Tuesday, March 15, 2011

A lucky donkey finds his pot of gold

Today you might see alot of blogs and facebook entries referring to Adopt the Internet Day. This is part of Petfinder's campaign to spread the word about adoptable pets. I found Smooch via Petfinder and today's post was going to be all about her and her wonderfulness and how adoptable pets seem to know you've saved them from an uncertain future and they bond with you in an extra special way.

But now I think it's more important to help tell the story of an animal who wasn't up for adoption but who desperately needed a new home all the same and now he has one.

My friend Justina from Morning Bray Farm drove past this little donkey every time she left her house. He was used for roping practice – riders on horseback would chase him and rope his head and his feet. (This post explains more about donkey roping.) When he wasn't being roped, he would stand at the back of the corral by himself with his head lowered, looking for all the world like the saddest animal on earth. Seeing him like this was breaking Justina's heart, and she and her husband developed a plan to remove him from the situation. The plan worked - I will let her tell you all about that - and now lucky "Patrick" has a new home at Morning Bray Farm.

This all transpired Sunday night. Monday morning, Danni and I drove up to spend the day with Patrick and help convince him that not all people are abusive Neanderthals.


Can you see the outline of the halter that used to be on Patrick's head? His hair grew around it, but at least the halter was big enough that it had not dug into his skin.


It appears his hooves have never been trimmed, but the dry sandy soil he was living on prevented them from growing too long. Justina's farrier will have these feet balanced and looking great within a few trims. Overall, Patrick seems to be in decent shape physically – the vet will examine him Tuesday morning. Mentally, he doesn't seem to have "shut down" yet, as many donkeys do when they have been used endlessly for roping practice. His youth is on his side.


The rest of the boys at Morning Bray Farm are a little skeptical of all the attention being showered upon the new arrival...


...but Justina came home from work at lunchtime to give them all their mid-day dose of love and affection, and Patrick stood in line with everyone else for his handout.


There is no shortage of characters at Morning Bray Farm.



Justina and Don have opened their hearts and home to Patrick and removed him from an environment which I'm certain would have ultimately led to his demise. I am so very proud and lucky to have them as my friends...and so is Patrick.

47 comments:

  1. Tears flowing again! I keep switching between your blog, Danni's & Morning Bray. Over and over again. May God bless all of you. We know God has blessed Patrick!!

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  2. Thanks goodness for people like your friends. I'm sure Patrick will have a wonderful life now. I can't believe those jerks would use him for roping practice.

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  3. The photo of Ellsworth's face over the top, with his goofy expression made me LOL!

    Patrick, you lucky donkey, you found your pot of gold. St. Patrick's day will have new meaning this year since you've been added to the clan.

    Smiles from WI

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  4. Thank you for this wonderful photos about Patricks happy-end story on Morning Bray Farm.
    See Ellsworth looking for his Mom with such a funny face!

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  5. Linda,

    I'm crying.

    We love you. xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

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  6. Been following over on Morning Bray too. So glad to see Patrick in his new surroundings, and he looks like he's a little bit happier already. So happy for Justina and Don. And thank you Carson for spending some time with Patrick and bringing these pics to us.
    Suzanne

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  7. Awwww....what a moving story! Poor little thing! He looks like a sweetheart! I'm so thankful he was removed from that horrible place!

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  8. It would appear that patrick has land on his feet eh!
    signed
    Theresa in Alberta

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  9. Huge lump in my throat for Patrick and wishing him all the best in his new world... the world with GOOD people in it.

    Di

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  10. I've read all accounts of Patrick, and I am shedding tears of joy. What a wonderful story and hurry for Justina and Don for 'saving' Patrick.

    Hope you'll still do the post on Smooch. My Wally is a shelter pup, as were some predecessors, and I can't say enough about having one of these pups in my life.

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  11. Jenny in MN now in AZ3/15/11, 6:51 AM

    I saw Morning Bray's post yesterday about their new arrival and...wow! What emotion it brings. Such heartbreak to think of all the animals that are treated so unfairly, but of such joy and hope for Patrick. Thank you for sharing this.

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  12. I heard the news last night and couldn't be more thrilled. I was so haunted by the little guy's sad picture. Now I am veering between laughter at Ellsworth's expression and tears of joy for Patrick and a need to hug Justina. So much emotion and all before the first cup of coffee.

    This is such a wonderful thing that has happened!

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  13. CC: Danni, you are now on my favorites bar and I will begin each day with a visit with you, and Linda, and Justine and Don. In a world of too much sadness, you all are balm to the spirit. I have totally fallen in love with the blessed animals that live with you all who are their blessing. THANK YOU! (I'm going to copy this and post it to 7MSN and Morning Bray too.)

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  14. I'm speechless...........there are no words

    One of your best posts ever, Linda. I am so happy you have the friends you do :) You deserve each other

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  15. I feel so lucky to have been part of this day. Watching you with work with Patrick is something I will never forget. I am so incredibly happy for Justina and Don and Patrick right now, I can hardly sit still! :-)

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  16. It's just after 9:30am and i have already bawled my eyes out twice over rescue stories! Patrick is one lucky donk! Thank you!

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  17. So happy to see this little guy has a wonderful home now. I appreciate all that you do in caring for animals, Carson. You have such great people in your life and in addition your supportive blog readers are added to the list.
    Hats off!
    Best always,Sandra

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  18. Thank you for taking the time to spend with Patrick on his first day of freedom.

    Thank you also for taking the time to share it with us.

    Now I have to go find kleenex, because all three blogs have me in tears now.

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  19. Patrick was saved now there's ONLY how many hundreds of others that could use a good home. People can be sooo very cruel, BUT then we have WONDERFUL people like you, Danni, Justina and Don. I'd like to believe that there is MORE good people than bad...we just have to listen to our hearts more when we see situations like roping donkeys. WHAT a difference these guys make in your lives. They are GREAT in helping relieve STRESS...try one or two and see.

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  20. I'm so glad that all of you are doing this. Patrick IS handsome. What a special story.

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  21. Tears of joy here. What a fantastic life Patrick will have at MB farm!
    'There is no shortage of characters at the Morning Bray Farm'...Ellsworth proves that with his expression in that photo!
    You are so lucky to be able to be a part of Patrick's re-intoduction to LIFE! :)

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  22. What a great story! I, too, took a little different approach today on my site, and wanted to bring attention to those animals who are up for adoption and often get overlooked - like birds, ducks, tortoises, etc.

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  23. What an uplifting post! I'm so happy for Patrick - and look at Lucy's expression!

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  24. Having you spend the day with Patrick was an important gift. So sweet and, with that gang of comics on the other side of the fence, who wouldn't be happy there. Such a blessing. Really, quite speechless and teary over this news. Wish I could be there too! This is really momentous.

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  25. All donkeys should have an Auntie Linda and Auntie Danni. Patrick will flourish with his new home and big extended family. I just KNOW he and Bernard are going to become fast friends. First Lucy, now Patrick....I am just loving these new donkey tales.

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  26. When I saw that "Patrick" was at Morning Bray yesterday, I had tears in my eyes. I told Justina what incredible people she and Don are for rescuing that sweet donkey.

    I found my puppy mill momma rescue through Petfinder. I am extremely grateful for a service that matches fantastic, adoptable pets with their forever homes.

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  27. Oh, one more thing. Ellsworth is the cutest thing in those pictures above!
    I can't get over those ears and that sweet little muzzle. Thanks for the great photos.

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  28. There are kind people in the world ... and he was lucky to find his.

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  29. Love stories with happy endings. MB Farm is Patrick's angel. :-)

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  30. I'm tearing up as well...lucky, lucky Patrick!!!! :):):) Thank you so much for sharing his story.

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  31. Wow, Wow, Wow....
    You people are amazing.

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  32. This is one of these happier than happy ending stories. It is remarkable how strong and wonderful Justina and Don are and what they have done for all of Da Boyz and now there are five.
    As are you with your sweet BLM honey burros. I admire you all.
    What a wonderful time for Danni to be included in the freeing of Patrick, the visit to 7MSN and Morning Bray. Now that's an Oregonian with a New Mexico story to share. The Olde Bagg, Linda

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  33. AWWWW I want a donkey in my next life. I'm too old to get one now.

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  34. This rescue is so amazing! I've already read Justina's blog - I added her to my favorite list a few days ago after you mentioned her. My Emma was rescued by a couple in NYC - they found her living in an alley. They moved to Atlanta - with several rescued cats - and there I met and fell in love with her. She's been with me 3.5 yrs and is my best friend!

    Nancy in Iowa

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  35. This is a wonderful story on so many levels. I saw pics of you working with him and you look like a real natural and a wonderful Aunt! God Bless Critter Farm Girl, Morning Bray and 7MSN for showing that poor boy lots of love.

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  36. What a great happy ending for Patrick! I too have a ex-roping donkey and she has come along way in the last handful of years. She is still a little unsure of me at times and does not like men in general. There is hope for these poor mistreated love bugs with people like us. I do hope some day that donkey roping will be outlawed! Hugs from me to Patrick.

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  37. Good for you Patrick! Glad to have you join an all too populated club of formerly abused donkeys..

    Hugs and brays,

    Pistol Pete

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  38. I love a happy ending! How lucky for Patrick that your friend was able and willing to do something to help him. His experience doesn't seem to have killed his spirit as he looks eager for his share of lunch. Good stuff. Well done all :)

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  39. Carson, I just have to say I think you're one of the neatest people I know of..

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  40. Heather from Montreal3/15/11, 5:42 PM

    I am thoroughly enjoying learning about donkeys thanks to your two sites. But this news this evening as I read it is just the icing on the cake!

    You folks are just wonderful!

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  41. With the ever worsening world news, Justina's timing is perfect (I read about it last night) and your photos and follow-up are a boost to believing that people really can do the right thing.
    (Too bad the ropers are not one of that crowd. I agree with Grey Horse Matters opinion).
    Thanks ya'll: You deserve all the kudos you get on this one. Have another glass for Patrick. His day has arrived BIG TIME!

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  42. I can't believe someone would do that. Look at his sweet, sad face..... So glad he doesn't appear shy of humans, that Don was able to get the halter off and Justina can give him treats. Their kind touch will give Patrick his best St. Patrick's day ever.

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  43. Some great photos for this "happy ending" story! Specially the second last one- Ellesworth and Patrick both have sad stories, and now the big E can be a shining example for Patrick. They are blessed to have Justina and Don for their humans!

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  44. Sometimes I can't get my head around the fact that I'm actually the same species as these....individuals.

    I hope he has a long and happy life with Justina and his new donkey family.

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  45. Glad I found your blog from Mrs. 4444. This NJ girl had never heard of donkey roping. So glad this story has a very happy ending!

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  46. What a heartwarming story. Justina has a heart of gold.

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  47. I forgot to mention that I linked this story up to Mrs. 4444's Half Past Kissing Time's Saturday Sampling. It's the best of what we've read in the past week or so.

    This story just warmed my heart and after clicking through to the other blogs mentioned I learned so much. No more donkey roping, for sure!

    Thanks for writing such a lovely post.

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