We often get calls with requests for help from all over the country. We always try to respond to the best of our abilities and reach out a helping hand to any donkey in need.

However, sometimes seeing is not believing. We are directed to a listing on a social media site that advertises a donkey as if it were a used car for sale. The first impulse is to laugh – that’s how incredulous we feel. The whole thing seems like a bad joke. But then our hearts sink at this example of utterly callous treatment of another living being.

Thankfully, it also seems that for any heartless person out there, another sympathetic, kind-hearted one is ready to step in. We were directed to the listing by a call from a lady who had come across it and was appalled. She bought the donkey and reaches out to ask if we could take it in. We are at full capacity but we could never say no.

It is an old, female donkey, over 30 years old, despite the listing advertising it as a young animal. We give her the name Karry because she comes from the village of Karlukovo. Karry doesn’t look good at all – she is undernourished and anxious.

The first week makes us very concerned that we might have won the battle but will lose the war. Whether it’s because of the stress of all the change, or whatever treatment Karry had received prior to coming to us, or just because she is too old, it’s a rough start for the donkey. She is depressed and lethargic. One of the surest signs is that she doesn’t have any appetite. We make sure she gets some activity and she is warm and fed.

Step by step, we get her back on her feet. We give her treats, add some nourishing IV and vitamins, and we also treat her gently.

Karry gradually starts seeking out food and ventures further and further out to explore. She is out of the woods after a few weeks and she has found new friends and new, happy life in the Valley.