Flynn takes a stroll in the garden in front of the Top House.
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Newsletter No. 13 - Spring 1999 With the farming crisis an undeniable reality this surely has been a winter of discontent. If the farmers have suffered, in many cases their stock has suffered more as many hundreds of cattle, sheep, goats and horses have died from a combination of starvation and abysmal conditions. Were it not for the extreme wet weather the donkey, with his economical feeding habits, might have fared better. The increase in our field work calls shows clearly that this has not been the case and we have been confronted with some sorry scenes mostly resulting from a complete lack of shelter combined with negligible foot care. Some, happily, had positive outcomes. Yet for all the winter's hardships the Sanctuary has been the recipient of some extraordinary generosities, particularly from people who have moved abroad. Here we thank Frauke and Simon for the gift of RSJ's for building a lean-to shed, haynets and headcollars; Hilde and Fritz for baby trees for planting and a huge quantity of timber for burning - gold in a year that was too wet to save the usual turf supply; and Linda and Tim who donated, amongst otherthings, a brand new water tank, hay nets, fencing materials, garden shears and a nine foot gate. Their generosity also extended to neighbours with farming equipment and to the Sligo SPCA with good quality jumble sale items. The Sanctuary extends heartfelt thanks for all these items and to the many faithful and wonderful supporters who, sometimes very generously, kept the cash flowing for hay, straw, haylage, concentrates, farrier's fees, travelling expenses and day to day running costs, to say nothing of fundraising efforts, gifts of items for sales of work and help with selling Christmas cards. Penny Liszt deserves a special mention for the gift of an exquisite hand made American style patchwork quilt which will be raffled at some future date in conjunction with the Sligo SPCA. Our thanks also go to David and Rebecca Lillie for the continued and unstinting use of their horse trailer, to the neighbours and friends who pitched in with practical help, and to Eleanor, Helen and Martin who combined efforts to give a much needed "away break". Once again thanks also go to Martin for formatting this newsletter. Sale of Work Two craft fairs in December, run jointly with the Sligo SPCA raised over two hundred pounds for each charity, mostly from the sale of exquisitely dressed dolls and hand knitted soft toys made and donated by Gwen Pearce, beautiful hand crocheted rugs made and donated by Joy Payne and jewellery, made and donated by Diana Jones.The standard of work was high and obviously appreciated by the buyers, many of whom complimented the ladies on their handiwork.
Flynn shuffles through the front garden. New Arrival - Flynn Before Christmas we received a call from someone who needed to find a home for "an elderly donkey with very bad feet". The donkey had been dumped on this person and kept until referral to us. Unfortunately, no mention had been made of the donkey's front legs which were bent out to the side as in a case of severe rickets. The journey home took its toll and Flynn arrived so exhausted it was many weeks before he recovered sufficiently to to get up from a lying position unaided. It is possible that this was his normal condition and not as a result of the journey: we do not know. The first month meant several nightly checks as he had to be helped to his feet every two or three hours around the clock to avoid pressure sores. It was like having a new baby in the house! X-rays showed an inch of extra bone had built up on the inside of the front knee joints, though the outside of the joints appeared normal. As our vet concluded he was not in pain, Flynn was encouraged to make a life for himself again and with the help of herbal and homeopathic remedies and MSM he gradually improved. As a precaution against him hurting himself the walls of his stable are lined with old mattresses and foam rubber, mostly donated by sympathisers. He has now perfected the art of hopping up from lying on his left side, and we have perfected the art of aiding him from his right side! Except in very bad weather he takes his constitutional in the garden, happily munching his way through all the treasured plants and shrubs, sunning himself on the grass and generally enjoying a gentle life. As he is obviously not able to cope with the ebullience of the younger and stronger donkeys, it seemed all that was missing was a companion. Late in February Meggie answered that call. |
Enquiries to: Sue Paling, Sathya Sai Sanctuary Trust for Nature, Cloghogue Lower, Castlebaldwin, Co Sligo, Ireland. Frontpage | All the donkeys | Spring 1994 | Autumn 1994 | Spring 1995 | Autumn 1995 | Autumn 1996 | Spring 1997 | Autumn 1997 | Spring 1998 | Autumn 1998 | Spring 1999 | Autumn 1999 | Spring 2000 | Autumn 2000 | Spring 2001 | Autumn 2001 | Spring 2002 | Autumn 2002 | Adopt a Donkey | Donkey Links | E mail
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