Longears, Cont...

From Jim: Donkeys are thought to be the most often abused animal on the planet. They are overworked, underfed, brutally trained, equipped with the crudest ill-fitting draft tack, and almost never given proper medical treatment by their third world owners. Even the modern nations, ours included, mistreats them. The recent round-ups, if you can call what BLM does a "round-up", and the Texas park rangers' slaughter of them by rifle fire are the realities of our enlightened society. We have four wonderful donkeys at the sanctuary. Jenny was almost starved to death as a Jennet. Seized by a local animal control, she was dragged behind a truck. Her larynx was broken and a huge gaping hole was worn in her hip. It took months to heal. Her "hee haw" is only a "hee". She took two years of gentle care to overcome her fear of people. Jessie was a BLM round-up refugee. Her "adopters" wanted her for pack work. Their idea of training consisted of beating her. We had her at the sanctuary for four years before she could again trust our kind. Jonathan, a 45 year old, was used for roping. His neck and front leg were broken. He can't hold his head up or get arise without our help. His poor right front toes out at 45 degrees and he shuffles along, held down and twisted off to the side, peering up at the world. He is now a complete love. It took him over a year on the sanctuary to allow us to pet him. Dobbin is middle to late 30's. He is the gentlest guy you could ever meet. He has some health issues and it's hard to hold weight on him, but he endures and perseveres. He always up for a hug and a massage. These animals are profoundly dignified and spiritual. They come to life with a peace and patience and resilience we all can learn from. We love em to bits!