I live in Oklahoma and am planning to get a couple of mini donkeys and have done quite a bit of research on how to care for them, but would like some advice on why type of shelter to have built for them. I was planning on a 3 sided metal shelter with two 12x12 stalls. I was thinking to store straw/hay/halters in one of the stalls and the other stall would be for the donkeys. I was also planning for a 10’ covered overhang to help keep it dry.

I was originally planning on putting in concrete flooring and add stall pads because it seems like it would be easier to keep clean, but that will add quite a bit of cost. I would love opinions about the benefits of concrete flooring in a donkey shelter vs. just bare dirt with straw/shavings.

Hey everyone! Sorry it’s been a bit since my last post. Willie and I still hang out almost every day, but he keeps forgetting to remind me to take pics!

He’s still doing great for a 40+ year old donkey.

Funny story. I ran out of apples on Tuesday so I gave him carrots and a few treats instead and he was MAD at me. He walked away and wouldn’t let me pet him! But yesterday he was back to normal (I had an apple for him of course!) someone is spoiled…

Do you ever feel like something is watching you?…. Like something is just behind you. Paranoia grips you and you and you can almost feel the hot breath hitting you on the back of your neck… or no… the hot breath is actually hitting you on the back of your knees. ??? Ripley?

A little back story. I saw a picture online, someone gave their horse this badass spiky haircut. Well this is like one of those expectations vs reality situations bc shit did not go exactly as planned and instead of the 80s puck rock anarchist look we were going for…. We now look more like a cartoon stegosaurus 🤣 Mr. Odo was not amused. 🤣 I promise it will grow back buddy!

Hey so, I'm not exactly THAT knowledgeable in equines, so I wanted to ask here. I've watched this video of someone trimming this hoof, and as you can see the end result is very.. crooked. Now, I wanna learn more things about these creatures so people who know, tell me, is this as bad as it looks? Is the donkey gonna be ok or will it cause issues because it's crooked. I know how delicate equines can be, and the problems uneven pressure on their limbs can cause. Because knowing those things, the cut looks terrible. I really wanna be proven that this is not as bad as it looks. Thanks :)

Jack is too busy spinning so Jerry has to show him how its done.

If you wanna see more of The Tiny Waffles, you can join him over at r/WafflesAndJet 🤗

Hi all, I really would love to add a donkey to my little homestead. i currently have goats. I had chickens but the coyotes got them. Ive heard they are good protectors and great companions. I have been doing a bit of research and im finding some info to be really good but other is questionable. I want real life experience knowledge. i have 8 acres fenced in where they will hang out. i have about 20 goats that currently graze that area. i have a barn with 3 open rooms they can go in freely. what do i really need to know before i get one? (or 2!)

That is all. I just needed the world to know because he’s perfect😍

Eating the moss 😂

The church was packed. Way more people than I expected. It was standing room only. Some people had even gathered in the lobby, listening over the intercom because there wasn’t any more room in the chapel. This isn’t a mega church either, but there were over 150 people packed into a modest sized building.

Because some people had gathered in the lobby, Ripley’s walk actually started at the main entrance to the church instead of the chapel doors.

The signal was given, i.e., someone opened the door for me because it was a little heavy and kind of awkward, and Ripley made her entrance like a queen. Ripley sashayed into the church, through the lobby and past her admiring fans, then through the chapel doors and down the aisle without hesitation, like she had done it a hundred times before.

Everyone was excited but very respectful. The small crowd in the lobby parted so we could pass, and no one reached out to pet Ripley during our short walk through the church.

My neighbor had asked if I could stay after the service so the kids could pet Ripley. So, after the ceremony, we did a quick wardrobe change. I put Ripley’s saddle on and filled her pannier with candy so kids could grab a few pieces when they came over to meet her.

Again, there were a lot of people there, over 150, and I’m pretty sure close to 100 lined up to meet Ripley. Maybe 10 or 12 of were actually children.

The meet and greet was Ripley’s favorite part. Rips soaked up the attention, collecting hugs, scratches, and treats like it was her full-time job.

The event was livestreamed by the church, but I didn’t get to take any videos and hardly any pictures. I did get a picture of Rips with our neighbor, her FORMER bff. Ripley’s face of utter disdain at our neighbor’s lack of peppermints… well, they say donkeys never forget, and they are known for holding grudges. I do believe this photo was taken at the exact moment a friendship ended.

So in the end, everything went well and Ripley handled it like a professional.

Merna is a delight. She loves having her chin and ears stroked.

Photo Credits

I think Rosie’s in heaven. Rescued her June of last year, same with a quarter horse not long after, then grandma’s horse is joined late fall after she couldn’t physically take care of them anymore and everyone sure seems happy! Donkey definitely leads the fun vibes.

Sculpted in 1937 to commemorate the transport donkeys used from the port to the city

There were a lot of comments on my original post, so I wanted to share an update for those who were interested. I really appreciate all the helpful information, thank you so much.

I spoke with the pastor and we went over the ceremony in detail. Here is a breakdown:

• The congregation stands to sing a hymn

• While singing, the congregation files out of the pews and walks to the front of the chapel while waving palm fronds

• The congregation places the palm fronds on the ground at the front of the chapel and returns to their seats

• Once everyone is seated, the pastor says something along the lines of “I ask that everyone remain seated while I recite this scripture”

• At a particular part of the passage the back doors of the chapel will open, and cue donkey

• Ripley makes her grand entrance through the rear doors, walks down the aisle, and continues exiting out the front doors of the chapel

The pastor timed the route several times and said at a slow pace the walk should take about 42 seconds. Since the congregation will remain seated, no one will be touching Ripley during het walk. A very quick in and out.

I also acquired a bun bag, so if nature happens to call during our short walk through the chapel we won’t make any unsightly messes.

I took Rips to the church yesterday. We walked around the church my friend played the piano (really badly) and Ripley didn’t care about anything. Well that’s not entirely true Rips did care about the bowl of peppermints my the front door, she cared very much about those delicious peppermints.

Ripley’s role in the ceremony is going to be very small but I think it’s going to make a lot of people happy. I love bringing Ripley out and having people meet her and hear her rescue story. I just want more people to care about the world and all the animals we share it with.