A donkey that was abandoned while heavily pregnant and was so nervous around people that she would kick out and would not be caught in the field has found her forever home.
‘Mia’ and another jenny, Molly, were rescued by World Horse Welfare last summer and taken in by its Belwade Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Aboyne, Aberdeenshire. A month later, Mia gave birth to a colt foal named Peanut.
“When Mia first arrived, she was very cautious of people and it took a long time to gain her trust,” said the charity’s groom Jodie.
“To catch Mia and her friend Molly for the vet the first time we had to use special treats and all our powers of persuasion.
“Mia was also very protective of her tummy and hind end and, before she had her foal, she would kick out at anyone who went near either area.”
With time, patience and a carefully planned rehabilitation process, Mia’s relationship with people has transformed.
“Seeing her go from being so apprehensive to enjoying a cuddle and being ready to rehome has been amazing,” added Jodie.
“It’s been a very rewarding journey and I’m so happy that she’s found a loving home.”
Immediate friends
Mia was rehomed in July by Alicia, who had previously adopted through World Horse Welfare, and immediately formed a strong bond with a donkey called Duffy.
“She and Duffy spent five minutes zooming around together when they were first introduced. Then they had a bit of a chat and that was it: best friends immediately,” smiled Alicia.
Duffy had recently lost a companion and Alicia had been giving the donkey some time to mourn before seeking a new mate.
“I hadn’t the heart to rush straight into finding a new donkey, and I knew Duffy needed time to mourn,” she said. “When I felt the time was right, Mia came up for rehoming just a couple of days later.
“I was pleased to do my bit by rehoming again to make space for another animal in need.
“I also knew that Mia would have been fully checked over and that any considerations would be disclosed.”
‘A sweet little donkey’
Jodie warned Alicia that she would probably need food in order to catch Mia in the field — but this wasn’t the case for long.
“After a couple of weeks, she’s very happy to be caught without food,” said Alicia.
“The team at Belwade Farm has done a great job with her, and she’s lovely to handle. She’s a very sweet, gentle little donkey, and she loves a fuss.
“I’m so pleased she and Duffy have bonded so well.”
Anyone interested in rehoming from World Horse Welfare can find out more here.
Main image of Mia and Duffy © World Horse Welfare rehomer Alicia. Inset images © World Horse Welfare
