ABOUT SONNY HORSES 4 KIDS AND IT'S BEGINNING
Sonny and Russell were riding on the trails of Sycamore Canyon in the Santa Monica Mountains when they came across a little boy holding a tattered red stuffed animal. Russell asked the little boy if he would like to say hello to Sonny and pet his nose as so many children had always done over the last 18 years. Instead of petting Sonny, the little boy ran into the weeds. Russell asked the parents if he was ok, and they explained, since Covid, the lockdown of schools and less interaction with children he is afraid of everything. When Sonny heard this he turned to Russell and said "dad we should do something nice for the kids." Russell then asked Sonny, "what do you think we should do?" Sonny said, "we should make a stuffed animal that looks just like me to give to the children we meet, to make them feel good and safe". That is exactly what they did which was the beginning of the Sonny Horses 4 Kids Program.
An Unbreakable Bond Between a MAN and His HORSE
In the Spring of 2020, Russell suffered a medical emergency while riding in the Sycamore Canyon area in the Backcountry of the Santa Monica Mountains with his faithful companion and friend Sonny. He was able to get one call out before the signal was gone. That call was to Russell's wife Laura. The last thing he said before the call cut out was "I Love You". Helicopter search and Rescue units were dispatched. Nearly 3 hours passed before they were able to see Sonny through the dense green tree cover. Sonny faithfully stood over Russell for 3 hours on a 95 degree day, shading him thus keeping him 20 degrees cooler keeping him alive from heat exposure, while giving search and rescue teams time to find Russell and save his life. Not only did Sonny keep Russell alive, but Sonny wouldn't leave his side as most horses instinctively would go eat grass or head back to the ranch or trailer.
THAT IS TRULY AN UNBREAKABLE BOND
Russell and Sonny now ride with the
Ventura County Sheriff's Posse
and the
Ventura County Sheriff's Mounted Search and Rescue
They're thankful everyday to have the
Opporunity to PAY IT FORWARD
and help others who may be in need.
SONNY HORSES 4 KIDS, The Gift of Giving
Laura and Russell Libby started the Chidren's Non-Profit Charity SONNY HORSES 4 KIDS PROGRAM in 2022. They designed, manufactured and purchased the first 1000 plush SONNY BOY HORSES. They said, "Let's put our money where our hearts are". They believe if you can have a positive impact on a child's life, than that is a life well lived. Driven and motivated by making a difference within their community and beyond by bringing smiles to children one child at a time. When you take the time to think about it, we are truly the lucky ones. They also understood the overwhelming need to help educate children and the community about feeling safe and comfortable with and around our wonderful law enforcement, giving us the amazing successful SONNY HORSES 4 KIDS PROGRAM we have today.
Watch the Inspirational Video from
Good Life TV
Featuring Laura and Russell Libby as they share their story of how THE SONNY HORSES 4 KIDS PROGRAM got started.
If you were moved by our story please make a donation today
Our Program Also Helps Bring COMFORT, LOVE and SMILES to Children and Individuals Who May Be Struggling With Emotional or Mental Heath Challenges.
SONNY BOY, the Ambassador
to Law Enforcement in Ventura County
and All of us at SONNY HORSES 4 KIDS
are Grateful and Humbled, Thank You So Much