Our donkey rescues goal is to not only Rescue Rehabilitate and Rehome but also educate the public on the wonderful possibilities of these loving long ears!
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We do not get any kind of government assistance and rely on the public's help We are a tax deductible 501(c)3 rescue, focusing only on donkeys. Donkeys have long been called stubborn and thought of nothing more than beasts of burden. The reality is they are so much more and are increasingly becoming more popular . With the increase in popularity comes increase in population, which sadly follows a
increase in unwanted animals, whether the reason be owners not understanding in behaviors, inability to care for,unexpected life event or many other reason's they need a place to land safely or the outcome can be detrimental even leading to being slaughter bound. STBDR is here to try and help as many as we are able, whether it be our help, donors help, the publics help and other rescues these wonderful animals deserve happy endings.
27/08/2024
***ADOPTION PENDING***Available for adoption!! Lana is a beautifully put together BLM donkey. She has been with us about a year and half and has turned into such a love bug. , I’m not sure if she likes treats or scratches better! She does get worried with lots of commotion and needs someone with confidence to give her reassurance during new things. Approximately 6 years old
She needs to go to a home with another Jenny donkey companion.
$500 adoption fee
26/08/2024
Auction day was yesterday. HUGE thanks to Paul’s Auction Service out of Ogilvie for spending the day with us, and cutting some of their fees for us!
Also big thanks to EVERYONE who came out to bid AND thanks to those that came to help get things ready, help man the INSANE traffic (jams) and just be support. 💗
Hope everyone found some great deals!
Total sales (minus a few items that were my personal stuff) was $41,754.18! While the majority of this money will go to Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue to help with the needs of the 31 STBDR animals they took in for us (I know many of you are watching their page for updates and only update I have seen is Clancy foaled last week). But some of these funds will also go to pay any remaining vet bills, go towards a few of our difficult to place/special needs ones that were taken in locally and to MHARF for taking over all our adopted/contracted out animals.
While this is not quite yet the end of STBDR, it’s getting close to being fully closed. I will continue use to post current updates for everyone.
24/08/2024
Tomorrow at 12! LOADS of stuff!! Horse/Donkey tack, tools, equipment, elk/large animal chute, automatic waters, water troughs- including a 500gal, feed buckets, small square and large square feeders, round bale feeders and more!
12788 115th St, Milaca, MN 56353 is for sale. View 48 photos of this 4 bed, 1.5 bath, 2378 sqft. single family home with a list price of $475000.
23/08/2024
Anyone have extra corral/round pen panels not being used? Our friends at Abiding Sunday are looking for some. They will be taking in our older fella Jackson and will need a separate pen for feeding their newest intake mare.
STBDR had lots of panels but they are already listed in our auction this Sunday unfortunately.
Oh, this beautiful horse? Her name is Helmi (it means “pearl”). She is a 28 year-old AQHA registered mare who we are currently working to put weight on.
When rehabilitating a horse who is underweight, it is important to monitor both their diet and exercise habits. This means Helmi is currently in her own paddock with access to shelter, clean water, mineral supplements, controlled feed, and very minimal exercise.
The supply of love and attention are endless, of course!
In just a short time, she will be joined by a handsome BLM donkey gelding we have named Ingvard (it means “strong guardian”). He will be coming to us from Save The Brays in Milaca, MN, and will be a companion and moral support for Helmi as she eats and rests, and eats and rests, and drinks and eats and rests, and…you get the idea.
This means we will need to expand our rehabilitation area to accommodate two beautiful beings while maintaining the ability to separate them for feedings as this girl has got to EAT!
💜 If you or anyone you know has a round pen they are willing to part with, we will happily receive it. 💜
Our budget is small, so all or a portion of the value of the round pen can be deemed a donation and, therefore, tax deductible as Abiding Sunday is a 501(c)3 Nonprofit Organization.
We always welcome monetary donations as well to help offset costs of feed, supplements, equipment, or anything else that goes directly to the horses. Donations can be made via -
✨ PayPal: paypal.me/AbidingSunday
✨ Venmo:
And so, we will let Helmi rest.
…and eat, and rest, and eat, and…😏
21/08/2024
STBDR adopters!! —New and old, someone (a 4 times STBDR adopter) has started this page. Feel free to join!
The cranky and opinionated (who really has become a sweet thing) ole gal Sriracha headed off to finish her foot rehab with someone who came into STBDR world a few years ago and IS THE MOST GENUINE woman I think I know.
She’s adopted several STBDR seniors and most recent was Miss Betsy last winter. Betsy also has foot problems and her and Sriracha are bonding already. Keep Sriracha in your prayers for continued improvement and a long retirement life.
Thank you Cindy, for all you have done for STBDR over the years💗
18/08/2024
Baby Dot and her mamma Denise left yesterday to join. 3 STBDR alumni! Denise needs someone kind and understanding to help her finish her progression to fully trusting people so when Ashley reached out about them I was so excited. They are taking their new surroundings in well and are living with the kindest of people!
17/08/2024
Helen headed to her new home today! And while she seemed a bit worried about why we were taking her out and what the trailer was doing here she’s settled in immediately in her new home and is much more relaxed! Helen came to us in April from auction and her body, full of scar tissue from hard use of packing no longer has to worry about work and has the best soft landing this kind gal could ask for💗
16/08/2024
IF YOU HAVE EVER COMPLAINED ABOUT US BEING AT AUCTION AND “outbidding families” DO NOT COME, I WILL tell you to leave.
It already feels so empty here with 31 donkeys loaded on two trailers and headed to Texas this morning. Even though there are still 19 here (all but three donkeys are claimed) it’s very empty feeling.
But thanks to Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue I don’t have to worry about where these 31 that weren’t quite ready to be adopted, go.
Safe travels everybody! 💔❤️
12/08/2024
Yesterday 5 donkeys left to three new homes. Margret and her baby Silver (Silver seen in first photo) are one of the donkeys I was concerned about finding correct placement as Margret is not handleable—Silver on the other hand is a big love bug. But I think they landed in just the right spot with a really great gal that is knowledgeable in frightened donkeys.
Bonded pair Pepper and Mags, who came to us as owner surrenders a year ago landed at a property with lots of kids and great parents. They already are enjoying all the attention they’re receiving.
Finally little miss Pebbles, who has been with STBDR from basically the beginning all those years ago found a great home, with her own mini donkey girlfriend. But before she left, she made someone’s bucket list (dressing up as a t-Rex and walking a donkey😆 Pebbles was not really impressed by this costume but was a good sport.
Wishing all 5 of these sweet girls the best in their new lives💗
10/08/2024
ADOPTION UPDATES!!💗
Little Phillip, who came to us in April from auction, with pneumonia and extremely emaciated went to such a great family!! He will join up with a lonely mini horse and hopefully teach him to not be frightened of humans.
Also, Diva and baby Elliot joined Alumni Ginny (now Willow), seen in photo meeting Diva over the stall. Diva came to us last fall with baby on her side, pregnant (with Elliot) and with baby daddy (both who have since been adopted). Their feet were horrible and lived mostly on a diet of moldy bread. Their new mom Courtney and daughter Elenor were STBDR volunteers and have big plans for these two little donkeys.
09/08/2024
Adoption pending!!
**AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION**
Pebbles, who has been the mascot for STBDR for the last 8 years! She’s a “been there,done that” gal. She’s carried a little pack and hiked 117miles (in 5 days), she’s been to numerous parades, school and church events. She’s ridden in a elevator, she’s been to a casino, she’s had a bizzlion kids hang on her, been to the MN horse expo and other similar events for years and the list goes on!- she is always with when introducing new donkeys to events or going on walks. She is usually handed off to new volunteers who are not yet used to handling equine.
Pebbles does need a dry lot set up, Pebbles will not want to be housed with horses but instead have her own area with another Jenny donkey.
She is 10 years old, adoption fee $1200.
07/08/2024
Today we sadly said goodbye to two, Sangria (Pictured), who when she came to us this spring from auction I assumed she would be a euthanasia case. But we were able to get her comfortable and decided to let her live out the summer, not having to work and just enjoy eating grass and being a retired mule. She never cared to be pet or be around people and was all business, and I imagine this gal knew nothing nice of people other than they caught you and put you to long hours of work, so I think she enjoyed some months of being “free”.
Also our dear sweet Karen (CareBear), who suffered from horrible sarcoids and had no treatment options was also set free from her constant torment.
These are the days I will not miss. 💔
06/08/2024
**ADOPTION UPDATES(with some of my favorites too!)**
STEVE(EN), who has been with us two years found his new love just down the road from STBDR! She met Steve last year at our open house but he was not yet ready to go. Fast forward to this year and she reached out and Steve had passed all his training marks and was ready!!
GRUMPY!! Grumpy boy also went to a home with someone who has been waiting many months for a buddy for her other donkey gelding. Normally Grumpy would have waited around a bit longer but knowing Jan could finish out his weight gain rehab and castrate once he put a bit more weight on it seemed a great placement!
JAKKI!!! Jakki has been with STBDR for four years, she had been previously abused and is an old gal. It had always been the plan to have her just live her days out here. So with now needing a safe spot, some great fosters of ours clicked with her!— and great news they will be adopting our senior mule Donna as well💗
Finally MOUSE!! Mister crooked leg Mighty Mouse, who also was a fella looking to live out his days here was placed with a kind older blind horse gelding. The horses years are a bit limited just as Mouse’s and they will make the greatest companions for one another.
Hopefully in the next few days I will get the remaining available animals listed.
—ALSO —UPDATE— the big group that was going to be going to rescue today had to be pushed back to next week due to one of the drivers being ill. So will post more when that happens💗
02/08/2024
31 coggins and health certificate done today (and two extra coggins). Next week the big group heads to a new location. HUGE thanks to Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue for taking this group on! (Big thanks to volunteer Amanda for helping today!!). Savetheebraysdonkeyrescue
Yesterday was one of the last times STBDR will have our brave,kind and knowledgeable farrier here. We thank Jolene Schlander for her dedication the last 7 years. I thank her for always being flexible in our schedule, for being an ear to listen (mostly for me to complain to), for dealing with all the hard cases right with me. For being willing to try, for finding ones in need at the sales barn. For driving 3 hours to come see us—several times a month. For always being willing to help out with ANYTHING, for being brave and handling ones who don’t want us to handle them. Fingers crossed her last trimming day next week goes smoothly!
Although Jolene is not in this photo,
(It was the only one taken yesterday)
28/07/2024
(Apologies for the terrible photos)
Starting the search for the right spot for two of our mom baby pairs. WE WILL BE EVEN MORE SELECTIVE of the correct placement. Normally we do not adopt mom/foal pairs and wait till babies are weaned (around 6-7months old). Moms are “not handable” yet so they will need to go somewhere with gentling experience NOT FIRST TIME EQUINE OWNERS. Normally we would not adopt out a donkey that is not yet handable, but I do not want to send them on a big trailer with other donkeys for a long distance ride so seeing if we can find good local placement.
The first three photos are of Margret and baby Silver. Margret is large standard size . She is super curious but does not trust to even take a treat yet. She’s approximately 12.2 hands tall. Baby Silver was born May 10th and is going to be a bigger gal. She stands approximately 42”. She loves attention, and soaked up all the attention with many hands on her at the open house.
The next pair is mamma Denise and baby Dot. Denise should come around pretty quickly, she enjoys treats and scratches but has not yet started her halter breaking training (she can be haltered however) and needs to still learn having her feet handled. Dot was born June 3rd and is a quiet little thing who will stand around all day for you to give her attention but lots of commotion is a bit much for her, big crowds were a little too much for her at the open house. She is a very unique coloring and will be a beauty when she’s all grown up. (Few more photos at the end of both when they were new born).
Adoption fee for either pair is $800
28/07/2024
Little Sunshine left to her new forever home today! She joined a weanling mini (seen pouting in photo two because she had to show the little kid some manners😆). The emus didn’t phase her and she’s settling in well already!!
I will be posting the remaining donkeys available very soon!
22/07/2024
THANK YOU THANK YOU to everyone who made it to the open house yesterday! I did not really advertise this year and we still had a really good turn out. The rain skipped us, and again I realized just how lucky I have been to have such fantastic volunteers—love you all—
Big thanks to Colborns for their donation of 100 hot dog buns!!💗🌭
I visited and hopefully answered the questions people had about donkeys or adoptions, sounds like I missed a few people but thank you to everyone who joined us!
Animals Are Us came with some petting zoo animals, and made snow cones for everyone!
We had 7 donkeys find homes (they will all be leaving over the next few weeks) and were blessed with $3,027 in donations 😮😮💗
21/07/2024
How sweet was this surprise in the mail!!
19/07/2024
Fingers crossed the forecast of thunderstorms holds out, or misses us. The forecast keeps changing but as of Friday late afternoon there is a 40% chance in the afternoon.
We will have free will donation lunch, loads of donkeys to visit, I’ll be around to talk about ones that are available or coming available (and any other donkey questions you might have). There will be petting zoo animals from Animals R Us (camels and coatimundi, goats and baby buffalo plus more).
19/07/2024
Two adoptions today! Mo, who was not a planned adoption is the luckiest guy! Adopter had originally came to adopt Don, but Don today wanted to kick my head off while I was trying to show his leg lifting. And of course kicking people’s heads off is a no no. BUT the mention of Mo came up, and adopter has a dry lot that her donkey is on and it was a perfect fit anyhow!!💗
Also, Chumlee, who came to STBDR just under a year ago went to the NICEST family!! And I am told he’s settling in great already!! Yay for new beginnings ❤️❤️
17/07/2024
Some donkeys are closer to my heart than others, and crooked leg Mouse is definitely a favorite💗
16/07/2024
I figured I should do an update for Karen (Kate Bear) fans.
June 5th I called the University as a last effort to see if anything else could be tried for Karen and her sarcoid tumors. Appointment was set for July 15th (soonest they could get her in), and I emailed photos of her tumors to Dr. About a week later I called to see if we could get her in sooner as they started growing rapidly again and was worried for her torture once flies really started coming out. I was put on the cancelation list and told a Dr was going to call me back (not sure why but that’s what I was told). Fast forward several days later after no return call, so I called and stated I was told a Dr would be calling me back. And I was just told “there’s no cancellations yet).
Friday 7/14, I get a phone call from a Dr (the one I was originally told would call me) to say they looked at Karen’s photos and from what we have already tried and judging by photos there was nothing they could do either 😡😡—which is fully ok if there is nothing else to be done, but I would of appreciated for Karen’s sake to o of known this 6 weeks ago than at the last second (and maybe could of continued to look for alternative possibilities).
So anyhow, there’s my rant and just another checked box in my built up of frustrations.
Karen will unfortunately be put on the “to be euthanized schedule”. She’s a young (8) and kind lady and I will not be looking forward to this upcoming day.
**note** her nose is always either raw like in photos (I had just cleaned it here), or scabbed and it is sensitive at the tip of her nose and she often rubs its bloody open. —also, please don’t offer advice of various salves, you’ll just drive me crazy, they will not work on these types of sarcoids.
15/07/2024
****Couple things to touch on!***
First, photos of yesterday’s parade in Robbinsdale! Thanks to our volunteers that walked with us in the heat! This was the last STBDR parade after many years of enjoying participating all over.
Next things, my condolences to two different families who have recently suffered separate losses of a family member. The Day family and the Hogenson, we are honored to be chosen to receive memorial donations in your heartaches name. May your hearts healing journey be easy.🙏
Lastly, I have received an enormous amount of inquires about long ears available. Please note-THIS IS NOT A FREE FOR ALL. YES we have longears available or coming available FOR ADOPTION. All animals that are not passed in their training will be going to rescue centers that are knowledgeable in donkey training and care. There are a few exceptions on this and those animals are our special needs type and will be sent to very specific places. More information about all these animals will be posted as the transitions are made.
And AGAIN— FROM THR VERY DEPTHS OF MY HEART- thank you all for your many many kind and supportive words. I have ready every single one and close to every single one has made me cry or tear up. Your support has been making this difficult decision a little less difficult.
—oh and YES the July 21st open house IS ON.
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Videos
Some donkeys are closer to my heart than others, and crooked leg Mouse is definitely a favorite💗 #favorite #mighty
Siracha (and Mo, who has been keeping her company the last few weeks), got turnout in three old area where the ground is deep and soft. I think she’s happy to have new scenery!
#savethebrays #happy #gooddays
Say some prayers, and send good vibes that new intake Bucky gets “fixable” news. This video was taken yesterday right after we arrived to STBDR.
He’s straining to urinate (and prolapsing his rectum). It’s unsure how long he’s been straining but he has had the swelling on his pen*s for about 4 months (a vet did see him but recommended ultrasound).
This am he prolapsed about 8in of rectum (it does retract back in). And only dribbled a drop or two of urine. So while I had planned to call and schedule an appointment Monday I decided he needed to be seen sooner. We are in route to Anoka Equine Hospital.
If you’re able to donate towards Bucky PLEASE DO!
PayPal https://www.paypal.me/savethebrays
Venmo savethebrays or call directly to the hospital @ 763-441-3797
Who are these two waggin their tails here?
Meet newest intakes Sugar and Bucky. They were not too sure about all these faces as it’s been MANY years since they’ve seen another!
Unfortunately one of their owner passed away a few days ago. Their “mama” was not their caretaker and knew they needed some tlc so reached out to STBDR. They are in their 20s and both super sweet, Sugar really seems to live up to her name💗 she needs a trim or two by our farrier to get her feet right and maybe a little diet. Bucky is a bit shyer but still a really nice guy!! He however appears to have a mass in his pen*s and when we got home I notice he does prolapse his rectum when trying to urinate (he cannot retract his pen*s into his sheath all the way either). So Monday we will be calling to get him into one of the equine hospitals asap.
BUT this means we NEED donations for him. So here I am, doing an introduction and asking for HELP.
Donations can be sent to https://www.paypal.me/savethebrays
Venmo savethebrays
And of course checks can be mailed to 12788 115th st Milaca, Mn 56353
#savethebrays #mass #hospital #help
Baby had me worried-woke Dr up and he was suiting up to come over. Luckily mamma Tally Rose was able to get baby out and Dr didn’t have to drive all the way here💗🙏
Update for everyone on Sriracha the feed lot donkey from 3 weeks ago. You still have to watch her that she does not decide to kick ya, and even while sedated for her hoof trimming she was trying to bite. BUT she has decided she likes me enough to come and ask for scratches😆.
Time will tell if we will have to make the decision of euthanasia as she does have coffin bone rotation. But she is much more comfortable after her first trim so we’ll see how she does over the next few weeks!
#donkeyrescue #killpenhorse #cranky #crankypants
***SOS donkey update!!!**
So I have a little rant to go on, since the owner of this donkey got upset I posted a short video of him on my personal page-I didn’t say anything in my post, just did what I often do when I pick up a donkey and posted a video.
We are naming this guy Sherman, and I want to THANK ALL of you who donated and shared the last 24hrs.
This donkey was purchased two weeks ago at a sales barn. The person who bought him didn’t notice his foot until they were home. She posted him for sale on a few fb sales pages. I inquired and was told he was going to be going back to sales barn this weekend if he didn’t sell. He hadn’t been seen by anyone so she didn’t know what was wrong with his foot. He was for sale for $150.
I most certainly understand most people cannot afford extra vet bills. (I don’t not know her reason for getting rid of him), BUT when you purchase, are given or board and take care of an animal YOU are then responsible for that animal- whether the injury/issue/illness happens on your property or not, you are LEGALLY the care giver.
We are a no questions asked shelter. So, if someone reaches out and asks us to help/take in a animal that they cannot care for, or don’t want to care (for whatever the reason) we will do and most certainly try my best to not pass judgement. (This owner did not do that/reach out and ask for help.)
Sherman LIKELY has had his foot this way for a long time. This may or may not be treatable, and we will be doing X-rays on Monday to find out if this is an old injury or a case of club foot /lack of trimming. Whatever it is, even though the gal we purchased him from says otherwise, this IS PAINFUL. Sure he can walk on it, sure he can trot on it, but prey animals (and all animals basically), don’t want to show pain/weakness. Just as this would be painful for a human if we were walking on our ankle, but when we try to make our conscious feel better we tell ourselves things don’t feel pain.
If you
Photos to come!
#savethebraysdonkeyrescue #baby #birth
***Grumpy the auction donkey update!!***
Call from the vet this am said he was not doing well still/not eating. After rushing all day I finally got time to bring Mouse to the hospital so Grumpy could have a buddy and hopefully perk up his spirits. While I’m not sure he’s happy to have company, he was happy to see me and get some treats and try some different hay. Mouse also is not so sure about having to keep Grumpy company so he may end up coming home tomorrow-and now since he’ll have to be in quarantine himself, when Grumpy does come home he’ll be his QT pal😆.
But I do have to say, by the time I left I was feeling so much more hopeful than I had this am.
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE FOR YOUR GOOD VIBES, well wishes and prayers. AND thank you for donating and sharing. If you have not yet donated and are able to, please consider as his hospital bill will be a bit hefty.
PayPal https://www.paypal.me/savethebrays
Venmo @savethebrays
Can mail a check OR call payment right to the hospital @ (763) 441-3797
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Our Story
We are a tax deductible 501(c)3 rescue, focusing only on donkeys.
Donkeys have long been called stubborn and thought of nothing more than beasts of burden. The reality is they are so much more and are increasingly becoming more popular . With the increase in popularity comes increase in population, which sadly follows a increase in unwanted animals, whether the reason be owners not understanding in behaviors, inability to care for,unexpected life event or many other reason's they need a place to land safely or the outcome can be detrimental even leading to being slaughter bound. STBDR is here to try and help as many as we are able, whether it be our help, donors help, the publics’ help and other rescues these wonderful animals deserve happy endings.
I thought I should add a little about myself, the founder here at STBDR. Even as a very young child, I have loved animals. Animals of all kinds, from livestock, companion animals and wildlife. I have taken in and cared for many creatures most have never had the pleasure of ever being near. I grew up with horses, and in the very early 2000’s I acquired my first ever donkey. My next donkey was a very sweet, neglected miniature. From then I fell in love with the Mammoth donkey, started riding donkeys and have never found the desire to have a horse of my own again. In 2007 I started forming the rescue, was very near applying for my 501(c)3 and life took a swing and I found myself in a divorce. The dream of the rescue was put on hold, until a move to our current farm in 2015.
Besides my lifelong background in the animal world, I worked for 6 years as a Veterinary Technician at a mixed animal practice, mostly working with large animals. Onto a few other various jobs, to a Animal Control Officer at a local non-profit animal shelter, then to my current job a a Small Animal Vet Clinic.
Our rescue is run by myself and family. My biggest help coming from one of my 15yr old daughters, Trinity, who also runs the rescues Instagram page. Most of the funds to care for these creatures comes from us, and as we grow, the
wonderful donkey loving community. We look forward to continual growth in helping and demonstrating the wonderful things these long ears have to offer!
