It is with deep regret that the Elisabeth Svendsen Trust for Children and Donkeys (EST) announce that their dear adoption donkey Busby had to be put to sleep on 21st December 2011 following a short period of ill-health.
Busby was a local boy, originally from Devon, before being relinquished to the Sanctuary 18 years ago. He spent some time in a foster home and on The Donkey Sanctuary farms, but really found his calling when he joined the EST Sidmouth's team of riding therapy donkeys in 2001.
With his distinctive dark brown coat and lovely kind nature, Busby quickly became a firm favourite with staff and children alike. Even the youngest or most nervous rider was helped to overcome their fears as Busby would stand quietly and patiently whilst they stroked his velvety fur, until they were reassured that it was safe to ride on his back. Although himself a shy and initially timid donkey, Busby also became more confident and enjoyed the love and attention he received.
When relaxing in the Adoption Paddock, Busby liked to stand back and watch the world go by, every so often coming over to the fence to meet visitors and enjoy a cuddle. He loved ginger biscuits and always curled his lip up to smile in appreciation, after sampling his favourite treat! He caused a great deal of amusement at the Christmas Fair, constantly smiling at the camera whenever he posed for a photo with one of his adoption supporters.
Busby had recently been diagnosed with an auto immune condition which seemed to have been responding well to treatment. However, sadly and suddenly, Busby’s health deteriorated just before Christmas and the difficult decision was made to put him to sleep and relieve him from further suffering.
Busby was a very special little gentleman who helped enrich the lives of many children and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Personal letters to all of his supporters, of which there are over 4500, are being generated by EST and will be posted shortly.
A special remembrance plaque for Busby will be erected outside EST Sidmouth beside those of retired adoption donkeys Tom Harrison and Megan who sadly, we also lost in 2011.
If you have any questions or would like to speak to someone regarding this sad news, please call the EST adoption team on 01395 573034 between the hours of 8.30 am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.
I have adopted Busby for two years and I was in floods of tears when I found out what had happened. Once when I went to go and see him he ran up to me happy to see me. I will miss him and will keep his picture in my bedroom.
All my love
Stephanie. (aged 9)
I came home from work to find a letter waiting for me from EST. I always enjoy reading about my adopted donkeys but how sad I was to learn of Busby's passing. He was such a lovely donkey and I saw and stroked him and took photos when I visited. He will be missed greatly. RIP Busby.
This is now my 3rd year that I have adopted busby.
When I got home from school I read the letter and I could not believe my eyes .
I will miss you busby lots.
I cried when I read the letter the letter. I have a scrapbook with photo's of busby in and have been to visit him at the sanctuary 3 times, the last time we came we brought him some ginger nut biscuits and polo's it was great watching him eat some of them with his friends.
I will always remember you
Amelia age 8 xx
I just wanted to say that I only saw Busby once and that was back in April when we visited for the very first time, it was the 9th April, a day after my birthday and as a present I was able to adopt Busby which was very special to me. Busby was a beautiful creature with a beautiful soul and I have many pics of him, which I shall treasure. On Christmas eve last year as a surprise my partner Andy took me to the sanctuary and we met the lovely Jubilee, also now sadly passed (I left a lovely story about him and Andy on his tribute page) and we said we hadn't Busby and thought nothing of it, maybe he was busy elsewhere and we said we would catch him next visit, sadly we did not know only 2 days before he had passed. I know he is now with Dr S like Jubilee and the other donkeys now passed and they are happy and smiling down on all us 2 and 4 legged friends alike. RIP Busby.
I was so sad when I opened the letter and read that Busby had died. We adopted him the summer before last (2010) at the fund raising day in August. We had previously been supporting a donkey from another sanctuary and my husband had bought me the gift of adoption for Christmas but the donkeys were in France so we couldn't visit. We realised there was a sanctuary in Sidmouth, which isn't too far from the holiday cabin we go to every summer and thought it would be lovely to adopt one from here so that we could visit in the summer. We saw Busby again in August and he looked so well and I took some lovely photos, one of which is on my digital photo screen in the lounge. We will certainly adopt another donkey and visit again in the summer.
God bless Busby and may he rest in peace and rise in glory. xx
I was extremely sad to receive the letter regarding Busby and couldn't stop crying after I read it. I had only adopted Busby for one year and was due to renew at the end of this month so I have now decided to adopt Walter.
My thoughts are with everyone at The Donkey Sanctuary at this very sad time.
Helen
I was extremely upset when returning home from work recently, to find an EST letter informing me that dear little Busby had died. Busby was always a delight to visit and was such a gentle donkey. I chose him when my friend offered to pay for my adoption as a gift, because he had such a gorgeous, shiny, soft coat and a cute little face and above all, was apparently loved and adored by the children who rode him. Each year, my friend and I would make a special trip from Bedfordshire to Sidmouth to visit Busby and it was our intention to do the same again this year. Busby, I shall miss you greatly but will always remember you, the times we stroked and talked to you when visiting Sidmouth and watched you with your friends in your paddock.
I have now decided to carry on my love of The Donkey Sanctuary, by adopting Busby's friend Timothy and will look forward to visiting him in the summer.
I used to adopt Busby and I cried when I found out he died... RIP Busby he will be in my heart forever!
How very sad to hear of the passing of dear old 'friend' Busby. What an exceptional donkey he was to everyone who visited. He was always popular whenever we visited and people travelled for miles like us to see 'their' Busby regularly. His passing has shocked us both as if he was 'one of the family'.
We will always have the memory of him being pulled away from his food while we said 'hello' - he subsequently went straight back to the trough!! At least he is at rest and in the eternal fields running around!
We send our sympathys to all concerned directly with the care of Busby while he was at Sidmouth and also to our fellow adoptees as we are sure 'Busby' has left a mark in everyone who was lucky enough to have known him!
Steve & Mandy Anstey
Poole, Dorset
Ps; I have now 'adopted' 'Walter' for my wife for 'Valentines day' to help carry on the support for these much loved animals!