There was no midnight raid. Bernard didn’t have bolt cutters. We aren’t on New Mexico’s most wanted list.
We’ve named him Patrick, he’s here and he’s safe. And he’s already been surrounded by people who love him.
We spent a wonderful day on Sunday at 7MSN with Carson and Danni from Critter Farm.
On our way home from 7MSN, it happened. For a couple of weeks now, Don and I have talked about making an offer to buy Patrick as soon as we saw his people. As we drove past Patrick’s corral on Sunday evening, we saw they were there.
We pulled in and Don got out. I stayed in the car and pretended to read the newspaper because I couldn’t be involved in the conversation. Don is much more even-keeled than I am… if Patrick’s person had said no, it’s likely that I would have either started crying or yelling at him.
It turns out that Patrick’s person said yes, and here’s what we now know about Patrick:
- He didn’t have a name
- He is three years old and they acquired him two and a half years ago; he has never known anything but torment
- He’s gelded, but not by a veterinarian (it was a home job)
- He was used regularly for roping practice
- They were unhappy with his performance as a roping donkey because Patrick learned early on that it wouldn’t hurt as bad if he stopped running as soon as he felt the rope around his ankles
- His diet consisted of cow hay; he didn’t even rate the hay that was being fed to the horses that he was being used to train
By the time Patrick arrived at Morning Bray Farm on Sunday evening and we got him settled in, it was dark. That explains the pictures in yesterday’s post. (We were exhausted after a wonderful day, but we had to let you know that he was here.)
He is a very sweet boy and he’s going to do well with lots of love… which he got lots of yesterday, thanks to Carson and Danni.
He’s handsome too.
He’s hiding underneath a bit of hair.
We are so fortunate to have such wonderful friends. Carson and Danni spent the day working with and loving Patrick while Don and I were at work. Thank you, Aunt Linda and Aunt Danni. We love you.
Don came home bearing gifts for Patrick. A brand new, shiny green halter and lead rope.
Green is Patrick’s color.
It makes him look exceptionally, super cute.
We have no doubt that life is going to come back into Patrick’s eyes. Bernard will make sure of that.
The vet is coming this morning and we’ll start introducing Patrick to the boyz as soon as we get the all clear. ♥
To read more about Carson’s and Danni’s day of love with Patrick, be sure to visit their blogs at The 7MSN Ranch and On the Way to Critter Farm.
March 15, 2011 at 4:05 am
The light has already come back! What a transformation in such a short time!!!!
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March 15, 2011 at 4:10 am
I am but a novice, but I could swear that last picture shows a donkey smile…
He’s terrific!
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March 15, 2011 at 4:20 am
God Bless You! Welcome home Patrick!
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March 15, 2011 at 4:58 am
He´s a clever donkey… and very very sweet!
Good luck for you Justina, giving him a new start and making him forget his bad past! ♥
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March 15, 2011 at 5:07 am
Are you kidding? He’s already got life in his eyes! What a sweetie pie; it’s hard to believe he’s so cuddlesome after his “upbringing.” He could sure teach Nigel a thing or two. 😉 It certainly looks like you found a diamond in all that rough.
Now…do you think his former capto…er, “owners” are going to run out and get another donkey? Hopefully they were disappointed enough with Patrick they’ll give up on the idea. (We can always hope, right?)
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March 15, 2011 at 5:09 am
St. Patrick’s day will have a special meaning for all of us since he was rescued and named this week. And green IS his color for sure. He found his “pot of gold” in your wonderful, loving home. Thank you both for taking him in.
Welcome little Patrick. I bet Bernard would love another youngster to play with him!
Smiles from WI
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March 15, 2011 at 5:14 am
Roping donkeys? I can’t believe it. I’m stunned.
I’m so glad you got him home. He definitely found his four leaf clover.
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March 15, 2011 at 5:18 am
OH GOOD JOB ! With the long mane and forelock I’m assuming he is just a extra hairy donkey, but did he have a shelter?
Home gelded? Ouch!!!!!!!!!!!
He looks happyer allready
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March 15, 2011 at 6:14 am
Smiles! Tears! Hugs to you for pulling this off!
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March 15, 2011 at 6:39 am
OH, Patrick, welcome home!!! I just can not wait to see how you blossom into full and funny donkey-tude.
(and even though there was no midnight raid, I still think Ellsworth sounds like John Wayne…)
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March 15, 2011 at 6:41 am
This was the BEST day ever! I am completely in love with Patrick (and you and Don and Carson and all the critters!) and feel so fortunate to have been here to be part of this.
The future looks bright for this sweet donkey boy who has just wound up in the best place possible.
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March 15, 2011 at 6:57 am
I’m so so happy I was able to meet handsome Patrick yesterday. I think I have a really bad crush on him, sorry Tony.
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March 15, 2011 at 6:58 am
I can’t believe how there already appears to be a change in his demeanor. I see a sparkle in those eyes, where Sunday there was only a dull acceptance of a horrible existence. So happy for him, and so pleased you were able to bring him to a home of love.
Suzanne
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March 15, 2011 at 7:12 am
[…] But not as great a day as the luckiest little donkey in the world. He had an incredible day. […]
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March 15, 2011 at 7:19 am
Justina and Don
Because of Linda I have become familiar with your blog and visit every day
Patrick has found heaven on earth, thanks to your love and caring. Like your other fans, I can not wait to watch him blossom !!
Bless you and your sweet 4 legged babies !!
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March 15, 2011 at 7:29 am
He has a little smile on his face in that last photo. I’m sure his burro brothers told him how wonderful life is at the MB farm. How fantastic that you had extra “mommies” there to help him feel at home! I am so thrilled for Patrick (and you and Don)! 🙂
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March 15, 2011 at 7:35 am
[tears]
SO GLAD.
🙂 🙂 🙂
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March 15, 2011 at 7:53 am
Animals know good people. His transition in such a short period of time is so touching.
Sweet Patrick has landed in donkey heaven on earth, no doubt about that!
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March 15, 2011 at 7:55 am
Patrick does still have brightness in his eyes. If he is like the other burros in your family, he will quickly learn to trust and love. You did a wonderful thing!
Love the stories in Danni and Carson’s blogs about their Monday experiences with Patrick.
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March 15, 2011 at 7:59 am
I’m literally sobbing over here. So happy for Patrick and everyone at Morning Bray. My heart goes out to him and I’m so glad that he is now surrounded by tender love. He is adorable. I’s remarkable that he’s so good around people, especially given his history of chronic abuse.
Big warm hugs of celebration for everyone!
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March 15, 2011 at 8:02 am
He is a little darling. Looks like his brothers can’t wait to meet him and show him how good humans treat their animals.
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March 15, 2011 at 8:13 am
I just can’t get enough of this story. And I know Bernard is just waiting to have some fun with Patrick. I have to say, the pictures of Ellsworth on Linda’s blog are such a delight. He does have the biggest smile, and one day Patrick will be smiling too. You and Don are my heroes right now:-)
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March 15, 2011 at 8:14 am
With all the heartache going on in the world and the problems going on in my life right now this story brought me so much joy! What a lucky boy. Y’all rock!
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March 15, 2011 at 8:19 am
He is wonderful. He is such a love bug from the start, just think what he will be like when he gets to know you. Lucky, lucky Patrick.
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March 15, 2011 at 8:32 am
What can I say? I am in love! Patrick is drop dead gorgeous! I can’t wait to read about his new life. Thank you Justina, thank you Don! Hugs to all of you!
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March 15, 2011 at 8:38 am
Hi Patrick, Welcome Home….
This made me cry, happy tears. Justina you and Don are the best.
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March 15, 2011 at 8:39 am
OMG! I’m sitting at my desk with tears literally running down my face….I cannot express how happy I am for this little fellow and that you’re not on the wanted list!
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March 15, 2011 at 8:46 am
Thank you for saving Patrick!!
He’s a good looking donkey even with all that fur!! God Bless you all for being at the right place at the right time!!
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March 15, 2011 at 9:22 am
Awww! I saw the post over at Carson’s. I’m so glad you got him, I went back and looked at the agony post, and how sad he looked. I hate to see that too, and I’ve seen it a lot over here (I live in roping central it seems). I have an old Jack who I suspect has been roped a lot (scars) and he is horrible about having his feet trimmed. The “rescue” I got him from (where the owner went to jail for animal cruelty) said they always laid him down to do his feet. I would bet my life they tripped him down and it wasn’t pretty. He’s very very old, but he’s a sweetheart inside. Can be very sweet, but can also be a violent jack. I just don’t have the heart to have him cut at his advanced age, and I can handle him as a jack. I am HORRIFIED that they cut Patrick at home. GOOD GOD. I know people still do that, but I think it’s the height of torture for equines and cruel to do that when there are drugs and veterinarians available. (that said, we did spring branding this weekend. I might be a hypocrite, since we cut calves. All I can say is we’re super quick about it and I still think it’s cruel)
I’m glad Patrick is in good hands now. The damage that’s done will take years to undo.
I don’t agree with donkey roping. I think there’s good and bad. Some ropers take exceptional care of their animals and allow no dallying and no stretching out (cattle or donkeys) and some are not good owners, and abuse these animals nonstop.
I’d also like to say, donkey rescues need to do a HOME VISIT on every one they adopt out. I know of several instances where people flat out lied, so they could get a roping donkey. Rescue never knew. (which is why I rarely sell my animals. I don’t trust anyone)
I look forward to seeing Patrick come into himself and learn that life is not going to be like that anymore. He’s got a good home now 🙂
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March 15, 2011 at 9:22 am
You, Danni and Linda have me in tears this morning…what a wonderful wonderful story…Patrick is a lucky guy…and such a handsome young man 🙂
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March 15, 2011 at 10:25 am
Thank you for giving me a bucket of the happiest tears I have shed in a very long time. Your love, strength and compassion are a beacon. It’s nice to know real people with heart. You, Don, Linda and Ms. Danni are wonderful human beings and Patrick is so lucky to be “found” by love.
The Olde Bagg, Linda
I look forward to reading and seeing how Patrick fits in with DA BOYZ at Morning Bray….oh the adventures to come.
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March 15, 2011 at 10:30 am
What can I say to you and Carson and Don and Dannie other than a huge thank you for helping Patrick. He is one very lucky donkey to get out of that awful situation and now gets to live the rest of his life knowing what love, respect, care, etc… with you, Don and the boys.
Huge huge hugs! xoxo
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March 15, 2011 at 11:02 am
This is still so incredible to me! You are heroes – to a lot of us humans as well as to Patrick. Even though he can’t actually talk to you, it looks like he is already expressing his thanks and gratitude for his new days.
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March 15, 2011 at 11:08 am
So happy to see the photos here and also in Linda’s and Danni’s posts – he is doing well and will be okay! So much love and respect for darling Patrick. Thanks for sharing it all with us.
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March 15, 2011 at 11:26 am
He’s an angel — so sweet. And not only did you rescue this guy, but Danni and Carson were there, too. Patrick was just surrounded by all that love. I feel better knowing you are out there in the world and I appreciate so much that you share your life with us. Blessings to you and Don and all the beautiful critters at Morning Bray Farm.
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March 15, 2011 at 11:37 am
My heart is leaping with happiness for Patrick. You, Don, Linda & Danni already put a little spark in his eyes, you can see it in the pics. I look forward to your future updates! God Bless to all of you.
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March 15, 2011 at 11:53 am
Patrick is adorable! I’m so glad he’s living with you now. I do think that last picture shows him smiling 🙂
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March 15, 2011 at 12:27 pm
Bravo! May St. Patrick always watch over his little namesake.
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March 15, 2011 at 1:04 pm
Patrick sure is super cute. Great story! I’m sure he’ll be a real character once he’s allowed to blossom with you at MBF. Yay!
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March 15, 2011 at 2:29 pm
I cannot tell you what joy you have brought to my heart with this rescue of such a sweet soul. His eyes simply melt my heart. I am so happy fo him and for you and Don 🙂 a monster congratulations on your new little bouncing baby donkey 🙂 he is worth his weight in gold!!!
What a happy happy day for this little donkey!!!
Xoxox
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March 15, 2011 at 2:50 pm
Oh.
My.
God.
He looks like a little fuzzy bunny rabbit.
With hooves.
He is so CUTE!
Thank you thank you thank you, all of you, for saving that sweet little boy.
SMRT little guy, too, isn’t he…to figure out that stopping made it hurt less.
Oh, boy! He is gonna be a BIG success story.
What am I saying????
He already is!
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March 15, 2011 at 4:24 pm
All of you people–Justina, Don, Danni, and Carson–you are my kind of people! I wish Patrick all the best in his new home.
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March 15, 2011 at 5:39 pm
Move over, St. Patrick! Justina and Don are joining you in sainthood! How my heart is rejoicing from your brave act–this donkey is not the only one you saved!
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March 16, 2011 at 10:07 am
Bless you for taking that sad, adorable donkey out of that horrible life. You are just wonderful and I know he will know happiness and love at long last. Super job!
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March 16, 2011 at 2:07 pm
Okay…. LOVE the story of how it all went down.. it was meant to be for sure. Love how Linda (and Danni) worked with him so well.
But may I also add it was fun seeing Danni and Linda without caps? Love the haircut (that you have had for a bit) Linda!
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March 17, 2011 at 7:19 am
Welcome to Morning Bray Farm, lovely Patrick!
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March 19, 2011 at 5:47 am
Wow! he is handsome! you can just see the gentleness in his eyes. He is lucky and loved. I have some suggestions for those people who need something to “rope.” hmph! disgusting.
i’m so happy Patrick has a donkey family too! he’s just a darling little guy! he looks so happy now.
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March 22, 2011 at 2:23 pm
Thank you for taking Patrick out of a bad situation! He is so handsome, oh my!
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April 7, 2011 at 10:21 am
I had no idea people roped donkeys. So glad this little guy, (and others) are saved from that. What joy can people possibly get doing such things? Maybe they should get their butts to work, they wouldn’t have time to do such stupid things. Thanks for giving them a new life.
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