In Memory of Dawn Marie Thomson

Honoring Dawn Marie Thompson: A Stolen Horse International - NetPosse Tribute

With heavy hearts and deep gratitude, we share the news of the passing of our beloved volunteer, Dawn Marie Thomson.

Dawn was much more than a volunteer — she was a leader, a mentor, and a guiding light within the Stolen Horse International family. She was one of our most active and influential volunteers, heading up the Volunteer Program and quietly doing so much of the day-to-day work that keeps this organization moving forward.

Dawn worked tirelessly behind the scenes and on the front lines. She helped process reports, assisted with the search for missing and stolen horses, sent countless emails, helped with fundraising efforts, and worked closely with the NetPosse NeighBay Auction. She spent hours searching horse auction pages, answering phone calls and messages, and sharing critical information on social media to help bring awareness and, hopefully, answers to families searching for their horses. She did this work with care, determination, and compassion for every person and every animal involved.

The volunteers who worked alongside Dawn are devastated by this news. Many learned the ropes because of her patience and encouragement. She had a rare ability to make people feel capable, valued, and part of something meaningful. Her leadership and steady presence left a lasting mark on everyone she worked with.

After the heartbreaking loss of her son, Dawn stepped back from active volunteering to grieve and heal from such a profound tragedy. Even then, she stayed in touch. Not long before her passing, she expressed interest in returning to help with the Stolen Horse International Volunteer Program once again. Wanting to honor her healing journey, we gave her space and did not push — never imagining that her life would end so soon.

It was only yesterday, when Pam Miller and Debi Metcalfe both reached out to Dawn and received no response, that we learned she had passed away not long after expressing her desire to come back. The shock and sadness of this discovery have rippled through our organization.

Dawn lived a life rooted in love, creativity, and compassion. She was a devoted horsewoman, caring for her horses with the same loyalty and heart she gave to people. She cherished her family, her grandchildren, and the joy of teaching, nurturing, and encouraging others. That same warmth followed her into Stolen Horse International, where she gave so much of herself without ever asking for recognition.

We are profoundly grateful for the time Dawn shared with us and for the legacy she leaves behind. Her work, her leadership, and her heart live on through the volunteers she inspired and the mission she helped strengthen.

Thank you, Dawn. 

For the countless hours. 
For the lives you touched. 
For standing with us when it mattered most.

You are deeply loved, forever remembered, and terribly missed.

We invite everyone who knew Dawn — family, friends, fellow volunteers, and all whose lives she touched — to share your memories, stories, and reflections here.

If Dawn helped you, encouraged you, worked beside you, made you laugh, or simply showed up when it mattered, we would love to hear about it. Your words help honor the life she lived and the incredible impact she made.
Please feel free to share a memory, a photo, or a few words about what Dawn meant to you. Together, let us remember her kindness, her dedication, and the heart she gave so freely to others.

💙 In loving memory of Dawn Marie Thomson 💙

— With love and remembrance, 
Stolen Horse International