Stories of Strength
Every soul who finds Flying J Ranch carries a story of courage — some on two legs, some on four. These are the moments that remind us why grace and grit matter.
Jenyz Journey- From Cancer to Courage
After surviving a rare stage 3 brain cancer, I lost nearly everything — my home, savings, and, for a time, my strength. But through God’s grace and the bond I share with my horse Zeus, I found my way back. Like me, Zeus had his own story of hardship. He’d been passed around, neglected, and hurt — never given the time or love to truly heal. Together, we learned what recovery really means: patience, grace, and finding purpose again through connection — with animals, with people, and with God. Our journey has touched hearts across the aviation, rodeo, and ranching communities. Zeus was honored with the Horse with the Most Heart Award at the Teri L. Deutsch Big Girl Panty Memorial Barrel Race — an event dedicated to suicide awareness and honoring the life of a remarkable woman whose strength continues to inspire others. I was also deeply humbled to receive the Missy Spurr Award from A Key for a Cure Foundation, presented at the St. Jude’s Chasing Dreams Barrel Race. The award celebrates individuals who face life’s hardest battles with courage, compassion, and unwavering faith — qualities Missy embodied as she bravely fought cancer. These moments reflect what Flying J stands for: love, faith, and second chances — for every soul who crosses our path. Whether at the ranch or through our mobile healing trailer, we bring comfort to survivors, veterans, first responders, medical professionals, and anyone carrying unseen burdens. Sometimes that healing happens beside a horse, other times through prayer, stillness, or the simple reminder that grace travels with us. My mission is to share hope wherever it’s needed — to show that no matter where the road leads, God’s love can restore even the most weary spirit.
Bullet's Fund - Healing Hearts, One Paw at a Time
Bullet’s courage and resilience inspired this special part of Flying J Ranch. After surviving a life-threatening accident, his gentle spirit became a reminder that love and faith can heal even the deepest wounds. The Bullet Fund helps other dogs receive the care, therapy, and second chances they deserve — in honor of a faithful friend whose story continues to touch hearts. 🐾 Bullet’s Story: A Lesson in Faith & Healing In April 2022, Cheyenne Hattesen and her loyal border collie, Bullet, faced a terrifying moment before a rodeo in Clovis. Just an hour before her run, Cheyenne’s horse, Elwood, accidentally stepped on Bullet’s head. He began bleeding from his mouth and nose, and fear set in that the injury might be fatal. Racing against time, Cheyenne met her grandmother nearby and rushed Bullet to the emergency vet. As she waited for news, she prayed harder than ever before — believing she might lose her best friend. Just as the barrels were being set for her run, the call came: Bullet would make it. He would need surgery, but he was going to survive. “I walked in the arena in tears, and I walked out the same way,” Cheyenne shared. “I used up all my prayers that day — I’m just so thankful my furry best friend will be with me tonight.” Bullet’s story reminds us that healing takes both faith and care — and sometimes, even when hope feels lost, miracles happen.
