The Donkey Sanctuary, Ireland

This week we got a call from Ava Farrington, Foster Mother to two of our donkeys - Yasmin and Rosie. She was very upset when telling Sinead our Welfare Co-Ordinator that sadly Yasmin had passed away at a ripe old age of 46.

Ava has provided a "text book" home for Yasmin and Rosie over the years. They have lived adjacent to her house since 2004, and as welfare was always a priority with Ava the donkeys had ideal shelter and hard standing with plenty of fresh grass in summer time when Ava used strip grazing to control the donkeys' weight and make best use of the land available.

To further support our role in providing care to donkeys and mules, we are looking to recruit a veterinary surgeon on a 6 month fixed term contract to assist with the high number of donkeys coming into our Isolation unit. You will primarily undertake routine and emergency clinical care of all animals cared for by The Donkey Sanctuary. You will hold a veterinary degree with MRCVS and, or MVB or be registered with the VCI (Veterinary Council of Ireland) and ideally you will have a keen interest in equine practice. You should hold a full valid driving licence.

The alternative gift that makes a difference this Mothers Day. We have created this special range of Donkey Lifeline gifts knowing that each item will be of enormous benefit to health and well-being of the donkeys we care for here at the Sanctuary in Ireland. Prices range from as little as €12 for a Hoof Trim to €1,000 for Lifesaving Surgery. To order your Mothers Day gift today call the Sanctuary’s fundraising team at 022/48398.

It’s Marathon time again! The Dublin Lady’s Mini Marathon takes place on 7th June 2010. Entry forms are available for this event in The Evening Herald every Wednesday and Saturday from 3rd March. Forms can also be downloaded from the Dublin Marathon website - closing date for entries is 27th April 2010.

In November due to a change in circumstances, two beautiful donkeys Leroy and Jack were relinquished to us by the Harvey family in Co Mayo. These two donkeys were very well cared for, and very much loved by all who knew them. The family were very emotional when our Area Welfare Officer Patricia Daly called to collect them and many hugs and kisses came their way.