A Double Donkey Adoption to Warm Your Day
The following is from All About Equine Animal Rescue:
Each December, we pause to look back at the moments that defined our year: the horses who came into our care, the ones who found their families, and the milestones that shaped our journey.
All month long, we’ll continue sharing a daily story from 2025: arrivals, adoptions, special victories (including a few furry, tail-wagging ones), and the incredible people who showed up again and again. These stories celebrate what we’ve done together, because none of it happens without you.
At the heart of every update is the same truth: second chances are the greatest gift we can give.
Today’s story follows two donkeys who came to AAE on different paths, but ultimately found one beautiful new beginning together.
LAINEY
Lainey first arrived at AAE in October 2022 after her owner, navigating a difficult divorce, left her in the care of friends. They did their best, but they quickly realized they needed more help than they could provide.
When Lainey stepped off the trailer at AAE, it was clear she had gone far too long without proper hoof, dental, and basic care. She was overweight, uncomfortable, and sporting a round belly that raised questions. After a full evaluation, we learned she had been spayed and had developed abdominal hernias along her incision, adding to the unique shape of her midsection.
Despite everything, Lainey was gentle from the start. She loved people, soaked up attention, and charmed everyone who met her. After receiving all the care she needed, she was adopted in July 2023 and found a wonderful home with a senior donkey companion.
Sadly, when her ol’ pasture-mate passed away, Lainey’s adopter was heartbroken, both for herself and for Lainey. Knowing she couldn’t take on another donkey, she made the loving, selfless choice to return Lainey to AAE so we could find her a future filled with companionship. Lainey came back in spring 2025, got her routine updates, and before long, she had a new friend waiting to meet her: Lillie Mae.
LILLIE MAE
Lillie Mae’s journey to AAE began when she was seen at auction with severely overgrown and upright hooves, so painful-looking that her rescuers immediately stepped in so she wouldn’t fall into unsafe hands. With support from their donors, she made her way to AAE for the care she desperately needed.
Once she arrived, Lillie Mae went through quarantine and a full intake evaluation. Her hooves told the story of long-term neglect. The overgrown frog had split andcurled up behind her heel bulbs, and every step must have hurt. She wasn’t keen on having her feet handled, but we knew her comfort depended on earning her trust. After her first trim, the relief on her face was unmistakable. Radiographs later confirmed clubbed hooves and contracted tendons, but thankfully no laminitis or founder.
Lillie Mae also received dental care, vaccines, deworming, and a microchip, plus a steady dose of kindness, which she responded to quickly. Though timid at first, she blossomed with patient handling. She greeted volunteers with enthusiastic brays (most likely with the hope of snacks), learned to lead, accepted attention, and revealed her bright, quirky little personality. She was spirited, stubborn when unsure, and absolutely adored. She’s a classic donkey through and through.
When Lainey returned to AAE, she and Lillie Mae were introduced, and it didn’t take long before the two donkeys settled into a comfortable, easy friendship. They grazed together, explored their pastures together, and seemed to find steady company in one another.
So when the right adopters came along looking for one donkey, they agreed to open their hearts and home to two, and it felt like the stars aligned!
Lainey and Lillie Mae were adopted together, and now they spend their days side by side with a horse friend in a home filled with love, attention, and people who adore them just as much as we do.
