DONKEY AWARDS CEREMONY

On Sunday night I witnessed what I will go on record as saying was the worst Academy Awards ceremony ever. " Why did you continue to watch if it was so bad?" you ask. I guess for the same reason that I glance over at a car crash as I drive by even though I know I am going to traumatized by what I see - I just couldn't help myself.

Never being one to miss an opportunity to see the "donkey" in everything, I wondering what our Refuge version of the Oscars might look like. So, in honor of the first little donkey that was the catalyst for the Donkey Refuge as it is today, may I present the First Annual Turtle Valley Donkey Refuge "Maxies".

This years host is none other than our own 2012 Christmas Donkey, Jack.  He is wearing Santa with jewels by Tack Is Us.  Hair and makeup by Snow, Wind, Rain and Brush.      

But first, a strategically placed advertisement by our wonderful sponsor, The Turtle Valley Donkey Refuge.

Has Everyone Reading This Blog Become A Member of the Turtle Valley Donkey Refuge? You Haven't??? Go to www.turtlevalledonkeyrefuge.com and follow the instructions to join us. It is easy and it will make your heart feel good.

Now back to our Awards program!

Best costume - Jack in Sady's pink blanket which kept him warm all winter. He looked extremely unimpressed, but doesn't he always?

Best foreign entry - tie between our Alaska donkeys, Margherita and Hilda. They continue to WOW us as our ambassadors on our road trips to promote the Refuge.  They even participated in the Kamloops Parade and won an award for best float.  They have also visited a senior's center and spent a day at the Horse Barn in Kamloops.  They are such good girls and a treat to play with.

Best jenny in a supporting role - Lady Bug as seeing eye donkey for Sara.  Sara was one of the first donkeys to seek sanctuary at the Refuge, many years ago.  Shirley and Rob nursed her back to health and she has been an inspiration every since.  Last year Lady Bug came to us, also with issues that we are still working to resolve.  We believe she had been used as a roping donkey - a horrible, horrible life - so she is head shy and nervous.  Sara and Lady Bug became instant friends.  We have realized that little Sara is losing her sight so Miss Lady Bug has stepped up to serve as her Seeing Eye Donkey.  Amazing.

Best jack in a supporting role - Jose starring as Hoss' best friend forever.  Little Hoss came to us in terrible mental and physical condition.  Jose, our standard, sight-challenged part pitu donkey befriended him and they have been best buddies every since.  Hoss is very healthy now and is in training to be an ambassador for the Refuge along with Margherita and Hilda.

Best photography conversion - four way tie - Darren Suveyes, Lydia Kendric, Tracy Mercer and our own Shirley Mainprize.  You have seen their work in our Refuge Calendar, Our Cards, Our Newsletters, Blogs, Biographies.........

Best ensemble - The Three Teenies, Timothy, Deena and CocoPuff who arrived early last spring.  Tooo cute.  They were so close that at first they seemed to be one furry mass with twelve legs.  They still stick together but have joined the mini herd and are happy and healthy.

Best crew - The volunteers at the 2012 Donkey Days Event who put on their happy faces and stood in the rain and cold for two long days. Honorable mention to the brave visitors that were not deterred by the rain on Donkey Days.

Commercial Break~ Still Not A Member? Hmmmm!
Best jack in a leading role - drama - Jack in mourning after Sady's passing.  Jack and Sady were together for many, many years.  He knew days before we did that Sady was going to pass and became quite agitated.  Shirley allowed Jack to be with Sady after she passed so that he would know what had happened.  He mourned his loss for many months and I think he still misses her.  I know I do.

Best jack in a leading role - comedy - Hoss learning to shake a hoof and now, to bow.  Shirley has been working diligently to train him and he does really well.  He is a cheeky little guy and a definite crowd pleaser so it will be fun to watch him perform this summer. 

Best jenny in a leading role - drama - Bea leaping into the air and taking a nip out of volunteer Chris' back . Was she acting? Really? Even at the Refuge you don't mess with the Divas. Sequel guaranteed.

Best jenny in a leading role - comedy - Bea leaping into the air and taking a nip out of volunteer Chris' back . After the shock wore off, it was actually pretty funny

Best director - it's a tie - Rob Miller and Shirley Mainprize.  They have been stellar, guiding us through comedy and tragedy.  We are all so grateful for their commitment to the Refuge and its mission, for their dedication and caring for the donkeys, and for keeping it together when we were bouncing off the walls.

Best musical - Jose a meal time, or an time for that matter.  Once he starts to "sing" others join in and we are treated to a wonderful chorus of cele-BRAY-tion.  It is fun at 3 in the afternoon when they are braying for supper but not so fun at 6 in the morning when it is breakfast time.  Each donkey has its own sound - Rob and Shirley can tell each one from the other - but this year the Maxie goes to Jose.

Best picture - Every Picture That Every Person Took At The Refuge.  How could we ever pick just one or two.

In Memoriam
SADY- we thought we might lose her soon after she came to stay with us. She rallied for a few months but we lost her early in 2012.
JORGE - sweet, cheeky boy who left us far too soon
CURLY - our little brown rescue goat
ABBEY - our darling Mirama dog who's hard work kept our donkeys and humans safe for so many years.

In Appreciation
To our visitors, donors, supporters, and volunteers who have been there for us throughout the past year no matter what.

Donkey votes were collected and counted by Chris, proud volunteer and bookkeeper for the Refuge.