Simone & Sebastian: A Story of Loyalty, Love, and the Land They Call Home

This Month’s Pet Feature is About So Much More Than Animals — It’s About What Makes a Place Truly Home

Some pet stories are sweet. Some are funny. But every now and then, one comes along that leaves a lasting imprint on your heart — the kind that reminds you just how deeply animals can become part of a place, a family, a legacy. This month’s Pet Feature is exactly that. It’s not just about animals. It’s about loyalty, compassion, and the kind of home you can feel in your bones.

Meet Simone and Sebastian, two aging horses who’ve spent nearly 20 years together on a serene 7-acre pasture in Kelso, Washington. Side by side, they’ve grazed beneath the same old trees, rested under golden sunsets, and weathered the seasons like clockwork — with quiet strength and unshakable companionship. For them, this wasn’t just land. It was home in every sense of the word.

But recently, life brought change. Their human family needed to relocate to Arizona, and with that came a heartbreaking crossroads. Simone, who is battling cancer, and Sebastian, both in their twilight years, were not fit for a stressful cross-country move. The thought of pulling them from their lifelong home — from the only place they had ever known safety and peace — felt like too big a burden to bear. The family was torn between duty and love, unsure how to move forward while honoring these gentle old souls.

And then something extraordinary happened.

The buyers who fell in love with the property did something that still gives me chills — they opened their hearts and said yes, without hesitation, to keeping Simone and Sebastian right where they belong. These horses weren’t seen as obstacles or liabilities. They were embraced as family. In fact, they were written into the real estate contract itself — a legally binding promise that they would stay and be cared for, right on the land that shaped their lives.

It was one of the most compassionate, human moments I’ve ever had the privilege of witnessing in real estate. And it’s exactly why Simone and Sebastian are being honored as our Pet Feature of the Month. Their story is more than heartwarming — it’s a powerful reminder of what happens when empathy leads, when buyers see beyond barns and acreage, and when we choose legacy over convenience. These two horses are a living symbol of dignity, of love, and of what it means to be truly home.

And yes, this sale was historic in more ways than one. Not only did it carry the weight of deep emotional value, but it also made real estate headlines — becoming the highest residential sale in both Kelso and Longview this year. It’s the kind of transaction that doesn’t just look impressive on paper — it lifts comps across the region, empowers future sellers, and shows that homes with soul are still very much in demand here in the Pacific Northwest.

So while the numbers matter — and they do — it’s the story I’ll remember most. The kind of story you don’t see every day. A home sold with heart. Buyers who saw more than value — they saw life. And two horses, Simone and Sebastian, who get to live out their days exactly where they’ve always belonged.

That’s real estate done right. That’s why we celebrate them.
And that’s why I’ll never stop talking about the power of home — especially when it’s shared with the ones we love most… hooves and all.

Want to Nominate a Beloved Pet?
If you know a furry, feathered, or scaled friend with a story that deserves to be shared, I’d love to hear it! Send your nomination and a little background to me at hello@homerealestateteam.com

Who knows—they might be our next neighborhood spotlight!

🏡 Your Local Real Estate Expert – Gena Graham

Hi friends, I’m Gena Graham, your go-to real estate expert serving Longview, Kalama, Ridgefield, Felida, Vancouver, and Camas. With a deep passion for our vibrant community and a commitment to excellence, I’m here to make your home buying and selling experience seamless.

✨ Whether you're selling your home or searching for your dream property, I'm here to guide you every step of the way.

Let’s Connect! 📧 Call or text 360-431-5773.

HOME real estate | GENA GRAHAM
Your Local Neighborhood Expert 🏞️