A Year of Care, Growth & Gratitude
From urgent rescues to joyful reunions — here's what your support made possible in 2025.
A Message from Amber & Edj
Letter from the Founders
Dear Supporters,
2025, our third as Donkey Dreams, was a year full of urgent rescues, long days, late nights, and more donkey needs than we could have ever been prepared for.
Most days, our focus was far from fundraising, newsletters or spreadsheets. It was on feeding, healing, and making sure every donkey was safe before the sun went down. Through it all, our amazing supporters showed up.
Your continued support reminded us that we weren't carrying this work alone.
Because of you, our sanctuary is filled with thriving donkey families, healthy and playful babies, safe and happy mamas, and seniors retiring with the care they deserve. This haven for donkeys does not exist without you.
From the bottom of our hearts, and from every smoochy donkey nose at the sanctuary, thank you for believing in us and our labor of love. We are endlessly grateful to be on this journey with you.
With gratitude,
Edj and Amber
By the Numbers
A Growing Donkey Family
Two entire donkey families were rescued, ensuring they will stay together forever.
Stories That Moved Us
Favorite Highlights of the Year
Photo coming soon
Three New Babies!
Dusk, Celeste & Star
Photo coming soon
Xander Reunited with His Family
Xander's survival was nothing short of a miracle! After being saved from a slaughter auction, we found him a year later at a rescue in Texas. We adopted him and reunited Xander with his girlfriend and his 2 boys who he met for the first time at Donkey Dreams!
Photo coming soon
Moses Reunited with His Mama
Moses & Nelly Belle
Originally at a rescue, Moses was separated from his mother and adopted out. We were able to adopt his mother, Nelly Belle. After some efforts, we found and adopted Moses! Now, they have a permanent forever home together.
Photo coming soon
Gabriel and His "Magic Leg"
Once a stray and alone, Gabriel was found with a severed leg when he was just a few months old. Today, he walks with a prosthetic "magic" leg and is a cherished adopted member of the Brave herd family.
Shelter photo
Infrastructure
Safe Spaces to Rest and Grow
Four new shelters and one expanded shelter were built this year, including:
- A dedicated space for pregnant mamas to safely give birth and nurse newborns
- New enclosures for the Dragon, Angel, and Pegasus herds
- A new area for intake
- A new area for medical care
Personalized Care
Custom Made With Love
14,600
Specially Prepared Meals
Made to meet each donkey's unique dietary needs
7,300
Supplement & Medication Blends
Individualized blends for seniors and special needs donkeys
200+
Bandage Changes for Gabriel
Plus 3 custom-designed prosthetic legs, just for him
Volunteer Spotlight
What It Means to Love Donkeys
“Volunteering at Donkey Dreams has become a meaningful part of my life.”
Donkeys are often misunderstood animals. They are gentle, intelligent and deeply emotional beings. They have different histories and came to the sanctuary for different reasons. Being able to show them consistent kindness feels like giving them back a piece of the dignity they always deserved.
“Every time I walk into the sanctuary, I'm reminded that healing doesn't happen overnight.”
It happens in small, quiet moments — a donkey who once kept their distance finally accepts a head rub or a brushing, or one who used to flinch if you touched them now leaning in for an embrace. Those breakthroughs are powerful. They remind me that patience and compassion can rebuild trust, even after hardship.
“I volunteer because these animals matter. They teach me to slow down, to listen, and to appreciate the simple joy of connection.”
The sanctuary isn't just a place where donkeys recover — it's a place where people do too. Being part of their journey gives me a sense of purpose and a deeper appreciation for the resilience of all living beings.
Keri
Donkey Dreams Volunteer
Because of You
All Made Possible by Your Love
Our Donors & Sponsors
Your support allows us to provide daily care, nutritious food, medical treatment, and safe shelter for every donkey who calls our sanctuary home.
10 Dedicated Volunteers
Your time, hearts, and loving hands support our donkeys every single day.
3,421
Total Hours of Donated Care
Help Us Do It Again in 2026
Every dollar, every visit, every share makes this work possible. Join us in giving more donkeys the life they deserve.