A quarterly publication from Anythink Libraries Archive • Subscribe Digital edition • View magazine edition

Burro buddies

A look at the residents of the Longhopes Donkey Shelter

In 1998, Kathy Dean went looking for donkeys to keep at her home on the Eastern Plains. While searching, she became aware of a problem: Dean knew there had to be unwanted donkeys that needed homes, but she wasn’t able to locate them. She found that neglected donkeys were often sold to be slaughtered instead of rehomed. When she was unable to find a rescue shelter that could take in these creatures and rehabilitate them for future owners, she decided to start her own. In 2000, the Longhopes Donkey Shelter was established in Bennett, Colo., with a mission of improving the welfare of donkeys through rehabilitation, rehoming and sanctuary for those that would otherwise be at risk of abuse or neglect. Since then, Longhopes has rescued over 1,000 donkeys, placing more than 930 in adoptive homes.

At the core of Longhopes are volunteers who take on opportunities to provide everything from cleaning, feeding, petting and training the donkeys to office work, tours and fundraising.

Learn more about Longhopes Donkey Shelter – and how you can be a burro buddy – at longhopes.org.

Calling all animal lovers

Consider giving back to the community of animal rescues and shelters by volunteering your time at one of these nearby non-profits: 

Send your questions or feedback to ithink@anythinklibraries.org or post in the comments below.