A FEW MORE MOMENTS WITH SARA



Sweet Sara

After reading Sara's story again and again, I had decided that while I was at the Refuge yesterday I would make a special point to visit  our wonderful little white donkey with the fuzzy patch half way up her muzzle to say "Thank you for being with us and for trusting us after what you had been through before your rescue."  Out of respect for our new protocol with her, I didn't approach her, content to enjoy her company from afar.  She must have sensed my soul reaching out to her as she suddenly appeared by my side, silently giving me permission to give her the hugs and pats she so deserves.  As I sit here composing this post, I am actually teary.  Bless Sara's beautiful heart and soul.

To be truthful, I had no idea how much she had suffered until I asked Shirley to share her story for the blog. My heart aches as I imagine what the rest of her life would have been like had she not been rescued. And I can say with certainty that she would not be alive without the love and care she has received from Shirley and Rob.

Thanks to their dedication to healing her, this is the Sara that I know:

Sara is little, and stout, and as often as not, covered at least partially in wood shavings after rolling on her back on the ground. The rolling inevitably occurs within moments of being given a donkey "spa" treatment - a good brushing, a massage and lots of hugs. Despite all efforts by her groomers, she always looks a little scruffy, and being totally white doesn't help.She has a little game that she often plays when you approach her. At first she walks quickly away. So you follow and touch her and she moves slowly away. Third time's a charm and she stops for her hugs and brushing. One of her biggest fans and a generous sponsor of her as well was feeling "jilted" because "her" donkey walked away when she came to visit. After being coached by the rest of us to play Sara's 1-2-3 game, the relationship once again blossomed.
Until lately we described her as "bombproof". She was the go-to donkey when we had special needs groups visit the Refuge. She seemed impervious to the pokes and prods she received and stood quietly while being surrounded by excited visitors.

But she seems ready to hand over her duties as ambassador to someone younger and we agree with her. She will continue to get wonderful care from Shirley and Rob and a few select groomers, but we will show our love and respect for her by allowing her to retire from the limelight and enjoy the many years she has left at the Refuge.
The Refuge is all about the donkeys. Although we will miss our walks with her, we will be content to watch her enjoy her well-earned retirement with her new BFF Lady Bug.  And every once in a while, if I am very lucky, I will have a few moments with her like I did yesterday and will go home feeling full of love and hope.