Saturday, April 23, 2016

Volunteer Days at SASHA Farm Sanctuary

Before I regale you with the story of my new adventure (away from my four hooligans) I wish to thank each of you who responded to my last post.  Thank you for your support.  When I say it touches me, you can believe it.

And now for the adventure.
I don't recall exactly how I came to know SASHA Farm, but friend, Bev, and I visited on a couple of occasions during open houses and I felt the magnetic pull on my gut.   There you can see cows, hogs, horses, donkeys, pot-bellied pigs, goats, sheep, chickens, roosters, emus, geese, turkeys, dogs, cats. ( Gosh, hope I haven't left anyone out.)

They have all been rescued.

Some from slaughterhouses, some from negligent homes, some from fighting situations.

I had assisted SASHA financially, but knew I had to do more.  Problem is, it's a 90-minute drive. One way.  I pondered my commitment to this endeavor for quite a while before signing up for a training session.  And I approached friend Bev to come with (two people making the drive is so much more fun).  She had to consider too, but jumped on board.  As it stands now, we both visit SASHA on a bi-weekly basis and our primary job is watering everyone.  We're becoming more efficient with each visit, but it still takes us almost three hours.

I offer these photos so you can see us in action and meet some of the honored residents.

    


Bev waters Johnny Cash.  He is one of her favorites.












Pig heaven with the pot-bellies










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Any treats?













Me and Bhima (sp?)

















You wouldn't believe how hard it is too step over an emu in a confined space














More photos of more residents to come (it's hard to remember to take pictures as you're doing chores.)

Saturday, April 16, 2016

Donkey Blogging Doesn't Warrant Criticism

I drafted this blog post two weeks ago in an emotional response to the last post.  But I didn't publish it.  Although my anger has cooled, I believe every point is true.

Many many years ago I commented to a friend that I had never met a bunch of (highly) opinionated people as I had with horse folks.  Boy, did I get that right.

I have been lambasted/villified on a Linked In horse forum for daring to utter my opinion on vaccines, I have been criticized on a FB donkey group for describing a feeding regime I use with my donks.  Fellow donkey blogger, Kris, said, "Therein lies the problem with FaceBook, too many opinions based on not enough data." And now I have been criticized on my own blog.  Not really constructive criticism, just criticism.  Balderdash.

I think I can synthesize the point of this blog as this:
* offer non-donkey owners a glimpse into the lives of my four to enjoy their day-to-day routines and exploits
* share info with fellow donkey owning readers
* provide an avenue for my writing enjoyment

Criticism doesn't fall into any of those categories.  Suggestions, yes.

I think I need to rethink this whole blogging business.


Saturday, April 2, 2016

Out With the Oats, In With the Beet Pulp

Little Alice (she's actually bigger than the other hyenas but because she's older and skinnier I call her "little") was on a little serving of whole oats as per the vet's instructions, but after a suggestion by fellow donkey blogger Kris, and some reading, I've converted to beet pulp.  To add some poundage to the girl.

"It has approximately the same food value as oats, but without as much starch and sugar content."

What I've purchased does not contain molasses and is shredded.  It needs to be soaked prior to serving.

This shot was taken  prior to adding water.


A little difficult to discern, but after hydration it plumps up and is a darker brown.  I like to over-saturate it.  After feeding dogs in the morning, I add some hot water to the bowl of pulp, let it sit for just a few minutes while I tend to other morning duties, and add a little more water.  I probably soak it longer than is needed, but I want to make sure it's fully plumped before hitting Alice's belly.

Recently I've added just a wee bit of the oats to the mix -- I figure it's like adding some nuts to your oatmeal -- a nice little crunch. And some needed calories.

The little girl gobbles it up and leaves no residue in the bowl.

Thumbs up.