For almost ten long years, two donkeys stood forgotten in a sprawling field in the Midwest — their basic needs ignored, their lives slowly shrinking with every passing season.
One of them suffered the most. Her hooves had grown so long and twisted from years without care that taking even a few steps was agonizing. But through it all, her best friend never left her side.
They had nothing — no shelter, no vet care, no kind hands. But they had each other.
When animal rescuers from Foreverland Farm, a sanctuary in Ohio, learned about the donkeys’ heartbreaking situation, they rushed to help. What they found confirmed their worst fears.
“We were told they haven’t received hoof care in at least eight years!” the team shared. “The bonded pair has been living out on acres and acres of land.”
The donkeys had no idea just how much their lives were about to change.
This weekend our team was able to rescue these two precious donkeys 🥹 The bonded pair has been living out on acres and acres of land. We were told they haven’t received hoof care in at least 8 years! Getting them here was actually relatively easy compared to what’s ahead. You can clearly see how bad her feet are in these videos. Living like that for so long is extremely exhausting and excruciating, but it could hurt even worse when we get them cut. We have a wonderful farrier who is extremely knowledgeable, and a wonderful team of vets who will be working closely along with them. They will both be getting X-rays done Wednesday morning before any cutting is done. We will come up with a conservative and comprehensive plan for them both. I wish it were as simple as trimming her feet and she’s good to go. But sadly trimming could quite possible make things worse. We will do everything we can to ensure that doesn’t happen 🙏 For now though I want to thank everyone who has allowed us to do this for them. They are so tired and have been enjoying resting in a cozy stall under cool fans. Please continue to share and donate. We have a LONG way to go with them 🙏🫏 Donations can be made on: 🫏 PayPal- Foreverlandfarm@gmail.com 🫏 Venmo- @foreverlandfarm 🫏 Zelle- foreverlandfarm@gmail.com We have a HUGE donation match happening right now so ALL donations are doubled! 😭🙏 . . . . . #animalsanctuary#fortheanimals#sanctuary#animalrescue#savedfromslaughter
The donkeys were quickly transported to the sanctuary, where they received a full medical evaluation. The more mobile donkey seemed relieved to finally be in safe hands, but his friend — the one with the painfully overgrown hooves — had a much harder road ahead.
Despite years of neglect, she was calm and trusting during her exam.
“They both did so well despite not being handled for so long,” the rescuers wrote.
X-rays revealed the extent of the damage to her legs and joints. The team immediately crafted a treatment plan to bring her hooves back to a healthy shape — a process that will take time, specialized orthopedic shoeing, and a lot of love.
“This is only the beginning for her,” the sanctuary explained. “She’ll need custom orthopedic shoes to help stabilize her joints and make walking easier. But she’s finally on her way.”
It was a big day for our girl! Thank you to all of you for supporting these two sweet souls. They didn’t deserve this and it’s not fair she was forced to live like this for so long. I’m grateful to our farrier for working as hard and fast as he could for her and getting her a flat surface to walk on for the first time in a long time. This is only the beginning for her. We know now she needs orthopedic shoeing to help stabilize her joint. That’s our next step. They’ll need to be customized to her, and will help her move more securely. I am so looking forward to the future she’ll have here. We are all really hopeful 😭🙏💕 Please continue to donate and share their story! Across all platforms we are only $2,500 away from reaching out matching donation goal 🥹🫏 Donations can be made on: 🫏 PayPal- foreverlandfarm@gmail.com 🫏 Venmo- @foreverlandfarm 🫏 Zelle- Foreverlandfarm@gmail.com . . . #animalsanctuary#fortheanimals#sanctuary#animalrescue#savedfromslaughter
The two donkeys — now named Toby and Phoebe — are settling into their new home together. For the first time in years, they have warm shelter, gentle hands, and hope.
And even after everything they’ve endured, their faces are starting to soften into smiles.
Please officially help me welcome Toby and Phoebe to FLF! They are settling in so well. We have another farrier appointment Monday when Phoebe will be fitted for custom orthopedic shoes to help stabilize her front legs. She's had to live in unnatural positions for so long the damage is extensive. I am really hopeful we can manage to give her a good quality of life. Thank you all so much for the love and support of these two! They needed someone to rescue them and they got millions of people loving them the way they've always deserved. Thank you #animalsanctuary#fortheanimals#sanctuary#animalrescue#savedfromslaughter
“We are all really hopeful,” Foreverland Farm shared. “Thank you all so much for the love and support of these two! They needed someone to rescue them — and they got millions of people loving them the way they’ve always deserved.”
Toby and Phoebe still have a long road ahead, but their new journey is filled with comfort, care, and the promise of a pain-free future.
