I can't even begin to explain how happy we are that "midge"
is part of our family. He is one fantastic ass!!! So glad that we
did it, he seems pretty happy too.

Martha Lienhart Stock

Hi Ann,
I just wanted to take an over-due moment to tell you how Appleseed and Tumbleweed are doing. They are just the cutest little donkeys!!! They have brought so much joy into my life and into everyone who comes to visit them. They spent the summer at Cody's barn hanging out with her horses and my minis. We finally got our barn built at the garden center in Oct . We brought all four of them over in the beginning of Nov. There was definitely a tear in Cody's eye when she brought them to our place. She so feel in love with them too.

So many families have come to see them and the minis. They really enjoy them being a part of the farm. We would take them all for walks around the field and garden center. They are just the most gentle and loving little creatures. They so love the attention of being groomed and scratched and rubbed. Before this horrible snowy cold winter set in , we took them all back to Cody's for the winter. When the weather changes and we open the garden center they will come back to The Farmer's Daughter.

I thank you again and so admire everything you do. I definitely see another donkey in my future! or two!!!
Thank you,
Sarah Partyka

We are fast approaching the anniversary of Pop E's arrival at our barn.
How very, very lucky we were that he ended up with us. We are wild about
him and his sweet disposition makes him more dear to us daily.

Cath Springer from Long Island, NY

"I tell all my horse friends and others that everyone should have a donkey. You just can't be in a bad mood if you hang out with donkeys. They can brighten the gloomiest day. Having Mags and Hank here has been one of the best things to happen on our little farm."

Warmly - Nancy Rogers

To anyone out there who is interested in adopting donkeys, or anyone who is just obsessed with donkeys and likes to surf these websites, let me tell you you have come to the right place. My story begins about 8 years ago when I started thinking that my life would not be complete until I could love a donkey...dreaming about it was the fun part...convincing my husband was not the fun part...unless you find joy in nagging...and that is why it took me 8 years to finally adopt my sweet boys.

Ann and Judy delivered our boys (who are now Percy and Mecca) and they have been so helpful and supportive through the entire process. Whenever I have a question, they are right there with the answears. They have connected us with lots of resources and have kept us in the donkey loop. They are truly devoted to these animals and to making sure they have a good life. Its wonderful. If you want to do somethng really special this holiday season...adopt a donkey...or two :)

susan arnold

You can look into the deep brown eyes of a donkey and see the sweet and gentle nature of a master teacher. Many have been uprooted from their natural birthplaces only to land in homes where they have been misunderstood. Stubborness is often mistaken for caution. Intelligence is the cornerstone of many of the decisions made by donkeys. They check out every situation fully before forging ahead one step at a time. They are extremely surefooted and so their refusal to move should be a signal to us that something is not right. They give us clear messages with their bodies and their voices. And even though human caretakers sometimes do not listen to these messages, they seek out their company willingly. As soon as they understand what it is you are asking of them they are right there with you. Their braying is their way of asking you to come and say hello, to rub their ears, that it is time for dinner, that they are happy to see you. Oh, those long ears, they can hear sounds that are miles away and the careful observer will learn what messages their movements will convey.

Why rescue a donkey? I can best answer that by asking you to imagine yourself standing under the shade of an overhanging beech tree. All is quiet except for the chirping of birds and the scurrying of squirrels and bees and butterflies in the flowerbeds. You are speaking softly to your companion who has lowered his head tso you can rub his long ears. His eyes are closing. You are sharing a friendship built on trust and respect. You look at your furry companion and realize he may have traveled far to find his forever home with you. Yet he has come thru it all and remained a gentle, peaceful creature. If you look into his eyes he will share many stories. I feel privileged to be on a journey with two very special donkeys.

Sue Kenney

Donkey people are some of the most down-to-earth, nicest people. Thank God for Ann and SYA, helping donkeys in need of homes hook up with people in need of donkey companionship. Donkeys rule!

----Mary Ann and Dennis in Ct

My experience with SYA rescue was wonderful. When I called and spoke with Ann, I told her what I was looking for - a companion for my young Haflinger as I'd just lost my very old gelding and my Haflinger was lonely. Lucky for me, Ann had a mule that would suit my needs. I drove almost 2 hours to see Nate and he was everything Ann said and more. Nate is so sweet, gentle and trusting. After having him home and working with him for a few weeks, I can lead him anywhere, over anything and he'll following right along. After working with Nate, I decided he's so much more than a companion for my Haflinger, he's my companion as well. I now take Nate on weekly hikes and I have plans to order a small pack for him so he can carry my lunch and some treats for himself.

If it weren't for the wonderful people at SYA, I would not have met Nate. The work they do to help all long ears is incredible and my family and I are so grateful that they allowed us to adopt Nate and make him a part of our family.

Warm Regards, Diane C.

My daughter's boyfriend, Kyle, wanted to fulfill her dream of getting a donkey so he contacted Ann at Save Your Ass (love the name!) rescue. Ann was incredibly responsive and helpful in her emails.

The home inspection person who came to my house, Mary Ann was equally responsive and helpful. Kyle and I went up to meet Ann and the donkey we were interested in, Dumpling. What a special place! A cozy house surrounded by animals-my idea of heaven! It was clear how much the donks meant to Ann and how well-cared for and loved they were. We spent an entertaining morning with Ann and her menagerie and got to meet our sweet girl, Dumpling.

Dumpling had a rough start in life, though much is not exactly known about her. She was acquired by Save Your Ass at an auction and was horribly overweight. In the care of Ann, she lost about 50 pounds.Dumpling is a quiet, shy donkey who, as Ann says, does not have a mean bone in her body. We have two horses that she hangs out with. She responds to our daily brushings and treats of carrots and apples. While still shy, I know that with lots of one on one and love and time, she will blossom. Save Your Ass is a wonderful organization and we are so glad to have found Dumpling.

Leslie

We got Edgar (formerly Boraxo) 2 months ago and he is doing really well at our barn. He certainly has bonded with Esperanza and she with him. Recently she has taken an interest in going down to say hi and grooming. Up until this weekend, she sat on his back once. Since the weather was so nice, she wanted to try and ride him. So we brought C. Me (his buddy) and Edgar out, fancied them up, and walked to the top of the hill. Es rode Edgar all the way down to the road and back. He had to make a couple of stops back up the hill, it's slightly steep and he is out of shape. But he was so careful with her!!! I got up on him, my very first donkey ride, and was impressed with the gait and how very careful he was. Sitting to the trot was really easy and smooth!!!!

Yes we ride bareback and no we do not have a bridle YET!

Today Es couldn't wait to get home from school to ride again. We took them out and she worked with him (ground work) and then sat atop him and off they went. At one point she trotted with him and was extremely comfortable. I have to say this is one of the BEST things we have done. Es is a brave little girl and rides but Edgar is giving her confidence and ambition to be a better rider. He knows that she is learning and he responds to her well. We are so happy with our mammoth donk! He is such a love!!!!! Soon she and I will be trail riding together!!!!

Jill

I attended the Whisker Walk in Lancaster on June 7th. I was very impressed and captivated with your rescue. As an aside, I also loved you hats and shirts! When I got home everyone thought they were great!

From Carol K.