A Community Rescue Campaign · Greensboro, NC
Graphite is a mule who was neglected, loved by a neighborhood, sold at auction, then rescued to the safe, loving forever home he deserves at SHERR (Safe Haven Equine Rescue & Retirement). Please help us keep him there.
How a mule became the heart of a neighborhood.
A neighbor noticed a mule in a nearby pasture — alone, neglected, barely fed or watered. She stopped. He was hesitant at first, but carrots, apples, and twice-daily visits won him over. Soon he was trotting to greet her.
She named him Graphite.
Word spread. Neighbors began stopping for visits, bringing treats. Graphite became the gravitational pull that drew a neighborhood together — not just to care for him, but to care for each other. A community formed around one special mule.
Then in March, the owner sold him at auction, refusing offers from the neighborhood to buy him. The daily visits had given Graphite care and company, but they'd given the neighbors something too: peaceful respites with a dear friend who'd become an integral part of their lives.
The neighborhood was heartbroken.
"Where's Graphite?" neighbors asked.
"He was sold," someone tearfully replied.
"Then let's get him back."
Then, weeks later, a neighbor found him listed for sale again. The community that had lost their friend didn't hesitate to act.
Phone calls were made. Research was done. Resources were pooled. And Graphite was brought home — this time to stay, in the safe and loving care of SHERR (Safe Haven Equine Rescue & Retirement), where he is properly cared for and enjoys the company of other equine friends.
The neighbors who fought for him can now visit him, volunteer, and support SHERR's mission to rescue horses and mules from neglect and give them the lives they deserve. And so can you.
A moment of pure joy, with the neighbor that started it all.
Graphite now lives at SHERR, an organization dedicated to rescuing horses and mules in need of food, shelter, and medical attention due to neglect or abuse. Here he has proper care, companionship, and the life he always deserved.
SHERR graciously waived Graphite's monthly care fee in recognition of his story — an act of generosity that speaks to who they are. This campaign is our community's way of saying thank you.
We're raising funds to support SHERR and the ongoing care of animals like Graphite. The more we raise, the more animals SHERR can rescue and give a second chance at life.
Every gift makes a difference.
Your gift in action
| Gift Amount | Supports |
|---|---|
| $12 | One day of care |
| $15 | A bale of hay that feeds 5 rescues |
| $84 | One week of care |
| $336 | One month of care |
| $450 | Average vet visit |
| $5,900 | A full year of safety, food, vet visits, and love |
Lowe's Home Improvement gift cards and Tractor Supply gift cards are always needed and put directly to work for the animals in SHERR's care.
Graphite loves visitors. If you're one of the people who stopped in the pasture with carrots and head rubs before he was rescued — he remembers you.
SHERR also welcomes volunteers who want to help make a difference in the lives of their rescued equines.
From the community
"To everyone who brought a carrot, a bucket of water, stopped by for a visit, and helped bring him to his forever home — thank you."
You changed his life.
Support Graphite & SHERR