There’s Something about Donkeys ❤️🫏

Recently, I fell in love with donkeys.

How It Began

As many of you know, I am a horse lover and devoted owner of two—a quarter horse, Jack, and mini-horse, Luke. Being involved in the horse world, I learned about the cruel roundups of America’s wild mustangs that tear apart bonded families, take away their freedom, and sometimes result in injury or death. As a result, I’ve become a passionate advocate and want to do all I can to help.

So I decided to write a novel that I hope will increase awareness, as I did in my novel Luz when I was an immigrant rights advocate. My novel-in-progress takes my protagonist, a young woman, on a life-changing journey after she sees the Pryor Mountain Wild Mustangs in the wild in Wyoming. As she learns about the controversial mustang roundups, the devastating effects on the horses, and the passion of advocates who try to rescue the horses, I hope my readers will be drawn into her story and, through it, be informed, moved, and inspired. (There’s a love story, too. In fact, more than one.)

But writing a novel is a slow process (I’m about halfway through my first draft), and I wanted to do more—something hands on. So I began to volunteer at a few local horse rescues—an experience I will write about in detail at a later date.

Something About Donkeys ❤️

Skydog Sanctuary in Malibu is where my love affair with donkeys began. My first crush was a gentle soul named Charlie Brown, pictured above. Just look at those soft eyes.

I have written before about that soulful connection with horses. That mutual healing between human and horse. It’s why I gave horses to my character, Josie, in my novel, Josie and Vic. It’s why I’ve written about my personal experiences in a four-part series, “Never about Riding. Always about the Horse.”

But I did not expect the Zen-like serenity that I discovered in the presence of equus asinus, known to us as burros or, more commonly, donkeys. In fact, I knew very little about donkeys, beyond the general assumption that they are difficult, willful, and downright stubborn. But, as I quickly learned, that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Donkeys are highly intelligent, curious creatures, who when presented with an uncertain situation, wisely stop and take in their surroundings. Not stubborn, but sage. They also exude a sense of calmness and can be gentle as lambs. To spend time with a donkey, for me, is as soothing as meditation.

Donkeys are very social creatures, often forming bonds with one or two particular mates. With humans, they are quick to trust and connect with a caring new friend. They love to be stroked, scratched, brushed, hugged—and are always eager for treats. In some ways, they’re a lot like dogs. I have never been bitten or kicked by a donkey. Rubbed against and nudged gently, yes, but never treated in a mean or aggression way. Never.

As for that bray that’s often described in a negative light, I love that sound! Such passion. Such unique expression of excitement or elation. A donkey “Ode to Joy.” To be the focus of that undulating, power-filled call is beyond thrilling. When their eyes are trained on you as they let out that repetitive, prolonged hee-haw, well, it’s close to what Taylor Swift must feel during those thunderous standing ovations.

Perhaps I’m getting carried away—exaggerating a bit—but don’t we all when we first fall in love?

In case you haven’t noticed, I’m smitten.

So much so that I keep buying lottery tickets with the dream of opening a donkey rescue. So much so that I feel like there’s a donkey out there calling to me. Waiting for me. But dang, I’m already struggling to pay for board, feed, meds, vet bills, etc. for my two horses. Not even remotely possible to add a third. And so, I channel this newly found passion into the donkeys at local rescues.

Currently, I’m enjoying six mini-donkeys at Moorheart Farm, “If you think our hands are full, you should see our hearts.” Home to rescued horses, goats, pigs, llamas, cows, chickens, and yes, donkeys: Miranda, Dolly, Jolene, Johnny Cash, Rod Stewart, and, of course, Reba! (I’ll be writing more about this amazing family-run rescue soon.)

Meanwhile, I am reading all I can get my hands on about donkeys. In fact, my summer reading includes Sue Weaver’s The Donkey Companion, a comprehensive study of all things donkey.

Ejiao

As a donkey advocate, I would be remiss not to mention the serious crisis facing donkeys worldwide. Millions are slaughtered for the collagen in donkey skin to produce ejiao, a key ingredient used in Chinese medicines—none of which are considered truly effective products. Another senseless cruelty that advocates are working to eradicate. If demand for ejiao is not stopped, the donkey population could be significantly decimated.

Rescues and Sanctuaries

On an uplifting note, there are wonderful rescues that focus solely on donkeys. Like mustangs, many donkeys live wild and free—and are the target of roundups as well. Domestic donkeys are also brought to auctions, sometimes because they are no longer of use, sometimes they have been neglected and are in poor health, sometimes they are simply for sale. Fortunately, there are rescues that help no matter where they came from or why they’re there.
Here are just a few. Click on the link for details.

https://www.oscarsplace.org/
https://donkeyrescue.org/our-rescue/
https://www.hbranchdonkeyrescue.com/
 
And many rescues give both horses and donkeys an incredible forever home. In some cases, they are able to roam as close to free and wild as possible on hundreds of acres of land, while receiving the gold standard in care—like one of the best rescues in our country, Skydog Ranch and Sanctuary, whose second location in Bend, Oregon has 9,000 acres.

All of these rescues are sustained by donations from caring and compassionate individuals who follow them on social media and respond to whatever needs arise each week. It’s heartwarming. A very bright light in our troubled times. I highly encourage you to check out their websites. Search for them on whichever social media form you are most comfortable. Follow, like, comment and support them. Believe me, it will lift your spirits, especially if you see a depressed and emaciated horse gradually come to life again or witness family members being reunited after months or even years apart. Sure to restore your faith in humanity.

And definitely—definitely!—visit local rescues in your community. If they have donkeys, spend time with one. See if you get that Zen-like vibe. My guess is you just might find yourself falling in love. They are irresistible.

A New Donkey in My Life

I’ve been truly gobsmacked—yes, overwhelmed with wonder—by my newfound love of donkeys. Just this week, while working on my novel-in-progress, one very special donkey suddenly appeared. I’m an organic writer and always trust what comes unbidden, so I just went with it. Kept writing. I am so excited about what’s evolving on these pages! My writing critique group will get to meet him this month when I share my latest chapter.

I guess you could say I finally found that donkey that’s been calling to me. 🫏❤️

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Note about the horses and donkeys at rescues:

Most of the horses and donkeys at my local rescues were from auctions and kill pens. Some had lived their lives wild and free before being rounded up by the Bureau of Land Management that claims there are too many wild horses on public lands (a controversial dispute that involves cattle ranchers, mining, the hunting of natural predators, as well as the use of temporary birth control measures that could and does, in some areas, control their population.) Torn from their families, crammed together in barren holding facilities, these stunned, depressed magnificent mustangs and wild burros are taken to auction with the very real threat of being sent to slaughter in Mexico or Canada (yes, even Canada.), where horse meat is still sold and donkey skin is of value.

Some of the horses and donkeys are domestic animals, taken to auction after years of service in one capacity or another, but no longer of use. At auction, a few may find new homes, but many do not, leaving them vulnerable and in danger of heading to a slaughter house.

Fortunately, there are incredible kind souls that devote their lives to rescuing as many as they can and giving them the best life possible.

A few of the mini-donkeys at Moorheart Farm

       

           

Wait a minute! Who’s that long-necked critter? It’s Norman, a llama at Moorheart Farm. Another one of my crushes. Isn’t he handsome? Sorry, I just can’t help myself. 🦙❤️🤷🏻‍♀️