Donkey Love

Recently, I read the Book, “Running with Sherman”, by Chris McDougall which is a heartwarming story about training a rescue donkey to run one of the most challenging races in America, and, in the process, discovering the life-changing power of the human-animal connection. I totally recommend reading this uplifting story to any animal lovers, animal rescuers or donkey lovers!

Did you ever think about adopting a donkey?  Here are some great reasons to consider it!

Great personality

Donkeys have an excellent memory and great ability to learn.  They possess a genuine, slightly fearful, curiosity.  If they have a loving environment, you’ll find that donkeys naturally begin to investigate things, be willing to experience new situations, and are very playful and affectionate.

Donkeys are social animals that don’t like to be alone. They evolved as herd animals and form deep, lifelong bonds with other donkeys or animals with whom they share a pasture.  Close bonds between two donkeys are called pair bonds. Separating a pair has negative effects on the donkeys that include stress, pining behavior, and loss of appetite. For those interested in owning a donkey, it’s commonly advised to bring home two, or at least place your donkey with potential friends such as a horse.

Donkeys rescued by Last Chance Ranch

Self-preservation

Donkeys have a keen sense of self-preservation. If they feel they’re in danger, rather than running away, they’ll stand their ground and refuse to move, giving them time to make their own decision about whether it’s safe to keep going forward. It’s a distinct difference from horses which, when frightened, usually flee immediately. This trait may also mean that the donkey may not do what a person wants them to do. In these circumstances, it is often easier to label the donkey as “stupid or stubborn” rather than analyzing the underlying factors.

The natural caution of the donkey can be perceived as a lack of curiosity.  This can be magnified if the donkey has negative past experiences.  The donkey’s sense of self-preservation coupled with its strong memory will ensure it avoids certain situations that may be perceived as dangerous, which can then be misinterpreted as a lack of curiosity.

Easy Keepers

Donkeys are thrifty animals and flourish on what the haughtier animals in the barn would throw away.  Hay or a scrubby, none-too-lush pasture is a perfectly adequate diet for donkeys.  Donkey owners should avoid feeding them grain, sugary treats, alfalfa hay, unnecessary supplements, or other feeds that can spike insulin levels or cause obesity.