Rehomed foals form treasured bond with new family

Defenceless foals Tom and Jerry had endured an appalling start to life – with overgrown hooves and severe wounds, they were in urgent need of veterinary intervention. Now, these special boys have formed an unbreakable bond with young Evabelle at their new loving Guardian home.

In the fall of 2020, we received an urgent call about two abandoned and severely underweight foals in Co. Kerry. With no shelter, the defenceless foals were fighting to shield themselves from relentless rain and wind. 

Overgrown hooves, severe wounds and a thick boggy field underfoot meant the frail foals were in constant distress. Due to their severe condition, it was clear the foals needed to be rehomed before the winter to have the best chance of recovering.

Thankfully, Donkey Welfare Adviser Eva Ellis already knew of a wonderful family in Cavan, the McQuades, who had recently joined our rehoming scheme when they learnt about our work. 

The McQuades were delighted to provide a permanent home for the two foals, and the donkeys were safely taken to Cavan to join their new family. Naomi McQuade and her daughter Evabelle named the foals Tom and Jerry.

Eva says: “I vividly remember the extremely fragile condition we found the two neglected foals in, and how quickly they began to blossom in the care of their new home. Witnessing the donkeys’ immediate bond with young Evabelle, and the calming effects the three had on each other, was quite remarkable.”

In the first few weeks at their new Guardian home, Tom and Jerry were monitored round-the-clock by the McQuades. Thanks to your support, the foals also continued to benefit from regular visits from Eva to ensure they were settling in and gaining the nutrition they so desperately needed. 

Eva designed a specialised plan for Tom and Jerry, including proper handling practices, winter feeding protocols and enrichment activities to assist the McQuades in caring for the foals.

The McQuade family was overjoyed by the level of support they received, and even more thrilled when they discovered the calming nature of the foals was helping their family in ways they couldn’t have expected.   

During our most recent visit, Naomi commented on the positive effect Tom and Jerry have had on the family, especially her daughter Evabelle. 

Naomi says: “Just being in the company of Tom and Jerry is calming, and to our surprise, the donkeys’ bond with Evabelle has been mutually beneficial.”

The family was very surprised by the donkeys’ gentle and social personalities, which has been a huge help to Evabelle who was recently diagnosed with SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder) and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).

​Just like the McQuades, many people would be surprised by the unique way these social and intelligent animals bond with humans, and how they can help individuals to better deal with various challenges in everyday life. 

For many years, we have promoted the enhanced self-development of countless children and adults through the benefits of regularly being in the presence of donkeys. 

Evabelle’s relationship with Tom and Jerry is a wonderful example of the loyal companionship donkeys have long provided, and we look forward to continuing to support this family on their incredible journey.

Tom and Jerry’s lives could not have turned around without your support. Please make a donation today to save more donkeys from a life of hidden suffering and despair.

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