Why rescue miniature donkeys? Do these animals really need our help?

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It’s easy to see why people fall in love with these cute, adorable little guys. They are kind and sweet, gentle and playful. They are basically very easy and fairly inexpensive to care for. They make great pets and wonderful companions for other equines.

However, people forget that donkeys can live upwards of 40 years, and having one is a lifelong commitment. As pets for children the novelty often wears off, leaving them forgotten in the pastures. They keep weight on with very little to eat, but their feet often go completely ignored for years, leading to long, curly, disfigured hooves, causing pain and lameness. Lack of good dental care results in sharp, painful teeth, eventually leading to difficulty eating. Though these guys are stoic, tough little survivors, that does not mean that they don’t suffer when neglected.

Why not sponsor a donkey with your whole family? It makes a wonderful gift for family and friends… or make a one-time donation. Every penny helps!

You can also visit a donkey farm near you! It is an incredible experience for children and the entire family of all ages!

You can sponsor a donkey too…

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I sponsor Big Clyde, a mammoth donkey! He was rescued by Little Longears Donkey Rescue in New Oxford, PA.

You can sponsor a donkey too! I felt honored to be able to spend time with Big Clyde once I knew his history.

Big Clyde was the oldest member of a group of mammoth donkeys to which we alerted officials in 2016. Big Clyde had many years of neglect before he arrived here, and sometimes his rough past catches up with him. He requires a lot of specialized care to keep him comfortable and healthy. Big Clyde’s booming bray at feeding time is unmistakable, and we know he’s happy here with his friends, where he gets all the vet and farrier care he needs so that he can live the best life possible.

Here I am as a volunteer at Little Longears in New Oxford, PA.

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Here I am as a volunteer at Little Longears in New Oxford, PA. I had the most amazing day. You can volunteer too! Or consider making a contribution to help the donkeys in their care.

Little Longears is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and safe sanctuary of abused, neglected or otherwise unwanted donkeys.  We also provide a safe haven for owners to surrender their donkeys in the event they are no longer able to care for them.

The owners and founders of Little Longears Donkey Rescue are Valerie Lowe and Cheryl Pokorny.

Valerie went from being an A-circuit hunter/jumper trainer, showing, riding, teaching, and running her own business, to becoming the co-founder and director of Little Longears Miniature Donkey Rescue. And Cheryl is a retired high school PE teacher and loves all things DIY.  Her home renovation skills even landed her on HGTV’s “All American Handyman” in 2011.

I learned a great deal from visiting with Val and Cheryl and can’t wait to go back! And the tour was awesome. I was there with about 15 other visitors and we spent time learning, watching, listening and petting. Yes, lots of petting. A very special place to take your children and the whole family!

Little Longears!

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I’d like to introduce you to:


Little Longears Miniature Donkey Rescue Inc.
New Oxford, PA
www.littlelongears.org
601-454-5956

Youtube channel: 
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChyeCYG2cZA4-X9V6qveYdw

Little Longears Miniature Donkey Rescue is a paradise for donkeys, located in New Oxford, PA on 100 acres.

I visited Little Longears this summer and had a very moving experience. I drove 4 hours each way, from New York to Central PA and back, and was never so glad to have made a trip. I signed up for a scheduled tour and ended up being allowed to volunteer for the whole day! I scooped poop and raked hay. Pushed and emptied wheelbarrows, filled water troughs, moved hay bales and fed pats of hay to the donkeys, brushed and groomed donkeys, and petted and hugged and spent time with donkeys of all ages and sizes. They are the kindest animals, very calm and attentive, sensitive, eager to give and receive love, and deserving of all we can do to help and protect them. I learned that donkeys maintain a very strong family bond and if allowed, will remain with the same offspring their whole lives. Val and Cheryl shared many stories about how the 111 donkeys they care for (that’s right!) have come to their rescue farm, and how each one has grown and flourished with being well cared for and given a safe home.