Goodbye is such a difficult word to say especially to a loved one so it was with very heavy hearts that we bid farewell to our darling donkey, John.
John had a tough beginning. A working donkey who, with his mate Hugo, was often stolen for joy rides he was also horrifically physically abused by a group of young boys. His owner, who worked away from home, realised that she was not able to keep her donkeys safe and asked us to take them both. John was badly injured and very traumatised. For a long time we had to be very careful around him and did not allow our visitors near him. We left him to heal and created as peaceful environment as we possibly could for him. It took many months to gain his confidence but with Sanctuary manager Penny’s gentle encouragement and through his friendship with the other donkeys in his paddock, John grew confident and bold enough to approach visitors and allow them to stroke him. For many years John and Hugo lived in a large, lush paddock with a dam and lots of trees. The paddock allowed long gallops and was visited often so the boys were spoilt with carrot treats quite regularly.
Goodbye, farewell
Unfortunately, a young stallion that had been taken in by us for medical care got into an altercation with John and kicked him in the jaw. It was a severe injury and though it healed to an extent the build up of scar tissue made it more and more difficult for John to eat and he soon lost condition. Our vets assured us there was nothing we could do for the poor boy and that the kindest action would be to send dear John over the rainbow bridge.
John (left) with his pal Hugo
It broke Penny’s heart but for John it was the kindest action we could take so on a quiet morning with Penny at his side, John was helped by our vet to cross that rainbow bridge. Hugo was moved to a paddock with two other kind and gentle rescues and he has adapted beautifully. We were a little worried initially as donkeys form strong bonds but he seems to have accepted the loss of his friend and settled in with Milo and Henry.
Goodbye John. You were so very loved and we are so grateful that we could provide you with 10 good years of love and comfort. You will be sorely missed.
