It is through this blog that we have had the fortune of becoming acquainted with some extraordinary people, and many extraordinary donkeys. We’re grateful to our new friend Gayle for sending us the following to share with all of you. ♥
In Gayle’s words:
I finally paid a visit to PrimRose Donkey Sanctuary near Roseneath, Ontario last Sunday. Founder/proprietor Sheila Burns introduced me to many of the individual Donkeys, then kindly allowed me to wander at will amongst them with my camera.
I must say I have never visited a more peaceful place, nor met so many gentle and trusting creatures. What struck me most was how well they all got along and how well they accepted an unfamiliar person in their midst. Large groups gathered around the hay feeders and ate companionably, while others paired off for mutual grooming, or dozed in the sun.
I didn’t see one single act of aggression or dominance the whole time I was there, nor did any of the group around the hay feeder mind at all when I joined them and poked my camera lens in their faces while they were eating. Considering some of their histories, the calmness and trust they show is indeed a tribute to the care and healing they have received at the Sanctuary.
At present there are about twenty equines in residence mostly Donkeys, but also three Mules, and one Pony. They’re all different sizes and ages, and have widely varying life histories, some being rescues from abuse and neglect, others given over when a caring owner was no longer able to care for them, or had passed away. The oldest is Lucy, age 42.
Several others are well into their twenties and thirties, including PrimRose herself who is now 34 years old. These seniors and some of the rescued animals will stay at the Sanctuary for the rest of their lives. Other younger healthy animals that have not endured traumatic early lives, or that have been physically and emotionally rehabilitated, may be made available for fostering / adoption to carefully chosen individuals subject to terms and conditions to ensure their continued wellbeing, thus making room for newcomers.
Although PrimRose is officially a Donkey Sanctuary, no needy large animal is ever turned away which is why two Sheep, a Goat, and four Potbellied Pigs also call the farm home. I’m sure Wynonna over at the 7MSN would approve.
Please invite your Blog Viewers to visit the Sanctuary’s website. There are three Photo Galleries there: Donkeys, Other Animals, and New Faces. Each has photos and brief biographies of several of the Sanctuary residents. (To access each “New Faces” bio you need to click on his/her picture.) There’s also some educational information under the “Donkey 101” tab.
As for myself, I’m partial to Annabelle and Leon.
Annabelle in three months has gone from a being a skinny little lice-infested Jennet so bloated with worms as to appear pregnant, to being one of the most beautiful and charming little Donkeys you’d ever want to meet … I dare say as adorable as Bernard, but in a dainty feminine way ! It was very hard to get an in-focus photo of her as she is so people-friendly that she kept coming closer and closer to the camera.
Leon is a handsome young Donkey of 6 years who was caught in the middle of a domestic situation and spitefully turned loose to fend for himself … on a road ! After some time he was caught and held by Animal Control which insisted, when he wasn’t claimed by the owner, that he go to a Livestock (Meat) Auction rather than being sold directly to the Sanctuary. He was in decent body condition but with a severe case of overgrown hooves making it difficult for him to walk. Three months, two farrier visits, and a castration later he is moving freely and ready for adoption.
Annabelle, Leon, and the lamb Christina-Rose were all rescued by being purchased at the same auction.
And here’s Joey, a longer term resident who had been badly abused but is now happy and friendly, and who has the cutest long ear hair.
The latest two rescues, Simon and O’Sullivan of whom you already know from Sheaffer’s Blog, are also pictured. They share a paddock and have become fast friends. O’Sullivan still looks pretty rough, and being quite old will take a long while to recover, but he is on the mend enjoying all the attention and providing fly-swishing services to his new friend Simon who as you know has a broken and immobile tail, but is otherwise in good condition.
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
Morning Bray Farm 