Thornton Township once again joined forces with the Illinois Horse Rescue of Will County


Thornton Township once again joined forces with the Illinois Horse Rescue of Will County

Thornton Township once again worked with the Illinois Horse Rescue of Will County to provide residents with a unique encounter that many don’t have an opportunity to experience. The organization specialized in rescuing animals that would either be abandoned or euthanized if not for us saving them. They take in regular and miniature horses, peacocks, ducks, sheep, goats, alpacas, birds and donkeys and remains one of the only animal rescue places that take in these kinds of animals in the south suburbs of Chicago. The Illinois Horse Rescue has worked with the township over the past several years in events such as Days in the Park, the annual Township picnic, the Taste of Thornton Township and other various community outreach initiatives. The organization has 35 stalls for various animals.

“Having grown up on a horse farm as a child, being around horses was something I had always taken for granted. After starting to take in rescue horses on my own property as an adult, it took one visit from an amazing group of autistic children to open my eyes to the value of a horse’s love,” said Tony Pecho, founder of the organization. “We take in so many different and wonderful animals and I was amazed at the children’s responses. It was at that point that I realized these rescue animals had a bigger purpose in life.”

Pechno started the organization with his own money because he saw the purpose of animal rescue and rehabilitation entwined with emotional healing for outreach programs. The organization strives to represent both animal and human interests by creating a program that promotes personal growth through animal interaction and care. This unique strategy supports an environment of unconditional love and companionship in which rescued animals and people can work together towards healing each other and strengthening their ability to be a positive force in the lives of others and of themselves.

“That is one of the reasons why we started working with the township and we have been so grateful. The township does so much for the community so it was a natural fit for our two organizations to come together,” said Pechno.

Illinois Horse Rescue does not receive any state or government funding at all. The organization is run solely on donations from the people who care about the animals they save. Their staff is made up entirely of volunteers. This allows all donations to directly benefit the rescued animals. For more information, call (708) 258-3959.

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