Springwood Sanctuary
Rodney
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Rodney is one of our wonderful donkeys. He is the youngest equine member of both herds – he is 10 this year – his birthday is 1st May 2014 and has lived at Springwood for 7 years.
Rodney's past:
Rodney and Thomas arrived together at Springwood in June 2017. We received a message from a friend who needed to find a perfect ‘forever’ home for them. They had been rescued previously and gone to live at a children’s petting farm. This absolutely didn’t suit either of them – the noise, the constant petting, the small areas in which they were kept, the lack of free choice and the way they were handled all contributed to them feeling very misunderstood and overwhelmed. Rodney was very stressed with a lot of coping mechanisms from life prior to being at the sanctuary. When I went to meet them and bring them ‘home’ they were robotically pacing up and down the fence line. Rodney was clinging on to the top of Thomas’s neck to try to calm himself down and Thomas consequently had bite marks along his neck. All of this was not usual behaviour for them sadly. Thomas had recently pulled a member of staff over sending them to A&E which is when the decision thankfully was made that the petting farm was absolutely not the right place for these beautiful souls to be. They were extremely anxious about being loaded onto the horsebox but after a while they felt safe with us and then began to relax. Most importantly David and I let go of any expectations that loading them would happen in any time frame. Eventually they both decided to come right up the ramp and eat some treats.
Rodney's life now:
It was the start of their healing journey, where they could feel totally understood and that all was well. I drove the lorry very slowly, and we were able to keep an eye on them in the back via a camera. They stood very still, neck over neck and arrived at Springwood not even a little bit warm, and still extremely relaxed. We opened the gate of the top paddock for them and out they came to explore their new forever home. The horses lined up at the fence to greet them and many were surprised to see these gorgeous creatures with such long ears! Although I was very concerned that we had a lot of difficult rehabilitation ahead for them, the reality was actually a wonderful surprise. There have been quite a few challenges to help them overcome but from the first moment they were on the horsebox they were different and very peaceful. They have continued to be relaxed, peaceful, happy donkeys from that day to this! Their confidence quickly increased, as well as their inquisitive nature. They love meeting new people now, as they completely trust that visitors are well versed in being mindful and gentle before they are allowed anywhere near the animals here! At first they were inseparable, but over time made independent bonds with all the herd and can often be found hanging out individually, playing with one of the thoroughbreds, mutual grooming with a horse three times their size, lying down in a sunny spot on their own, browsing the hedgerows with the ponies or helping new arrivals feel at home and secure. They of course still love spending time playing, resting with and grooming each other too. They were very anxious about having their feet trimmed in their previous home but they are now relaxed and happy for this to be done regularly, as well as teeth checks, any first aid and grooming they need. They love the mindfulness we share with them, and can often be found lying down next to a mindful human. Their gentle yet inquisitive energy is very different to that of the horses and ponies, and we are so happy that they are such a strong part of the Mysties herd.
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Rodney was only 3 years old when he came to live with us. He settled in with us and felt safe straight away and quite soon began to show his character as a cheeky, loving, sensitive and caring donkey. We sense he sees himself as the peacekeeper and caretaker of the herd, braying loudly at any time of day or night if something isn’t quite right or someone isn’t where he feels they should be! We have to warn our visitors not to stand too close to the fence line or he’ll investigate any dangling scarfs, necklaces, toggles or fingers with his teeth! Rodney loves being with Thomas, Kati and Blue Moon, chasing around the hillside, eating hay, rolling in new bedding and absolutely any treats on offer. He especially loves dried seaweed, apples and drinking water with apple cider vinegar in it. He often enjoys having his head supported and held whilst he snoozes or stretching his legs yoga style whilst putting his whole weight onto me!
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It is our absolute honour to give Rodney and all the animals here a safe forever home at Springwood. Thank you to everyone who supports them by sponsorships and donations.
Wishing you all a very merry Christmas and a happy, peaceful and abundant 2025!
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