10/28/2026
Today, we came across a post in one of the donkey groups we follow. It featured a tired, elderly donkey who looked to be in rough shape. His owner had recently taken him in after a neighbor passed away, but she didn’t have the funds to bring a veterinarian out to evaluate him. She was simply asking for advice and trying to find a way to help him.
Unfortunately, instead of offering help, many of the responses were people criticizing her for taking him in if she couldn’t afford his care.
While we absolutely believe responsible ownership means planning for unexpected veterinary expenses, life doesn’t always go as planned. This woman took in an elderly donkey who needed a home, and when she realized he needed help, she reached out. That tells us she cares.
So instead of judging, why can’t we help one another?
The moment we saw that post, we knew we wanted to help. This sweet boy lives in Georgia and is in no condition to travel, but that doesn’t mean we can’t make a difference. We contacted his owner, gathered more information, and reached out to a local veterinarian who is willing to visit and evaluate him.
While the kindest outcome may ultimately be euthanasia, he deserves a professional evaluation and the opportunity to have his needs and comfort put first. Sometimes, the most compassionate thing we can do for an animal is to help them go peacefully when their quality of life has declined. He deserves that care, that dignity, and someone willing to advocate for him.
Thanks to all of the incredible support we’ve received for Long Ears Landing, we are able to cover the costs of this visit. We are so grateful that your generosity allows us to extend our care beyond the donkeys and mules who call our farm home.
This experience has inspired us to create the Long Ears Landing Donkey Emergency Fund.
While these funds may help with emergencies here at home, our bigger goal is to extend our reach beyond the donkeys and mules who live at Long Ears Landing. We want to be able to help other donkeys and their owners facing difficult situations, whether that means emergency veterinary care, quality-of-life evaluations, or compassionate end-of-life care.
We may not be able to save every donkey or solve every problem, but if we can ease suffering, provide guidance, or help an owner make the best decision for their donkey without the added burden of financial hardship, then we’ve made a difference.
Because every donkey deserves compassion, dignity, and care- and sometimes, helping one another is the best way to make that happen.
At Long Ears Landing, our commitment to donkeys extends beyond the animals who call our sanctuary home. When possible, we want to help other long ears in…
