Joe travelled to visit Mark Meyers at the Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue headquarters in San Angelo, Texas.
Mark share his and his wife's story about starting this non-profit.
Amy brought the first donkey home and they fill in love with her, Izzy. They continued to add to the herd.
At one time they were hired by the Texas Parks and Wildlife to capture some wild donkeys and ended up as a show on Texas Country Reporter. The rescue endeavor just blew up after that. Now the largest equine rescue in the world. They operate in the lower 48, Hawaii and Caribbean. Over 30 satellite facilities. They can be anywhere in the country in 48 hours. Have 4 rigs going most all the time, which can haul 30-40 donkeys at once.
Donkey adoption fees do not pay for the cost. Non-profit with only public support. No tax payer dollars are used in this business.
Wild burrow captures (where they would otherwise be killed), abused animals,
Sanctuaries are 500+ acres. They place 100-200 donkeys in these environments and care for them as they are not suitable for adoption.
Benefits of Donkeys:
Donkeys are like dogs. They are loyal, protective, protect herds.
they have a bad stereotypes.
Don't show pain - stoic.
Do well in hot temperatures (ears help cool).
Go a long time without water
Smart and functional
America stopped using donkeys in the 1900's . Built the railroads where other animals could not get to.
Following the interview, Stacy Lyn Harris prepares Skillet Pecan Crusted Salmon on sautéed collards
#stacylynharris #peacfulvalleydonkeyrescue #ruralheritage
