Fun, independence and new experiences.
That’s what it was all about as students in Oxford’s LOFT program camped out last week at the Pan Equus Animal Sanctuary (PEAS) in Oxford Township.
LOFT students played games, rode horses, interacted with goats, made pizzas and breakfast, went on a scavenger hunt and cared for their campsite like anyone would on vacation.
Based at the high school, LOFT stands for Learning Opportunities for Tomorrow. The program serves 18-to-26-year-old students with developmental disabilities or cognitive impairment. It teaches them a variety of useful skills that enable them to lead productive, fulfilling and independent lives.
The highlight of the campout was when LOFT students took turns riding Pete, a very large 14-year-old Percheron, which is a breed of draft horse.
Pete is one of 27 horses, ranging from miniature to draft, at PEAS, a nonprofit animal sanctuary founded by Ed Stull and Judy Duncan.
Located on a 75-acre farm at 940 Hummer Lake Rd. between M-24 and N. Coats Rd., PEAS? primary focus is taking in horses who are old, have been abused and/or neglected, or whose owners are no longer able to adequately care for them.
‘We offer forever homes for a lot of old horses,? said Duncan, who practiced veterinary medicine for more than 20 years. ‘I think they have a good life here.?
PEAS also takes in livestock, such as goats and chickens, as well as dogs and cats.
‘Anything that really needs a home,? Duncan said. ‘We’ll also do cows and pigs. We just haven’t had an opportunity to rescue any of those yet.?
But she was quick to note, ‘There is a limit to how many (animals) we can take.?
Duncan and Stull have been privately operating an animal sanctuary on their farm since 1994. ‘We’ve been doing this a long time,? Duncan said. ‘We’ve always had rescue animals.?
The couple turned their operation into a public nonprofit last year.
‘We run on donations and good-hearted people,? Duncan said.
Duncan was more than happy to provide a place for LOFT students to camp.
‘They’re really good kids and they’re very compassionate. They’re nice to have around,? she said. ‘I was amazed at how much they knew (about animals). It was incredible.?
One of PEAS? goals is educate people, particularly youth, about animals and give them an opportunity for some hands-on interaction with creatures great and small.
‘More than anything, we want to teach compassion ? teach them to be nice, to be friendly,? Duncan explained. ‘I think this is a good place to do it.?
Alicia Harrell, a LOFT student, is employed at PEAS. She works there two days a week, doing everything from grooming and massaging the animals to cleaning stalls.
‘I love animals and horses,? said Harrell, a 20-year-old Oxford resident. ‘I just love being at the farm because it’s my favorite place.?
Her favorite horse is named Encore.
‘He can be a little obnoxious sometimes, but I love him,? Harrell said.
‘She’s very, very sweet,? Duncan said. ‘She tries really hard. Bless her heart, she does a good job.?
Duncan noted sometimes you have to keep an eye on people to make sure they’re not mistreating the animals.
But she’s never had that concern about Harrell.
‘If anything, she’s guilty of over-hugging,? Duncan said.
Harrell relies on rides from the North Oakland Transportation Authority to get her to and from PEAS.
‘She’s very independent,? said LOFT founder and teacher Jeanne DiCicco.
Duncan highly recommends more local businesses and organizations hire LOFT students and give them a chance.
‘They try hard,? she said. ‘You couldn’t ask for anyone more loyal.?
To learn more about PEAS, please visit www.peanimalsanctuary.org or call (248) 343-4484.
‘If you need any help with the animals you have, come to Judy, she’ll do what she can for you,? Harrell said.