Hi everybody… Am not too sure this will still be time to wish you all, short and long-eared, a Happy New Year when this entry goes on line, but at least, I hope 2010 has treated you all well so far. And at any rate, I will still have a pretext to wish everybody a Happy New year, as the Chinese New Year will only start on February 14th! Regrettably, there is no Donkey Year in the Chinese astrological system. Maybe the case should be brought before the Jade Emperor some day…

Folks, that’s done !

The famous Bhutanese exhibition I ‘ve been telling you about for months for translation reasons is now opened… and by the way, any of you coming on a trip to Paris is very welcome to come to the Musée Guimet, which is the National Museum of Asian art, to visit. It’s on until January 25.

For some mysterious reason I'm usually to be seen in West Cork every year around 22nd August and this year was no exception. North Cork donkeys usually take advantage of the situation, and Jacinta first of all, as they all know that I won’t miss visiting them and bringing carrots and apples by 10-kilo bags and gingernuts for the treat box.

This will be the third year The Donkey Sanctuary will be going along to Pet Expo 2009 at the RDS in Dublin – 9-11th October 2009. We have found this exhibition works very well in promoting responsible ownership for homes that choose to have a family pet. Our own Sanctuary donkeys, Moses and Finn, who normally live adjacent to the Visitor Information Centre here in Liscarroll, will be travelling up to join in the fun with all the other animals – loving the extra fuss and attention.

On Sunday 27th September 2009 thousands of ladies took to the streets of the city for the Cork Mini Marathon to raise some much needed funds for a variety of charities all over the country. Ten of our donkey supporters joined in with all the other worthy causes and the funds raised for the donkeys will be very welcome in meeting the huge costs of housing and fodder for the winter. If you are interested in being a fundraiser, please ring 022 48398 for a Fundraising pack.

Hi folks ! All right, all right ! It’s been three months again since my last entry, I know what some of you may think « sooooo ? yet another translation to be blamed ? ». Sorry but yes ! Partly. I’m finished with Bhutan all right, but guess what…I was then called to the rescue for another catalogue, one on Renoir for a change.