Remembering Millie

Millie was a beloved herd member at our Sidmouth sanctuary and a special friend to many of our adopters. In her later years, she developed ongoing issues with her legs and back, which our teams at Slade House Farm closely monitored and ensured that she always had the best care possible.

Millie's grooms recently noticed that she was struggling with her back and legs. They were concerned something was causing discomfort, so they asked our veterinary team to check her over. While Millie was friendly and tolerated her examination well, it was clear that she was starting to feel lots of pain.

On the recommendation of our expert veterinary team, we made the heartbreaking decision to provide Millie with a peaceful passing by gently putting her to sleep. When the time came she was comfortable and surrounded by her friends and loving staff members.

A tribute to Millie

Leading the tributes to Millie, Maxine Carter, Farm Manager at The Donkey Sanctuary Sidmouth, says:

“Losing Millie has been hard for us all. We knew she had been ill for some time, but seeing the dear girl in such discomfort over the past few days was enough to know the kindest thing we could do was to say goodbye.

“Millie will leave a big hole in our hearts, but we can take comfort in knowing that she enjoyed many happy years with us in Sidmouth.”

Polly Vogel, Veterinary Surgeon and Millie's vet, says:

"I've been Millie's vet for two years, and she would often come over when I went into her field. Of course, when she realised I was going to take blood or do something veterinary based, she would playfully run away, but she never put up a fight and always let me do what I needed.

"She was such a lovely mule and will be missed by all of us at The Donkey Sanctuary." 

Life at the sanctuary

Millie was one of a kind and the only mule on our adoption scheme. While she enjoyed her privacy, she was also known to perform tricks for the viewing public when she felt more sociable.

Before coming into our care, she took part in medieval reenactments, which might have accounted for her ability to learn new tricks quickly and enjoy the odd moment in the spotlight when the mood took her.

Sometimes, when Millie wanted something like a bucket of feed, she would start doing a trick to help hurry the grooms along. For example, she would occasionally perform a little routine of high-stepping backwards for four steps, then forwards for four steps.

Millie was always happiest in her comfort zone - at home in Shelter 6 with her two great friends, fellow mule Jump and the lovable Poitou Dartanyan. Shelter 6 has a webcam, which helped introduce her to a global audience.

Millie seldom approached visitors for a scratch but always provided wonderful entertainment to watch as she played with her friends or galloped around her paddock.

Thanks to your loving support, Millie lived a happy, safe and fulfilling life at The Donkey Sanctuary alongside her friends.

Note to Millie's adopters

There is no need for you to do anything, we will be writing to you very soon with more information about your adoption.

Thanks to your support, Millie lived a comfortable, secure and fulfilling life at The Donkey Sanctuary Sidmouth, receiving the best possible care.

Your ongoing support helps to ensure that thousands of other donkeys across the UK and further afield will be given the same opportunity for a life free from suffering and neglect.