Actually, yesterday was the Day of the Donkeys. Today we are spending our last day in Tucson- a rainy and chilly Easter Sunday- preparing for the trip back to New England beginning tomorrow.

But back to the donkeys.

Not long ago, while researching wild burros in Arizona on the InnerWebs, I chanced upon the Forever Home Donkey Rescue & Sanctuary webpage. There I learned about the story of Tish & her husband John that started almost 30 years ago with a single donkey, and has now grown into a sanctuary for about 30 animals. Most are donkeys, or burros, but there are mules in residence as well, including a suspected hinny. Yes, that’s a research project if you have the interest.

I’m not going to recap the entire story of the Forever Home, as their website tells the story much better than I could. Please check it out. After I read through the website, I took them up on their offer of a tour to learn more about the Sanctuary and to meet the residents.

Wife, Son and I scheduled our visit for last Saturday morning. The Forever Home is located in Benson, about an hour and a half from Tucson. We arrived a little early, and met Tish at the small building that serves as the office. After introductions, Tish armed herself with a bucket of animal crackers, and took us to meet the donkeys.

Tish told us the stories of each of the donkeys and mules that we met, and some of their histories were beyond sad. Most of their stories, in fact. Maltreatment, neglect and medical issues everywhere.

But once these wonderful animals found their way to the Forever Home, the bad old days were a thing of the past. Tish, John and the volunteers provide a safe and secure environment for the burros and mules to heal and enjoy the rest of their days. My impression from those residents I met is they are now having their best lives.

All of the donkeys we met that Saturday were very obviously individuals. Some had little acts that they used to garner the treats, and when taking them only used their lips. Not one nipped any of us with their teeth. Some (most) of the residents were talkative, while a few were quiet.

They all enjoyed animal crackers!

Here are a few photos from our visit:

Visiting the Forever Home Donkey Rescue & Sanctuary was one of my favorite excursions during our winter in Arizona; perhaps the most favorite. I do know that when we return next year one of the first stops will be checking in on Chia, Jasper, Muchacho and  the rest of the crew.

I encourage you to make the trip to visit these remarkable creatures if you have the opportunity, and support the efforts of Tish, John & the volunteers if you can. This is one of those organizations doing all the right things, and it shows. Aside from their website, here’s a link to an article that recently appeared in a Tucson magazine– it adds to the fantastic story.

This’ll be the last dispatch from Arizona. I posted a video of the last trail hike last week, and here it is. Thanks for stopping by!