Have you ever heard of a donkey sanctuary? Near Benson, Arizona, the Forever Home Donkey Rescue has been helping donkeys for over 26 years. Donkeys can have all kinds of issues, such as abuse from owners, neglect, loss of sight or hearing, dental problems, insulin resistance or diabetes, and many more problems.

Each donkey at the sanctuary has a story. Frijolita was rounded up at 3 months old by the BLM (Bureau of Land Management) and has a nervous tic that affects her walk when she is anxious. John and Tish Hiestand, the founders, and Suzanne Velasquez, the director, help Frijolita and the 30 other donkeys every day with the support of volunteers. Velasquez says the most unique part of the sanctuary is the care that each donkey gets daily, “We touch our donkeys every day, multiple times a day. We know if they are hurting and we know what is going on with them because we are out with them all day.” Velasquez makes sure that each donkey gets the help they need, even helping nervous Frijolita be able to be in multiple movies.

Another donkey, Jackson, came to the sanctuary when his owner died because the family didn’t want him to be adopted over and over again. Now, Jackson can roam on the 30 acres at his forever home and is well cared for. Jackson helps with events, parades and pack barrel racing.

I loved getting to know all of the donkeys. I highly recommend going to the Forever Home Donkey Rescue. You can go on a free tour with an appointment to see all 31 amazing donkeys at the rescue. You can also buy some cool donkey items in their gift shop!