Inspired by today’s release of ‘War Horse’ the movie and some recent research I have been doing about donkeys and mules in conflict, I was curious as to whether any of the thousands of donkeys, mules or horses in our care had experienced any connection to those kind of situations. After a bit of asking around I found one that did – Millie the mule.

Today is a special day for two very special donkeys. Not only are Rubin and Alan en route to their fantastic new foster home in Cheshire, but they are also the 150th and 151st donkeys this year to go out to loving, private homes as part of The Donkey Sanctuary’s foster scheme.

Hello again from Keith and Maggie here at East Axnoller Farm, one of the Sanctuary's farms in Dorset.

It is quite some time since we last wrote about our experiences with the donkeys in our capacity as Quality Time Volunteers. There are in fact quite a few of us Volunteers now at the Farm, but as we all go on different days and at different times, it was good to meet up with each other as we did last Friday. We had all been invited to a get-together at the main Sanctuary in Sidmouth, which was most enjoyable. It was interesting to compare notes and share stories about all the lucky donkeys, mules and ponies who live here.

Well, December is here and the weather has become more seasonal. The poor donks didn't know what to do with themselves, one day was beautiful warm sunshine then the next day would be cold wet and windy. We also had a lot of fog around, so the donks tend to stay in their barns and doze or maybe groom each other.

I am always amazed at the incredible efforts our wonderful supporters go to in order to raise funds for our work to protect donkeys and mules worldwide. Over the last few months I have had the pleasure of speaking to one such supporter who is preparing to do something that strikes fear into the very heart of me - run a marathon!

Because so much of our international work involves helping overworked and neglected donkeys, it’s easy to get the impression that owners simply don’t care about their animals. That’s why I wanted to pass on this very moving story from one of our staff in Ethiopia, about an owner who appreciated his hard-working mule so much that he stood up at a community event with the mule by his side, and made a heartfelt speech about the difference she had made to his life.