In 1992 Bobby, a dark brown Standard donkey, was born on a farm in Southern Ontario. He lived there until his caretakers divorced in 1998 and it became necessary to sell the farm.
When Bobby was brought to the Sanctuary, he was extremely wary of human attention. When more information was made available to us about his experiences up to that time, we understood why he was so nervous. Unfortunately, those who had handled Bobby in his early years, were of the mind that he was a dumb creature whose intention it was to kick out whenever his hooves had to be trimmed. As a result, he would be tied to the ground during these sessions and there developed a pattern wherein he would become extremely anxious whenever humans approached him.
During the time that Bobby has lived on the Sanctuary Farm, his attitude towards people has undergone a positive change. He has always received gentle, consistent treatment at the hands of the DSC farrier and so Booby has leaned that there is nothing to fear at these times.
In spite of these positive developments, Bobby continues to require specialist care. He is content to roam the fields with the donkeys in the main herd but he always remains somewhat apart from them. With regard to Sanctuary visitors, Bobby is most content to lean over a fence and receive attention. The barrier provides him with an element of protection, something he will always need.