It’s not every day that one donkey leaves a lasting impression not only on staff, but thousands of visitors to the Sanctuary. That one donkey is called Jubilee who for four years formed part of the ‘meet and greet’ donkeys down on the Main Yard.
Despite all our efforts to rally round to give him the love and attention he desperately wanted, over the past couple of weeks Jubilee’s health started deteriorating rapidly. The grooms increased his feed to try and maintain his weight, but with all the best will in the world, there comes a time to make the decision we all dread when it’s time to say goodbye to an animal we have loved and cared for.
Jubilee came into our care in 2007 after living with his owner for almost 30 years, but due to personal circumstances he could no longer look after Jubilee.
He missed his owner terribly and our staff had to watch Jubilee carefully in case he developed a stress-related condition called hyperlipaemia, which can be fatal in donkeys.
For those who knew Jubilee, he will be remembered as a very quiet and gentle donkey who gave so much and asked for little in return. His love of people shone with the tenderness he showed them.
Angela Harlow, one of our quality time volunteers, wrote about Jubilee which is a fitting tribute to Jubilee’s character:
“One warm afternoon, during the summer I witnessed another of Jubilee's character traits - his tenderness towards other animals. Lying in the middle of the yard was an elderly Golden Retriever, his owners were busy photographing and cuddling donkeys. Gradually Jubilee made his way over to the old dog, both animals passively regarding the other, until Jubilee was almost on top of the dog. The owners of the dog seemed unperturbed and so we settled to watch what would happen next. Jubilee bent down and touched noses with the dog, who simply closed his eyes.
After a moment or two Jubilee then very gently took the old dog's paw in his mouth and held it a few inches above the ground before placing it back down again. Jubilee then placed his head close to the dog's head and both animals stayed like that for several minutes more. I have no idea what was communicated between those two animals that afternoon, but whatever it was, it was gentle and respectful.”
Jubilee was at his happiest when surrounded by people. And what a fitting end towards the end of his life to have been centre of attention at our Candlelight evening on Friday 9th December 2011 being loved by so many.
This photo was one of the very last public photos we took of Jubilee as he wished everyone a Merry Christmas at Candlelight.
A gentle donkey who loved people, Jubilee will be greatly missed by us all.
I have never met Jubilee, but in the short time I have read about him, I have fallen in love with him. To all the staff and volunteers that did know him, my heartfelt sympathies go to you. He is now at Rainbow Bridge looking down on you, knowing you are sad, but I think he would also wish that you celebrated his life rather than his death. He is now pain free and taking care of the other animals who came to greet him. Bless you Jubilee, Angela, the other volunteers, staff and the donkeys, my thoughts are with you.
What sad news about this lovely donkey that was Jubilee. Spent many happy hours over
the past 4 years in the yard and he was so loving and gentle.
The Golden Retriever story doesn't suprise me one bit.
Have just been looking through the photo's I have of him and shed a few tears.
God bless .
Having just read the moving writing by Angela Harlow about the meeting of Jubilee with an aged Golden retriever I truly believe it was a meeting of Souls with Jubilee giving comfort to the old dog.
Many Humans deny the possibility of our animal relatives having feelings or Souls.... I think we know they are wrong.
Rest in Peace sweet soul, you have taught many true compassion xxxxx
Sleep tight, beautiful boy. Enjoy the endless pastures. xxx
This story brought a tear to my eye. RIP Jubilee. X
I never met Julbilee and 'knew' him only through the website and facebook. I'm so sorry that, in the end, he had to be put to sleep. Sometimes, though, it is just the kindest thing to do, especially when the alternative is a downward slide. I always wonder whether animals have tomorrows, or whether they live 'in the day'. If they do then that day has to be good and, in an ideal world, free from pain and distress. So I sympathise with the grooms and volunteers who cared for Jubilee, but I also think how wonderful that that little donkey gave love and was loved for his entire 35 years!
What a lovely story, RIP Jubilee beautiful boy
So sad to read about such a gentle donkey losing his battle with depression . I lost an elderly retriever some years who was also a gentle soul . May they keep each other company at Rainbow Bridge.
May you all take time to grieve for this wonderful donk but always remember the good times as well.
What a lovely tribute. Huge thanks to you and all the other wonderful folks who cared for this special donkey. He was very fortunate to have gotten to spend time with all of you.
I am very happy that I got to meet Jubilee in person and give him a bit of loving. He will be missed by many. RIP Sweet Jubilee.
Rest in Peace Jubilee. Safe with Dr Svendsen now. You will never be forgotten.
Like Rita and Supporter I only knew Jubilee through Facebook and then only in the last few weeks of his life. Hearing the sad news tonight filled me with several emotions: sorry that I never got to meet such a great little character, sympathy with the staff and volunteers in Sidmouth as they've had to say goodbye to two lovable little friends in such a short space of time; first Busby now Jubilee, happy that in the short time he was at the Sanctuary he gained such a huge following though it is a shame that a few people who wanted to come and see him again didn't get chance, Amused about the story of him in the office and content in the knowledge that he went knowing he was loved. I'm positive he will be enjoying himself in celestial meadows with other donkey friends.
The first time I met this little donkey I knew he was special. I was so lucky to have a work placement at Slade House Farm and work with all the donkeys, and I must say Jubliee has, since then, had a space in my heart. He had such a loving character, and was such a gentleman to everyone he met.
Jubliee, you have left your hoofprints on my heart,
Goodnight sweet boy.
Hugs and kisses.
xxxx
Angela, your tribute brought tears to my eyes, i could just picture Jubilee's kindness towards that dog, so touching. I was so very sorry to hear that Jubilee did not make it, as I was willing him to make a good recovery. Being from Northern Ireland I was never able to meet wee Jubilee in person, but I grew to love him through reading the almost daily updates on him. I was so touched by how much he loved humans, and was happiest in the company of humans. When i heard that he was suffering from depression after the summer visiting season had come to an end, i felt so sad for him, and hoped that he would be able to overcome his sadness by enjoying the company of his keepers. But this morning I read the worst, that Jubilee had passed away due to his deteriorated health and wellbeing. Might I extend my sincere sympathy to all at The Donkey Sanctuary, donkeys and humans, especially those who cared for Jubilee. We have lost a wonderful creature, kind, gentle, meek and loving. May we all take a leaf out of Jubilee's book, and show such kindness to our fellow humans and animals. Jubilee, we all loved you so much, and wished for you to get better. You are greatly missed, but thankfully no longer suffering from depression. Sleep Tight in that Great Barn In The Sky. Xxx Hannah-Ruth, Donkey Lover, Northern Ireland xxx
I wanted to simply say goodbye to a wonderful little donkey xx you were greatly loved and your spirit will live on in all the other donkeys. Goodbye Jubilee. X
Goodbye Jubilee - you were one of the most loving donkeys at The Donkey Sanctuary. You were always so gentle and adored meeting any visitor who entered the Main Yard. Many, many people with miss you but you will always be remembered in our hearts. Rest in Peace dear Jubilee.
My dear Jubilee,
My little child is awaiting you in Heaven. He will whisper your name in your velvety ear and you will know. You will stroll together and ride the wind together. You will watch the stars together and lie in pastures green for ever.
He will keep you your most beloved human company. You will keep him his most beloved company, too. For my little child has come to love you through my heart. For my little child has tenderly wiped my tears while whispering your sweet name in my ear.
My little child is awaiting you in Heaven. Hurry, my dear Jubilee.
Rest in peace Jubilee and join your friends - with special memories of Merlin and Susie Tangye
I have never been to Sidmouth but feel so glad Jubilee was cared for by special people. He's at peace....and there are tons more loving donkeys to take our affections forward into the future, without ever forgetting him. Let's remember him with smiles.
Jubilee was a beautiful donkey, inside and out, whom I sadly never had the chance to meet in person, but you have all done him justice in conveying his beauty to us, which will keep his memory alive. I’m so pleased that dear Jubilee came to you when he had to lose his home, and that you all helped him adjust to what must have been a difficult and confusing transition—to the extent that he embraced everyone around him, even strangers, and clearly brightened many days for many people. You obviously made his last years very happy ones, and it’s lovely that you took so many photographs of this gorgeous boy so we can all see how adorable and special he was. It sounds like he’ll easily make the transition to being an angel and I’m sure everyone at the Sanctuary will feel his gentle presence for many years to come. Bless Jubilee, may he rest in painless peace.
What sad news, together with that of the letter in the post to tell us of our adoption donkey, Busby, sad death before Christmas.
We have such wonderful memories of both donkeys, but Jubilee holds a special place in our hearts. We were at the sanctuary a couple of years ago in the main yard with our two small dogs. The Yorkie is terrified of the donkeys, only natural being so small, but the Shih Tzu thinks they are her best friends. Sitting on a bench in the main yard with Lucy the yorkie on my lap, and holding Holly the Shih Tzu lead loosely, over came Jubilee, slowly at first then making headway when he realised there were two dogs! He came first to Holly and nosed her gently while she excitedly kissed his nose. So many people were laughing at them. Then Jubilee turned to me and I thought he wanted a pat but no he wanted to see Lucy. She was shaking and trying to escape, until jJubilee gently nosed her, she looked round, stopped shaking and leaned her head on his. It was a wonderful split second moment, that made Lucy so much more confident of the donkeys. Jubilee truly had a connection with other animals and we shall miss him greatly. RIP lovely boy.
I Loved You Best
So this is where we part, My Friend,
and you'll run on, around the bend,
gone from sight, but not from mind,
new pleasures there you'll surely find.
I will go on, I'll find the strength,
life measures quality, not its length.
One long embrace before you leave,
share one last look, before I grieve.
There are others, that much is true,
but they be they, and they aren't you.
And I, fair, impartial, or so I thought,
will remember well all you've taught.
Your place I'll hold, you will be missed,
the fur I stroked, the nose I kissed.
And as you journey to your final rest,
take with you this...I loved you best
by Jim Willis
Yesterday was the most horrible day ever and I can’t believe the yard feels so empty now. We made the decision on his health on Tuesday morning when Sophie did her usual morning check on him. Although he was eating and perky in himself he was finding it difficult to walk and very wobbly when he came to greet us. His eyes were still running and the sores on his whole body were getting worse and we were unable to clear them up. It was the most difficult decision to make. I cried all day and have no tears left now. We are making a memorial to him from all the staff at Slade House Farm.
Maxine Carter
Farm Manager
What lovely tributes have been paid to this very special donkey. He will be missed by us all. RIP Jubilee
Rest in peace Jubilee, I've had many cuddles with you and have lots of photos and videos of you so you will never be forgotten, you were such a lovely affectionate little soul. Now you are with Dr. S again up on Rainbow Bridge and I bet she's pleased to see you as you will be her :)
Special thanks to all the staff for their kindness and love and affection they have for all the donkeys at the Sanctuary - xxx
I have been reading all the beautiful tributes to Jubilee this morning, thinking I had no tears left as well. But I was wrong. One of the most profound things I saw when I watched him in the yard for a day was just how he loved someone. In a myriad of ways, letting people or dogs do what they pleased, Jubilee would just lightly run his love over their souls until he found a crack. Then he poured his love into it. Then a hand would scratch, a cheek would press, or (best of all!) lips would kiss. Then he would smile, and move on. Not because he needed more, but because others needed more. We all seem to need more of this now sleeping spirit, but from what I am reading his heart is still very much awake!
'The evening of a well-spent life brings its lamps with it." - Joseph Joubert
Love to all who took care of Jubilee,
Jenny B.
Rest in peace you lovely donkeys who gave us great pleasure in just watching you.
Jubilee and Busby, miss you both
What can I say, I normally check in on the website daily but yesterday did not and today I get home to find a letter telling me about the passing of one of my adoption donkeys, the simply delightful Busby, I feel so sad but privileged to have met him and adopted him.
Then I come on the website to see if I can leave a tribute to him to find that the lovely Jubilee has also passed over. I feel so saddened at the loss of these 2 delightful creatures.
On Christmas eve, my partner Andy as a surprise took me to visit the Sanctuary and we had a delightful time and funnily enough met Jubilee. We were inside as it was a cold day and most of the donkeys were inside keeping warm. Just through the door one donkey took our eye, it was pacing in a circle and had on a blue coat, it didn't want to come over to me but Andy just stood quietly there and I wandered over to talk to some of the other donkeys. Looking over I saw Andy with Jubilee and Jubilee was standing as close as he could to Andy, and Andy was just gently rubbing him through his coat, it looked like this is what Jubilee had wanted and they were there for well over half an hour, when Jubilee wandered out to the little paddock just in front.
At this time we also went out and we shall never forget this, as Andy went out into the yard there was this very loud braying and it was Jubilee and he was braying at Andy and he came running up to him as if to say hello. It was wonderful and we have told this story to many and we shall always treasure that memory of this sweet guy. I have photos of Andy and Jubilee and will treasure them.
So my dear beloved adoption donkey, Busby, and the sweet Jubilee RIP both of you, I am sure that you are now reunited with Dr S and she is giving you all the cuddles your hearts desire. You will be missed by your donkey and human friends alike.
All my love and hugs and hugs from Andy as well xxxx
So sad to hear about Jubilee, he was a favourite of everyone, and we always searched him out in the yard. I remember on our last visit he was missing and had gone for a shower. One lady said to the groom "has he gone for his spa treatment" which made us all laugh. A wonderful donkey who will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him. Goodbye dear Jubilee.
We have visited The Donkey Sanctuary twice and I remember Jubilee, and have been watching the comments over the past few weeks on here. I'm very sorry that Jubilee has had to go to sleep, I've just sat here for 10mins sobbing my eyes out at his passing. Donkeys are wonderful, gentle creatures and thank goodness the wonderful donkey sanctuary is there to care for these lovely animals. I'm sure you are all devastated but I'm sure the love of the other donkeys there will help you grieve and recover from the loss. RIP Jubilee - run free xxxx
Rest well in Donkey Heaven Jubilee xx