Buddy was a gray-brown Standard donkey who was born in 1991. He was a very stocky equine with a big chest and thick legs. One need never have been nervous around Buddy, however, since he was easy to get on with at all times.
Buddy lived for many years on a farm in Southern Ontario along with a herd of goats and two other donkeys, Daisy and Sunshine. Eventually, however, the goats were sold and the family no longer had the time to care for the donkeys. The people knew that the animals were being neglected and that it would be much better for them if they could be moved to the DSC for lifelong care. They were taken in to the Sanctuary in November, 2008.
In the summer of 2011, Buddy started displaying signs of serious neurological problems. Despite numerous tests and treatments, his condition deteriorated to the point that he had difficulty maintaining his balance. He would even fall, risking serious injury. With recommendations from the Ontario Veterinary College and our own veterinarian, we decided that forcing him to live a life confined to a stall, with no hope of recovery, would be inhumane, and the decision was made to humanely euthanize Buddy. He was a great favourite of staff, volunteers and visitors alike, and we will all miss him.
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