Welcome to the Hollow
The stories of Sundance Hollow are inspired by the animals, friendships, adventures, and lessons found here every day. Some arrived by careful planning. Most did not. Together they help make Sundance Hollow the special place it is.
The Horses of Sundance Hollow
Horses have shaped my life for as long as I can remember. They have carried me down trails, taught me patience, made me laugh, tested my resolve, and introduced me to friendships that lasted decades. The story of Sundance Hollow begins with them.
Meet Sundance
Some horses are companions.
Some are partners.
A very rare few become part of who you are.
Sundance was all three.
I was nine years old when Sundance came into my life. She was already a year old, and from that day forward, she rarely left my side. For the next thirty-three years, she was my loyal companion, trusted friend, babysitter, and protector.
Fearless is the word that comes to mind when I think of her.
No matter where we rode, what we encountered, or what challenges stood in front of us, Sundance faced them with quiet confidence. She watched over me in a way only a great horse can—always aware, always dependable, and always ready to carry me safely home.
She was also my grandfather’s favorite horse.
That became obvious on many of our rides together. More than once, Grandpa would decide he’d rather ride Sundance himself and leave me with one of the unbroken, difficult, or downright rank horses he didn’t feel like dealing with that day. At the time, I wasn’t always thrilled with the arrangement. Looking back, I understand. Sundance was special, and he knew it.
Over the years, she carried me through childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. She was there through seasons of joy and seasons of loss. She asked for very little in return beyond a kind hand, a little grain, and the chance to do what she loved.
Thirty-three years is a long time to share your life with anyone.
When Sundance passed away at the remarkable age of thirty-four, it marked the end of an era that can never truly be replaced. Horses come into our lives for many reasons, and I have been fortunate to know many wonderful horses. But there will never be another Sundance.
She was one of a kind.
The name Sundance Hollow exists because of her. The stories, the books, and the dream behind this place all trace back to a horse who spent a lifetime teaching me about loyalty, courage, patience, and unconditional friendship.
This page is dedicated to her memory.
She will always be the heart of Sundance Hollow.
Isis
Named after the ancient Egyptian goddess, Isis is an Egyptian Arabian with all the beauty, intelligence, and strong opinions the breed is known for.
To say Isis has a mind of her own would be an understatement.
She approaches life on her own terms and carefully evaluates every request to determine whether it is truly worth her time and effort. While she is not known for enthusiasm when work is involved, she possesses a quiet confidence that leaves little doubt about who is in charge of the pasture.
As the leader of the herd, Isis takes her responsibilities seriously. She keeps watch over her companions, maintains order among the horses, and has a special fondness for the miniature horses who share her home. While she may occasionally test the patience of the humans around her, she is deeply loyal to her herd and protective of those she considers part of her family.
What Isis lacks in ambition, she more than makes up for in personality.
Her striking beauty, expressive nature, and unwavering sense of self make her impossible to ignore. Life with Isis is rarely predictable, often entertaining, and never boring.
At Sundance Hollow, every animal has a story.
Isis reminds us that leadership comes in many forms, and sometimes the strongest personalities are also the most memorable.
Legacy
Legacy may be the largest member of the Sundance Hollow herd, but at heart she is still a big kid.
Curious, intelligent, and always paying attention, she seems to notice every change around her. Whether it’s a new object in the barn, a gate left in a different position, or visitors arriving unexpectedly, very little escapes her attention. In fact, she is often the first to alert everyone when something unusual appears near the pasture—including the occasional rogue flock of Canadian geese that dares to visit the pond behind the field.
While Legacy is naturally observant, she is also one of the gentlest horses in the herd.
She has always been remarkably patient with the miniature horses, treating them with kindness and tolerance even when they occasionally tested her patience. As youngsters, the minis became particularly fascinated with her tail and spent so much time chewing on it that she carried a noticeably shortened tail for years. Thankfully, it has since grown back to its full beauty, though the story remains one of the more memorable chapters in her life at Sundance Hollow.
Legacy shares a special bond with her best friend, Isis. While the two horses have very different personalities, they are rarely far from one another and have spent years keeping watch over the herd together.
Sweet-natured, clever, and endlessly curious, Legacy reminds us that leadership isn’t always about being the loudest voice in the pasture. Sometimes it’s simply about paying attention, looking after others, and making sure nothing important goes unnoticed.
At Sundance Hollow, Legacy is often the first to know when something has changed—and she’s usually happy to let everyone else know, too.
Cinders
Cinders is a Falabella miniature horse with a story as unique as his appearance.
When he first arrived at Sundance Hollow with his brother, Cowboy, he was just six months old and had experienced very little human interaction. Earning his trust would take patience, persistence, and more than a few treats.
In the beginning, simply catching Cinders was a challenge. For over a year, I worked to convince him that people weren’t something to fear. Sugar helped. So did time. One of the most important steps was spending quiet evenings in the round pen reading aloud to Cinders and Cowboy. They may not have understood the words, but they learned to recognize a calm voice, a familiar presence, and a friend who wasn’t going anywhere.
Eventually, Cinders decided I was worth trusting.
Today, it’s hard to imagine Sundance Hollow without him. Rarely a day goes by that he isn’t nearby, following me around the pasture, investigating whatever project I’m working on, or supervising field maintenance as though mowing grass would be impossible without his assistance.
One of the most remarkable things about Cinders is his ever-changing appearance. When I first brought him home, he was almost entirely black. As the years have passed, his Appaloosa coloring has become more pronounced, revealing new patterns and markings each season. His “coat of many colors” seems to tell a different story every year.
Adding to his charm is his exceptionally beautiful doll-like face, which has helped him win over just about everyone he meets.
But Cinders’ greatest quality isn’t his appearance. It’s his friendship.
The journey from a wary, untouchable young horse to a loyal companion is one I’ll always treasure. His story is a reminder that trust cannot be rushed, but when it is earned, it becomes one of life’s greatest gifts.
At Sundance Hollow, Cinders is more than a miniature horse. He’s a constant companion, a trusted friend, and one of the brightest personalities in the pasture.
Cowboy
Cowboy may be small in stature, but he carries himself with all the confidence and pride of a full-sized horse.
A Falabella miniature horse and the brother of Cinders, Cowboy possesses what many horse enthusiasts consider the perfect miniature horse build. While miniature horses are often mistaken for ponies, Cowboy leaves little room for confusion. If someone could magically shrink a full-sized horse down to miniature proportions, the result would look remarkably like him. His balanced build, proud carriage, and unmistakable horse-like appearance make him stand out wherever he goes.
While Cinders often attracts attention with his changing Appaloosa colors, Cowboy has a quieter kind of beauty. His long flowing mane and tail, combined with his elegant proportions, make him a true showstopper in his own right.
Of course, Cowboy also has a mischievous streak.
He possesses an uncanny ability to detect opportunities for adventure. An open gate, a loose board, or a break in a fence weld rarely escapes his notice. If there is a way out, Cowboy is likely to find it long before anyone else does. His preferred destination is perhaps the most puzzling part of all. Rather than visiting the neighboring boarding facility filled with horses, Cowboy often heads straight for a nearby front yard where he happily grazes as if he has every right to be there.
Why he prefers this particular destination remains one of Sundance Hollow’s enduring mysteries.
Fortunately, Cowboy’s curiosity is matched by his sweet and gentle nature. He enjoys the company of both horses and people and has a kind disposition that makes it difficult to stay frustrated with him for long—even after an unexpected neighborhood adventure.
At Sundance Hollow, Cowboy reminds us that a little curiosity can make life more interesting. Just don’t be surprised if he’s already discovered something everyone else has missed.
River
River is proof that determination often comes in the smallest packages.
A black-and-white miniature paint horse with a graceful build and gentle spirit, River came to Sundance Hollow as a very young foal alongside her brother, Traveler. In truth, both were likely weaned earlier than they should have been. The breeder routinely placed her miniature horses at just three months of age, and while it wasn’t ideal, River needed special care and a chance to thrive.
From the moment she arrived, it was clear she would need extra help.
River was born with challenges affecting her hind legs and arrived with a stifle issue that made movement difficult. Within days of her arrival, a veterinarian visited Sundance Hollow to provide treatment designed to strengthen her back legs and improve her mobility.
The months that followed required patience, consistency, and a great deal of time. Day after day, I walked River to help build strength in her legs and improve her confidence. Her little brother, Traveler, was often close behind, turning those rehabilitation walks into small daily adventures. Together, we spent countless hours taking one step at a time, gradually helping River develop the strength she needed to thrive.
Looking at her today, many people would never know how much work went into those early days.
River has grown into a beautiful miniature horse with a kind heart and a joyful outlook on life. Sweet, curious, and almost always in a good mood, she approaches each day with enthusiasm. Whether she’s exploring the pasture, greeting visitors, or enjoying time with her herd mates, River seems to find happiness wherever she goes.
Being the only girl among many miniature horse companions requires a special kind of patience. Fortunately, River has plenty of it. Her brother, Traveler, has never been shy about showering her with attention, companionship, and the occasional bit of sibling pestering. Through it all, River accepts his affection with the grace only a big sister can manage.
Outside of Traveler, one of River’s closest friends is Cinders. The two share a gentle nature and kind spirit that often draws them together. While some horses seek adventure or mischief, River and Cinders seem to understand the value of simply enjoying good company.
Despite a slight hitch in her giddy-up, River refuses to let anything hold her back. She can often be found running and frolicking through the pasture alongside her friends, fully embracing the life she fought so hard to achieve.
At Sundance Hollow, River reminds us that strength is not measured by perfection. It is measured by perseverance, kindness, and the courage to keep moving forward. Her journey from a fragile young foal to a thriving member of the herd is a story of resilience, friendship, and the extraordinary things that can happen when patience and love are given time to work.
Traveler
If energy could be measured in horsepower, Traveler would be one of the largest horses at Sundance Hollow.
A handsome brown-and-white miniature paint horse with soulful brown eyes, Traveler has never met an adventure he wasn’t willing to join. Despite his round, compact build, he seems to be in constant motion. Whether he’s exploring the pasture, investigating something new, or following his friends into trouble, Traveler approaches every day with enthusiasm and curiosity.
Each morning begins the same way.
Before leaving the barn, Traveler insists on receiving his daily hug. Only after proper greetings have been exchanged is he willing to begin his day’s activities. From that point forward, however, it’s anyone’s guess where the day will lead.
Around Sundance Hollow, we often joke about whether it will be a “Cinders Day” or a “Cowboy Day.” Each morning, Traveler seems to select one of his friends as the focus of his attention and then spends the rest of the day following, pestering, encouraging, and occasionally annoying them. Fortunately, both Cinders and Cowboy are remarkably patient with their enthusiastic little companion.
Traveler’s name may have something to do with his adventurous nature.
I sometimes blame myself for giving him a name he felt obligated to live up to. He is always eager to explore, investigate, and see what might be happening beyond the next gate or around the next corner. If mischief can be found, Traveler is rarely far behind.
This is especially true when Cowboy discovers an open gate or an opportunity for an unauthorized field trip. Traveler is usually more than willing to join the adventure, regardless of whether it was a particularly good idea in the first place.
As the youngest member of the miniature horse group, Traveler is often treated like the baby of the family. Yet his cheerful personality, affectionate nature, and endless enthusiasm have earned him a special place in the hearts of both horses and humans alike.
At Sundance Hollow, Traveler reminds us that life is meant to be explored. Every day holds a new adventure, a new friendship, or a new opportunity to discover something exciting—especially if you’re willing to greet the world with a hug and an open heart.
The Dogs of Sundance Hollow
Every day at Sundance Hollow is made better by the dogs who share it. They are faithful shadows on woodland trails, eager helpers during chores, enthusiastic greeters of visitors, and steadfast protectors of the people and animals they love. Though each has a unique personality, they all share one thing in common: a remarkable ability to make a house feel like home.
Hershey
Every farm needs a guardian.
At Sundance Hollow, that responsibility belongs to Hershey.
An Australian Shepherd with endless energy and a strong sense of duty, Hershey takes her role as protector of the farm very seriously. Whether she’s checking the property, supervising outdoor projects, or ensuring that every animal is exactly where it should be, she approaches each day with determination and enthusiasm.
Hershey learned much of her craft from her older brother, Rollo.
Like several other residents of Sundance Hollow, Rollo carried a Viking name and a larger-than-life personality. Although he passed away several years ago, his legacy lives on through Hershey. His dedication to what we affectionately call “Paw Patrol” was passed down to his little sister, who now proudly carries on the tradition of monitoring every corner of the property.
Rarely a day goes by without Hershey faithfully accompanying me from one project to the next. Whether I’m working in the yard, tending to the animals, or simply walking around the farm, she can almost always be found nearby, making sure everything is proceeding according to her standards.
Of course, every good guard dog has a few quirks.
Despite her courage and determination, Hershey has very strong opinions about weather. Rain is unacceptable. Snow is questionable. Wet feet are entirely beneath her dignity. She would much prefer that all outdoor activities occur under ideal conditions and has never been shy about expressing that opinion.
Hershey is also known for creating occasional misunderstandings in public.
When visiting stores or events, she has a habit of barking excitedly at young girls. This often requires a quick explanation to concerned parents that Hershey is not upset at all—quite the opposite. She absolutely loves children and is simply trying, in her own enthusiastic way, to convince them to come over and give her the attention she believes she deserves.
Like many Australian Shepherds, Hershey never seems to meet a stranger for long. Though born without a tail, she somehow manages to wag her entire body when she’s happy. The excitement starts at her nose and travels all the way to her back feet, making it impossible to miss when she’s pleased to see someone.
Hershey is also an accomplished runner—though not always when she’s supposed to be.
Because Sundance Hollow sits near a busy road, our dogs are kept on leashes whenever we leave the property. Hershey, however, occasionally views this arrangement as more of a suggestion than a rule. If given the opportunity, she is perfectly willing to embark on an unscheduled visit to the neighbors’ house. What exactly is so fascinating over there remains one of life’s great mysteries, but she seems convinced it’s worth investigating.
Over the years, we’ve developed a rather unusual method for convincing her to return.
Calling her rarely works.
Treats are only somewhat effective.
What does work is for me to lie down on the ground and call out as though I’ve been hurt. Without fail, Hershey immediately abandons whatever important business she was conducting and races back to make sure everything is okay. We’ve had to employ this strategy more than once, and while it may not be found in any professional dog training manual, it has proven remarkably successful.
For all her independence, adventures, and occasional disregard for the rules, Hershey’s greatest priority has always been looking after her people. The moment she thinks someone needs her, everything else can wait.
At Sundance Hollow, Hershey reminds us that loyalty is one of life’s greatest gifts. She is a guardian, a coworker, a devoted friend, a protector, and a daily source of laughter.
And while she may not appreciate puddles, wet grass, or snowy paws, she will happily stand watch over the people and animals she loves for as long as they need her.
Gracie
Like many of the animals at Sundance Hollow, Gracie was never part of the original plan.
In fact, she technically wasn’t even supposed to be my dog.
My parents had decided they needed an indoor companion, so I helped them find a litter of Yorkiepoo puppies. When we arrived to meet them, two tiny coal-black puppies immediately caught our attention.
One puppy, Maggie, was running everywhere at once. She barked constantly, knocked over her sister, and generally created as much chaos as possible. Watching the scene unfold, I told my mom exactly which puppy she was going to choose.
She agreed.
Then she informed me I would be taking the other one.
I reminded her that I had already established the rules. The only way I was bringing home another dog was if I picked up the remaining puppy, placed her on my chest, and she immediately fell asleep.
Unfortunately for me, that’s exactly what happened.
Within seconds, the tiny puppy curled up, fell asleep, and made the decision for everyone.
Just like that, Gracie became part of the family.
The next challenge was informing my husband that we had acquired yet another dog.
Rather than rush the conversation, I left Gracie with my mom for an extra day so she could have her veterinary checkup first. Once everything looked good, I brought her home, walked past my husband, handed him the puppy, and waited.
His response was immediate.
“What did you do?!”
His second response followed just as quickly.
“I love her.”
And that was the end of that discussion.
Today, Gracie is unquestionably the princess of the household.
She was raised under the watchful eye of Ava, my beloved German Shepherd, who has since passed away. Ava taught Gracie many important lessons, including loyalty, manners, confidence, and perhaps most importantly, how to rule gracefully.
Gracie took those lessons seriously.
Unlike the working dogs and farm animals around her, Gracie has fully embraced her royal status. She enjoys attention, prefers comfort, and believes clothing is an entirely appropriate part of a dog’s wardrobe. In fact, she may enjoy dressing up more than any dog reasonably should.
While Gracie may be small, she has somehow managed to establish authority over members of the household several times her size—including my husband.
I frequently catch the two of them sharing treats when they think I’m not paying attention. Both are convinced they are being discreet. Neither is nearly as sneaky as they believe.
Despite her princess tendencies, Gracie is affectionate, loyal, and deeply loved by everyone she meets. She has a way of making herself at home wherever she goes and winning people over almost immediately.
At Sundance Hollow, Gracie reminds us that sometimes the best things in life arrive completely unplanned. She may have started as someone else’s puppy, but from the moment she fell asleep on my chest, she was exactly where she belonged.
Sasha
After losing Ava, my best friend in dog form, I knew I wanted another German Shepherd.
I imagined a loyal companion who would listen carefully, follow instructions, and carry on the noble traditions of the breed. I pictured a dog with intelligence, discipline, and unwavering obedience.
Instead, I got Sasha.
Like several of the animals who have found their way to Sundance Hollow, Sasha arrived a little earlier than she should have. The breeder was placing puppies at only six weeks old, far too young to be separated from their mother and littermates. I knew that if I didn’t bring her home, she would likely end up spending much of her puppyhood alone in a backyard.
So home she came.
From the beginning, Sasha became my constant companion. There was only one problem.
Because she was so small when she arrived, Gracie immediately decided she would take responsibility for raising her.
The consequences of that decision are still being felt today.
Although Sasha eventually grew into an eighty-pound German Shepherd, she remains completely convinced that she is Yorkiepoo-sized. She sits on the back of the couch to look out the window. She spends evenings curled up in my lap while we watch television. She squeezes into places clearly designed for much smaller dogs and sees absolutely nothing unusual about the arrangement.
As a puppy, Sasha was too young for the long hikes Gracie enjoyed. To keep her included, I carried her in Gracie’s backpack.
Unfortunately, Sasha remembers this.
To this day, whenever the backpack appears, she seems convinced that I should once again carry her on our adventures. If I fail to comply, she is more than willing to express her disappointment by nipping at me and reminding me of our previous arrangement.
Sasha also maintains a close friendship with Bjorn, the household’s resident troublemaker. The two spend hours every day chasing, wrestling, and creating enough activity to keep everyone entertained. It is difficult to determine whether Bjorn encourages Sasha’s mischief or Sasha encourages Bjorn’s, but together they are a formidable team.
Sasha also considers herself the official communications director of Sundance Hollow.
If my husband leaves the house, she feels obligated to notify me. If he returns home, she immediately reports the update, often nudging me or insisting that I acknowledge the important information she has delivered. No arrival or departure goes undocumented when Sasha is on duty.
Her loyalty becomes even more apparent at potty time.
If my husband attempts to take her outside, Sasha frequently behaves as though she is being escorted away against her will. Rather than accepting the situation, she races back into the house searching for me, loudly voicing her objections and insisting that I be the one to accompany her instead.
To be fair, my husband has never actually attempted to abduct her.
Sasha remains unconvinced.
When she’s not supervising family activities, monitoring household traffic, or chasing Bjorn through the house, Sasha enjoys another unique talent.
She can say “Mom.”
Teaching her seemed like a wonderful idea at the time.
It was adorable.
For a while.
Unfortunately, Sasha discovered that saying “Mom” is an excellent way to get attention. What began as a cute trick has evolved into a regular form of communication. She now feels entirely comfortable announcing “Mom” whenever she believes a situation requires my immediate involvement—which is often.
Very often.
Despite her selective interpretation of obedience, Sasha possesses all the qualities that make German Shepherds so beloved. She is intelligent, loyal, affectionate, protective, and deeply devoted to her family. She may not always follow the script I imagined, but she has written a much more entertaining one of her own.
At Sundance Hollow, Sasha reminds us that the animals who change our lives rarely arrive exactly as expected. She may have started as a tiny puppy raised by a Yorkiepoo, but she has grown into a beloved friend whose personality is every bit as big as her heart.
And despite weighing eighty pounds, she remains absolutely convinced that she is still small enough to fit in your lap.
Honestly, she’s probably right.
The Cats of Sundance Hollow
Life at Sundance Hollow would be much less interesting without the cats. They are rulers, troublemakers, comedians, companions, and occasional supervisors of both people and dogs. Some demand attention, some earn trust one day at a time, and some simply assume the world revolves around them. Together, they provide endless entertainment and a daily reminder that cats rarely follow anyone’s rules except their own.
King Ragnar Lothbrok
Every kingdom needs a ruler.
At Sundance Hollow, that responsibility belongs to Ragnar.
A striking Lynx Point Siamese named after the legendary Viking king Ragnar Lothbrok, Ragnar has spent his entire life ensuring that he lives up to his namesake. He governs the household with confidence, authority, and a healthy belief that all creatures—human, canine, and feline alike—exist somewhere beneath him in the chain of command.
Visitors are welcome to admire the king.
Petting privileges, however, are granted at Ragnar’s discretion and should never be assumed.
From the moment he arrived, Ragnar made it clear that he expected proper respect. In fact, one of his earliest royal decrees involved my husband.
When Ragnar first came home, my husband was less than enthusiastic about the idea of adding another cat to the family. Looking down at the tiny Siamese kitten, he asked the fateful question:
“What’s so special about that cat?”
I immediately warned him that insulting a Siamese was a dangerous mistake.
Unfortunately, Ragnar heard every word.
To this day, he has never fully forgotten the slight.
What followed was a years-long campaign in which Ragnar systematically proved exactly what was special about him. Somewhere along the way, the two became inseparable. These days, the king can usually be found stretched comfortably across my husband’s lap each evening while they watch television together.
It would be tempting to call them best friends.
Ragnar would probably prefer the term “loyal subject.”
Despite his regal attitude, Ragnar is deeply devoted to his family. He keeps a close eye on everything happening within his domain and prefers a household that runs according to his standards. Order is important. Routine is appreciated. Unexpected changes are monitored carefully.
As long as everything is proceeding as it should, Ragnar is content to supervise from a comfortable throne, preferably one occupied by a willing human.
At Sundance Hollow, Ragnar reminds us that confidence is not the same thing as arrogance—although he occasionally blurs the line. He is equal parts ruler, companion, entertainer, and household supervisor.
And while he may allow the rest of us to live in his kingdom, there is never any doubt about who is truly in charge.
Bjorn Ironsides
With a name like Bjorn Ironside, expectations are naturally high.
Named as a hopeful tribute to the legendary son of Ragnar Lothbrok, Bjorn arrived at Sundance Hollow from Iowa rather than Scandinavia, making his Viking credentials somewhat questionable. Fortunately, neither Bjorn nor Ragnar seems particularly concerned with historical accuracy.
A handsome Lynx Point Siamese, Bjorn shares many of Ragnar’s regal features and confident personality. While he possesses the same striking appearance and noble bearing, he carries himself with a little less authority and a little more enthusiasm.
Ragnar appears to have unofficially adopted Bjorn as both companion and protégé. Of all the animals in the household, Ragnar is often the most patient with him, occasionally overlooking behavior that would never be tolerated from anyone else.
That patience is tested regularly.
Bjorn has made it one of his life’s missions to keep the household dogs entertained. The Australian Shepherd and German Shepherd spend much of their day chasing him through the house. One might assume this would eventually become tiresome.
One would be wrong.
If the dogs are scolded and the game comes to an end, Bjorn can usually be found just moments later reappearing to encourage another round. He seems genuinely puzzled whenever the dogs fail to recognize the importance of continuing the activity. Hours can pass this way, with Bjorn happily orchestrating the chaos.
When he’s not supervising dog-related recreation, Bjorn is focused on another important responsibility: treat management.
He takes snack distribution very seriously and believes consistency is essential. If a treat is delayed, forgotten, or accidentally overlooked, Bjorn is more than willing to provide a reminder. Several reminders, in fact.
Despite his mischievous tendencies, Bjorn is affectionate, entertaining, and impossible not to love. His playful nature keeps life interesting, and his endless curiosity ensures there is rarely a dull moment when he is nearby.
At Sundance Hollow, Bjorn reminds us that a little mischief makes life more fun. Whether he’s organizing another chase, lobbying for additional treats, or simply spending time with his family, he approaches each day with energy, confidence, and just enough trouble to keep everyone smiling.
While Ragnar may rule the kingdom, Bjorn is undoubtedly the prince most likely to accidentally start an adventure.
Mabel
Some animals are chosen.
Others choose us.
Mabel definitely chose us.
Our gray-and-white feline friend found her way to Sundance Hollow through an unexpected series of events that began at my sister’s workplace. My sister works at a local golf course, and one day a groundskeeper arrived carrying a tiny six-week-old kitten.
Apparently, this little ball of fur had already developed quite a reputation.
According to one memorable report, a young girl and her mother were seen running away while the girl shrieked, “She’s chasing us!”
Of course, any cat lover knows there was probably a much more reasonable explanation. Mabel was likely just trying to make friends with people who hadn’t yet learned the proper way to appreciate a kitten.
Fortunately, her days of terrorizing golf course visitors were short-lived.
Once Mabel arrived at Sundance Hollow, it quickly became clear that she had never met a person she didn’t like. Affection is her favorite hobby, and she approaches every day with the belief that more attention is always available if she looks hard enough. Whether she’s following someone around the house, curling up nearby, or requesting one more pet before moving on to her next adventure, Mabel is happiest when she’s close to the people she loves.
She is a constant companion, endlessly affectionate, and always willing to accept any amount of love that comes her way.
One of the most unusual things about Mabel is how she got her name.
The truth is, she seemed to choose it herself.
From the moment she arrived, she carried herself with the quiet wisdom and gentle presence of an old soul. Long before anyone officially named her, she simply looked like a Mabel. The name fit so naturally that it felt less like a decision and more like a discovery.
Today, Mabel remains one of the most beloved residents of Sundance Hollow. Equal parts companion, entertainer, and professional receiver of affection, she has a way of making every visitor feel welcome and everyday feel a little brighter.
At Sundance Hollow, Mabel reminds us that sometimes the best friendships begin when a tiny kitten decides exactly where she belongs.
Atlas
Unlike most of the animals at Sundance Hollow, Atlas was never officially invited.
He simply showed up.
One day, a handsome Lynx Point Siamese appeared on the back patio and decided that Sundance Hollow might be worth investigating. We aren’t entirely sure where he came from, how long he had been on his own, or whether he once belonged to someone else. What we do know is that he arrived thin, hungry, and in need of a little kindness.
And he never really left.
Given that Ragnar and Bjorn already call Sundance Hollow home, we sometimes joke that Atlas received a secret memo announcing that this was the official gathering place for Lynx Point Siamese cats.
Whatever the reason, Atlas seems content with his decision.
Though still cautious around people, he has gradually begun to carve out a place for himself. Physical affection remains off the table for now. Attempts to pet him are met with polite but firm disapproval. Food offerings, however, are considered entirely acceptable and are often rewarded with cheerful chirps of appreciation.
Over time, Atlas has learned his name and now responds when called. Those small moments of trust feel like important milestones. Every day brings a little more confidence, a little more curiosity, and another opportunity to show him that Sundance Hollow is a safe place to be.
One thing Atlas does seem certain about is the dogs.
For reasons known only to him, he has developed a fascination with them. The feeling is mutual. Atlas enjoys strolling across the patio with the confidence of a cat who owns the property, while the dogs watch in frustration from the other side of the barrier, unable to participate in his inspections. The arrangement seems to entertain Atlas far more than it does the dogs.
When we work outside, Atlas is often nearby.
He follows us from a distance, carefully observing whatever project is underway. He isn’t quite ready to join in, but he clearly wants to know what’s happening. His curiosity often wins out over his caution, and each day he ventures just a little closer than the day before.
Atlas remains a work in progress, and that’s part of what makes him special.
His story is still unfolding. With patience, time, and a steady supply of food, we hope to continue earning his trust and helping him discover that he already belongs here.
At Sundance Hollow, Atlas reminds us that not every friendship begins with a warm welcome. Sometimes the most meaningful relationships are built one small step at a time.
The Wild Things of Sundance Hollow
Not every friend at Sundance Hollow walks on four legs. Some arrive unexpectedly, stay for a season, and leave us with lessons we’ll never forget. Tilly’s story is a reminder that sometimes the greatest act of love is helping something find its wings.
Tilly
Not every resident of Sundance Hollow has four legs.
Some arrive with feathers.
Tilly’s story began on a sidewalk.
As a tiny baby grackle with no feathers, she had somehow found herself in a dangerous situation. A blue jay had apparently attempted to carry her away, leaving her injured, vulnerable, and completely unable to survive on her own.
Like many people would, I began calling wildlife rehabilitation organizations and agencies looking for help. I contacted several rehabilitation centers and even reached out to the Department of Conservation, hoping someone could provide guidance.
What I was told was heartbreaking.
Because of her condition and circumstances, the recommendation was essentially that she be disposed of.
That was never going to happen at Sundance Hollow.
So instead, we got to work.
Over the course of the summer, I hand-raised Tilly and taught her how to be a bird. Every day brought a new lesson. We practiced flying. We worked on finding food. I even taught her how to take a bath.
Looking back, some of those lessons probably appeared unusual to the neighbors.
It’s not every day you see a woman walking through a yard with a young grackle following faithfully behind her.
As Tilly grew stronger, our adventures expanded. We spent time in the horse pasture where, much to everyone’s amusement, the miniature horses often joined our outings. It became one of those wonderfully unexpected scenes that could only happen at Sundance Hollow—a woman, a bird, and a group of miniature horses spending the afternoon together.
When called, Tilly would fly down from nearby trees and return for food, encouragement, and another lesson. Day by day she learned the skills she would need to survive on her own. My goal was never to keep her. It was simply to help her become what she was meant to be.
And eventually, she did.
One autumn, Tilly departed for her first migration south.
Unfortunately, she neglected to provide advance notice of her travel plans.
Still, she accomplished exactly what I had hoped she would. She became a bird.
Each spring, a grackle returns to Sundance Hollow. She no longer flies down when called, and she no longer needs handouts or flying lessons. Instead, a curious and somewhat nosy grackle often appears nearby, following me through the yard and making her presence known.
I like to think it’s Tilly.
Perhaps it is. Perhaps it isn’t.
Either way, seeing that familiar bird brings me great joy. Not because she comes back to me, but because she doesn’t have to.
She is where she belongs.
At Sundance Hollow, Tilly reminds us that sometimes the greatest act of love is helping something grow strong enough to leave. The reward isn’t keeping them close forever. The reward is knowing they found their wings.
Forever Part of Sundance Hollow
Some friends leave pawprints that never fade. Though no longer with us, Ava and Rollo helped shape the animals, stories, and memories that make Sundance Hollow what it is today.
Ava
Beloved companion, protector, teacher, and friend. Her loyalty and gentle spirit continue to live on through the animals she helped raise.
Rollo
Guardian, mentor, and founder of Paw Patrol. His watchful nature and dedication to those he loved remain part of Sundance Hollow every day.
