Board of Directors
Susan N. Thompson, Founder/CEO
I was moved to create Dreamchaser PMU Rescue & Rehabilitation, Inc, AKA Dreamchaser Horse Rescue & Rehabilitation, in 2001 when I discovered the plight of Premarin mares and foals. Having had a radical hysterectomy at age 22, I was ordered to take the drug Premarin for the rest of my life. I took Premarin for 28 years, never knowing it was made from the urine of pregnant mares. I was sickened when I discovered the lives these mares were subjected to, as well as the fact that the foals were routinely slaughtered. The desire to atone for my part in this horrendous industry set me on a path to save as many Premarin mares and foals as I could buy. My mission also included educating women as to the horrible side effects of this drug, and the fact that there are now many safe alternatives.
Horses have been a part of my life since I was 22, starting with a beautiful 13 month old palomino named Golden Boy. GB was my heart and soul for 33 years, and he taught me much in his lifetime. My wish for all horse lovers is that the find a ‘once in a lifetime horse’, and perhaps find him or her at Dreamchaser. Every horse that has come through this rescue has experienced the human touch for the first time at my hand. Every horse has been treasured and given a chance at a wonderful life full of love and respect. On the pages of our website you will see their faces and read their stories. I am grateful to have played a part in saving their lives.
Bette Sacco, Secretary
I recently retired after a 30+ year banking career. During my career, I had been involved in many charitable causes and organizations.
I've always loved being around horses but I was never fortunate to have my own. I became aware of and involved with Dreamchaser Horse Rescue and Rehabilitation Inc. after my husband and I found an abandoned and emaciated little mare aka Lucky Star wandering in the desert behind our home. Having never owned a horse, we were so naïve. It was through Dreamchaser that we discovered the true plight of abandoned horses. We also learned that most rescue facilities are operating at maximum capacity and funding has been dramatically reduced due to the economy. At Dreamchaser, I'm able to participate in providing a safe and loving haven for these horses.
Amy Rodriguez, Vice President
I moved to Arizona in 2000 with my husband Rich from Pittsburgh PA. We had just gotten married and I had just graduated with my BA in communications and needed a change of scenery. Shortly after moving to AZ we got our first basset hound Baxter. In December 2003 we adopted our second basset Bristow from the Arizona Basset Hound Rescue. Shortly after adopting I decided to volunteer with AZBHR and soon became their merchandise coordinator in 2004. I enjoyed volunteering with this organization and have learned many things from this group. In 2010 I left the position of merchandise coordinator and was the volunteer coordinator for a short time until I settled into the website coordinator position for the rescue. In December 2010 I decided that I wanted to try to work with a different rescue for some new experiences. I have always had a love and admiration for horses although I have never had the pleasure of being around them on a consistent basis. I had learned about Dreamchaser a few months prior while at the Phoenix pet expo and had decided that I would take a day and head up to the ranch to check it out.
After spending the day at the ranch, I knew that there were things that I had learned from working with the Arizona Basset Hound rescue that I could certainly share with Susan. After meeting Susan and hearing her story of why she started the rescue, I can honestly say that she is the one person that I have met that truly inspires me. She is the kind of person that saw injustice and abuse and not only said “this is wrong” but chose to work towards trying to make a difference. That is the kind of person that I aspire to be.
I currently live in Chandler with my husband Rich, our cat Pumpkin, our hamster Snickers & our 3 dogs Baxter, Bristow & Lola. I work at Bank of America in the mortgage dept as a Fulfillment Team Leader and have been with the company for 6 years.