A heartbreaking discovery
This is the story of Grouse and her two young foals Goose and Partridge. After being abandoned in a forest, all three donkeys faced a tough battle for survival. Fortunately, their rescue and rehoming has given hope and a fresh start to these neglected donkeys.
Grouse, Goose and Partridge were discovered in harsh and desolate surroundings. With only dried bark and poisonous plants to eat, their welfare was in serious jeopardy. Grouse, a mare abandoned in the forest for many years, faced a tough life and so did her foals, who were unfortunately born into despair. The scale and severity of their pain and suffering was devastating to witness.
Left to trek through thick and muddy ground in search of food and water, Grouse’s hooves were hugely overgrown and split. She was severely malnourished, her skeleton and backbone visibly protruding through her coat. The foals’ coats, which should have been shiny and healthy, were matted and covered in lice. It was a truly heartbreaking sight.
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Your kind donation will help us change the stories of more donkeys in need.
Finding a safe and loving home
Our sanctuary has faced increasing challenges from the donkey welfare crisis in Ireland, putting pressure on our welfare services at an unsustainable rate. In March 2023, we reached capacity for sanctuary-based care, and finding suitable homes for donkeys in need has become increasingly difficult.
Coordinating the rescue of Grouse and her two foals was Donkey Welfare Adviser Vivienne Kenny. Vivienne, understanding the severity of their situation and the commitment needed for their recovery, didn’t hesitate to step up. With the support of our welfare team, she took all three donkeys into her own care.
Safely in Vivienne’s care, she was on hand day and night, lovingly and expertly treating each of the donkeys’ specific health conditions.
The donkeys’ traumatic pasts meant that each of them had emotional scars and deep-rooted challenges to overcome. But with plenty of patience, love and expert care Vivienne was able to turn this tale of sorrow into one of hope, resilience and recovery.
Changing their story
It’s been almost four months since their rescue. For Goose and Partridge, they are growing stronger each day, while Grouse is still walking that long road to recovery.
But thanks to your incredible support, they have all begun a new chapter, a far cry from their horrific past. The lives of Grouse and her foals will always be filled with safety and kindness, not just at Christmas, but all year round.
We changed the story for this mother and her two foals, but there are even more that need your help.
By donating this Christmas, you are giving the gift of a brighter future for so many donkeys in Ireland. Your support can be the difference in transforming a life.
Together, we can bring new chapters of hope and happiness to more donkeys this Christmas.
Donate monthly
Right now there are even more donkeys that are enduring terrible suffering. But you can help. Your kind donation will help us change the stories of more donkeys in need.
Pledge a regular gift today, safe in the knowledge that your generosity is making a real difference. With your support, we can give more donkeys the chance of a new beginning this Christmas.