Ostel  Vets ‘n’ Pets Inc.

My name is Ashley Kostelac.
I am the founder of Ostel Pets for Vets Inc Nonprofit Organization.

What was supposed to be the happiest day of my life, my wedding day, ended up being the day of my husband to be’s funeral. He succumbed to his battle with PTSD, and what was supposed to be my fairytale, turned into a nightmare I couldn’t wake up from. CW04 Richard K. Vigil of the United States Navy Reserves was a decorated Sailor. He received Sailor of the Year, earned a Masters Degree in Cyber Security and worked for the Department of Homeland Security. He completed three tours in the Middle East. Trauma he experienced as a service member haunted him until the day he took his own life.

The scars and the trauma of that incident allowed his PTSD to spread, like a virus throughout my family. Through years of piecing my life, my son’s life, and my father’s life back together, we began to heal in our endeavor to find a new property and build a new life.

From this came Ostel Place. Without realizing it, for the sake of my own family, we build an amazing sanctuary that allowed each of us our own healing journey. Chasing my childhood dreams, we got horses, after having a service dog, we got more pups. Our little piece of paradise is full of nature and peace.

After seeing the healing effects in person with see real family members, friends, and fellow Veterans, we founded Ostel Pets for Vets.

We have many volunteer opportunities available and are happy to provide letters of recommendation and resume fillers to volunteers. If you are interested, please click the button below and fill out the form.

Vets ‘n’ Pets Nonprofit 501c3

The mission of Ostel Pets for Vets Inc is to provide a retreat for Veterans and those who suffer from PTSD and other conditions. Pets for Vets offers opportunities to enjoy a safe space and the healing powers of nature, horses and dogs.

The retreat includes individual and group activities, encouraging interaction with nature and animals allowing time to learn and reflect in a calm and serene environment.

Activities include a luncheon in a beautiful barn setting, grooming horses, horse rides, carriage photos, a natural tour, painting session and social hour with hypoallergenic small dogs.

Throughout the retreat, participants will be encouraged to reflect on their lives and come together to promote healing and inner peace through the unspoken love and forgiveness the animals demonstrate.

***We are now accepting applications for 2024! Click below for more details on signing up.***

***Retreat Destinations will be located Pensacola, Florida and the surrounding areas. Specific locations are TBA***

As a nonprofit, all donations are tax deductible. Donated services will also receive a monetary tax deduction.

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