One of the donkey sanctuaries I've been getting to know is El Refugio del Burrito in Spain, and Pino Pie Day 2010 will help raise money and awareness of their sanctuary. I asked Rafael to send me some pictures and stories about their oldest donkeys, and I will post them separately. Each creature is so deserving of help. I am just so glad there are places like this to help these creatures. The cruelty of some people, to abuse others, either in animal or people form, is beyond the caring and reasonable mind. Here is Hope's story, in Rafael's words:
"Hope, probably our most famous mare at the El Refugio, is a lovely donkey, and has probably gone through the worst experience any of our other residents has before joining us at the sanctuary. Originally from Greece, she used to work in the fields with her owner, until one night a group of teenagers trespassed into her paddock and brutally cut her ears off and ripped her back open with a spade. Rapid intervention of vets and readily help from The Donkey Sanctuary, saved her life and it was then decided to move her over to the closer sanctuary (which at the time was El Refugio del Burrito in Spain). She has been living in our Fuente de Piedra, Málaga, farm ever since and we are glad she is celebrating her 30th birthday in a few months. She is an amazing example to us all because in spite of what she had to endure, she still loves humans, and is usually the first one to welcome visitors to our farm."
What a beautiful and brave creature Hope is. Thank you for sharing this Rafael. You can learn more about their sanctuary here.
