The forested trails of the Comox Valley is one of the last places you would expect to see a donkey or a mule.
But thanks to one local woman it’s becoming a common sight.
“They’re a lot less work I think than they used to be because they were not at all used to being handled or walked or [having] halters on,” said donkey rescue volunteer Alice Grange.
Volunteers dedicate their time to walking the four donkeys and a mule - all rescues, which until recently were not socialized.
“They would run to the far end of the paddock and take some catching actually, so it’s been very gratifying to over the months earn the trust of these beautiful and intelligent creatures,” said volunteer Michael Nutland.
Dev Devaki began rescuing donkeys from auctions several years ago.
The five animals currently under Devaki’s care were moved to the Comox Valley from Shuswap, where they were part of a donkey rescue organization.
Over the past nine months the four-legged friends have been adjusting to the Island life.
“I feel like I’m developing a relationship with Pedro. He’s the oldest donkey in the group,” said Jessie Levene, one of the newer volunteers. He’s 30-years-old, he’s lovely, he’s incredibly docile.”
While the equines are content and doing well, Devaki says she needs assistance for things like hay and other expenses.
She has set up a GoFundMe page where she outlines all the costs associated with caring for the animals.
“They have to have all their feet done every two months and that’s $225 every two months,” Devaki said. “Then there’s the odd vet bill thrown in and I’m a pensioner now so it’s getting to be a struggle to make ends meet.”
The animal rescuer vows to keep her efforts going because the happiness they bring her makes the work worthwhile.
With a report from CTV Vancouver Island’s Gord Kurbis
