Dominic
1 July 2022 could have been just another day at Safe Haven, but it certainly wasn’t. A desperate call about a young donkey colt in a bad way. Of course, the fabulous team rushed out but nothing prepared them for the sight of a thin, shivering youngster that veered between looking terrified and, even worse, just shutting down as if he’d given up. Safely back at the sanctuary the vet was called and a deep bed with water and food easily available created for this little chap. The vet found his mouth was full of painful ulcers. To this day we do not know if it was some nasty disease process or maliciousness. Had someone tried to poison him? The problem here was that the pain was stopping him eating however hungry he was – even drinking was difficult. The vet did all he could with pain killers, antibiotics and intravenous fluids but where vetting stops vital nursing begins and this is what Tarek, Moussa and Ali excel at. They simply would not give up on this fragile soul, hand feeding with warm liquid feeds and warm water to drink. And they named him Dominic – he deserved a name even if he wasn’t going to make it. It was touch and go for a few days despite day and night nursing. But on day 6 Dominic stood up on his own and the team cheered. Severely underweight and small for his age (about 2) this brave wee chap started to blossom. Once out of his hospital bed area and declared free from any disease that could affect the herd, he was gradually introduced to the special needs donkey group in the hospital area. Donkeys being donkeys welcomed him quietly and gently and he slowly gained confidence and quickly gained an appetite!
Come the autumn it was time for him to experience paddock life but integration into the main herd required care as he would be joining fit and healthy donkeys, bordering on boisterous on a good day! And Dominic had known nothing but being cocooned in the special care unit with the oldies and receiving so much one-to-one care. He was carefully observed in the first few days, and he did look a bit overwhelmed for a while, but this was a rite of passage we felt he had to go through and the happy ending would be if he stopped following the staff around, start talking to the donkeys and maybe find a special friend. This was a tough time for the team who just wanted to go and be with him when he would wait by the gate on his own, but Dominic got a bit braver with each passing day.
And now Dominic is in with the in crowd – putting weight on steadily, even a little bit taller and so much more confident. He still loves people but is very happy mingling with his donkey chums and often to be seen mooching around with that doyen of the paddock group, our dear Burnie, so he chooses his friends wisely. Truly indomitable!
We may not be able to change the world for all donkeys, but this donkey’s world has been transformed thanks to Safe Haven (and that, supporters, is each and every one of you!)
Rakan
The story began when Dr Rakan, our vet in the Palestinian city of Nablus, received a call from his counterpart Dr Omran, over in Tubas. He had been alerted to a donkey abandoned on the streets of Jericho in a terrible condition.
Dr Rakan immediately arranged transportation. He arrived at our Rescue Centre in pain and in desperate need of veterinary care.
The donkey had been set alight – and his ear was severely burned. He must have been in so much pain.
Dr Rakan was appalled to see the donkey had 3rd or 4th degree burns to this ear. He immediately sedated the donkey, gave him a painkiller, antibiotics, and gently washed the ear in antiseptic, applying soothing cream before bandaging the ear.
For several days the donkey was on antibiotics and painkillers, with his bandage changed daily. He was also given a tetanus vaccine. The poor donkey had been in so much pain, this treatment was literally a lifesaver, and only possible thanks to your support.
After a few days of treatment the donkey’s condition was stable enough for Dr Rakan to operate to remove the ear – an auriculectomy – as the ear was so badly damaged it was beyond saving. We’re pleased to say the operation was a complete success.
The donkey’s head was wrapped in a special bandage containing antiseptic ointment and an absorbent dressing. The bandage was changed every day and the donkey was soon looking and feeling so much better.
The donkey is now happy at our Rescue Centre in the West Bank – he is interacting with the other donkeys and also with Dr Rakan and the team. And we’re delighted to say he’s made a full recovery.
As Dr Rakan said: “he is healthy and happy and will enjoy his life at Safe Haven. It’s the most successful story I’ve ever told.”
And the donkey’s name? After a vote by our supporters, it was decided to call the donkey Rakan, after the wonderful vet who saved his life.
