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💔Remembering Our Beloved Chile-
Our hearts are heavy as we share the passing of our sweet 37 year old donkey, Chile, last Friday. Many of you know she bravely fought complicated digestive issues at @alamopintadoequine hospital. Despite battling impaction, ulcers, and the effects of age on her gut motility, Chile simply couldn’t overcome these challenges.
This hospitalization was her second in recent months, and after a week of care, we received the heartbreaking news. Her heart rate was elevated, and an ultrasound revealed a leak from her stomach into her abdomen.
The decision was agonizing. Donkeys are known for their resilience, but little Chile’s body had endured too much. We’ll never forget the love in her eyes as we held her close during her peaceful passing on Friday.
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A Legacy of Rescue
Chile’s story isn’t unique among our rescued donkeys. Many arrive with a lifetime of neglect, suffering from complex skin issues, hoof problems, internal organ damage, and dental troubles. These issues often go unnoticed until they become critical.
The lack of proper care, nutrition, and even abuse can have lasting consequences. Our dedicated team, along with our veterinarians, works tirelessly to manage these conditions and provide the medical attention these incredible animals desperately need. We monitor every symptom, no matter how small.
Unfortunately, the damage from years of neglect is sometimes irreversible. Bo, our Mammoth donkey, is a prime example. He arrived with raw, scabbed skin and neglected hooves that have required years of rehabilitation. Chile was another such case.
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Continued in comments below.
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#donkeyhealth #donkeyrescue #donkeysanctuary #donkeys #donkeylife #donkeylove #lovedonkeys #love #donkeysofinstagram #donkeyoftheday #ranchob***odonkeysactuary #lifetimehomesfordonkeys
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First Bath Bliss!
Pepe’s loving his first ever bath at Rancho B***o! This sweet donkey’s come a long way since his rescue, and we’re showering him with love (and maybe a little shampoo).
Read Pepe’s full story and support Rancho B***o’s mission of giving lifelong homes to rescued donkeys!
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Click the link in bio to learn more and donate!
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#donkeysofinstagram #rescuedisbest #ranchob***o #firstbath #donkeysanctuary #donkeyrescue #donkey #donkeys #donkeylife #donkeylove #donkeycare #help #helpdonkeys #donkeysupport #donkeywelfare #donkeyoftheday #lifetimehomesfordonkeys
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🫏❤️🩹
Our love and support are with Chile as she battles a large stomach ulcer. She is challenged with a blockage in her stomach that is not allowing some matter to pass through her gastrointestinal tract. This past weekend, she became visibly distressed, revealing this hidden health struggle. Donkeys are known for stoicism, rarely showing pain, so this was a serious red flag.
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Thankfully, Chile is now receiving expert care at @alamopintadoequine with Dr. Carolina Lopez 💗 @caritolopezs25 leading the charge. We’re confident in Dr. Lopez’ careful attention to all of Chiles issues. Chile has likely lost a certain amount of gut motility due to her age which is now approximately 38 years old.
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Missing Her Mates: A Sign of Donkey Love
The past few months have been tough on Chile, but not just for her! Her stall mates, Polly (who has overcome her own ongoing health issues) and Romeo, have been missing their dear friend terribly. Even our mule, Ruby, who lost her bonded donkey partner Jojo a year ago, seems to understand Polly’s sadness. In fact, Ruby has started demanding to eat and sleep with Polly, offering her own unique form of comfort.
The vet bills for Chile’s treatments are adding up to around $10,000+
We at Rancho B***o are reaching out to our incredible community for support.
Every donation, big or small, will make a huge difference in Chile’s recovery. Please consider helping us give this sweet donkey the care she needs. You can donate directly through the link in our bio.
Thank you for your compassion and generosity! Together, we can help Chile get back to her happy, healthy self and bring joy back to her family.
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#donkey #donkeyrescue #donkeysanctuary #donkeys #donkeylove #donkeyhealth #donkeysofinstagram #healing #veteran #alamopintadoequinemedicalcenter
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Happy Father’s Day to all the awesome Dad’s out there…
Especially our Founder, Jim @jfeckford
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Thank you for all you do!
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Your Rancho B***o Family
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#donkeydad #patriarch #family #donkeyfamily
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A message from our founder, Carlen Eckford.
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This marks a year since we said goodbye to our beautiful Jojo.
Jojo was a uniquely special donkey. I feel all of our loves in the animal world are unique unto themselves.
For those who don’t know, our Jojo, who we rescued in January 2015, had been used as a roping practice animal. This is done with the excuse that cowboys can save their other animals from distress and injury by sacrificing a donkey instead; however, it is a cruel and damaging practice and psychologically terrifying for a donkey whose instinct is to keep himself safe.
The result was that Jojo was plagued with arthritis in his neck, back, legs, everywhere, from being tackled, pulled and tied tight with ropes.
He was sent to auction when he could not run anymore, and was about to be sent to slaughter as no one wanted a beat up donkey.
In spite of his past, Jojo was a peaceful and beautiful spirit and so very much loved and adored by everyone.
Jojo had an innate understanding of all others around him. He seemed to know what everyone was thinking, animals and humans alike, and he was a gentleman, always.
My favorite story about Jojo:
I could talk him into taking medication when he was having a bad day, meaning too much pain.
When he saw a syringe headed his way, he would manage to keep his lips tightly closed and his head and jaw clenched so tight, that there was no way in. I would gently try to persuade him that if he let me give him “ just one, let me help you” , which were the words I used for a syringe of pain medication, that I would be helping him feel better, plus he would get a piece of carrot.
And do you know, after 20 or more minutes of calmly asking, over and over, using the same words, in exactly the same kind and caring way, no escalation in tone, and no show of anxiety on my part, he would decide to turn his head toward me and relax his jaw and allow me to give him the meds.
(Continued in comments ⬇️)
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🫏💔
One year ago today, our hearts ached as we said goodbye to our dear friend, Jojo.
Jojo came to Rancho B***o Donkey Sanctuary in 2015 after experiencing unimaginable cruelty. He was a 28-year-old donkey with a laid-back personality and classic b***o markings, including a cross on top of his light brown torso. Before joining the sanctuary, Jojo was a victim of cowboy roping practice and suffered from a poor diet only to be sold to the Equine auctions when he could no longer perform. This resulted in both physical and mental damage.
Despite his difficult past, Jojo’s spirit persevered. He blossomed into a loving and friendly donkey who brought smiles to everyone around him. He loved going for walks and eating carrots. We will forever cherish the memories of Jojo and the joy he brought to our sanctuary family.
Jojo’s best friend, Ruby the mule, misses him dearly. However, thanks to the love and care from her human and donkey family here at Rancho B***o, she is adjusting well.
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Rest in peace, sweet Jojo. You’ll never be forgotten.
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#rescueanimals #donkeyrescue #donkeysanctuary #neverforgotten #jojo
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🫏❤️🩹From Isolation to Integration: Pepe’s Journey of Healing!In March, Pepe’s life took a turn for the better when he was rescued by Rancho B***o. Separated from his mother when he was very young and sold to someone unequipped for his needs, Pepe, a now approximately 2 year old donkey, faced a lonely existence. He was surrounded by a horse, sheep, and goats, only to be deemed “dangerous” because his owner did not know how to care for a young ungelded jack. His situation worsened: He was used for w**d control, barely fed, and ultimately abandoned in a junkyard with scarce food, shelter, and limited water. Pepe was beside himself when he arrived at Rancho B***o Donkey Sanctuary. Isolated and lacking social skills after a traumatic experience, he needed a gentle approach.➡️Here’s how Rancho B***o is helping Pepe heal:* Slow and Steady Wins the Race: With our teams loving guidance we introduced Pepe to our calmest donkeys one by one, allowing him to build confidence at his own pace.* Safety First: Gelding Pepe helped him manage his emotions by not being flooded with testosterone and adrenaline.* Finding His Herd: Bella and Rosie set boundaries and are teaching Pepe proper donkey etiquette.* A Place to Call Home: Finally, moved to the donkeys living area yesterday, with separation panels in place, Pepe could sleep soundly surrounded by his newfound family.❤️🩹Rancho B***o: A small sanctuary with a Special Mission…Unlike larger rescues, which we support wholeheartedly and refer all of our adoption, requests to, Rancho B***o focuses on the rehabilitation and integration of special-needs donkeys like Pepe and providing them a lifetime home. We may be small, but our impact is mighty!🫏Be Part of Pepe’s Journey!Your support is essential to our mission. Consider sponsoring Pepe and help us provide him with a loving forever home. Click https://ranchob***odonkeysanctuary.org/pepe to learn more about sponsorship and how YOU can make a dif
Hey everyone! We’ve been quiet lately, but the sanctuary’s been a whirlwind!
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Our amazing donkeys deserve all the love & care, and sometimes that means facing challenges. Here’s what’s been up:
February: Strong Polly battled a nasty hoof abscess! Thanks to our incredible vet & farrier, she’s healthy again!
March brought sadness with the loss of Teddy, Polly’s bonded friend. He was a gentle giant, and we miss him dearly. Thankfully, Romeo has become Polly’s guardian. Their new friendship warms our hearts!
March wasn’t done yet! Henry faced a hoof abscess emergency, but he made a full recovery! We’re so happy to have him back, healthy & playful!
Late March, we welcomed a new rescue donkey, Pepe, to the sanctuary family! He’s a sweetheart adjusting well to his forever home. We can’t wait to see him blossom!
Bobo Update: Our brave boy continues to fight hoof & laminitis issues. These are painful, but Bobo’s a trooper! We’re incredibly grateful to @eponamind for using their innovative AI technology to help him recover. Thanks to their expertise, Bobo is making amazing progress!
May: Chile gave us a scare with mouth ulcers, needing emergency hospital treatment. The vet team worked tirelessly, and we’re happy to report she’s back, happy, & healthy! We’re showering her with extra love & soft hay for a full recovery.
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Running a donkey rescue, especially for special needs donkeys, comes with unexpected challenges. These recent emergencies pushed our vet bills to a staggering $20,000. 🆘
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How You Can Help!
Every donation, big or small, makes a HUGE difference! Whether it’s $5 or $500, your contribution helps us continue providing our donkeys with loving forever homes, critical veterinary care, and the happy, healthy lives they deserve.
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Thank you for your ongoing support! We’re hoping for smoother sailing ahead, but no matter what challenges come our way, we’ll be there for our furry friends t
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Today, we shine a spotlight on Carlen Eckford, our incredible Founder, Medical & Volunteer Director!
Carlen’s dedication to our rescued donkeys is unmatched. From late-night check-ins to special moonlight walks, her around-the-clock love ensures their comfort and well-being. ✨
But Carlen isn’t alone! She and her partner, Jim (co-founder & Board Director), completely transformed their lives to create a haven for special needs donkeys. This is a true team effort!
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Our Amazing Rancho B***o Family:
* Dedicated Staff: Arturo (Operations), Laura (Assistant Director), Heather (Sanctuary Care) – tirelessly working to meet every donkey’s needs.
* Our dedicated Board of Directors
* Incredible Volunteers: Led by Nancy (Volunteer Manager), a fantastic team including Matt, Vicki, Amy, Lynda, Karla, Denise, Carolina and Aaron – the backbone of the sanctuary, handling everything from daily care to support.
* Forever Home Environment: We prioritize providing a loving sanctuary for our donkeys, but we utilize a network to refer adoption requests!
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Making a Difference:
Our rescued donkeys have faced hardship, and we’re dedicated to providing them with a forever happy ending. We educate our community about donkeys and prevent future mistreatment through educational private donations based tours and free differently abled enrichment programs. These tours create unique connections for both our rescued donkeys and visitors.
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Want to Be Part of the Story?
* Volunteer
* Refer a friend
* Donate
* Sponsor a Donkey
* Visit!
* All links in bio!
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Exciting News! We’re getting ready to make the move to our new 46-acre sanctuary and barn this summer! Stay tuned!
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Thank you for your ongoing support!
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#RanchoB***oDonkeySanctuary #rescuedonkeys #newsanctuary #giveback #loveanimals #volunteer
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This Mother’s Day, we celebrate the unwavering strength of motherhood, just like our very own Tutti!
In September 2015, facing a terrible fate in a Texas kill pen, Tutti was rescued by Rancho B***o Donkey Sanctuary, while, unbeknownst to us, pregnant with her precious foal, Baby Bella, who is now a thriving 8-year-old who will never know trauma, neglect, abuse….and looks just like her.
Sadly, Tutti’s story is far too common. Kill pens are notorious for housing pregnant donkeys, many facing unimaginable hardship – abuse, neglect, and separation from their young. But here at Rancho B***o, this vulnerable mother found a safe haven filled with love and the chance to nurture and raise her baby with her Rancho B***o Forever Family.
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This Mother’s Day we ask for your donation to Rancho B***o’s rescue fund and help us welcome future rescues of deserving donkeys, like Tutti…and Baby Bella.
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PayPal: Link in bio.
Venmo: @ranchob***odonkeysanctuary
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#ranchob***odonkeysanctuary #mothersday #rescuedonkeys #giveback #loveanimals #donkeyhealth #donkeymoms
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Sometimes the best things in life are the simplest.
Bella’s happiness with her mineral block is reminding us to slow down and savor the moment.
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#weekendmood #mindfulness #equinetherapy #donkeys #donkeyrescue #donkeysanctuary #tgif #love #donkeylove #donkeyoftheday #ranchob***odonkeysactuary #lifetimehomesfordonkeys
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Henry’s on the mend! After nearly a month battling a hoof abscess, he’s finally recovering. It breaks our hearts to see our donkeys suffer, but we’ll always do everything to care for them (preventative care too!).
Gracie, his loyal companion, never left his side.
Henry and Gracie are usually so shy, but their trust in us has grown so much. Henry’s becoming more affectionate by the day. This recovery shows how resilient donkeys are, and how their love helps them through hard times. We adore you, Henry and Gracie! It fills our heart with joy to see, and you and Gracie out and about enjoying some beautiful mutual grooming time together together!
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Want to help more donkeys like Henry and Gracie? Please consider sponsoring them! Your support makes everything we do at Rancho B***o possible.
Link in bio!
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#donkey #health #donkeysanctuary #donkeyrescue #love #compassion #gratitude #ranchob***odonkeysactuary #lifetimehomesfordonkeys #donkeysofinstagram #donkeylove #donkeyoftheday
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Our newest rescue, Pepe, is experiencing a whole lot of firsts at Rancho B***o Donkeys Sanctuary! From brushes and blankets to yummy, healthy meals, everything is new and exciting for this sweet guy.
We’re taking things slow to help Pepe adjust, but he’s already a superstar! Look at him enjoying his first salt lick today!
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But why are salt licks so important for donkeys, you ask?
Here’s the scoop:
* Salt licks help donkeys replace essential minerals lost through sweat, especially in hot weather. ☀️
* These minerals keep their bodies functioning properly, supporting everything from muscles and nerves to digestion.
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We’re so happy to see Pepe thriving in his new, healthy life!
Stay tuned for more updates on this precious boy.
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Help Pepe continue to blossom! Pepe is looking for monthly sponsors to help with his care.
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Join our Donkey Sidekick Program and sponsor Pepe today!
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Link in bio.
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#donklife #donkeys #donkeyrescue #donkeysanctuary #salt #health #donkeycare #donkeyoftheday #love
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📸 Arturo
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We’ve been wondering who’d be the first of our Rancho B***o donkeys to welcome sweet Pepe, our new rescue. Turns out, it’s Ruby, our only mule! 💕 She’s been taking walks right by Pepe’s pasture, showing interest each time. Today, we let them meet in the front pasture...and they seem to really like each other!
Ruby lost her beloved bonded partner, JoJo, last year. Since then, she’s needed a friend. Pepe seems to really like her, and we’re so excited to see this bond develop.
Plan the work…work the plan.
Next step: introducing Pepe to the rest of the herd!
This is such a heartwarming turn of events, and we can’t wait to share more. Stay tuned!
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#friends #friendship #bonding #donkey #mule #donkeysanctuary #donkeyrescue #ranchob***odonkeysactuary #lifetimehomesfordonkeys
Through Thick and Thin: The Donkeys of Rancho B***o❤️
Through Thick and Thin: The Donkeys of Rancho B***o❤️
It has been a challenging several months and we are so thankful for our teams of incredible humans!
The Loss of Teddy:
Sadly, Teddy passed away on March 14th, leaving a void in all our hearts. But true friendship knows no bounds – Romeo has stepped up to continue caring for Polly, a testament to the enduring love between our donkeys.
Polly’s Strength:
Our hearts went out to Polly, our blind and neurologically challenged donkey, when a severe hoof abscess threatened her well-being. Thankfully, Polly, with her incredible resilience, battled through the treatment at the sanctuary (she can’t be trailered!). Her devoted companions, Teddy and Romeo, never left her side.
Henry’s Recovery:
We also faced another scare when Henry developed a serious hoof abscess. Thankfully, with his bonded partner Gracie by his side for support, he received a week of treatment at Alamo Pintado Equine Hospital and is finally on the mend. Seeing our friends in pain is incredibly difficult, but their unwavering spirit inspires us every day.
A Ray of Sunshine:
Amidst the challenges, some fantastic news arrived! We received a call about Pepe, a young neglected donkey in desperate need of rescue. He was tied to a rope, malnourished, and had facial wounds from a poorly fitted halter. Now safely at Rancho B***o, Pepe, a sweet and gentle soul, is thriving in a loving environment.
Innovation for Bobo:
We’re always looking for ways to improve our donkeys’ lives. That’s why we’re working with Epona Mind in Paso Robles to create custom-fitted shoes for Bobo, who suffers from terribly neglected hooves. This innovative approach will alleviate his pain and allow him to move freely.
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Sanctuary life is a constant mix of challenges and triumphs. Witnessing the donkeys’ resilience, their deep bonds of friendship, and the joy of a successful rescue fuels our passion. Your donations are vital in allowing us to cont
Welcome to your forever home, Pepe.💙 our precious 3 year old donkey! June 2023, a friend alerted us to Pepe’s situation. Abandoned in a junkyard near our Assistant Director Laura’s home, he had only w**ds for food, limited access to water and no shelter from the rain. The “owner” mistakenly believed Pepe could survive on w**ds, leaving the kind but overwhelmed guardian struggling to care for him.
We stepped in and were not there to judge, but to help and patiently educated the guardian on proper donkey care.
Sadly, the original owner abandoned Pepe, leaving the guardian feeling helpless. Finally, on March 25th, they reached out to us, knowing Pepe needed more. Our dedicated team sprang into action. Bringing Pepe home took patience, gentle coaxing and a light sedation, but finally, he loaded and arrived home safe at Rancho B***o.
Pepe’s story is a reminder of the importance of responsible donkey ownership. The guardian’s desire to help and our team’s unwavering support, even before Pepe came to us, show how much he meant to everyone involved.
Pepe hasn’t seen another donkey since leaving his mother, so reintroduction to the herd needs a gentle touch. To ease his anxiety and allow him to form friendships at his own pace, we’ve set up a separate enclosure in the front pasture. This will allow Pepe to get accustomed to their presence gradually, through sight, smell, and sound, before any face-to-face interactions.
We believe every donkey deserves a comfortable home and life so Pepe now has a nice big stall and shelter of his own inside our front pasture. No more rain, no more harsh elements!
Arturo, our Sanctuary Operations Manager, speaks fluent Spanish, Pepe’s comfort language. They’ve already formed a special bond, exploring the sanctuary grounds together. Our volunteers shower him with affection, and Pepe feels safe and loved as he is starting to feel right at home.
Donations to Rancho B***o Donkey Sanctuary will help us provide Pepe w
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Happy Easter from your long-eared buddies at Rancho B***o Donkey Sanctuary!
🐰 This Easter, as we celebrate new beginnings, let’s remember the gentle and often overlooked spirits of donkeys everywhere. Their patience, loyalty, and quiet strength deserve our love and protection.
Want to make a difference in a donkey’s life?
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Check out the link tree in our bio to learn more about Rancho B***o, donate to our rescue efforts, or discover how you can volunteer your time. 💕
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#volunteer #donate #getinvolved #advocacy #donkeylife #donkeysanctuary #donkeyrescue #easter #newbeginnings #specialneedsdonkeys #ranchob***odonkeysanctuary #lifetime #lifetimehomesfordonkeys
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💔🫏💔
Our hearts are shattered at Rancho B***o Donkey Sanctuary.
We lost our beloved Teddy last Thursday, his gentle spirit finally released from a body ravaged by years of neglect. When we rescued Teddy and Polly in December 2020, Teddy was tragically overweight, a heartbreaking testament to past mistreatment. Our dedicated team poured their hearts into Teddy, helping him shed a remarkable 120 pounds. Yet, the hidden scars ran deep. Internal damage caused irreversible suffering and colic and with tearful hands, we made the agonizing but merciful decision to end his pain.
Teddy’s story is a gut-wrenching plea – donkeys deserve better. These sensitive souls require specialized care that so many don’t receive. We’ll honor Teddy’s memory by building a classroom in our new barn, a beacon of knowledge where we’ll fight ignorance and empower future donkey owners. Teddy’s gentle eyes and sweet nuzzles will forever be etched in our memories, a testament to his resilience and the profound love he found at the sanctuary.
We find a flicker of solace knowing Romeo, our recent rescue, became Teddy’s inseparable companion. He and Polly, who shared a special bond with Teddy, will comfort each other in their grief.
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Rest in sweet peace, Teddy Boy!
Your suffering is over, but your legacy of love lives on.
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#teddy
🚨🚨 URGENT SCAM ALERT: PROTECT YOURSELF AND OUR DONKEYS! 🚨🚨
We're devastated to report that a heartless individual has been IMPERSONATING Rancho B***o Donkey Sanctuary on Facebook. They're using our name and photos to trick people into believing they're connected to us. THIS IS A SCAM! Rancho B***o is a LIFETIME SANCTUARY, and we DO NOT offer our donkeys for adoption.
Here's why this is so dangerous:
* Broken Hearts: These scammers are preying on the kindness of people who desperately want to help donkeys. They're likely taking money or personal information.
* Donkey Safety: This fake scheme endangers our donkeys. We have strict protocols in place to ensure the lifetime safety and well-being of the donkeys in our care.
* Our Reputation: This scam damages the trust we've built with our supporters.
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HOW TO HELP:
1. REPORT the fake page to Facebook immediately. The more reports, the quicker they'll take it down.
1. Visit this direct link to their page to report them. The more reports, the more attention FB will pay to this and remove their fake profile. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554871826560&mibextid=eQY6cl
2. DO NOT INTERACT with any page claiming to be Rancho B***o Donkey Sanctuary offering any services or claiming to be affiliated with us.
3. SPREAD THE WORD. Share this post, warn your friends and family, and post on any donkey-related groups you belong to.
Thank you, Rancho B***o Family, for helping us protect our donkeys and the kind people who love them. #scamalert #donkeywelfare #ranchob***odonkeysanctuary