One of the Sanctuary’s favourite donkey’s Lucky Lady, who you may have read all about in our recent newsletter, sadly passed away earlier in December. As with her previous owners, the Twigg family from Co Wicklow, she was well loved by all the staff here in Liscarroll.
In recent times, she enjoyed a nice relaxing retirement from her special appearances at parades, school pageants and talks - she spent her final days in the peace and quiet of the Santuary farm with her many donkey friends.
There was a huge attendance at the carol singing at the crib barn on Wednesday 9th December 2009 - in all over 300 attended. People travelled far and near to hear the Liscarroll NS pupils carol singing and music playing to their usual excellent standard! Thanks to local Parish Priest Fr Stephen O’Mahony who officially Blessed the crib and later assisted in drawing the 3 tickets of the lucky winners (see below details).
Snowy is an extremely clever and playful donkey who came into the Sanctuary during the Summer. His owner warned us that he has been known to open gates and told us a couple of stories of Snowy's antics.
Once he wanted to get at some chicken feed which was safely tucked under a horsebox out of Snowy's way. Not to be deterred, Snowy laid down beside the horsebox and gradually managed to manoeuvre himself underneath until he could reach out his front leg and kick the food container out. He then reversed out, stood up and enjoyed his meal.
During the warmer months our resident 'oldies' like to roam and graze the fields. However, during the colder months the donkeys like to stay closer to their stables on the main yard.
Amanda and Pepper Jay must be two of the luckiest foster donkeys on our foster scheme and what you might call truly Blessed with the home they have been sharing with nine nuns at the Carmelite Monastery in Delgany, Co Wicklow for the past seven years.
The rate of donkeys coming into our care has accelerated enormously recently. Last week alone we had 27 donkeys come through our gates, with a possible 12 to follow shortly. In just one morning, we took five calls – all from owners needing to find a new home for their donkeys. It looks as though this could be a very busy winter here in Ireland. Because we never turn a donkey way, Sanctuary staff are now working both sides of the Irish sea, to help make space available for donkeys coming into our care here in Ireland due to the dreadful economic climate we are finding ourselves in.
If you are able help us continue to give homes to donkeys in need, please make a donation.
