summer news - Donkey Sanctuary of Canada

Summer_News10_layout_final_Summer_News 10-07-27 4:58 PM Page 1
Summer 2010
SUMMER NEWS
The Donkey Sanctuary of Canada
DONKEY DAY 2010 - A delightful day for all.
At our 17th annual Donkey Day on June 13th, in spite of clouds and light rain conditions, we
welcomed 1555 visitors.There were activities, demonstrations and entertainment for all ages, and
smiling faces everywhere. Indeed, all who attended welcomed the opportunity to experience
firsthand the unique nature of the donkeys’ peaceful world.
A Donkey in the Meadow
A Donkey in the meadow
Is a pleasure to behold
Be it sweet, shy and retiring
Or brash and just plain bold,
A beast of burden some may say
But what know they of Donkeys
Other than they bray,
They do not see long ears of brown, muzzle grey,
Tiny hooves, soft eyes that say
I’ll be your friend and come when you call
And if asked to work, I’ll give my all
But I’d rather be in a field of green
Grazing, frolicking, just being seen
Enjoying treats and being told
A Donkey in the meadow is a pleasure to behold.
Doreen Hawton, April 2004
Much fun was had by all - and DONKEY DAY was again a memorable success. Our thanks to everyone!
It was wonderful to see people enjoy the Carrot Walk nearly as much as the donkeys do.
Sincere thanks to our Donkey Day sponsors:
Summer_News10_layout_final_Summer_News 10-07-27 4:58 PM Page 2
Dear Friends of the Sanctuary:
Spring and summer are special seasons at the Sanctuary Farm: the
donkeys love the heat; our annual Donkey Day celebration takes
place (see reverse); and, on Open Days, thousands of people come to
visit the animals’ quiet world. There is a no more peaceful sight
anywhere than that of the donkeys grazing in the fields on a
summer afternoon.
In the barn, Adam, Chantal, Cate and Steph, our Animal Caregivers,
along with many volunteers, have just now finished the task of
helping the donkeys and mules to shed their thick winter coats.
In most cases brushing, brushing, brushing has been the order of the
day but for a few donkeys with extra thick hair, clipping was
required. Chantal’s considerable styling skills have become evident in
the process as she has transformed Dusty Rose, Gordon, Panne,
Becky, Rosie, Paco, Bob Ray, Augusta, Jacques and Earl Grey.
Now, their bodies are shiny and sleek while long hair has been left
on their legs in the hope that flies will be discouraged from
tormenting equine limbs. It is quite a ‘smart’ look!
Paco’s summer ‘look’ - smartly trimmed.
Along with our day to day work with the donkeys and mules, in
recent months much attention has been given to the formulation of
a Master Plan for the Sanctuary Farm. The process involved
extensive consultations regarding land conservation issues, animal
care needs, education and building requirements, and visitor impact.
Finally, in time for Donkey Day, the first site drawings were complete.
We are very excited about the developments that the Master Plan
outlines. The drawings are available to our visitors on Open Days
and we welcome people’s comments.
Kim Hayes, our Operations Manager, spent a week in May at
The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth, England. (The UK Sanctuary
has been in operation for over forty years and, in that time, they have
taken in over 12, 500 donkeys.) We are grateful to the staff at
Sidmouth who welcomed Kim so warmly and made available
information about every aspect of their operation.We know that this
experience will serve Kim, and the DSC, well. (In the photo, Kim is
standing next to Henri, a Poitou donkey. By the mid-twentieth
century this French breed of Mammoth donkeys with long, curly
hair had neared extinction. The Poitous at the Sidmouth Sanctuary
are part of a long-term breeding program.)
Kim & Henri, a Poitou donkey.
In early June, we welcomed Cheryl Hambly to the DSC staff.
Cheryl is well known to many around the DSC: she has been a
DSC volunteer for 10 years and she has served on the Board of
Directors. Her responsibilities are wide ranging in her capacity as
Office and Education Administrator.
This spring, for the first time, we made the big decision to harvest
our own hay. As a result a new “used” baler and mower-conditioner
were purchased. At this writing, half of the field has been cut and
the resulting hay has been baled and stored in the barn. Now, we are
waiting somewhat impatiently for a forecast of 4 consecutive days of
sun and warmth in order to
harvest the other half…and
the sooner the better, because
we want to take off a second
cut later in the summer.
Hay-making is a challenging
process but we think that the
more self-sufficient the DSC
can be, the better.
Chantal & Cate, two excellent hay-makers.
Well, our Summer News is always brief. We just like to keep you up
to date on life at the DSC. When you have a minute, do go to our
newly designed website. We are very proud of it and there you can
find lots more news about the donkeys and their world. Oh, yes,
I almost forgot, our official Facebook page is up and running too.
I am having great fun posting news of (almost) daily happenings
around the Farm!
Finally, as always, we send out a great big thank you for all of the
support that you give to our work. There are so many helpless
animals in need and, one by one, we strive to make a difference.
As you are aware, we receive no government funding; all of our
contributions come from caring individuals and each and every
donation, no matter its size, is so very important.
With best wishes and much gratitude,
Sandra Pady
Executive Director
How to get to the Donkey Sanctuary of Canada:
From Hwy. 401, take Exit #295 (Hwy. 6 N). Go north to the second
road, Puslinch Road 4, and proceed to #6981. See you soon!
We’re open May to Thanksgiving, Sundays & Wednesdays.
The Donkey Sanctuary of Canada is a not-for-profit licensed charity.
We provide a lifelong home to donkeys, mules and hinnies that are
unwanted, neglected or abused. In addition, we provide the DSC Foster Farm
Program, the DSC Humane Education Program and the DSC Life Skills Program.
tel: 519.836.1697 fax: 519.821.0698 email: info@thedonkeysanctuary.ca
web: www.thedonkeysanctuary.ca
Registered Charity #138721253RR0001