Tuesday, September 7, 2010

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.

36 comments:

  1. What an awesome place and two thumbs up for these folks and what they're doing!

    Love all the pictures, but the 'drinking donkey's' is not only outstanding, but gave me a good morning chuckle!

    Wondering if you want Reba to follow you home so the boys can have a sister/girlfriend?

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  2. I think George and Alan would be in love if you brought Reba home.

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  3. Might Reba come to The 7MSN? She's very beautiful!

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  4. Beautiful photos! Mules and donkeys have a special place in my heart. I wish I lived closer, I would adopt one for my daddy!

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  5. I'm thinkin' Reba and Rachel would like to call the 7MSN home.

    Any fellow commenters like to vote on that one? :)

    (And mules are wonderful to ride, just in case you were wondering...)

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  6. So, did Reba crawl into your truck and follow you home??

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  7. That tongue picture is beyond adorable. What beautiful animals. What a wonderful post.

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  8. Hmmmm....

    I'm not the shaprest tool in the shed, but I see that last picture to be a harbinger of the future of 7MSN. No?

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  9. So, will Reba be coming to the 7MSN? Betcha she will!! She's GORGEOUS!

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  10. I think there's a concensus here. Reba needs the boys.

    Thanks for sharing this incredible mission. These kids are adorable.

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  11. Reba is one good looking girl!!! If I lived a little closer I would really enjoy paying all of them a little visit!! Did you show off your poop picking skills?
    I paid a visit to the animal shelter in my city last month, and thankfully the place was BURSTING with volunteers socializing the animal inmates. infact they had room to spare and welcomed 15 dogs from somewhere in California. because the dogs were smaller all dogs were adopted out with a few days of arriving in Canada :-)
    signed
    Theresa in Alberta

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  12. Wondering if Hank will take more of a hankering to a mule than to the donkeys...especially a gorgeous lady mule with bright chestnut hair.

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  13. Great place and the mules/donkeys are just too cute. It's a wonder there needs to be any rescue facilities at all once you get a look at these special animals. How could anyone not take one home.

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  14. Thelma does look a heck of a lot like Ellsworth.

    Umm... are there mules in your future?

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  15. So.... when is Reba moving in?? I think she knew exactly what she was doing following you around all day!

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  16. thanks for sharing. Great shots as always. Love the last one with its caption. It would just break my heart to heart to hear some of their stories. And yes, people who work with homeless animals (and people) are a special breed themselves and it's always a blessing to spend some time with them!

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  17. You can't fool us. Where is Reba now? Beautiful pictures. Next time carry a stock trailer with you for a shopping trip.

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  18. Thelma is as close to an Ellsworth clone as there could possibly be.

    Please tell us that beautiful molly is going to be one of the most fortunate animals in the world? Is Reba going to join the herd at the 7MSN?

    Your pictures were spectacular as always.

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  19. You know she does fit in with your naming approach. :)

    Beautiful donkeys and mules. It's great you could head out and lend a hand!

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  20. I was totally shocked that the last photo was not of Reba climbing into your horse trailer. That should happen, I think.

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  21. A mule ... will turn into the best of both breeds ... with the right person. You maybe?

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  22. Sorry to have gotten all your hopes up - as much as I loved this little mule, the 7MSN herd will be maintaining its status quo. If I brought home every animal I fell in love with, you'd be watching me on an episode of "Hoarders."

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  23. Reba is stunning!! I think she loves you, Linda. Could it be she is in your future with the boys?

    I love Thelma. I would love to have a Mammoth to ride but then I would need a step ladder. Our mustangs have draft in them and it's difficult to get on them.

    Can't wait to see more pictures!!

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  24. Lol, I love your comment about horaders, I think ihave heard that from my husbabd as well, he has all but forbid me to go to sales.
    I also love the donkey tounges, they are so cute and gave me a good laugh.

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  25. I think Reba would be a good thing- you could ride her, she could be an equine companion for Hank without stressing him like another horse would. Win-win!

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  26. Wow! What an amazing post. It is great to see what this place looks like and all the beautiful creatures. I am sure it was wonderful to spend time at this lovely place. Thanks so much for sharing.

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  27. You wouldn't even have to rename her...she fits right in with your country singers theme. (wink)

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  28. Oh, what a wonderful way to spend your day! Love all the curious faces - Reba is a sweetie pie!
    What gorgeous weather you had, too...

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  29. Love Thelma...I had a mammoth, "Sir", for a few years...miss him IMMENSELY.

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  30. No donkey rescues near enough to us, but my 14 year old son and I have started volunteering as cat socializers at a local shelter.

    It looks like all your blog followers are crushing on Miss Reba too!

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  31. Hope Reba and all those great animals find their forever homes soon. And sincere kudos to you for donating your time and energy and heart!

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  32. You are blessed with donkey and horse rescues in your area and they are blessed by having you. They look well fed. Thelma reminded me of Ellsworth also! I would love to have her and the Alan look alike! Donkeys are special to me, but I got to know a bunch of mules a few years ago. Reba is precious. Wished I lived closer and had room for a few of them......

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  33. Well, even if she's not coming home with you, Reba is beautiful and I think I've fallen in love, too. Maybe you'll have other opportunities to visit her before she gets adopted.

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  34. Thank you so much for the great pictures! We really appreciate all the hard work you put in as well! It was nice to read the comments from all the others folks as well. These are the best pictures I've ever seen taken here at The Lucky 13. One minor detail though....Rachel is Reba and Reba is Rachel lol... Reba got her name from her coloring being redder than her partner. Thank you so much again!

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  35. Reba wants you. Wouldn't George and Alan like a little girlfriend? ;-)

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