When searching for a home for Shamrock, the perfect opportunity arose when we were contacted by an owner seeking a companion for his lonely donkey.
Over the last two years, life for Shamrock the donkey was difficult and lonely after experiencing the loss of his only companion.
As a result of his isolation, Shamrock became withdrawn, and his health slowly deteriorated as his loneliness grew.
In a desperate attempt to provide relief for Shamrock, his owner began feeding him hay and horse feed.
Over time, this unfortunately left Shamrock significantly overweight and suffering from hoof abscesses.
When Clare Crowther, Donkey Welfare Adviser, arrived to check on Shamrock and his owner, it was evident that Shamrock needed an urgent change of environment and diet to make a full recovery.
Clare and the owner decided it was best to move Shamrock to a foster home where he could benefit from the company of other donkeys and nutrition management.
However, Shamrock would still need to be privately rehomed again in the future.
The start of a great friendship
Clare knew of a wonderful home where donkey owners, Clay and Jennifer, had been doing a fantastic job with a mare and foal.
Clay had recently informed us that he’d taken on a lonely black donkey from a local neighbour.
The donkey was named Beamish and was a gentle and calm soul, and he needed a companion.
Upon hearing from Clay about the arrival of lonely Beamish, Clare knew she had just the friend in mind. It was decided that Shamrock, now a much happier and healthier donkey after his time in foster care, would be the perfect match for Beamish.
The moment Shamrock and Beamish met a heart-warming friendship began.
Shamrock was renamed Vinnie, and Clay reports that Vinnie is “doing great, is such a character, and it feels like he has always been here!"
Rehoming privately owned donkeys
Alongside our Rehoming Scheme, we also regularly help to rehome privately owned donkeys. Learn more about our rehoming scheme and how you can become a Guardian home, as well as how we help owners rehome their donkeys privately.
