‘This is true love’: Lonely donkey finds his match

A miniature donkey at an Erin, Ont. farm was looking for love – and found it! CTV’s Alexandra Holyk tells us what’s next for Hank and Buttecup.

You may not find his story in ‘a kissing book’, but a miniature donkey in Erin, Ont. has finally found his match.

Hank, a seven-year-old jack, lives at Erin Hill Acres, a family-owned tourism farm.

He was surrounded by picturesque views, had a best friend in his handler Tyler Garrard and was living out his days in comfort. But something was missing.

Over the summer, the farm launched a search for Hank’s perfect romantic match. Eligible equines reached out to the barnyard bachelor, hoping to be chosen, but in the end, Hank’s heart could only be captured by one special someone.

Buttercup.

The seven-year-old jenny arrived at Erin Hill Acres on Monday.

“Day-by-day she’s snuggling in and she’s going to be fantastic,” Garrard said.

The competition had been steep.

“We got inquiries basically [from] across Canada, if not globally – some into the states and some across the pond,” Gerrard said.

It turns out, Hank didn’t have to go far to find his ladylove. His sweetheart is from Sinopoli Farm, which is approximately a 12 minute drive away.

“One of my girlfriends actually texted me and said, ‘Have you seen this donkey on the TV looking for love?’” Wendy Sinopoli, owner and operator of Sinopoli Farm, said. “She sent it over to me and everything started from there.”

Sinopoli Farm is currently in the process of downsizing and Sinopoli thought Erin Hill Acres would be the perfect place for Buttercup. But there was one condition: her best friend, a miniature pony named Scout, had to go with her.

Now, the donkeys are taking their time to get to know each other.

“We’re easing them in a little bit. We have them in similar pastures,” Garrad explained.

“We’re still in the courting phase of the relationship.”

But just like The Princess Bride says, “This is true love. Do you think this happens every day?”

Erin Hill Acres said a wedding is on the way, but for now, Hank and Buttercup are taking things one hoof at a time.