Healing Hooves & Happy Hearts

Rush Creek Sanctuary is nestled in the rolling hills near Decatur, Texas. 

A Story of Hope and Healing

Karen Renee Lucchesi, who started rescuing animals when she was 13 years old, was diagnosed with  terminal illness in 2022  and discovered the benefits of animal therapy by working with the mini donkeys she rescued. Founded in 2023 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, by Brooks Trotter M.D. owner and Founder of Rush Creek Sanctuary and by Karen as Co-Founder.  Our sanctuary was born from a deep love for animals and a commitment to supporting veterans and special-needs children in our community. Rescuing neglected draft horses and donkeys—has grown into a vibrant mission that blends animal welfare with powerful equine-assisted therapy. Our vision: to create a haven where the gentle strength of draft horses and donkeys and mini donkeys could heal hearts and transform lives.

Our first draft horse, a towering Percheron named Zeus, rescued from an auction where he faced an uncertain fate. His weary eyes and gentle spirit inspired us to provide a safe home not just for him, but for other draft horses and donkeys who had been overworked or abandoned. Soon, we welcomed donkeys like Chicken(the Major of Rush Creek Sanctuary), a mischievous yet calming presence, whose non-judgmental nature would prove perfect for therapy. Each animal we saved became part of our family, and we realized their potential to do more than thrive—they could help others heal.

BTKL Education and Animal Rescue developed programs that harness the unique bond between humans and equines. Our draft horses, with their steady strength, and donkeys, with their serene empathy, became natural therapists for veterans, first responders struggling with PTSD, TBI,  their families and special-needs children facing challenges like autism or anxiety. At Rush Creek, veterans who returned home battling invisible wounds found solace grooming Zeus, learning to trust again through his calm presence. Children with autism discovered confidence and speech skills while whispering commands to Zeus, who seemed to understand his unspoken fears. Our sanctuary is free for all in need of mental health healing.

We partner year-round with the American Humane Society and their seizures, rehabilitating, and rehoming horses that suffered extreme abuse and neglect. From the last seizure, twenty-six horses we received, rehabilitated, and found loving homes. Several of them are in the process of becoming equine-therapy horses, a beautiful and amazing healing circle between the horses and those connecting with them.

Our Fall Festival celebrated this mission. Held October 2025, bringing together families, veterans, and animal lovers for hayrides, and draft horse demonstrations that showcase their journey from rescue to renewal. Funds raised through raffles and donkey-sponsored crafts support our programs and the care of our 12 draft horses and donkeys, covering costs like hay ($30,000/year) plus feed ,medicine ,hoof care veterinary care. The festival is also a platform to share stories of how a veteran found purpose leading a donkey cart and how a child with Down syndrome giggled atop a Percheron for the first time. This year's Festival will be held September 26, 2026. We are looking forward to seeing you there!

Our equine-assisted coaching offers veterans, first responders, their families and children with special needs, a safe space to build resilience and growth. Veterans work on trust and emotional regulation, guided by the horses’ intuitive responses, while children improve motor skills and self-esteem through riding and grooming. Donkeys, with their calm demeanor, are especially effective for anxious kids, reflecting their emotions like mirrors. These interactions, whether a quiet moment brushing a horse or a structured session with a therapist, spark joy and independence, helping participants carry newfound strength into their daily lives.

Rush Creek Sanctuary isn’t just a place, it’s a movement. It’s about giving draft horses and donkeys a second chance and a life worth living after years of hardship, offering veterans and special-needs children a path to healing through the power of these animals. Every nuzzle from a donkey, every steady step of a draft horse, is a step toward hope and healing. With your generous support, we’re saving animals and changing lives, one gentle giant at a time.