animals. Among them was a tiny, weeks-old foal, so small she was named Peeps, a nod to the marshmallow candies. Peeps, critically ill, survived thanks to intensive care and months of antibiotics, becoming the namesake and inspiration for the foundation.
The Peeps Foundation: A Growing Legacy
Initially, the rescue of Peeps and the other minis was a personal mission. However, the overwhelming need led Dolan to establish The Peeps Foundation. Officially recognized as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in 2016, the foundation initially operated with two distinct chapters: one focused on rehabilitation and the other on rescue and rehoming. Since its inception, The Peeps Foundation has successfully rehomed over 1,000 miniature horses.
Shifting Focus to Rehabilitation
While the foundation previously operated on a larger leased property in Kentucky, allowing for a greater volume of rescues, its current permanent location in Ocala, Florida, on smaller acreage, has shifted the primary focus towards rehabilitation. This strategic move allows for more dedicated care and recovery for minis in need.
Key Takeaways:
- Josh Dolan founded The Peeps Foundation after rescuing over 40 neglected miniature horses.
- The foundation was named after a tiny, critically ill foal named Peeps.
- The Peeps Foundation has rehomed over 1,000 miniature horses since 2016.
- The organization’s current focus is on the rehabilitation of miniature horses.