A lucky donkey finds his pot of gold

Today you might see alot of blogs and facebook entries referring to Adopt the Internet Day. This is part of Petfinder's campaign to spread the word about adoptable pets. I found Smooch via Petfinder and today's post was going to be all about her and her wonderfulness and how adoptable pets seem to know you've saved them from an uncertain future and they bond with you in an extra special way.

But now I think it's more important to help tell the story of an animal who wasn't up for adoption but who desperately needed a new home all the same and now he has one.

My friend Justina from Morning Bray Farm drove past this little donkey every time she left her house. He was used for roping practice – riders on horseback would chase him and rope his head and his feet. (This post explains more about donkey roping.) When he wasn't being roped, he would stand at the back of the corral by himself with his head lowered, looking for all the world like the saddest animal on earth. Seeing him like this was breaking Justina's heart, and she and her husband developed a plan to remove him from the situation. The plan worked - I will let her tell you all about that - and now lucky "Patrick" has a new home at Morning Bray Farm.

This all transpired Sunday night. Monday morning, Danni and I drove up to spend the day with Patrick and help convince him that not all people are abusive Neanderthals.

Can you see the outline of the halter that used to be on Patrick's head? His hair grew around it, but at least the halter was big enough that it had not dug into his skin.

It appears his hooves have never been trimmed, but the dry sandy soil he was living on prevented them from growing too long. Justina's farrier will have these feet balanced and looking great within a few trims. Overall, Patrick seems to be in decent shape physically – the vet will examine him Tuesday morning. Mentally, he doesn't seem to have "shut down" yet, as many donkeys do when they have been used endlessly for roping practice. His youth is on his side.

The rest of the boys at Morning Bray Farm are a little skeptical of all the attention being showered upon the new arrival...

...but Justina came home from work at lunchtime to give them all their mid-day dose of love and affection, and Patrick stood in line with everyone else for his handout.

There is no shortage of characters at Morning Bray Farm.

Justina and Don have opened their hearts and home to Patrick and removed him from an environment which I'm certain would have ultimately led to his demise. I am so very proud and lucky to have them as my friends...and so is Patrick.