About McNeely Farmily Rescue
McNeely Family Rescue and Sanctuary is a proprietorial endeavor overseen by our family members, Bryan McNeely, April McNeely, and Phoenix McNeely. At the heart of our farm's operations lies the seamless synergy of our familial bonds, upheld by a deep sense of dedication and affection.
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Years ago, we made a deliberate choice to devote ourselves to the cause of rescue, recognizing it as an inherent calling. Indeed, the ethos of rescue has consistently woven itself into the fabric of our lives, shaping our collective purpose with unwavering determination and compassion.
April McNeely
April McNeely's journey in animal rescue began during her formative years in middle school, where her passion for helping injured animals first took root. Her early experiences instilled in her a deep sense of compassion and a drive to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable creatures.
Transitioning to the medical field, April embarked on her professional path at the age of 16, securing a position at a hospital where she honed her skills and nurtured her innate desire to care for others. This commitment continued until 2017 when her life took a significant turn as she became the full-time legal caregiver for her husband Bryan, who tragically lost his limbs.
Despite the challenges, April's dedication to serving others persisted. In 2018, she ventured into animal rescue by volunteering her time for various roles with A Promised Land Animal Rescue, including transportation, medical fostering, and handling kiosk duties at Petco Brandon. These experiences further fueled her passion for animal welfare and paved the way for the next chapter in her journey.
In 2021, April, alongside her team, founded Mcneely Farmily Rescue, a testament to her unwavering commitment to providing sanctuary and care for animals in need. Through her tireless efforts and unwavering compassion, April continues to be a beacon of hope and a champion for the voiceless, making a profound impact in the lives of both animals and humans alike.
Bryan McNeely
Bryan, a former active duty Army soldier, dedicated a significant portion of his life to serving his country, particularly as a K-9 handler deployed on the frontlines with his loyal drug and bomb detection canine companion. His bravery and commitment were evident as he faced the perils of conflict zones in both Iraq and Afghanistan.
Tragically, Bryan endured two severe incidents during his deployments, resulting in profound physical and psychological trauma. The second incident in Afghanistan left him with enduring scars, including brain damage, traumatic brain injury (TBI), PTSD, and the weight of survivor's guilt for the loss of his comrades in a devastating blast. Following the completion of his military service, Bryan faced further challenges as a civilian, losing his right arm and right leg in a subsequent accident.
Navigating the complexities of his injuries, Bryan encountered difficult "episodes," culminating in a life-altering moment where he became a double amputee. The lingering effects of his brain injury often cast shadows of confusion, with some days clouded by the uncertainty of his missing limbs. Yet, amidst the struggles, a glimmer of hope emerged.
The turning point arrived unexpectedly after Hurricane Michael, when Bryan welcomed an orphaned kitten into his life. In the midst of caring for the helpless feline, Bryan and his loved ones discovered a profound mutual need: the rescue of animals became a source of solace and purpose for Bryan's journey of recovery. Through the trials and tribulations, Bryan found solace and purpose in providing care and compassion to orphaned animals, transforming bad days into moments of profound connection and healing.
Meet the Team
McNeely Family Rescue thrives as a family-run enterprise, yet our success hinges on the unwavering support and dedication of our valued supporters and volunteers. If you're interested in joining our cause and making a difference, click here to learn how you can get involved today.
Stephanie Graham Van-Pelt
Meet Stephanie, a seasoned entrepreneur and devoted animal lover with over two decades of experience in pet care. Through her thriving pet care business, she has provided exceptional care and compassion to a diverse array of animals, from dogs and cats to horses, goats, birds, small mammals, and snakes. In addition to her entrepreneurial pursuits, Stephanie is a skilled freelance editor, assisting authors worldwide in refining their manuscripts. Embracing life with enthusiasm, she enjoys spending quality time with animals, indulging in literature, capturing moments through photography, and embarking on outdoor adventures with her family. Beyond her professional and personal endeavors, Stephanie dedicates herself to advocating for animal rescue in the Wimauma location, tirelessly working to provide support and care for animals in need.
Jeff Van-Pelt
Following his military service, Jeff transitioned into a role as a tracker for a search and rescue team. Alongside his wife Stephanie, they've encountered numerous lost or abandoned animals in their rural community, fostering a deep connection with a local rescue organization. Now, Jeff volunteers his tracking expertise to locate animals in distress, building relationships with them through understanding their behaviors. In his downtime, he shares his knowledge by teaching survival skills, empowering others to gain confidence in the wilderness. A dedicated advocate, Jeff extends his passion for rescue to the Wimauma Area, ensuring animals in need receive the support they deserve.
Margaret
Margaret, a military wife of 40 years turned pharmacy worker, has long been a staunch advocate for animals, even participating in protests against cruelty to baby seals as a young teen. With a heart for those without a voice, she stands up for the vulnerable. Though unable to have cats currently, her love for animals knows no bounds; she dreams of caring for a dozen dogs and cats. A pirate, a grandma, and an avid dog lover, Margaret wholeheartedly supports the efforts of April, Phoenix, and Bryan. As a dedicated rescue advocate in Sundance Trails, she tirelessly champions the cause of animals in need.
Alexander Garcia
Alexander Garcia and his wife, together for 11 years, are parents to four children aged 4 to 9 and three beloved fur kids: Zoey, Livvy, and Corey Carson. While Alexander finds joy in paintball, his wife discovers solace in plants and paint. Their friendship with April and her family blossomed after a chance encounter when seeking help with fostering three lively pitbull puppies. Since then, their bond has only grown stronger. Despite the demands of family life, they strive to assist however they can, always yearning to do more for those in need.
Rose Peacock
With over 30 years in the Agricultural Field as an Accountant at G&F Farms LLC and Personal Assistant to Frances Williamson, I've dedicated my career to serving others. Alongside my husband Michel, married for 43 years, we cherish our two sons, Mikey and Ryan, and their wonderful daughter-in-law, Katie. Our family includes two grand dogs, Phoenix and Chaos, and two grandkitties, Nova and Nimbus. My passion lies in advocating for rescue over buying pets; our own family of five cats, all rescues, attests to this commitment. Gardening, reading, and beach walks fill my leisure time. Our connection with April sparked when she assisted in trapping feral cats in our neighborhood. Inspired by April, Bryan, and Phoenix's unwavering dedication to rescuing animals, especially those abandoned or abused, we stand alongside them, eager to support their cause in any way we can.
Ronald Peacock
Ronald Michel Peacock, a proud native of downtown Plant City, boasts a Marine Corps background from 1969 to 1978, shaping his character profoundly. At 72, he cherishes his 43-year marriage to his beloved wife, Mother, who he admires for her immense kindness. Ronald finds solace in reading and walking, having covered an impressive 1465 miles in 2019 alone. His affection for animals shines through as all his pets are rescues, each with its own endearing story. Ronald's admiration extends to his wife, Miss Rose, although he acknowledges April's dedicated rescue efforts. With two exceptional sons, Ronald Michel Peacock epitomizes a life filled with love, compassion, and family.