Life on the Farm: Five Kids and a Menagerie of Rescued Animals

by Megan Troise

Wanting more space for their big family, Natasha and Kirk Hance moved from the city life in Fort Worth to a small farm in Weatherford, Texas. Soon after settling in, their farm became a place for all creatures to call home.

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As soon as they were able to put up a fence, the Hances rescued two goats. The kids were immediately taken by them. By the end of one week they added five more to the herd.

Natasha was worried about how the kids would adjust after leaving their city neighborhood they’d lived in for 14 years. Caring for the animals brought happiness. “It felt so good to see them loving their new farm life,” she said.

The family didn’t expect to rescue horses so soon after moving, but when Natasha and Kirk saw a mare, Cody, and pony, Tobias, on an auction website that listed many mistreated horses, they immediately welcomed the two to their farm.

It took a few days for Tobias to warm up. He had been abused and had scars all over his body. When Kirk got down on his knees and sat with the pony for a while, Tobias slowly made his way over and rested his head on Kirk’s shoulder. Trust was building.

Natasha and Kirk hope that by learning to care for these animals, their kids will appreciate them while feeling a sense of accomplishment. “There needs to be more compassion for life,” says Kirk.

There’s still plenty of work to do on the farm, but when the main pasture is fenced in, the Hances hope to rescue more horses and ponies.

Natasha says the kids choose to spend time with the animals. She loves sitting outside, watching them connect with these creatures God has brought their way.

They would love to build the farm into a true rescue and be able to find homes for animals. Natasha, a birth-and-newborn photographer, feels like she was meant to be with these creatures in need of love.

Kirk, a locomotive engineer, says it takes a lot of time and patience to care for these animals. He’s hoping more people will seek out rescue organizations when looking to adopt an animal.