Editorial Note: This is part of a series that profiles the recipients of Lady Freethinker’s Urgent Need Fund 2025 grant program. The program was created to support nonprofit organizations involved in animal rescue and care, as well as those that promote better animal treatment. If you’re interested in learning more about the program, click here.
Thanks to a $9,500 Urgent Need Fund grant from Lady Freethinker, Foreverland Farm in Mount Orab, Ohio, is providing a severely neglected donkey named Toby and a new friend — both of whom lost their lifelong companions — with the safe shelter and fencing they need to heal and thrive.
Grady & Toby in front of LFT-sponsored shelter (L); Toby & Grady nuzzling (R) (Courtesy of Foreverland Farm)
After spending 10 years in a field without shelter or proper care, and with hooves so overgrown they could barely walk, Toby and another donkey, Phoebe, were finally surrendered to the sanctuary. Tragically, the years of neglect had taken too great a toll on Phoebe’s body, and she later passed away.
With Phoebe gone, Toby was left without a companion or a proper place to live at the sanctuary, as he is feral and requires a safe, structured environment to learn to trust humans.
Biscuit & Toby in front of LFT-funded shelter (Lady Freethinker)
Because of LFT’s support, the sanctuary was able to give Toby a new home and ensure he received the medical care he needed.
“The first day Toby got to the sanctuary, he kicked one of our caretakers out of fright and frustration,” Foreverland Farm Co-founder & Executive Director Brittney Kane told LFT. “When we were able to move him outside to his new space that was his own, the staff was able to work with him in a whole new way.”
Toby the Donkey (Lady Freethinker)
They also paired him with a senior horse named Grady, who had been left lost and confused after his guardian died from cancer and had not been able to connect with other equines. Fortunately, the two grieving animals seemed to recognize each other’s pain and became fast friends.
In addition, the sanctuary — which provides permanent refuge and rehabilitation for more than 100 discarded, abused, and slaughter-bound farmed animals — will be able to support even more animals with this new space.
Hope & Asher (L) and Cloverbell (R) (Lady Freethinker)
“This grant will continue to help these two boys, but in the future could allow us to help numerous more equines as it can also be used as an integration space or permanent home,” Kane said.
Lady Freethinker is deeply grateful to our supporters for helping give Toby and Grady the happy ending they deserve. Your generosity makes it possible for us to continue building a kinder world for animals everywhere.
