Castanho (Brownie)
Castanho was a young part-bred Miranda donkey, bought by the Association to assist in the activities with children. He was a shy, but very affectionate animal, very friendly towards other donkeys.
His departure was sudden and unexpected, victim of a twisted gut. When he was found, he was surrounded by his mates, who were watching over him until our arrival.
We were shocked at his loss; Castanho was only a 3 years old youngster, very healthy and robust.
Farewell little boy…
Magia (Magic)
Magia was an extraordinary animal, who, despite his short stay with us, left us missing him so much.
He was an aged donkey, handed to us, as his owner was in hospital and no longer able to keep him. Coming to the Shelter was his only life line, or else he'd be sent to the knackers.
We met an under nourished donkey, showing extensive skin lesions caused by fungal infection and parasites and he also suffered from cataracts, due to his age.
This chirpy, lively and good-humored donkey touched us with his magic. Soon his presence would outstand, as an old gentleman who loved to live.
But on a fatal day, Magic had an accident. Despite all the efforts and all the veterinary care for weeks, he gave up. Even though, it seemed as if Magic had waited for us to say goodbye; we found him lifeless out in the field, his body still warm, with Rosa for company…
Sadly, when his body was removed, Rosa, his special friend, followed the tractor up to the gate of the premises, clearly paying tribute to Magia.
Magia's departure left us mourning and with a sense of emptyness around us. See you one day, beautiful donkey!
The blue donkey in all our tiles and mugs was inspired in Magia.
Rinza
Rinza's stay amongst us was short lived. This jenny, also part of the group of animals bought from the meat mrchant in August, died suddenly, with no apparent reason other than a cold. Such tragic loss came as a shock, and we still feel bitter about the circumstances surrounding such event to this day.
