The Farmette

02/12/2025

On this Giving Tuesday morning, it's giving winter!!! Snow, sleet and now, thankfully, mostly rain.

Thanks you to all of you who support the rescue and sanctuary work of The Farmette by adopting, fostering, volunteering, sponsoring, donating, sharing posts, praying, etc. We are very grateful for your partnership and without it, this work would be impossible.

For those of you looking to donate somewhere this Giving Tuesday, there are many wonderful options because our world has many needs. If you'd like to help with our mission, we would be grateful. Donations can be made through this post or via our PayPal or Venmo. Many thanks!

01/12/2025

Farrier day today -- those are frequent occurrences around here! Frankie (the smaller, brown one) was trimmed first but that didn't stop him from following the farrier from donkey to donkey to keep him company, chew on his stuff and lean on him! We finally had to put friendly Frankie on the other side of a gate because his idea of being helpful isn't quite accurate! How wonderful to have not just one but TWO farriers that our donkeys like.

30/11/2025

Highlights:

A 6 year-old who arrived with her own stuffed donkey toy because she has always loved donkeys (no one knows why) but had never met one in person until donkeys Danny and Greta unforgettably endeared themselves to her.

A couple whose two beloved standard donkeys recently died, one sick and one who passed soon after likely due to a broken heart, who were overjoyed to come across sweet little Danny and Greta who know how to provide comfort donkey-style.

An initially shy 8 year-old who loves animals and discovered the joy of donkeys yesterday, even to the point of shedding some tears when she got her own little stuffed donkey to take home.

An adorable 2 year-old learning to speak who charmed us all with very identifiable versions of "donkey," "hee haw" and even "Merry Christmas".

A senior couple who comes almost every year to this special event, just to encourage and show support for The Farmette.

A woman who drove almost an hour because she just had to meet the donkeys.

Our new friend, Edwin, owner of Taormina's Pizzeria in Dublin, who came with his two kids to visit the donkeys and then returned about 20 minutes later surprising all of us with two, tasty, steaming-hot pizzas!

And the list goes on. We LOVE visiting with all of you and are so grateful for your support of The Farmette and of animal rescue in general. We heard encouraging stories of how many of you are rescuing dogs, cats, chickens, sheep, goats, horses, cows and, of course, donkeys. Thank you! Thank you for being part of the solution. Thank you for loving the previously unwanted. Thank you for valuing animal rescue over any of the other options available.

Thanks again to the Dublin Agway for having us again. We love doing this event with you every year! And thanks to our amazing volunteers who make this possible!

29/11/2025

This!!!

We get asked a lot to post our diet regime for our overweight donkeys and mules. I have been working on a post for a while now, l’m hoping to have it done soon. But I can tell you this right now. GET THEM OFF THE DANG GRASS. Especially if they are minis!

I mean it, they will not starve, they will not form a coup against you. You may be saving their life and preventing them from becoming permanently crippled. Get. Them. OFF. The. Grass.

So many people reach out to us asking how to get their donkeys to loose weight. But refuse to take them off of pasture when that’s the first thing we recommend.

YOU are the one responsible for your donkeys weight. We can present the information to you, it’s your choice whether or not you listen to it.

One of the very first things we do when we get a donkey in whose weight is less than ideal, is use a donkey weight tape on them. This is an excellent way to track their progress or lack there of.

28/11/2025

Danny, Greta, our mascot Hee Haw and even our very own Santa Claus are looking forward to seeing a bunch of you tomorrow morning, Saturday, 11/29, at the Dublin Agway 10:00-12:30! Come do some shopping, support rescue work and have fun all at the same time!

27/11/2025

The donkeys' expression of gratitude to all The Farmette's wonderful sponsors, volunteers and supporters who make this work possible:

"Thanksgiving Day"

Over the river, and through the woods,
To safety and hope "Away!".
Hear our brays call,
"Hee haw" and "hee haw",
Hooray for Thanksgiving Day!

Out of the auction, and off the lot —
Oh, life became so bright!
It was a fresh start
Helping heal our sad hearts
As that freedom ride took flight.

Off of the trailer, in sight of the barn,
With rescuers' help we went;
Their truck knew the way
To avoid delay -
Trailered to new life, content.

Into the paddock, along the fence,
And straight through the barnyard gate.
We donkeys go
Extremely slow,—
Sorry to make you wait!

Under the roof, around the big barn—
A home for our long ears!
Is that a pilgrim?
Where is that bill from?
God bless the volunteers!

Beyond the hay, besides our shavings—
Amazing it is to ponder.
Our needs are all met
A farrier and the vet!
Thankful for all our kind sponsors!

Inside the wheelbarrow, and onto the pile
Rake fast, and don't delay!
We like to eat,
Bring on a treat!
For this is Thanksgiving Day.

Up from our lungs and out of our mouths
Our anthem rings on loud and true!
We offer our thanks
Glad braying -- not blanks!
Happy Thanksgiving to you!

We are sincerely thankful each and every day for all of you who make this work possible. Poet Lydia Maria Child might not recognize this Farmette-style version of her poem but since our donkeys don't get to visit their grandmothers, a few revisions had to be made!

26/11/2025

We had a wonderful Sponsor Visit Day last Saturday. Isn't it obvious how much the donkeys enjoy all the extra attention?! We are so grateful for our sponsors.

If you're looking for a creative and helpful gift idea, what could be more appropriate at Christmastime than something that includes a donkey and rescue?! Sponsoring a full or half donkey combines a fun, monthly experience (sponsors are invited to visit each month) with genuinely helpful support for The Farmette's rescue and sanctuary work. If you're interested, you can find more information on our website about our sponsorship program. There are several wonderful donkeys who are in need of sponsors.

25/11/2025

It's Thanksgiving week but Christmas is right behind it! We're now taking reservations for our annual Christmas at The Farmette celebration and hope that you can join us. It is free and no donations are accepted at this event. It is our gift to you. If you'd like to come, space is limited so make your reservation right away. We would need to know how many people and vehicles will be in your party. Car pooling is appreciated. Please PM or email us at [email protected]

24/11/2025

Beautiful, chilly fall morning this morning. The donkeys know exactly how to soak up whatever sun there is!

22/11/2025

Like donkey Kate, sometimes we’re just sure that we’re missing out and that something is totally unfair but we don’t appreciate the overall situation!

21/11/2025

The donkey-style bedhead look modeled by handsome, but still sleepy, Lucas.

20/11/2025

Bartlett says, “Hee haw! The weekend’s coming!”