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The Donkey That Saw Her Through Her Grief

When Robin Birdsong met Ronnie the donkey, she knew he was different than all the other animals she had saved. They had both lost a child. Robin knew exactly how Ronnie felt and she was determined to help him heal.

When Robin Birdsong met Ronnie the donkey, she knew he was different than all the other animals she had saved. They had both lost a child. Robin knew exactly how Ronnie felt and she was determined to help him heal. See more stories like this in All Creatures magazine. 

Not long after opening the Enchanted Farm Sanctuary in Newberg, Oregon, Robin was contacted by a couple who was worried about their donkey, Ronnie. He didn’t seem to have the will to live after losing his son in an accident. Robin knew his pain and brought him home.
Credit: Randy Boverman email: randy@ran

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Not long after opening the Enchanted Farm Sanctuary in Newberg, Oregon, Robin was contacted by a couple who was worried about their donkey, Ronnie. He didn’t seem to have the will to live after losing his son in an accident. Robin knew his pain and brought him home.


It took Ronnie several months—and one special bonfire—to warm up to his new home. Eventually, he began eating again and socializing with the other animals.
Credit: Randy Boverman email: randy@ran

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It took Ronnie several months—and one special bonfire—to warm up to his new home. Eventually, he began eating again and socializing with the other animals.

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When Robin saw the shift in Ronnie, she knew she had made the right decision in bringing him to the sanctuary.
Credit: Randy Boverman email: randy@ran

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When Robin saw the shift in Ronnie, she knew she had made the right decision to bring him to the sanctuary.


Ronnie now spends time with two other donkeys, Merlin and Morrison, at the farm, though Robin says Ronnie is the “head honcho.”
Credit: Randy Boverman email: randy@ran

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Ronnie now spends time with two other donkeys, Merlin and Morrison, at the farm, though Robin says Ronnie is the “head honcho.”


Ronnie is like a father figure to Merlin and Morrison but that all the animals look to him as their leader.
Credit: Randy Boverman email: randy@ran

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Ronnie is like a father figure to Merlin and Morrison; the other animals in the sanctuary also look to him as a leader.

Ronnie checks on the other animals every day. He’s not only social but stylish—he likes to wear scarves.
Credit: Randy Boverman email: randy@ran

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Ronnie checks on the other animals every day. He’s not only social but stylish—he likes to wear scarves.

Providing a safe home for all of the rescues is exactly what Robin’s broken heart needed.
Credit: Randy Boverman email: randy@ran

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Providing a safe home for all of the rescues is exactly what Robin’s broken heart needed.

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Devastated after loss, both Robin and Ronnie needed a place for that love to go. They found that place in the sanctuary.
Credit: Randy Boverman email: randy@ran

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Devastated after their respective losses, both Robin and Ronnie needed a place for their love to go. They each found that place in the sanctuary.


The Donkey That Saw Her Through Her Grief
Credit: Randy Boverman email: randy@ran

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The two are forever bonded because of their shared tragedy. Through love and time, they were both able to find happiness and purpose again.

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