Hoosier Donkey Rescue

13/02/2026

💔 Important Update from Hoosier Donkey Rescue & Sanctuary

With heavy hearts (and a thermometer in hand), we need to share an update.

Our sweet Love & Longears event scheduled for this Saturday will be postponed. We have tested positive for Flu B, and while we’re doing everything we can to stay healthy, we don’t want to risk exposing our amazing supporters.

As much as we were looking forward to welcoming everyone for our first meet & greet fundraiser, the health of our community comes first. The donkeys agree — they prefer kisses and carrots, not coughs and sneezes.

💌 The good news: Our Valentine fundraiser is still happening! You can still purchase one of our adorable Valentine cards, and we’ll happily mail them to you or someone you love. The donkeys promise to supervise every envelope. Thank you to all those that have donated and supported our donkeys.

🌷 And don’t worry… this just gives us more time to plan something even bigger and sweeter. We are officially moving our celebration to Easter weekend and will be hosting a Spring Meet & Greet with an egg hunt for the kids! Watch for posts or check out the website, https://hoosierdonkey.org/events

Thank you for understanding. Thank you for loving our longears. Thank you for sharing our posts. And thank you for being willing to show up for this little rescue with the biggest heart.

Stay healthy, friends and hope to see you at the Easter event, watch for details soon.

12/02/2026

💘 Love & Longears – A Valentine That Truly Makes a Difference 💘
Valentine’s Day is about love…
And here at Hoosier Donkey Rescue & Sanctuary, love has long ears. 🫏❤️
This month, we’re raising funds to help provide:

✨ Feed and hay
✨ Veterinary care
✨ And the daily love our rescued donkeys (and other animals!) deserve

When you donate to our Love & Longears fundraiser, you can send a sweet Valentine card to someone special — or simply sponsor a rescue in honor of someone you love.

It’s a small gift that makes a BIG difference.

These donkeys didn’t get the best start in life. Today, they are safe — because of people like you.

💌 Send love.
🫏 Help a longear.
❤️ Be part of something meaningful.

Donate here:
👉 https://hoosierdonkey.org
👉 Venmo Hoosier Donkey Rescue

If you can’t give right now, sharing this post helps more than you know.

Let’s show these sweet souls just how much love the world can hold.

More information can be found at our website, https://hoosierdonkey.org/events.

12/02/2026

💘 Love & Longears – A Valentine That Truly Makes a Difference 💘

Valentine’s Day is about love…
And here at Hoosier Donkey Rescue & Sanctuary, love has long ears. 🫏❤️

This month, we’re raising funds to help provide:
✨ Feed and hay
✨ Veterinary care
✨ And the daily love our rescued donkeys (and other animals!) deserve

When you donate to our Love & Longears fundraiser, you can send a sweet Valentine card to someone special — or simply sponsor a rescue in honor of someone you love.

It’s a small gift that makes a BIG difference.

These donkeys didn’t get the best start in life. Today, they are safe — because of people like you.

💌 Send love.
🫏 Help a longear.
❤️ Be part of something meaningful.

Donate here:
👉 https://hoosierdonkey.org
👉 Venmo

If you can’t give right now, sharing this post helps more than you know.

Let’s show these sweet souls just how much love the world can hold.

More information can be found at our website, https://hoosierdonkey.org/events

09/02/2026

🎤 Barnyard Gossip — Unblanketing Eve Edition 🎤

Whispers overheard near the hay hut…

“You hear they’re taking the blankets off Monday?”
“Yeah… management says it’s time.”
“Time? According to who?”
“I don’t know. The calendar, apparently.”
(collective snort)

“And what about him?”
“You know… the 39-year-old.”
“Ohhh, he says he doesn’t care.”
“Right. ‘I have endured many winters,’”
(one dramatically deepens voice)

“He pretends he doesn’t care…”
“…but watch him stand closer to the barn Tuesday morning.”
“I guarantee he’ll just happen to position himself directly in the sun patch.”

“And if the wind picks up?”
“He’ll look at the humans like, ‘Interesting decision you’ve made.’”

“And don’t forget the mash schedule. If breakfast is even three minutes late, he’ll suddenly remember he has opinions.”

“I bet he keeps his ‘serious elder statesman’ face on the whole time.”

“Oh absolutely. He’ll act like the blanket was his idea to remove.”

“But if someone offers to put the liner back on?”

“Dignified silence.”

“Followed by immediate acceptance.”

Meanwhile, the rest of us will be out here:
• Feeling 10 pounds lighter
• Rolling dramatically
• Showing off our questionable winter hair
• And pretending we weren’t completely dependent on those blankets for 3 weeks

Monday is going to be interesting.
Bring snacks.

Make sure you follow the saga and read the other posts in the blanketing series. Also, our first event of 2026 is this Saturday. Join us for Love & Longears from 12-2pm. We are located 3 miles north of Metamora, Indiana. https://hoosierdonkey.org

09/02/2026

A Statement From a 39-Year-Old Gentleman

I have been informed that the blankets may come off on Monday.
Very well.
I have worn my liner and outer coat without complaint.

A seasoned animal does not fuss about such things.
We endure winter with quiet dignity.

The younger ones fidget.
They kick at straps.
They perform unnecessary theatrics.

I do not.

I simply stand.

And accept my warm mash.
Four times daily.
As is proper.

If the blankets are removed, I will not object.
I will not sigh.
I will not glance meaningfully toward the feed room.
I will not notice the breeze.
I will not miss the comforting weight across my back in the early morning chill.

I will not, under any circumstances, look at you as though you have personally betrayed 39 winters of earned wisdom.

However…
Should a warm mash appear a few minutes sooner…
Or should someone reconsider this “removal plan”…
I would receive that decision with the same calm grace I always display.

I have survived many seasons.
I do not need the blanket.
But I do appreciate it.

Carry on.
— The Elder Statesman of the Barn

Follow the saga by reading the other posts in the blanketing series. Join us at our first event of 2026, Love & Longears, on Saturday, 14th from 12-2pm. https://hoosierdonkey.org

08/02/2026

📣 OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM A BLANKETED DONKEY 📣

It has come to my attention that management is planning to remove my winter coat on Monday.

Let me be clear.
I did not request this.

For three weeks, I have worn my insulated armor with dignity.
I have strutted the paddocks like a well-dressed potato.
I have accepted the daily Velcro rituals as part of my royal treatment.

Now I hear whispers…
“Looks like we can take them off Monday.”

Take. Them. Off.

You want to expose me?
To the wind?
To the judgment of the other donkeys?
Have you SEEN what my winter fluff looks like under here?

There will be:
• Static
• Indent lines
• A mane that defies gravity
• Possibly a tail situation we do not speak about

Also — let it be known — if I immediately roll in the mud, it is not rebellion.
It is skincare.

If I run wildly after removal, that is not excitement.
It is processing.

If I stare at you with betrayal in my eyes…
That is accurate.

Respectfully,
I will decide whether I am ready for spring.
Not the calendar.

Signed,
A Slightly Offended but Deeply Handsome Donkey

Follow the saga by reading the other posts in the blanketing series. We have an event at the farm, Love & Longears, on Saturday, 14th from 12-2pm. Come meet us. https://hoosierdonkey.org

08/02/2026

🌤️ BREAKING NEWS FROM THE BARN 🌤️

Operation: De-Puff the Donkeys is scheduled for Monday
After 2.5 weeks of wearing one (or in some cases… TWO) winter blankets, the herd will finally experience what experts are calling:

“Fresh Air on the Fluff.”

We anticipate the following reactions:
• Shock at their own natural body shape
• Sudden zoomies from feeling 17 pounds lighter
• Mild embarrassment when they realize they’ve been wearing the same outfit for 17 days
• Dramatic side-eyes toward us for removing their “security blankie”

There may be:
✔ Static hair
✔ Blanket lines
✔ Wild winter manes
✔ At least one donkey who acts personally betrayed

For 2.5 weeks, they’ve been bundled like baked potatoes in foil.

Now… we peel.

Will they feel free?
Will they feel exposed?
Will someone immediately roll in the mud to reclaim their dignity?

Stay tuned. Cameras will be ready.

06/02/2026

🎉 BIG NEWS from Hoosier Donkey Rescue & Sanctuary! 🎉

We are so excited to officially announce the launch of our brand-new website! It’s been built with love (and a lot of longears!) to help you:
🐴 Learn about our rescued donkeys
❤️ Sponsor a donkey
🛒 Send the donkeys a gift
📅 Stay up to date on upcoming events

Take a look and explore — we’d love your feedback! https://hoosierdonkey.org

💘 You’re Invited to our first 2026 event at the farm:
Love & Longears 💘
Join us next Saturday from 12–2 PM at the farm for a special Valentine celebration! Come meet the donkeys, enjoy some time in the barn, and celebrate the love that rescue animals bring into our lives. It’s the perfect way to spend a Saturday afternoon - family friendly and full of heart.

🇺🇸✨ NEW Fundraiser Donation Cards & Stickers! ✨🇺🇸

We’re also launching our brand-new collectible donation cards and stickers - including our limited edition America’s 250th Celebration series!

When you donate, we'll fill out a card in your name. For a donation of $15 or more, we will mail you the card. Let's fill the donor wall!
🐴 “Loved a Longear Today!” cards, color options available
🐱 “Helped a Kitty in Need!” cards, color options available
🐶 “Helped a Doggie in Need!” cards
🇺🇸 Limited Edition 2026 patriotic versions to celebrate America's 250th birthday. We will be announcing our Liberty & Longears event in a couple months.

They’re adorable, collectible, and help support the daily care of our rescue animals. Every donation helps provide feed, bedding, veterinary care, and safe shelter for animals who deserve a second chance. All donations are tax-deductible as we are a 501(c)(3) non-profit.

Thank you for being part of our rescue family.
We can’t wait to see you next Saturday! ❤️

24/01/2026

As we await the winter storm hitting much of our nation, our hearts are with everyone - two-legged and four-legged - who will be facing the elements over the coming days. 🤍

Here at Hoosier Donkey Rescue & Sanctuary, it’s been several long days of preparation. Our donkeys are tucked into their deep bedded stalls tonight, cozy in their winter blankets. The hay huts outside are full, water tank heaters checked (and re-checked), gate locks wrapped to keep ice from rendering the latch stuck, and paddocks cleaned for safe footing once the snow and ice arrive.

We’ve filled both sawdust trailers, restocked feed for the donkeys, horses, peafowl, and chickens, and made sure emergency meds are ready - just in case a colic or other crisis decides to appear at the worst possible time. We even have backups for our backups should we lose power, and enough water on hand to reach every animal if the cistern pumps go down.

Still…rescue life always carries a quiet layer of anxiety. So much can change in a single moment, and storms have a way of testing even the best plans.

Tonight, while we’re grateful beyond words that our long-ears are warm, dry, and safe, our hearts feel heavy for the animals who won’t be. Especially the donkeys who will face bitter cold without blankets, proper shelter, or even a simple wind break. We wish we could protect them all.

Please keep all farmers, rescues, animal owners, first responders, and the animals in your thoughts as this storm moves through. And if you’re able, take a moment to check on a neighbor or an outdoor animal nearby - sometimes the smallest kindness makes the biggest difference. ❄️🫏

Stay safe, everyone.
With gratitude,
The Hoosier Donkey Rescue family, Franklin County, Indiana

12/01/2026

Donkeys are not small horses - and misunderstandings like this cost lives. 🫏💔 At Hoosier Donkey Rescue & Sanctuary, we see the consequences of this every year. We’re sharing this to help educate and protect these gentle animals who depend on humans to get it right.
Please take a moment to read and share - it truly can save lives. And if you’re able, your support helps us provide proper shelter, care, and second chances to donkeys in need.

The "Raincoat" Mistake: Why a Donkey is NOT a Small Horse.

We see it all the time: A horse and a donkey standing in a field during a cold rainstorm. The horse is grazing happily. The donkey looks miserable.

Many owners think: "If the horse is fine, the donkey is fine."

Wrong. Biologically, you are looking at two completely different animals.

🌵 1. The Desert DNA Horses (Equus ferus) evolved on windy, rainy temperate plains. They are built for bad weather. Donkeys (Equus africanus) evolved in the African Desert. They are built for dry heat, not wet cold.

🧽 2. The "Sponge" Effect Run your hand over a horse in the rain. The water beads up and rolls off. Why? Because horses produce sebum (natural grease) and have a dense undercoat that acts as a natural raincoat. Donkeys do not have this. Their hair is coarse and lacks that protective grease layer. When it rains, water doesn't roll off a donkey—it soaks in. A wet donkey is wearing a soaking wet wool sweater against its skin. It sucks the heat right out of their body.

⚠️ 3. The Danger Zone Because they lack this waterproofing, a donkey can enter hypothermia in temperatures where a horse would be perfectly comfortable. Without shelter, this leads to:

Pneumonia (a leading killer of donkeys).

"Rain Scald" (severe skin rot).

Immense stress (look for the "hunched" posture).

📚 The Science: According to The Donkey Sanctuary (UK), the world's leading authority on donkey welfare: "Donkeys do not have a waterproof coat like the horse."

The Rule: A horse can stand in the rain. A donkey MUST have a roof.

Be a pal. Build the barn. 🏠🫏

10/11/2025

Our crew were pleased to return to their stalls this evening for dinner and rest from the cold winds and first flurries of this winter season. Hopefully, the forthcoming winter will be a mild one. Enjoy the sweet faces.

12/08/2025

BREAKING NEWS: A local woman tries to check on a baby bunny nest discovered while mowing. Entire donkey posse shows up to 'ass-ist'. 📰 🫏

PLOT TWIST: The donkey posse didn't help her...they were just after the bunny gossip. 🐰

Want to know what it's like to like to be part of a posse? If so, adopt some donkeys!! They will always have your back!! 🫏

Remember, your comments and reactions help our posts reach more people and feel free to share our posts. We have several very friendly donkeys that are longing for fantastic homes.