Legends of the White Mountains

In the tranquil landscapes of Snowflake, nestled in the heart of Arizona's White Mountains, a tale of survival and friendship unfolds. It's a story that tugs at the heartstrings and resonates with the enduring spirit of Poco in a harsh world.

Poco, a wild burro, was born with a deformed back hoof, missing a bone he was supposed to have inside his foot—an affliction that left him abandoned by his herd. He was forced to navigate the treacherous desert landscape alone, with coyotes, mountain lions, and rattlesnakes lurking at every turn.

The pain of being left behind weighed heavily on Poco. The endless days under the relentless sun, the bitter cold, unforgiving nights, and the ever-present danger of predators forged his character. His deformed hoof twisted into a cruel circle, making each step a painful and arduous journey. But Poco possessed an indomitable will to survive, and survive he did, for nearly twelve years, alone in the unforgiving wilderness.

Then a twist of fate, like a chapter from a storybook, finally brought Poco to safety. A nature photographer, with a keen eye for both the beauty and the sorrow in the wilderness, first spotted Poco in the heart of the National Wildlife Refuge. It was this observant soul who, upon seeing Poco's injured, twisted hoof, felt compelled to notify the Bureau of Land Management. Their intervention was nothing short of miraculous, offering Poco a lifeline that would forever change his fate.

Poco's salvation began at an animal hospital where dedicated souls worked tirelessly to mend his deformed foot, their compassion a soothing balm to his wounded spirit. From there, he found solace at Journey's End Ranch, a distinguished "Top Non-Profit," where he was welcomed by a band of eight burros. They huddled closely, their long ears perked, listening intently to his tales of hardship and resilience, perhaps recognizing the extraordinary journey of the brave little burro among them.

In the fateful summer of 2020, when the owner of Journey's End Ranch fell ill, Poco embarked on another chapter of his life. He was transported 275 miles away to the 11-acre Equine Wellbeing Rescue in Snowflake, Arizona. Here, Poco found respite in his own barn and a spacious enclosure with a soft, sandy spot to bask in the sun. His new companion, Teddy, a mini-donkey, brought joy and camaraderie to his life. Poco and Teddy became inseparable, their friendship extending beyond the need for spoken words.

Poco's journey didn't go unnoticed; he had his own Facebook page and a children's book recounting his remarkable story, "Poco The Brave Little Burro." His book, now available to visitors at Equine Wellbeing Rescue, tells the tale of a burro who defied the odds and found courage in the face of adversity.

But in 2021, Poco's time came to a gentle close, leaving behind a poignant tribute carefully crafted by a devoted volunteer. The sign, a testament to Poco's enduring spirit, found its place on a tree within his stall, bearing witness to the unconquerable will of the brave little burro. With Poco's passing, a remarkable transformation unfolded as Teddy, once the silent companion, emerged as Teddy "The General." He endearingly bossed the volunteers around with his persistent and pushy antics, winning the hearts of those who had the privilege to know him, both near and far.

Yet, in the winter of 2022, Teddy's own tale reached its conclusion. A handcrafted memorial sign for Teddy stands beside Poco's, each a poignant testament to the lives they had touched. These tributes are protected by a small fence constructed by Christine and Lary, who understood the significance of these stories etched in the heart of the stall. The tree in the middle bears witness to the bonds forged in the White Mountains, a silent sentinel to the enduring spirit of Poco, Teddy, and all those who had found sanctuary at Equine Wellbeing Rescue.

In the stall that once housed these legends, a fresh chapter unfurls, introducing Forest and Shooter, two young spirits embarking on their own journeys of courage and companionship. Forest, a mostly blind Tennessee Walker Quarter horse, abandoned likely due to his disabilty, found refuge in October 2022 at the tender age of two months, a story that deeply resonates with those who hear it. Sharing their days together, Forest and Shooter's bond captivates all who cross their path, much like Poco and Teddy did in their time, weaving a story of hope and commitment to these magnificent creatures.

Recognized as the 2023 Best of the White Mountains Non-Profit Organization, the Equine Wellbeing Rescue stands as a refuge nestled in the serene beauty of the White Mountains' high country. Through unwavering commitment, they provide solace and leave a lasting impact on the lives of creatures like Poco, Teddy, Forest, and Shooter. These accounts, carved into the heart of this scenic region, echo themes of resilience, hope, and love.

Visitors witness these majestic beings thriving, a testament to the transformative power of compassion. Poco's journey, captured in 'The Brave Little Burro,' alongside the enduring legacy of Teddy-Forest and Shooter serve as timeless reminders of resilience and boundless kindness. Amid the open plains and snowy winters of the White Mountains, the dedicated service of volunteers not only heals the spirits of animals but also brings rejuvenation to those who offer their hearts. The echoes of survival and triumph resound through this windswept landscape, forging a sanctuary where both creatures and caretakers find solace and strength.