Donkeys throughout the world suffer from unfair stereotypes – including, but not limited to, misconceptions that they’re only useful as work animals and that they’re stubborn to a fault. However, those who give donkeys a chance by looking past their negative reputation are rewarded with the privilege of getting to know them for who they really are: loyal, intelligent, and caring companions that become part of the family.
One little girl, named Honor, discovered how special these misunderstood animals are when her parents opened an animal sanctuary in Springtown, Texas called Sycamore Tree Ranch. Every evening, the family takes a walk with their rescued donkeys. During one of these walks, Honor’s family noticed that she was fascinated with the donkeys and possessed a particular openness toward them.
Honor’s parents and sanctuary founders Koby and Chad Wegge started the rescue with a specific vision in mind: to provide people suffering from grief and trauma with animal-assisted therapy.
Most of the sanctuary’s donkeys were rescued from “kill pens,” where unwanted farm animals often end up before being transported to Mexico or Canada for slaughter. According to Koby Wegge, co-founder of Sycamore Tree Ranch: “When we first got them, they were so terrified of people that we couldn’t even get close to them.”
Thanks to the patience and perseverance of the Wegges, the traumatized donkeys were able to begin their journey of emotional healing. Six months later, they’ve adjusted to their new lives of safety and comfort.
Since their arrival at Sycamore Tree Ranch, the donkeys have made tremendous strides toward their recovery. The naturally curious animals love to explore the sanctuary. They continue to accompany the Wegges for routine evening walks, which are also often joined by the family’s cats, dogs, and goats.
When Honor tags along, the donkeys get especially excited. During the walk, they patiently take turns receiving hugs from her.
The Wegges’ successful rehabilitation of the traumatized donkeys and their bond with Honor challenge ages-old myths about their alleged inability to form a genuine connection with humans.
Those who abuse animals should be stripped of all freedoms and rights
I enjoyed the story about the Donkeys’ and the little girl. Donkeys always remind me of the “Holy Family”, with a Donkey carrying the Blessed Mother, who was carrying Baby Jesus, I never tire of that Holy Story and thanks to the Donkey for carrying Christ the King and His Mother, what an Honor! Amen!
‘I CANNOT SIGN NOTHING’ [email protected]
How sweet is that. And many thanks to the family who helped these donkeys!
Thank you; lovely!
Just read the article about the Donkeys and Honor. I am so happy that you opened your hearts to create this wonderful sanctuary and evern more amazed at how well these donkeys have responded to Honor and that they all have a safe home to live out their lives.
A GREAT STORY, God needs to Bless and get these Poor Donkey’s, GET them out of Harms way, the GOD DAMN Chinese and killing them as fast as Africa THAT IN A FEW YEARS these Poor Animals are going to be in a SAD way..
Thank you for this wonderful story ! Happy for the donkeys. Bless the Wegges for their kind care towards the rescued donkeys.
God bless the Wegges ♥
Donkeys are wonderful animals. This is atruly heartwarming story.
I 0wn 2 donkey’s, Fred
…and Mariah..Fred is. 19. Years old. Have had him since he was 4 months old. Mariah came as a companion I bought with a horse.they. are just fun to have .A Toulouse geese toke up with Fred, followed him all over Pasture.1 would like to have.Trying to find Male so I can breed her.
Brilliant story !!!
Donkeys are amazing animals. During Vet Tech school, my spouse Mike had one semester in Large Animal Care. At the stables he was assigned to they had a wobbly little donkey named Harley. Harley took a liking to Mike and would follow him around. If Mike didn’t pay enough attention – so Harley thought – Harley would gently but firmly nip his arm.
They are not stubborn – they are quite a smart animal, and very social and affectionate.
I love donkeys. Such a nice story. I feel e eryonr shoulf treat these amazing , sensitive snimals with the tespect they deserve.
I love animals. The amazing bond Honor has with these Donkey’s is so precious. What a beautiful sight. Brought tears to my eyes. What a special little girl.
That is a truly lovely story.
What a heartwarming story! Donkeys are beautiful animals and certainly deserve a peaceful existence. Way to go!
Very soecial animals. Thrilled that they can trust humabs again. Donkeys and horses are never for human consumption. Thank you for rescuing them.
Brilliant story. Thank you for this story.
Absolutely precious
Wonderfull!
Thank you so much for creating and managing this wonderful Rescue for sweet, innocent, vulnerable animals who so desperately need saving — without the intervention of wonderful humans like you, we would all be doomed — again, thank you for doing so much good in the world — so many benefit from this magnificent Sanctuary — again, THANK YOU.
Lovely !!
Some people do not know how precious animals are. It is time to show everyone how well animals get along with people. You would really be surprised how loving animals really are. I’m proud how much people are realizing this. Never stop caring for the animals and you will be rewarded more than you would could imagine.
Amen, Emily! <3
Oooh how sweet as a child ii adored a donkey from the car window as we drove by often. And ilove this picture. Thank you for saving and loving donkeys. As well as teaching the uninformed donkeys are not mean.
Deb Galarneau