"Miniature Donkeys possess the affectionate nature of a Newfoundland, the resignation of a cow, the durability of a mule, the courage of a tiger, and the intellectual capability only slightly inferior to mans." -Mr. Robert Green
Miniature donkeys are without a doubt the most adorable, and cuddly creatures on earth. Gentle and affectionate by nature, miniature donkeys are appropriate companions for children, the handicapped, and older adults. Miniature donkeys are very intelligent and easily trained to pull carts and may be ridden by children under 100 pounds. They may be used for therapy animals to visit nursing homes, and are suitable for parades, Christmas nativity pageants, school visits and children's parties.
Miniature donkeys are native to the Mediterranean islands of Sicily and Sardinia. Miniature Donkeys were first imported in 1929 by Mr. Robert Green, a stockbroker, for his New Jersey estate. Mr. Green kept his donkeys as pets and delighted in driving them in the small carts he had specially made for that use. In 1935, he sold a few of his cherished donkeys to Henry T. Morgan and August Busch, Jr.
In the early 1950s, August Busch, Jr. of St. Louis, Missouri sold a miniature donkey to Daniel and Bea Langfeld as a pet for their daughter who had cerebral palsy. The Langfelds established the Danby Farm in Omaha, Nebraska and were the first professional breeders of miniature donkeys in the United States.
Miniature donkeys are remarkable healthy animals and easy keepers. They can live on pasture grass in the warm months and good quality hay the rest of the year, supplemented with a handful of 10-12% equine pellet feed daily. Donkeys need free access to a mineral salt block and fresh drinking water.
Donkeys like fresh air, but do need shelter from rain, as well as cold weather and summer heat. A three-sided shelter is sufficent. Donkeys don't need a lot of acreage, but do need room to run and play. Donkeys are herd animals and social creatures who make lifetime friends with a donkey buddy or other animal friend. To avoid undue stress and loneliness, donkeys must have a donkey companion.
Donkeys require hoof trimming by a knowledgable farrier every 8-10 weeks, annual vaccinations and wormings every two to three months.
THE DONKEY'S CROSS
"Bring me the colt of a donkey" was the Master's request.
A young donkey was brough to Jesus to carry him into Jerusalem.
A week later Jesus was ordered and crucified.
The little donkey so loved the Lord that he wanted to help him carry the cross.
But alas, he was pushed away.
The sad little donkey waited to say goodbye until nearly everyone had left.
As he turned to leave, the shadow of the corss fell upon his back nd shoulders.
And there it as remained as a tribute to the loyalty and love of the humblest of God's creatures.
Mary Singer
