I forgot - this blog encourages comments and queries. Yesterday, after reading the blog about walking away from anything that no longer serves you, grows you or makes you happy, I was oh-so surprised when a reader responded with "What are you going to do about it?"
Coincidental to that very appropriate question, we had an incredible storm that knocked out our power and also knocked down a big tree in our front yard. In the six hours of semi-darkness and quiet, I thought very hard about that question and realized that I needed to step up and walk the talk. It is so much easier to take on something new and exciting than it is to say goodbye to something that is no longer meant to be, even though at one time it was also new and exciting.
As always, that led me to thoughts about our donkeys and the owners that have had to give them up due to financial, physical or other hardships. Regardless of the circumstance, I trust that the decision was heartwrenching and, hopefully made only after exploring all other options for keeping their donkey safe and healthy.
For those that have taken good care of their donkeys, or have purchased a donkey with the best of intentions and done the best they can with the knowledge they had, I have great sympathy. And I know that they must be so relieved to know that their beloved donkey is on the road to health and is loved.
But, there are those that do not have my sympathy. The owner of poor George - who on earth would think it is okay to keep a donkey, or any other animal, in a windowless garage. We aren't sure he will ever be ready to join a herd. Owners of donkeys that arrive here so grossly overweight that we are not sure they will survive due to the incredible pressure on their hearts from the fat. This past year, six of the twelve new residents arrived in morbidly obese state. Owners that have threatened to take them to the auctions - which sell them as meat - if we won't take them because just don't want them anymore or they are just too much of a bother to care for.
And, with all the donkeys that have come to us this past year, only ONE owner has stepped up to help with the financial cost of caring for their donkey.
Okay, back to my dilemna - the reader has thrown down the gauntlet and I must respond. Shoot!....keep you posted.
Signed, Chicken Chris
The Turtle Valley Donkey Refuge Society is a 50 acre facility located at 7877 Skimikin Road in the Turtle Valley near Chase, BC. We are dedicated to rehabilitating and caring for unwanted, surrendered, abused and neglected donkeys. When donkeys are abused they require years of special care, costly vet and farrier work and years of love and devotion to heal the scars made by man. We are blessed to be able to facilitate this healing with love and care.
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