When our team in Ireland were searching for a home for a donkey named Shamrock, the perfect opportunity arose after an owner contacted us seeking a companion for his lonely donkey.
Over the last two years, life for Shamrock the donkey had been difficult and lonely after experiencing the loss of his only companion.
As a result of his isolation, Shamrock became withdrawn, and his health slowly deteriorated as his loneliness grew.
In a desperate attempt to provide relief for Shamrock, his owner began feeding him hay and horse feed. Over time, this unfortunately left Shamrock significantly overweight and suffering from hoof abscesses.
When Donkey Welfare Adviser Clare Crowther arrived to check on Shamrock and his owner, it was evident that the donkey needed an urgent change of environment and diet to recover fully.
Clare and the owner decided it was best to move Shamrock to a temporary home where he could benefit from the company of other donkeys and nutrition management.
However, Shamrock would still need to be privately rehomed again in the future.
The start of a great friendship
Clare knew of a wonderful home where donkey owners, Clay and Jenifer, had been doing a fantastic job with a mare and foal.
Clay had recently informed us that they had taken on a lonely black donkey from a local neighbour. The donkey was named Beamish and was a gentle and calm soul, and he needed a companion.
Upon hearing from Clay about the arrival of lonely Beamish, Clare knew she had just the friend in mind. It was decided that Shamrock, now a much happier and healthier donkey, would be the perfect match for Beamish.
The moment Shamrock and Beamish met, a heartwarming friendship began.
Shamrock was renamed Vinnie, and Clay reports that he is "doing great, is such a character, and it feels like he has always been here!"
