By EUNICE ARCHILA
Staff Writer
Relocating across state lines is always an adventure, but for BNSF dispatchers Amanda Hodson and her husband Geoff Obst it was more than just packing boxes.
Moving from California to Texas eight months ago meant bringing their dream—3Hearts Farm Animal Rescue—along for the ride. With more than 1,300 miles behind them, countless hours on the road and a pit stop in Oklahoma to board rescue animals, they finally arrived in North Texas, ready to start a new chapter.
But the road to expanding and relocating a rescue isn’t easy. “You can’t redline your engine on the freeway for 500 miles and expect it to still perform,” said Hodson. “Now that we’ve moved and are mostly settled, it finally feels like we can breathe.
In California, the couple had built a strong support system for their rescue, which provides a safe haven for animals that have been abandoned, abused or neglected. Moving to Texas meant leaving that behind and starting from scratch.
“Leaving California was scary because we had such a huge support system there. Now, we’re rebuilding that,” explained Hodson. “It’s been challenging, but that’s not a bad thing. The move has allowed us to expand and thrive.”
The first step in settling into their new home was preparing their farm for the new rescues they’d be welcoming. They’d also be bringing Pete the donkey to Texas from his temporary home in Oklahoma, which Hodson and Obst visited every week before the farm was ready to house.
Pete had been surrendered after an incident at a petting zoo and became one of the shelter’s first rescue animals. Since arriving, they’ve been hard at work, gradually building barns and other necessary structures on their property. Every spare moment before and after work is dedicated to caring for the animals and finishing construction.
Hodson and her husband have taken a hands-on approach to the rescue, doing everything themselves with the help of volunteers.
Building a new community has been a top priority for them. Shortly after moving in, Hodson made s’mores gift baskets for her neighbors, using the opportunity to introduce herself and share 3Hearts’ mission. It worked. Soon, neighbors began offering support—whether it was donating hay, providing discounted veterinary services, partnering for fundraising opportunities or simply helping around the farm.
“The people here have been so generous,” said Hodson. “We’ve had folks help with barn work, stalls, and even buy fresh eggs from us, with all the proceeds going directly to the rescue.”
At work, colleagues have shown just as much enthusiasm. “They ask questions about the rescue, and some have even volunteered to help,” said Hodson. “There’s always something to do here, whether it’s taming donkeys, reading to the animals, or just being around the cows so they get used to people.”
3Hearts Farm is more than just a rescue; it’s a second chance. The animals that arrive often come from traumatic situations, and 3Hearts is determined to give them the time, space and care the animals need to heal.
Pete the donkey may not have liked his petting zoo days, but now he’s thriving at the rescue. There’s also Daisy, a pregnant donkey rescued from a kill pen, and Pip, a neglected donkey who’s slowly regaining her health. Each animal has a story, and 3Hearts Farm gives them a chance to rewrite it.
Looking ahead, Hodson has big plans for the rescue.
“The future is bright,” she said. “We’re still building, still growing. We hope to partner with local animal control and expand our rehabilitation efforts. And who knows what else will come. We want to be open to serve the needs of our local community here in Texas.”
Despite the challenges, the couple has found their place. “I really feel like we’ve found home here,” said Hodson. “We’ve been blessed with an amazing community, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to keep giving second chances to animals in need in Texas and California.”
You can learn more about the rescue at 3HFAR.org.
