A labor of love

With no obligations on Labor Day and some time on my hands, I headed up to the Lucky 13 Donkey Shelter. I'd learned about this rescue about a month ago and was eager to meet its residents. Being a professional poop scooper, I figured I could lend my skills for the day and maybe take a few 300 pictures while I was at it.


People who run animal rescues will all have a special place in heaven. They make enormous personal sacrifices in time, money, emotions and every other part of their lives in order to give unwanted animals a second chance.

This young molly mule – Reba– was rescued from a sale barn...

...along with her friend Rachel. Reba and Rachel are still wary of people, but time and love will change that.

The donkeys didn't know what to make of the two-legged sitting in the dirt with the big black nose that made funny sounds. Their natural curiosity got the better of them.

Reba, you really need to stop following me around.

That's Thelma on the left. She looks just like Ellsworth, don't you think?
And those two other guys look a little familiar, too.

Here's Reba the mule again. (Mules are a cross between a horse and and a donkey.) Since Reba has Lyle's coloring and Alan's personality, I'm sure it will come as no surprise that I was totally smitten with her.

I enjoyed every minute I spent with this herd. Everybody got along and there was no drama.
When Thelma decided it was time to go drink water, they all agreed and followed her down the hill.

Reba, I love you, too, now move over so I can get pictures of all your buddies.

Thelma stands out in a crowd - she's just a few inches short of being classified as a Mammoth donkey.

Where have we seen this before? Donkey drinking habits will always crack me up.

Given the state of the economy and the ever-growing number of unwanted and homeless animals, rescues have never been so necessary.

They are always in need of volunteers to do chores and help take care of the animals.

Post processing: 1. PW's Dim the Lights action; 2. Clone and patch tools to remove the yucca sticking out of donkey's back; 2. PW's Quick Edge Burn action at 15%.


If you find yourself with a little time on your hands some day, dial up a rescue in your area and see if they can use a volunteer. You'll get a little exercise, spend some quality time with appreciative animals, and provide much-needed help to folks who can really use it.

And don't be surprised if you fall in love.