Hope never dies

It is with a heavy heart that from El Refugio del Burrito we have to communicate to all supporters and visitors that Hope, one of our most beloved donkeys passed away last Saturday 21st August 2010 after losing her battle to severe liver problems aged 30.

We can say without a doubt she was the most popular out of all our donkeys, being one of the most terrible cases of cruelty we have had to face over these years, and one of the most gentle donkeys we’ve ever had.

Originally named Makedonia, she arrived here in 2003 after being brutally attacked by teenagers in Greece, where she came from. They trespassed into her field, cut off her ears with a knife and ripped off her back with the blade of a shovel. A local vet did the urgent treatments for such terrible wounds until a Donkey Sanctuary team came to the rescue. Back then, El Refugio del Burrito in Spain was the nearest refuge she could be taken into, so she travelled to a holding base in France where she stayed until she was fit enough to continue her journey to her new home.

Her name was changed to Hope, as she was a true example of what our charity wanted to bring to donkeys all over the world, and in this particular case, donkeys in Spain. She has been a proud bearer of her new name, although she could also have been referred to as forgiveness; she was never ever resentful for humans in spite of what she had to endure. She would always meet and greet visitors and loved fuzz from children and adults alike. We couldn’t have had a better ambassador for our work, and she will be greatly missed.

But we want to end up this sad piece of news on a positive note. Her last seven years with us were the best of her life. She got to know what real love is and enjoyed the best possible care while living with us. Her life was an example to us all. We will keep on working for donkeys like her with your continuous support. That is why we firmly believe that Hope never dies.

Goodbye old lady! We are sure you are truly happy wherever you are now.

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