Dave Shepherdson of Kenmore is Save a Forgotten Equine (SAFE) January Volunteer of the Month in recognition of his “willingness to serve tirelessly on multiple chore shifts and with the facilities crew.”

Shepherdson came to SAFE initially because he wanted to spend time with his wife Colleen Shepherdson, who was volunteering on Friday evenings. He soon became a regular. But even before signing on as a regular shift volunteer, Dave was instrumental in building new fencing and shelters for the horses.

Colleen and their daughter Bianca owned horses and a “cheeky” pony in their native South Africa. Dave says the pony would jump a five-foot railing to get into dog food stored in the garage. The family immigrated to Minnesota in 2001 and later moved to Kenmore. They became U.S. citizens in 2012.

“They are really cool animals and, treated right, are like big puppies,” Dave said. “I now can sense if they want to be left alone or would like a scratch.”

Dave has enjoyed getting to be around horses for the first time and getting to know most of them.

“I guess it is a reciprocal relationship,” Dave said about taking care of the horses. “I really like Emmy and she likes me, so we tend to have lots of interaction when mucking out her stall.”

When not helping out at SAFE, Dave enjoys going to the gym and practicing 3D Archery.

On a daily basis, dedicated SAFE volunteers ensure that horses have adequate food, water, and a clean living environment. Anyone interested in volunteering with SAFE at the new Redmond location should contact Volunteer@safehorses.org.