Demitri and Garrison Greeff feed a treat to Cookie the donkey while letting Santa know what they want for Christmas during the Christmas with the Donkeys event held on Dec. 5 at the Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue in Scenic, Arizona. Photo by Teri Nehrenz.
Hordes of Mesquite citizens flocked to Scenic, Arizona on Dec. 5 to spend Christmas with the donkeys at the Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue. Visitors were treated to free hot dogs, chips and home baked goodies. Donkeys were treated to whatever snack items people thought to bring them. From carrots to marshmallows, the donkeys didn’t much care what they ate, as long as it was something good.
The public was treated to a special appearance by the two newest members of the herd, babies Luna and Jethro, who charmed and delighted young and old alike with their furry faces and adorable personalities.
Santa Claus wasn’t about to miss the day with the donkeys and showed up with Cookie by his side to hear all of the requests from the Mesquite kids who were on his nice list and a few of the donkeys who may have earned a spot on his naughty one.
There are several donkeys at the rescue that are available for fostering and adoption. The cost to foster is $30 per month. Fostering a donkey allows you to reap all the benefits of having a donkey without the responsibilities of actually taking care of one. Joan Dunkle and Fred Clark, owners of the PVDR, along with their many volunteers are ready, willing and able to take on the care and housing of the donkeys while your fostering fee provides food and veterinary care. Fostering a donkey enables you to visit and spend quality time with your donkey on a regular basis.
Nehemiah Flatt feeds a cheese puff to one of the donkeys who was eager to take the treat out of his hands and the hands of the many visitors who chose to spend Christmas with the Donkeys at the Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue in Scenic, AZ on Dec. 5. Photo by Teri Nehrenz.
Donkey adoptions cost $100. The adoption fee covers all veterinarian and hoof care prior to adoption. Adopting a donkey is a responsibility not to be taken lightly. Donkeys are highly sociable creatures who don’t like being alone. If you are interested in adopting a donkey, it is suggested that you take a pair for companionship. Homes, of course, will be checked for suitable accommodations prior to adoption. Dunkle would like everyone to know that donkeys are generally heartier and healthier than horses and the vet bills aren’t nearly as expensive.
Christmas with the donkeys was an event that many were glad to attend evidenced by the crowds of enthusiastic spectators around the corral. The donkeys were happy to entertain the crowd with their frolic and play while keeping a close watch on those approaching the fence with goodies for them to gobble out of the hands of delighted guests.
For more information on how you can foster or adopt a donkey contact Fred Clark or Joan Dunkle at the PVDR at www.donkeyrescue.org.
