Home Friends and Family Pets Service Animals

The Donkey That Saw Her Through Her Grief

by Megan Troise

When Robin Birdsong met Ronnie the donkey, she knew he was different than all the other animals she had saved. They had both lost a child. Robin knew exactly how Ronnie felt and she was determined to help him heal. See more stories like this in All Creatures magazine.

grid view
slide view

list view
slide view

grid view
list view

Not long after opening the Enchanted Farm Sanctuary in Newberg, Oregon, Robin was contacted by a couple who was worried about their donkey, Ronnie. He didn’t seem to have the will to live after losing his son in an accident. Robin knew his pain and brought him home.

Not long after opening the Enchanted Farm Sanctuary in Newberg, Oregon, Robin was contacted by a couple who was worried about their donkey, Ronnie. He didn’t seem to have the will to live after losing his son in an accident. Robin knew his pain and brought him home.

It took Ronnie several months—and one special bonfire—to warm up to his new home. Eventually, he began eating again and socializing with the other animals.

It took Ronnie several months—and one special bonfire—to warm up to his new home. Eventually, he began eating again and socializing with the other animals.

When Robin saw the shift in Ronnie, she knew she had made the right decision in bringing him to the sanctuary.

When Robin saw the shift in Ronnie, she knew she had made the right decision to bring him to the sanctuary.

Ronnie now spends time with two other donkeys, Merlin and Morrison, at the farm, though Robin says Ronnie is the “head honcho.”

Ronnie now spends time with two other donkeys, Merlin and Morrison, at the farm, though Robin says Ronnie is the “head honcho.”

Ronnie is like a father figure to Merlin and Morrison but that all the animals look to him as their leader.

Ronnie is like a father figure to Merlin and Morrison; the other animals in the sanctuary also look to him as a leader.

Ronnie checks on the other animals every day. He’s not only social but stylish—he likes to wear scarves.

Ronnie checks on the other animals every day. He’s not only social but stylish—he likes to wear scarves.

Providing a safe home for all of the rescues is exactly what Robin’s broken heart needed.

Providing a safe home for all of the rescues is exactly what Robin’s broken heart needed.

Devastated after loss, both Robin and Ronnie needed a place for that love to go. They found that place in the sanctuary.

Devastated after their respective losses, both Robin and Ronnie needed a place for their love to go. They each found that place in the sanctuary.

The two are forever bonded because of their shared tragedy. Through love and time, they were both able to find happiness and purpose again.

The two are forever bonded because of their shared tragedy. Through love and time, they were both able to find happiness and purpose again.

Dillie is best buds with black standard poodle, Willie, pictured here with Melanie’s husband, Steve.

Meet Dillie the Deer

Linda Rae and Trixie

A Dog, a Prisoner, and a Surprising Prayer Partner

Jack, a Miniature Australian Shepherd who serves as a therapy dog for the seniors at Gulf Coast Village

Jack the Comfort Dog Brings Joy to Seniors

Photo credit: Todd Plitt

Meet the Westminster Dog Show’s Dog Concierge

See More Slideshows

Click on a picture to enjoy more inspiring photos and stories.

Tags:

View Comments

Photo credit: Todd Plitt

Meet the Westminster Dog Show’s Dog Concierge

She was excited about retirement--until she'd actually retired. It took an Australian shepherd puppy named Kelly to point her toward a new path.

She Found the Unretirement Job She Was Perfectly Suited to: Dog-Sitting

7 Tips Before You Adopt a Shelter Dog

Nina Roedeler has helped Friends with Four Paws grow to transporting 30 dogs each month. She doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon.

She Helps Rescue Dogs from Oklahoma Find Homes in New York City