WHISPERING HOPE RANCH
By Cindy Leitz
Arizona Foothills Magazine - August 2000

It was just two short years ago that Diane Reid was inspired to create a place that would blend the beauty of nature and the unconditional love of animals in a unique way. Beginning with a few horses and the overflowing heart of a woman, Whispering Hope Ranch has become a place where animals and people come to experience healing and joy that they have struggled to find in other environments.

What makes Whispering Hope special is that the animals have been rescued from abuse or abandonment and many have physical deformities or disabilities that hinder them from finding another home. Whispering Hope takes in these special creatures that many others have turned away and cares for them with the love and care that no one else would give. In the same way, people with special needs such as children with autism, adults with disabilities or others facing a variety of difficulties are invited to interact with these special creatures in a serene and calming setting.

Reid explains that there are no words to describe the relationships that develop in a place where people and animals alike are loved and accepted as they are. If you consider how far this organization has come in two years, imagine the impact Whispering Hope Ranch will have for years to come as care is given to the animals and people in our world who thrive with the extra attention that Whispering Hope provides.

AFM: How did you start Whispering Hope Ranch?

DR: Although it is hard to believe, it is one of those things that just happened. I was looking for land to lease for my horses and came across this beautiful property outside of Payson. The owner was not interested in leasing, and I realized that I would need to buy the property to make it happen. Within a couple of weeks I had not only decided to purchase the ranch, but was also inspired with a concept of how to use the property to help animals and people.

AFM: What experiences led to you think that animals interacting with people facing special needs would lead to healing and joy?

DR: I have always had a heart for animals and have enjoyed the love and acceptance that animals have offered me. My love of animals created a desire to help those animals that are abused or abandoned. In addition, my own relationship with animals and how this helped me to heal and experience joy encouraged me to create a place where others can come and experience this also. It is truly profound to see turkeys, burros, llamas, horses, emus, pigs and others offer people with special needs unconditional love and acceptance. It is a powerful experience.

AFM: Who would benefit from a visit to Whispering Hope?

DR: Anyone who has a desire for healing and serenity would enjoy a trip to the ranch. However, we specifically work with a lot of nursing homes that bring the elderly up to interact with the animals. The turkeys seem to especially love the elderly. Schools that work with at-risk or special needs children have come to spend a day with us. We recently developed a relationship with with Phoenix Children's Hospital who often send children who are being discharged up to visit us. We also run camps for children and families facing autism. These children seem especially connected to our animals. and are able to touch, hug or talk to animals when they cannot always interact in these ways in their relationships with people. People facing depression, a loss or medical issues all benefit from their visits to Whispering Hope. It is really hard to put into words the joy and peace that people seem to find at this wonderful place.

AFM: What have you gained through your work in starting the ranch?

DR: Truly, it is like living a dream. I had always dreamed of creating a place that was so beautiful and special that people would leave feeling just a little better than when they came. Being able to see that happen and how people have benefited from the ranch is truly a joy to me. It has been like a miracle to me and to those who have come.

AFM: What is your dream for Whispering Hope Ranch and what it will become?

DR: My dream is that people who are touched by their visit to Whispering Hope will leave and go back home to touch another animal or person in a way that is more loving because of their visit. If that would happen I feel that we have made a little bit difference in this world.

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