Rehomed donkeys help mend a broken heart

Monte, Muldoon and Junior spent many years supporting members of the community as part of our Donkey Assisted Activities programme, but following their retirement they are now living the dream with Guardian Sam Cannon at their home in Dorset.

After having horses and ponies in their lives for the past four decades, Sam had heard about the Rehoming Scheme from friends who had visited our Sidmouth sanctuary.

At the time, rehoming donkeys was not on their minds, as they had two horses in their lives. Dylan, a piebald carthorse, had lived with them since he was a yearling, while ex-racehorse Solly was given to them by their vet as he knew they’d give him a loving home for the rest of his life.

After 24 years together, they sadly lost Solly, then Dylan a few years later. Sam explained: “It was terrible, first losing Solly then Dylan, who’d been with us for 28 years. They’d been in our lives for so long, it was like losing part of our family.”

“After all that time, you get used to the routines and the day-to-day pleasure of caring for these gorgeous animals.”

As time passed, they discussed the possibility of getting another horse, then thought back to the conversation they’d had about The Donkey Sanctuary’s Rehoming Scheme and decided to find out if they could help.

They were initially visited by Donkey Welfare Adviser Sophie Foster to check they had suitable facilities. Having equines in their lives for so long meant they were well set up, with three stables, a storage barn, field shelter, a large hardstanding area and eight acres of fields.

Sam continued: “Sophie told us many of the ways that donkeys are different to horses. There was such a lot to learn.

“We then had lots of information sent through about the history of donkeys, and every single thing involved in looking after them.”

Finally, Sam spent a day at The Donkey Sanctuary for some hands-on training with the four-legged residents. They learnt about the differences between horses and donkeys, including their physical traits, daily care needs, and behaviours. This helped them imagine what life with donkeys would be like and how this could fit into their everyday lifestyle. The day proved enjoyable and Sam came away ready for the next stage in their journey.

Welcoming the trio

When the day came, Monte, Muldoon and Junior walked down the ramp of the equine transporter into their new home. After having horses in their lives for so long it was an emotional day for Sam, but also a day filled with excitement as they knew they were about to begin a new chapter in their lives.

It didn’t take long for the donkeys to settle, and they were soon enjoying the routine in their new home. Their stables they had a thick bed of straw to sleep in, while outside there was lots of space to explore.

Since arriving in their new home, their characters have really shined through too. Muldoon maybe the smallest of the three, but has the biggest personality. He makes sure he is first for a friendly scratch, and enjoys a cuddle from Sam.

Whereas Muldoon appears to be in charge of the three, Monte is the quieter donkey. His dark brown coat is similar in colour to Muldoon, but much thicker. “He eeyores softly wherever he sees us,” Sam said. “His gentle brays make my heart skip each time.”

Junior is the biggest of the three, and has become closer to Monte since being in the new home. The two donkeys often eat, graze and play together.

Sam said: “Junior is a gentle, kind soul. If you are feeling low, he’ll come stand with you. He’s very receptive to your emotions. He loves to roll, loves to play, and is always watching what else is going on. He has a huge bray, but doesn’t do it much. This is a good thing as it’s very loud if you’re next to him!”

Monte, Muldoon and Junior have plenty of enrichment to keep them occupied. They have several pairs of wellie boots they play with and branches from suitable trees to chew on. Old feed buckets provide the ideal toys for a game of tug of war, while broom heads offer an opportunity for a good scratch.

Music often accompanies their daily routine, which usually starts at around 8am. After tucking into some fresh straw while their stables are cleaned out, they are given a brush and a scratch. Working from home means that Sam can check on them during the day, before heading back out to them just before dusk to make up their beds, top up their straw and pick up any poo in their fields.

The donkeys get many visitors at home, but are equally popular with locals alike. When they can get a third person to help, a particular highlight for Sam is taking the trio on a walk around their village. They are greeted with huge smiles from those they meet, with car drivers often stopping to say ‘hello’ too. Sam commented: “It’s like being out with film stars!”

Comfort after loss 

After going through the pain of losing their beloved horses, providing a home for the three donkeys has proved to be an enriching experience for both the donkeys and Sam.

Sam said: “They make each day better. When I get up in the morning, I look out the window and can’t wait to go and see them, and it’s always a wrench to leave them at night and come in.”

After their spending several years supporting the community, Monte, Muldoon and Junior have landed on their hooves in the wonderful home they now have on the coast of Dorset.

Sam added: “They love and enchant everyone they meet, and have helped to heal my broken heart in a way I never expected.”