“This is only the beginning …”
For nearly ten years, two donkeys were left to fend for themselves in a vast Midwestern field, their most basic needs overlooked. The neglect took a serious toll — especially on one donkey whose hooves had grown so long and misshapen that walking became a painful struggle.
Despite her limited mobility, her loyal companion stayed by her side through it all. They had little else in the world, but they still had each other.
Their fortunes changed when Foreverland Farm, an animal sanctuary in Ohio, learned of their plight. The rescue team knew the pair desperately needed help, though years of missed care would make recovery challenging.
“This weekend our team was able to rescue these two precious donkeys,” Foreverland Farm shared online. “They’ve been living on acres and acres of land, and we were told they haven’t had hoof care in at least eight years!”
At the sanctuary, the donkeys were examined by veterinarians. The one with the most severe hoof overgrowth faced the greatest challenges — years of strain had likely affected her joints and overall mobility.
“They both did amazingly well considering they hadn’t been handled in so long,” rescuers noted. X-rays were taken, and a treatment plan was created to restore her hooves to a more natural shape. Complete recovery will take time, but orthopedic shoeing tailored specifically to her needs is the next step, helping stabilize her joints and improve her movement.
The bonded pair, now named Toby and Phoebe, have only just begun their journey toward health and happiness at Foreverland Farm. With expert care and the support of countless well-wishers, they’re stepping — quite literally — into a better future.
Their rescuers summed up the sentiment shared by many: “They needed someone to save them, and now they have millions of people loving them the way they’ve always deserved.”