Donkey issue continues

There are 2 sides to every story. Here are the reader comments on the donkey story as of March 3, 2007:

Cindy Ross of Bowdoin, ME
Mar 3, 2007 5:44 PM
It's hard to believe this circus continues. I think I will let my MULE loose, chase it for a few weeks, then get people to donate money to put up some fencing for me.

I guess I do things the hard way. I decided what kind of animals I want on my farm. Then, I spend my own hard earned mony to put up appropriate fencing to keep them safely contained. Then I spend time to learn about the animals I am going to own so I at least know that I own a MULE and won't go around calling it a donkey. And then I make sure to only have animal that I have the skills to handle. I don't expect others to pick up the tab for my irresponsibility.

Jenny the MULE needs be with people that have the experience, skills, and facilities to handle a young, scared mule. I think it would be great for Jenny and Isabella to be reunited. But absolutely NOT with Mary and Joe. I think it also reflect poorly on Karina Lewis that she is helping to perpetuate this circus. But, I guess it's hard to turn down this kind of media attention and free advertising regardless of what is best for Jenny.....the MULE.

Yankee Donkey & Mule Society of Dudley, MA
Mar 2, 2007 8:28 AM
This is a plea to the media establishment. PLEASE do some research!!

These people may have good intentions for this longeared equine but here are a few flags that concern me about this little animal's welfare.

A) First of all they purchased an animal thinking it was an entirely different species! She is most definitely either a mule or a hinny. In fact, the chances of her beign a hinny are rather small as well, since the odds of a female donkey carrying a horse stallion's foal full term are less than 20%. Mules are much more prevalent than hinnies. There currently is no way of determining what her mother was scientfically. Not even a DNA test.

B) Not having done any research, they bring home an animal that they don't have adequate fencing for.

C) Their original purpose was to use the "donkey" for herd protection. Unfortunately, mules are not the animal of choice and neither is a donkey if it hasn't been raised properly for such a purpose. Having purchased the animal at an auction, chances are it's background and handling is unknown. Plus there are many people who believe a miniature donkey (standing 36 inches at their shoulder) may not be able to ward off attacks from predators like a coyote for example.

D) The final point that needs to be addressed is the issue of Isabella's owner. The mule's current owner is now and has been for many years, an upstanding, caring and knowledgeable member of the donkey and mule world. Her animals are well housed, fenced and recieve extraordinary care. She does her research through PROFESSIONAL DONKEY & MULE people. And is very willing to help others in need.
She also is involved in bettering the area's understanding of donkeys and mules by participating in educational demonstrations and shows.

So I beg of this paper to contact those who have a background in such dealings. Donkeys, mules and hinnies are an oddity and need to be handled in their own manner.


Debra Kovac
Yankee Donkey & Mule Society


Leslie Heulitt of Rock Cave, WV
Mar 1, 2007 9:43 PM
If folks want to send money to these irresponsible people to fund their fencing, well, we all know there�s one born every minute. But to dupe people into sending money to purchase Isabella is pretty incredible. Has anyone bothered to ask if she is even for sale? Because she is not. It would be irresponsible for the rescue organization that has Isabella to adopt her out to such a home. These people don�t even know they have a mule. Maybe Jenny�s owners never asked if Isabella is for sale because they didn�t want to hear the answer. People might stop sending them money.


D. G. of Keene, NH
Mar 1, 2007 7:30 PM
It would be good for you at the paper to follow up on the other side of this story. Isabella very much needs her companion, but since the woman caring for her is a close friend of mine, I know that the rescue she works for hasn't even been contacted about the issues of who gets to take over the care and training of both of these animals. It is ASSUMED by Ms Gaeta and Mr. Varricchio that rescue will just give Isabella to them. But both of these animals need a lot of work to get them to trust humans again, and the rescue is the best place for that, since they have a lot of experience working with donkeys and mules. Isabella has come a long way since being with rescue, but it has taken a lot of time on the part of my friend. I hope that Ms Gaeta and Mr. Varricchio will make a CALL to Save Your Ass Long Ear Rescue and have a real conversation about where these two will recieve the care they need.

Willie of Belgrade, ME
Mar 1, 2007 2:21 PM
how can you ask people to donate money for a fence and shelter. All you are doing trying to make money on this event. Hope the IRS looks in to this. if you want aminals build your own fence like i did and many more animal lovers do. shame on you. $10.00 a picture come on in IRS

mulewrangler of Casper, WY
Mar 1, 2007 2:11 PM
I am glad Jenny was caught, however it is clear that her owners have no knowledge of longears and their behavior. This is not a guard animal in any way. Perhaps they will consider the donations as payment to allow her to go to the same place as Isabella where she will be trained and understood in the appropriate manner. It takes a long time for a true bonding process with a longear and a new owner, and Isabella is clearly beginning bonding and responding, while Jenny is so upset & unhappy that she ran away and had to be coerced back over a long period of time. Horses and longears are very different and Jenny needs the correct process and sure, steady, slow training to be given a fair shot at a good life. Do what is right for her instead of hoping for monetary gain thru her ownership.

Eliza Williams of Waterville, ME
Mar 1, 2007 11:55 AM
Happy to read that the story isn't over! It's wonderful to see that someone cares enough to try to please this hinny/donkey. Hopefully, she will be 'herself' once again, after she's reunited with her 'sibling.'

I, too, believe she's lonely alone.

A heartwarming story, and please keep us up to date on any progress.