Dear Friend, The sights and sounds of the farm are always changing—shifting with the seasons, the energy of visitors discovering Days End Farm Horse Rescue (DEFHR) for the first time, the helping hands of dedicated volunteers, and the interns who come here to gain experience that will shape their futures. And, of course, the comings and goings of our equine residents as we celebrate adoptions and prepare a safe landing place for those in need. Since November, the echoes of new donkey brays have added a lively layer to the farm’s ever-changing soundtrack. The arrival of donkeys at DEFHR is nothing new, but it’s a reminder of an important part of our mission. As an all-breed rescue, we don’t just help horses. From drafts and Thoroughbreds to Shetland Ponies and Miniature Horses—and everything in between—we also welcome other equines, including standard and miniature donkeys, horse-donkey crosses like mules and hinnies, and even, in the past, rare cases like kiangs (a wild Asian species native to the Tibetan region). Just as some dog rescues focus on specific breeds while others help broader populations, the same is true in equine welfare. It takes all kinds of rescues to meet the need, and because of YOU, DEFHR can help more equines, strengthen our partnerships with law enforcement, and offer educational programing that benefits both animals and people alike.
YOUR continued support makes this work possible. Will YOU help us continue to be a safe haven for animals in need? The Five That Found Safety at DEFHR Our newest donkeys—plus the two horses and one hinny that arrived alongside them—illustrate the diversity DEFHR serves. This past fall, a local humane society responsible for enforcing animal welfare laws received an anonymous call regarding animals in poor condition on a rural property. The report detailed cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, horses, donkeys, and chickens—each living in questionable conditions. When officers arrived, they found a dire situation. The animals were suffering from neglect, and the property owner was given time to comply with humane care orders. However, when officers returned for a follow-up visit, the situation had worsened. Most of the livestock had died, and the remaining animals were in rapid decline. Immediate intervention was necessary. An emergency warrant was issued to remove the remaining animals—but that process wasn’t immediate. For over