PERCY AND GILBERT

In the evenings, after work, I often go to the Forgotten Animal Sanctuary here at the donkey rescue. Abused and neglected animals or those that were discarded, when no longer useful, have all found a home here. Old donkeys and donkeys with medical problems also live at the sanctuary. Before I came to work here, I knew very little about donkeys. I thought they were cute, perhaps, but I had no idea what wonderful personalities they have. I have now learned that donkeys are loyal and courageous animals. I have watched them and know that they have big hearts and a huge capacity to bond and care for each other.

Percy and Gilbert are two old burros who have truly touched my heart. They are wild burros that came from different herds and bonded here at the sanctuary.

Percy and Gilbert look old and tired now. But they are friends, such close friends, and I wonder how this bond came about? Percy looks like an old warrior donkey. He must have been a fighting burro in his younger days, I think, looking at him. He has many battle scars and hardly any ears left. And he is blind. What happened, I wonder. Were you attacked? I know now that wild burros can successfully fight off and kill even a mountain lion. Is that what happened or were you really fierce? Did you love your life of battles and jennies and roaming the wide open expanse of the desert? When you stand there so quietly, do you think of those days?

And Gilbert, where did you come from? How come you and Percy became such good friends? You have such a kind face and you don’t look like a fighting donkey. You truly care about Percy, don’t you? I watch how you walk close by him and hardly ever leave his side. I notice that when it’s dinner time, Percy comes with you, and you make sure there is enough room for him, so he can eat his dinner. Then you spend so much time, just standing together. To have you in his life must mean so much to Percy, I think. Watching the two of you and this deep friendship, I realize that there is so much more to donkeys than most people will ever have the privilege of knowing.

As I sense the bond between these two old burros, standing together at sunset, I know I’m part of something special and I love the peace of this moment and of this place.