What’s behind our name?

Before providing a home to more than 50 horses, Happy Dog Ranch offered expansive freedom to two large dogs who had lived in much smaller quarters. Exploring their vast, new space, they were very happy dogs! Our name embodies a desire to all be “happy dogs” and live a life of joy, acceptance, health and harmony with animals and nature.

The Origin of Happy Dog Ranch Horse Sanctuary

In 2006, Bernadette and John Spillane had an opportunity to move to a 53-acre ranch on Titan Road in Littleton – the property of their dreams. At that time, they had a beautiful Arabian named Zhum, but one horse on 53 acres just wouldn’t do. So they started down a slippery slope, as John would say, of accumulating just the “right amount” of equine companions. As Happy Dog Ranch grew, the Spillane family began taking in horses in need of help and a permanent home. And as their journey with these horses began, they knew they wanted to find a way to share it with others.

After several years of rescuing and caring for animals, Happy Dog Ranch became a 501c3 nonprofit organization in 2011. Rehabilitating and retraining horses became the Happy Dog Ranch mission, along with hosting workshops and clinics to teach broader knowledge and understanding of best practices in animal care and horsemanship. The collaboration grew as the Spillanes continued to find like-minded professionals, including equine instructors, veterinary practitioners, animal bodyworkers and healers.

John and Bernadette realized early on that Happy Dog Ranch’s purpose was rooted in education, awareness and experiential training. Animals that are happy, healthy and listened to can release past experiences and trauma, and they help people do the same. The Spillanes began collaborating with partners who offer mental health, wellness and personal growth support to community members.

Since then, the organization continues to expand the number of horses and small farm animals it can help, and to sharpen its focus on what the community needs most. The horses continue to guide the way. Consistency, kindness, reliability and stability are enormous factors for the health and well-being of the animals – and for all of us.

In Bernadette’s words, “We realized that we could provide an environment for enriching relationships within our community. Nature, animals and horses, in particular, can lead us to discover and uncover the best part of ourselves. They teach us to live in the present moment and to access the great wonder of our world, to find our unlimited possibilities and create a place of peace and joy, health and harmony, love and laughter.”