US Marine Vet Inspires, Breaks Records on Horse Trip
Matt Perella found himself in a dire situation, staring at a crumbling wall in a rundown motel infested with roaches. Once a successful entrepreneur in New York City, throwing extravagant parties for A-list celebrities, the COVID pandemic had stripped him of everything. Homeless, broke, and drowning in debt, Mr. Perella felt trapped in a never-ending nightmare.
But then, something extraordinary happened. As he contemplated ending his life for the second time, his loyal rescue dog, Raffe, intervened. Raffe had saved him once before, and now he was doing it again, pinning Mr. Perella to the floor and preventing him from reaching his gun.
“My dog physically saved my life twice from me eating a bullet,” Mr. Perella revealed.
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“That’s what really put me in check like, ‘All right, I’m here for a reason. There’s something else. It’s not my time,'” Mr. Perella reflected.
But little did he know, Raffe was simply returning the favor. When the pandemic halted Mr. Perella’s life, he decided to adopt a dog, despite his previous aversion to pets. He found Raffe, a mix of Alaskan malamute and Aussie shepherd, and it was love at first sight.
Unbeknownst to Mr. Perella, Raffe had been on death row for dogs, with a history of aggression and multiple bites. However, Mr. Perella saw potential in Raffe and dedicated himself to rehabilitating him with love, determination, and repetition.
After just a few months, Raffe underwent a remarkable transformation. He became a loving and gentle companion, bringing joy to everyone he encountered. Mr. Perella spent his days at a farm in Massachusetts, bonding with Raffe and his horse, Buck, finding solace in nature away from the chaos of the city.
It was during this time that Mr. Perella had an epiphany. He realized the profound impact that equine and canine therapy had on his own life and wanted to share it with other veterans suffering from PTSD. He embarked on a journey to raise awareness and funds for his dream project, The Righteous Life Rescue Ranch.
A Fateful Meeting
During his cross-country ride with Buck, Mr. Perella had a serendipitous encounter at a Tractor Supply store in North Carolina. The store manager, Jim Lowder, offered him a place to stay for the night after a chance meeting. Moved by Mr. Perella’s story and his own battle with depression, Mr. Lowder couldn’t ignore the voice in his head urging him to help.
That night, Mr. Perella and his companions enjoyed the warmth and hospitality of the Lowder family. The next day, Mr. Lowder recorded footage of Mr. Perella and Buck inside the store, which would later go viral on social media.
Deeply touched by the experience, the Lowders decided to share Mr. Perella’s story on Facebook, leading to an overwhelming response. Thousands of people rallied behind Mr. Perella’s cause, offering support, donations, and spreading his message far and wide.
As Mr. Perella continues his journey, he remains steadfast in his mission to open The Righteous Life Rescue Ranch. With the unwavering support of his newfound community, he is confident that his dream will become a reality.
Molded by the Marines
Before his entrepreneurial success and subsequent struggles, Mr. Perella served in the Marines. His time in the military instilled discipline and resilience, shaping him into the person he is today.
After leaving the armed forces, Mr. Perella faced personal challenges, including a failed marriage and a search for purpose. Eventually, he found his calling in event planning, organizing extravagant parties for the elite of New York City.
Moving to the Big City
Mr. Perella’s move to New York City opened doors to a thriving career in event planning. He became renowned for his extravagant parties, attracting A-list celebrities and earning the respect of his peers.
However, the pandemic brought his business to a halt, pushing him to the brink of despair. Determined to find a new path, he turned to his beloved horse and dog for solace and embarked on a journey to help others.
Plans for a Brighter Future
Mr. Perella’s vision for The Righteous Life Rescue Ranch is ambitious, requiring significant funding and resources. But he remains undeterred, fueled by his unwavering faith and the support of those who believe in his mission.
As he continues his cross-country ride, Mr. Perella knows that his timeline may not align with God’s, but he trusts that everything will fall into place at the right time.
What kind of donations were received after Mr. Perella’s story spread, and how did they contribute to the establishment of The Righteous Life Rescue Ranch?
Later go viral on social media. People all over the country were touched by Mr. Perella’s journey and his dedication to helping other veterans.
As news of Mr. Perella’s story spread, donations started pouring in. Generous individuals from all walks of life came together to support the establishment of The Righteous Life Rescue Ranch. The ranch would serve as a safe haven for veterans struggling with PTSD, providing equine and canine therapy to aid in their healing.
With the funds he received, Mr. Perella wasted no time in turning his dream into a reality. He purchased a large property in Massachusetts and began building the ranch from scratch. It was an arduous process, but Mr. Perella was fueled by his determination to make a difference in the lives of his fellow veterans.
The Righteous Life Rescue Ranch quickly attracted attention from mental health professionals, veterans’ organizations, and the media. Its unique approach to therapy, combining the healing power of horses and dogs, intrigued many experts in the field.
As the ranch took shape, Mr. Perella carefully selected a team of experienced professionals who shared his vision. Equine and canine therapists, as well as counselors specializing in PTSD, joined him in his mission. Together, they created a comprehensive program that addressed the specific needs of veterans, providing them with the tools to overcome their trauma.
Word about the ranch continued to spread, reaching veterans from all corners of the country. They were drawn to the promise of a safe space where they could heal alongside animals who had also experienced their fair share of hardship. The Righteous Life Rescue Ranch became a beacon of hope for those in desperate need of healing and support.
Today, the ranch stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Countless veterans have found solace within its gates, rebuilding their lives and discovering a renewed sense of purpose. Mr. Perella’s legacy continues to grow, inspiring others to follow in his footsteps and make a positive impact on the lives of those who have served their country.
The story of Matt Perella and Raffe is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is hope. Through the power of love, determination, and the unwavering support of a loyal dog, one man was able to not only save his own life but also create a haven of healing for veterans in need. Their journey serves as an inspiration to us all, urging us to never give up and always strive to make a difference in the lives of others.
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