I am new to the forums so not sure if this particular one is the area for me, but I am desperate to rehome two very special donkeys in need of a new start in life, and find your advice and tips extremely interesting and helpful.
After a priority changing experience, I have finally taken the steps doing what I have always wanted to do, own donkeys as I just adore them and always have, so I have recently applied to become a Quality Time Volunteer in Derbyshire to gain the experience and knowledge that I need.
My partner and I are looking to move so that I can realise my dream. The new house has to have the paddock attached so that the new members of the family will be just that, so that in between caring and spending quality time with them, whenever we are in the garden they will be with us. I know this could take a while even years to happen, but any advice you could give on fostering and the process etc and general donkey care would be most helpful. I want to provide my future donkeys with everything they could possibly ever need.
Cat
Hello Cat! You don't say whether or not you intend to get your donkeys from the Sanctuary but either way if you contact them they can tell you everything you want to know. I would strongly recommend that to foster is the ideal solution and can confirm that you will get the most wonderful support and advice, in addition to meeting like minded people who just want to talk about donkeys!
We have been foster owners for two years and if you read my posts on the site you will get a flavour of how it feels when finally after all the preparation a life long ambition is realised. Actually the planning is almost as exciting as the 'arrival' and if you are starting from scratch you can design everything as you want it. We found it very useful to talk to other owners when we were at that stage as they can offer good advice on what works and what doesn't etc.
If you register on the web site you can send me an email direct - happy to tell you more of our experiences if it would help!
Hello Hettie
Thank you for offering your advice and experience it means a lot. Hopefully yes I will be able to foster the two donkeys from the Sanctuary. I have read your posts and I must admit I had a lump in my throat reading about your story, as this is something that I want so much and can only imagine the feeling of seeing the donkeys arrive at their new home and spending all the time that you can with them, but I know I have to take my time and get everything put in place and I can't do that without the correct home, so my partner and I will keep looking for the right place and hopefully in the meantime I will be lucky enough to be accepted as a volunteer and spend time with these beautiful and loving animals.
I have registered on the web site so I will definitely take you up on your very kind offer.
Many thanks again.
Hi Cat,
What a wonderful dream to fulfil, we would be thrilled for our donkeys to go to such a caring and dedicated home. Donkeys make such fantastic pets and thrive on individual love and attention, giving great affection in return.
I am sure you will learn so much as a Quality Time Volunteer and the donkeys will really appreciate it too! The Welfare team would be very happy to chat to you further regarding The Donkey Sanctuary foster scheme, so don’t hesitate to get in touch either via email or telephone 01395 578222.
In a nutshell, we ask for minimum of one acre of grazing for two donkeys and as their feet are very porous, hard standing should be available together with good quality, safe fencing - donkeys are great escape artists and natural hedgerows are not enough! Access to a shelter or stable is also required as donkeys do not have waterproof coats and also need shade from the sun, together with a constant supply of fresh drinking water.
We ask all prospective foster owners attend one of our free ‘Donkey Care Induction Days’ held throughout the country (open to anyone with an interest in donkeys). Support and advice is always available and you will be visited regularly by a Welfare Officer. You may also find our complete guide to caring for donkeys helpful.
We would be delighted to answer any other questions you may have or arrange for your local Welfare Officer visit you in your new home.
Kind regards.
Heather A. Ross
PA/Office Supervisor, Welfare Department
Hi Heather
Thank you so much for your reply and for the offer of advice and support from the Donkey Sanctuary.
I am attending the Donkey Care Workshop in Leeds and can't wait to go and start expending my knowledge, as I'm sure it will only expand the love and admiration I have for these beautiful animals. The desire to be accepted as a volunteer is also so great, I just hope I do so that I can start spending time with the Donkeys and giving them the love and attention that they need.
I know it could take a while for my partner and I to find the right home, even years, but I'm prepared for that as I want it to be perfect for the donkeys. I have it all planned out in respect to how I want the paddock and stables etc set up, including areas of seating so that we (my family) can spend as much time with them as possible and to make there stable areas as comfortable as possible. But when the time is right I will definitely be contacting the Foster Scheme with hope of being accepted.
Thank you again.
Hello Cat,
If you decide to foster 2 Sanctuary donkeys you will never regret it. We had 2 wonderful elderly geldings for 18 years and they gave us so much pleasure. The neighbours who overlooked their field enjoyed seeing them peacefully grazing and occasional high-jinks when "Bill & Arthur" forgot their years and imagined they were foals again!
A great thing about fostering is that you are able to ask for advice from your area Sanctuary Welfare Officer and enjoy caring for your donkeys in the knowledge you are doing it right. Also you will have the comfort of knowing their future is assured, even if your own circumstances change.
I wish you the very best of luck with your plans.
Sylvia.