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Amanda straightened in her seat, recognizing the name. “Wait. This is Second Chance Ranch?”
Grady glanced at her as he turned. “You’ve heard of it?”
“Yes! I follow them on social media and love their videos. I had no idea they were located in the Rock.”
Beyond the sign stood a large red barn, several smaller outbuildings, fenced pastures, and a sprawling farmhouse. Horses grazed in one of the larger fields while goats and sheep occupied another. Two donkeys were near the barn and at least half a dozen chickens pecked their way across the yard as though they owned the place.
She’d watched dozens of videos filmed on the property without ever thinking much about where it was. Most had followed animals from the day they arrived through their rehabilitation, although a few of the more memorable ones featured the permanent residents and their antics. She also knew the ranch rescued pigs, alpacas, and llamas. She’d thought the latter two were the same thing until one of their videos explained the difference. The ranch’s social media accounts had huge followings, and Amanda had shared several of their posts over the years.
“It’s bigger than I expected.”
“Pictures probably don’t do it justice.” Grady drove farther up the gravel drive. “Rissa says they’re always full, though. Seems like as soon as one animal gets adopted, another one takes its place.”
“How do they pay for all this?”
“Donations mostly, from what I understand. They also do fundraisers and sell stuff online, and Rissa said they get money from all those videos they post.”
“Social media monetization.”
“If you say so.”
She bit back a retort about how out of touch he was and wondered if he even had a single social media app on his phone. “With the number of followers they have, they’re probably making decent money from it. Especially if they have sponsorships too.”
“Whatever they're doing, it keeps the place running.”
Her gaze moved over the pastures as an idea began taking shape. The ranch was exactly the kind of place Life, Restyled loved featuring. There was a strong community angle and countless stories. National exposure could bring in a hell of a lot more donations.
“I want to film here.”
Grady did a double take. “You just got here.”
“I don't need an hour to know this place would be perfect for the show. There has to be an office or reception area somewhere on the property.”
“There is.”
“If it needs updating, we could give it a makeover. That's the hook for the episode.” Her excitement grew as possibilities began clicking into place. “Then we feature the ranch while we're doing it. Introduce some of the animals, show the rehabilitation work, and maybe follow one or two of their stories.”
“Don't you have people who decide where you're filming?”
“Yes. And I'm one of them.”
His mouth twitched. “Should've known.”
She ignored that. Her mind was already racing ahead. If the ranch had an adoption area, that could be included too. Something inviting where prospective adopters could meet the animals and staff without disrupting the day-to-day work. Maybe better storage for records and supplies. New furniture. Fresh paint. There were a dozen possibilities, depending on what they already had and what they actually needed.
More importantly, Life, Restyled would pay for it. The ranch wouldn't have to divert a dime from the animals.
“We could feature their fundraising too,” she continued. “Let viewers know how to donate, sponsor an animal, or buy their merchandise. With the audience my show reaches, this could bring them a lot more than just a remodeled office.”
As he pulled toward the parking area, Amanda noticed nearly a dozen other vehicles lined up beside the barn. He found an open spot near the end of the row and parked.
He’d been onto something when he pointed out how much of her free time revolved around her career. Still, this was different. If her show could help Second Chance Ranch bring in more donations and save more animals, she wasn't about to ignore the opportunity.
He narrowed his eyes at her. “You've already planned half the episode in your head, haven't you?”
“Pretty much.” She drummed her fingers against her thigh as several more ideas already clamored for consideration.
“And you haven't even gotten out of the truck.”