Roki and Josiah:
ROKI
Roki is about 26 years old and was relinquished in early 2008 when his owner had to return to Scotland for work and could not take Roki with her.
Roki was in excellent condition though he does suffer with kidney infections.
When he first arrived we understood him to be only about 10 years old and were puzzled that he preferred the company of the “golden oldies” to the younger group. A later examination of his teeth told us his real age!
He is nervous with some men but usually friendly towards women. Although inherently shy, since being with the other donkeys he has quickly realised that if he doesn't push his way in, he misses out on the carrots! Increasingly the tummy wins! Happily for us Roki loads and travels well so his calendar is booked for many a public appearance like our “Crazy” walk!
JOSIAH
3 year old Josiah was relinquished to us by the family when his elderly owner died. He had several, prominent and bleeding sarcoids (angleberries) hanging off his sheath and around that area. These are usually pre-cancerous growths which, in some cases can be removed, though they have a profilic tendency to recur.
Our own vet advised sending Josiah to The Donkey Sanctuary in Liscarroll, Co. Cork, where they have hospital facilities and specialise in donkey surgery. We sent Josiah with a donation of €750 and a promise to fundraise further if he could be helped. Unfortunately during the operation the vet found Josiah had 14 other internal sarcoids and had no option but to put him to sleep.
Would it have been a happier story had someone acted sooner? We can’t be sure but it is probable. Had the first small sarcoid been removed early there was certainly a better chance that others would not have seeded into the area.
