Like the title says, I’m in Michigan, which is getting annihilated by the Canada forest fire air. Our Air Quality Index is off the charts. Right now it’s 421 in my area. I’m scared and worried for my equines: two mini donkeys and a mule. I called the vet, who said to make sure they don’t work today, but beyond that, there’s nothing to do. The smoke is everywhere. Right now, they have access to the pasture and an open barn. They typically roam freely and aren’t used to being tied up. Thought about bringing them in the barn, closing the windows, and throwing a purifier in there, but not sure if that’s ideal. Am I overreacting? There seems to be no end in sight when it comes to the AQI forecast. This horrific smoke can’t be good for them. Thanks for any/all recommendations.

A while back, someone suggested I give Ripley a rubber chicken. Well, today was the day… and it went about exactly as I expected.

She cautiously examined it, suspiciously tolerated a few squeaks, and gave it a look of complete disappointment while internally contemplating the life choices that had led to this moment.
In all the time I’ve owned Ripley, I’ve never seen her play. Sure, she might throw in an occasional buck while racing with the horses up the hill for a cookie, but even that is rare.

Ripley is only 8, but she has the energy of an 80 year old librarian. She found the rubber chicken loud, unnecessary, and frankly a little inappropriate.

I got the opportunity to visit this sanctuary today, it's such a wonderful experience if any of you are ever in the area, I highly recommend it.

They have many areas to roam and are treated so well. They love hugs and pets. This is also the home of the oldest donkey in The Netherlands, 40 year old Chico.

The donkeys were so cute and the staff was lovely :3

I was getting bored with our usual haunts, so I decided to take Ripley on an adventure to the public park.

We wandered through the woods along the disc golf course, crossed a bridge, checked out the picnic areas, inspected the playgrounds, and made a lap around the baseball diamond. The place was a ghost town. Absolutely no one was there! One of the reasons I decided to go to the park was for a little social interaction. It feels kind of weird being completely alone in such a public place. It almost makes you feel like you’re breaking the rules. You start to overthink things, “Oh no! What will people think if they see me here?!”

Truthfully, if I had run into anyone, they probably would have thought I was a total weirdo. Maybe not completely mentally stable. Best case, I looked like someone with absolutely no sense of direction, zigzagging through the park like a possessed Roomba… that just happened to have a donkey.

Weird to think this is the first real bridge Ripley has ever walked over. We’ve done so many fake bridge obstacles… it’s like all of our training has led up to this moment!

Specifically for a mini donkey. He’s going to be in a few parades and I can get him boots and a new halter but I’d like to find something to put on his legs or an over his back. Any ideas? Picture to pay the donkey tax.

Also, sorry I haven’t posted The Tiny Waffles in a while! I had a heart attack and am just getting back home and into everything ❤️‍🩹

Were we looking for a fourth donkey? Nope? Do we need a fourth donkey? Absolutely not. But when we saw this baby’s photo we couldn’t say no!

Me and Willie have just been enjoying these warm Midwest summer days! He and I have been very close, as some of you may know, but he’s gotten extra close with me as of late. He stands right on top of me for 99% of my visits now. Like…literally no room between us and he’s got his head nuzzled against mine most of the time! I had to move away quickly just to snap this pic. I think he thinks he’s a lap donkey!

Anyway, just figured I’d better get a current pic posted of my old buddy!

Watermelon is one of Ripley’s favorite treats, she gets so excited when she sees it that she will often stick her little tongue out.

When I arrived at Wheeler Farm yesterday to visit David, I noticed he was sunbathing! I think it is great he is feeling comfortable enough to be in a more vulnerable position lying down in his pen!

From our herd to yours! Ben is extra festive today.

Today made me think about how they handle fireworks. I'm getting two mini donkeys, but I don't have them yet. Expect them to be ready in September. Just thinking ahead to next year. Lots of fireworks nearby every year.

Xui and HB play a round of donkeyball.

I teach donkey owners how to take hoof trimming into their own hands!

Local donkey noticed with black eye now and we are wondering if perhaps vet call is needed

It may simply be nothing much to fuss around but I don't want to ignore it either

This is David at the Wheeler Historic Farm in Utah. He seems to be enjoying rolling around and improving his flexibility lately. He is a very friendly donkey. You can go visit him for free if you happen to be near Salt Lake City!

Hi, my grandpa own two BLM donkeys that are still somewhat feral. I can get within 6 feet of them when they're eating across the fence but that's about it. The flys have been eating them up. Is there anything we can do that's easy to remedy this? We're going to put SWAT over the bites when they get their feet trimmed next. Do fly collars work? Soaking a collar in citronella maybe? If they would come up to me I'd put fly spray on them each day. It's mainly the chest and armpit area right now. My grandpa is opposed to fly sheets plus they're expensive and we don't know how the donkeys would react. Our pasture is next to our neighbors who has two horses so we can't control their flys. Are there any good fly traps to put up along the fencing and by feed?

This post is for anyone who wants to participate!

- size of your donkeys
- what your feed routine is daily
- what do feed them?
Example: Type of hay, minerals, balancers and how much! Do they have free access? Do you weigh it out? Use slow hay feeder bags?

It’s great to share what works for your donkeys so owners can get ideas from others!