Look what's in the newspaper one more time:
Jenny the donkey's owner cleared in court
By CRAIG CROSBY
Staff Writer Kennebec Journal & Morning Sentinel Thursday, April 26, 2007
PITTSFIELD -- The woman who owns Jenny the donkey has been cleared of any wrongdoing in connections with the animal's escapades earlier this year.
Mary Gaeta was in Somerset County District Court in Skowhegan on Wednesday to answer a summons charging her with animal trespassing.
Gaeta's donkey, Jenny, made headlines across the nation in February after escaping from Gaeta's farm, Mary's Garden, and spending more than a month avoiding numerous capture attempts.
Pittsfield police issued Gaeta the summons in response to neighbors' complaints on Feb. 20, just a day before Jenny was captured.
Gaeta said the case was dropped on Wednesday.
"They called my name and some man got up and said, 'This has been dismissed in the interest of justice,'" Gaeta said. "To me it was a waste of my time."
District attorney Evert Fowle said his department took Gaeta's age, 70, and her clean record into consideration in dropping the charge. Fowle also noted Jenny had not been free since she was captured in February.
"Our office thought that human wisdom dictated giving her a second chance in this regard," Fowle said. "Justice tempered with mercy sometimes is the way to go."
Jenny, who made headlines thanks to her ability to avoid human contact, now receives regular pats on the head from Gaeta and her partner, Joe Varricchio. Equine expert Karina Lewis, who was instrumental in coaxing the donkey into captivity, continues to work with Jenny.
"She's not as skittish as she was," Gaeta said. "I can pat her and I can brush her hair."
Craig Crosby -- 861-9253
ccrosby@centralmaine.com
retrieved April 30, 2007 from: http://morningsentinel.mainetoday.com/news/local/3846625.html
Showing posts with label donkey. Show all posts
Showing posts with label donkey. Show all posts
Monday, April 30, 2007
Sunday, March 18, 2007
March 16, 2007: Donkey in news again . . . this time with own website
Prodigal donkey gets her own Web site
By CRAIG CROSBY
Staff Writer Kennebec Journal & Morning Sentinel Friday, March 16, 2007
PITTSFIELD -- Jenny the donkey now has her very own Web site.
John Holt, an eighth grader at Lawrence Middle School, established the site to allow Jenny's owners, Mary Gaeta and her partner Joe Varricchio, to post frequent updates on the donkey's adventures.
"(Holt) came over here and set the whole thing up," Gaeta said. "It looks pretty good to me."
Jenny made headlines across the country after escaping from her pen at Mary's Garden, Gaeta and Varricchio's Higgins Road farm, on Jan. 18.
The donkey -- most now believe she is actually a hinny, the offspring of a male horse and female donkey -- remained on the run for about a month despite several capture attempts that included everything from wrangling to sedatives.
Gaeta and Varricchio established a fundraiser to build the donkey a suitable fence around the couple's 18 acres.
Gaeta, who said she is touched by the donations she has received, told The Morning Sentinel earlier this month of her wish for a Web site to keep Jenny's fans up to date.
Holt, who has his own computer maintenance business on the side, had followed Jenny's escapades in the media and decided he could help.
"I came up with the idea, 'Well, I make Web sites, let's go do it,' so that's what I did," Holt said.
Holt donated his expertise and his dad donated the $7 or so required to register the domain name.
The free Web site (www.marysgardens.info/) allows people to post comments and questions for Gaeta and Varricchio.
"It's a completely open forum," Holt said. "It doesn't require any sign up or anything."
Holt taught Gaeta how to post messages on the bulletin board and Gaeta has already added messages on Jenny's progress.
"Everybody's been helping them out and doing what they can, so I figured I'd donate what I can do," Holt said. "
Equine expert Karina Lewis, who spent more than a week bonding with Jenny and ultimately was able to lead the donkey into a makeshift corral, believes Jenny was searching for a partner, likely a sibling, that was sold separately at an auction last fall.
That partner, which has been called Isabella, was rescued by the Massachusetts-based Save Your Ass Long Ear Rescue and Rehabilitation, a donkey and mule rescue league, and lives on a farm in New Hampshire.
Gaeta and Varricchio were raising money in hopes of buying Isabella to live with Jenny, but based on exchanges with Isabella's owners, Gaeta now believes the reunion is unlikely. The couple plans to get another donkey so Jenny will not be alone.
Lewis continues to make progress with Jenny.
"She seems to be doing well," Gaeta said.
retrieved 3/18/2007 from: http://morningsentinel.mainetoday.com/news/local/3718271.html
By CRAIG CROSBY
Staff Writer Kennebec Journal & Morning Sentinel Friday, March 16, 2007
PITTSFIELD -- Jenny the donkey now has her very own Web site.
John Holt, an eighth grader at Lawrence Middle School, established the site to allow Jenny's owners, Mary Gaeta and her partner Joe Varricchio, to post frequent updates on the donkey's adventures.
"(Holt) came over here and set the whole thing up," Gaeta said. "It looks pretty good to me."
Jenny made headlines across the country after escaping from her pen at Mary's Garden, Gaeta and Varricchio's Higgins Road farm, on Jan. 18.
The donkey -- most now believe she is actually a hinny, the offspring of a male horse and female donkey -- remained on the run for about a month despite several capture attempts that included everything from wrangling to sedatives.
Gaeta and Varricchio established a fundraiser to build the donkey a suitable fence around the couple's 18 acres.
Gaeta, who said she is touched by the donations she has received, told The Morning Sentinel earlier this month of her wish for a Web site to keep Jenny's fans up to date.
Holt, who has his own computer maintenance business on the side, had followed Jenny's escapades in the media and decided he could help.
"I came up with the idea, 'Well, I make Web sites, let's go do it,' so that's what I did," Holt said.
Holt donated his expertise and his dad donated the $7 or so required to register the domain name.
The free Web site (www.marysgardens.info/) allows people to post comments and questions for Gaeta and Varricchio.
"It's a completely open forum," Holt said. "It doesn't require any sign up or anything."
Holt taught Gaeta how to post messages on the bulletin board and Gaeta has already added messages on Jenny's progress.
"Everybody's been helping them out and doing what they can, so I figured I'd donate what I can do," Holt said. "
Equine expert Karina Lewis, who spent more than a week bonding with Jenny and ultimately was able to lead the donkey into a makeshift corral, believes Jenny was searching for a partner, likely a sibling, that was sold separately at an auction last fall.
That partner, which has been called Isabella, was rescued by the Massachusetts-based Save Your Ass Long Ear Rescue and Rehabilitation, a donkey and mule rescue league, and lives on a farm in New Hampshire.
Gaeta and Varricchio were raising money in hopes of buying Isabella to live with Jenny, but based on exchanges with Isabella's owners, Gaeta now believes the reunion is unlikely. The couple plans to get another donkey so Jenny will not be alone.
Lewis continues to make progress with Jenny.
"She seems to be doing well," Gaeta said.
retrieved 3/18/2007 from: http://morningsentinel.mainetoday.com/news/local/3718271.html
Sunday, March 4, 2007
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.
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.
March 1, 2007: Donkey odyssey inspires donations
Yes, the donkey is still in the news. But this time it's not because she's still on the lam. Now that she's "fenced in" people want to help pay for a new fence and for a reunion.
Donkey odyssey inspires donations
By CRAIG CROSBY
Staff Writer Kennebec Journal & Morning Sentinel Thursday, March 01, 2007
PITTSFIELD -- Mary Gaeta sat at her computer desk Wednesday gently pulling letters and cards from envelopes that had arrived from across the country.
With each note, her determination to fulfill the writers' wishes grew.
"They're all saying the same thing," Gaeta said. "They all want to see Jenny and Isabella reunited."
Jenny made headlines across the country after escaping from her pen at Mary's Garden, the Higgins Road farm Gaeta owns with her partner, Joe Varricchio, on Jan. 18.
The donkey -- most now believe she is actually a hinny, the offspring of a male horse and female donkey -- remained on the run until last week despite several capture attempts that included everything from wrangling to sedatives.
Equine expert Karina Lewis spent more than a week bonding with Jenny and ultimately was able to lead the donkey into a makeshift corral.
Lewis believes Jenny was searching for a partner, likely a sibling, that was sold separately at an auction last fall.
That partner, which has been called Isabella, was rescued by the Massachusetts-based Save Your Ass Long Ear Rescue and Rehabilitation, an informal donkey and mule rescue league, and lives on a farm in New Hampshire.
A plot that captured attention for its intrigue and rescue has morphed into a love story, and those involved are determined to create a happy ending.
"When we bring Isabella home, she's going to be ecstatic," Lewis said. "That's going to change that little donkey's life, no question about it."
Jenny has already changed the lives of those around her. Just a week after her capture, donations to build Jenny a new fence and reunite her with Isabella have arrived from around the country.
"We're getting donations from all over," said Gaeta, listing gifts from Florida, New Jersey and Maine. "It's unbelievable. And it's not little amounts. This one's 50 bucks."
Gaeta intends to answer every letter she receives and will include a picture of Jenny.
"People are writing lovely letters," she said. "I wish I knew how to make up a Web site because then I could keep everybody posted."
Gaeta attached photos of Jenny to card stock, each signed by Gaeta and Varricchio, that are being sold for $10 apiece at the online auction site, eBay. Gaeta intends to sell the photos -- buyers can pick one of three poses -- at fairs this summer. All of the money will go toward fencing in the couple's 18 acres and purchasing Isabella.
Any remaining money will be donated to an animal shelter, Gaeta said.
Lewis hopes the fenced-in area will include the woods in which Jenny spent much of her time while on the lam.
"She wants it so they can run in the woods and do whatever they want to do," Varricchio said. "She'll be free as a bird."
The couple still gets calls from magazines that are writing stories on the donkey. Varricchio's nephew is even writing a children's book based on Jenny's adventure.
"I was telling someone I wouldn't be surprised if they make a movie," Varricchio said. "Nothing is impossible."
He is anxious for the spring when he hopes children and their parents will come to see Jenny.
"I'm going to buy a buggy," Varricchio said. "That way when the kids come up they can ride. I think the kids would enjoy that."
Considering the progress she has made, Jenny may be able to star in the movie some day.
The donkey is already accepting a bridle and on Wednesday Lewis loaded Jenny into a horse trailer and took her for a ride around the neighborhood.
"She's doing really well," Lewis said. "She's still fairly unsure what's expected of her. We're working through that. Her trust is building every day."
The trailer ride was designed to prepare Jenny for a trip to the Northeast Equestrian Exhibition, which is scheduled for Friday through Sunday at the Treasure Equestrian Center in Manchester.
Lewis has planned a 30-minute presentation on Saturday during which she will talk about her business, The Mirror Effect, which works to solve behavioral problems with horses and their owners. Gaeta, Varricchio and Jenny will take part in the presentation in hopes of generating money for the fundraiser.
"We thought this would be an opportunity for people to meet Jenny," Lewis said. "She's been an inspiration to so many people."
Lewis is working on arranging a visit between Jenny and Isabella or, ideally, bringing the two together permanently.
"We're going to use (the expo) as an opportunity to continue the cause we see here," Lewis said. "In my mind, the story isn't over. She's lonely. She's missing her friend."
retrieved from: http://morningsentinel.mainetoday.com/news/local/3667753.html
Donkey odyssey inspires donations
By CRAIG CROSBY
Staff Writer Kennebec Journal & Morning Sentinel Thursday, March 01, 2007
PITTSFIELD -- Mary Gaeta sat at her computer desk Wednesday gently pulling letters and cards from envelopes that had arrived from across the country.
With each note, her determination to fulfill the writers' wishes grew.
"They're all saying the same thing," Gaeta said. "They all want to see Jenny and Isabella reunited."
Jenny made headlines across the country after escaping from her pen at Mary's Garden, the Higgins Road farm Gaeta owns with her partner, Joe Varricchio, on Jan. 18.
The donkey -- most now believe she is actually a hinny, the offspring of a male horse and female donkey -- remained on the run until last week despite several capture attempts that included everything from wrangling to sedatives.
Equine expert Karina Lewis spent more than a week bonding with Jenny and ultimately was able to lead the donkey into a makeshift corral.
Lewis believes Jenny was searching for a partner, likely a sibling, that was sold separately at an auction last fall.
That partner, which has been called Isabella, was rescued by the Massachusetts-based Save Your Ass Long Ear Rescue and Rehabilitation, an informal donkey and mule rescue league, and lives on a farm in New Hampshire.
A plot that captured attention for its intrigue and rescue has morphed into a love story, and those involved are determined to create a happy ending.
"When we bring Isabella home, she's going to be ecstatic," Lewis said. "That's going to change that little donkey's life, no question about it."
Jenny has already changed the lives of those around her. Just a week after her capture, donations to build Jenny a new fence and reunite her with Isabella have arrived from around the country.
"We're getting donations from all over," said Gaeta, listing gifts from Florida, New Jersey and Maine. "It's unbelievable. And it's not little amounts. This one's 50 bucks."
Gaeta intends to answer every letter she receives and will include a picture of Jenny.
"People are writing lovely letters," she said. "I wish I knew how to make up a Web site because then I could keep everybody posted."
Gaeta attached photos of Jenny to card stock, each signed by Gaeta and Varricchio, that are being sold for $10 apiece at the online auction site, eBay. Gaeta intends to sell the photos -- buyers can pick one of three poses -- at fairs this summer. All of the money will go toward fencing in the couple's 18 acres and purchasing Isabella.
Any remaining money will be donated to an animal shelter, Gaeta said.
Lewis hopes the fenced-in area will include the woods in which Jenny spent much of her time while on the lam.
"She wants it so they can run in the woods and do whatever they want to do," Varricchio said. "She'll be free as a bird."
The couple still gets calls from magazines that are writing stories on the donkey. Varricchio's nephew is even writing a children's book based on Jenny's adventure.
"I was telling someone I wouldn't be surprised if they make a movie," Varricchio said. "Nothing is impossible."
He is anxious for the spring when he hopes children and their parents will come to see Jenny.
"I'm going to buy a buggy," Varricchio said. "That way when the kids come up they can ride. I think the kids would enjoy that."
Considering the progress she has made, Jenny may be able to star in the movie some day.
The donkey is already accepting a bridle and on Wednesday Lewis loaded Jenny into a horse trailer and took her for a ride around the neighborhood.
"She's doing really well," Lewis said. "She's still fairly unsure what's expected of her. We're working through that. Her trust is building every day."
The trailer ride was designed to prepare Jenny for a trip to the Northeast Equestrian Exhibition, which is scheduled for Friday through Sunday at the Treasure Equestrian Center in Manchester.
Lewis has planned a 30-minute presentation on Saturday during which she will talk about her business, The Mirror Effect, which works to solve behavioral problems with horses and their owners. Gaeta, Varricchio and Jenny will take part in the presentation in hopes of generating money for the fundraiser.
"We thought this would be an opportunity for people to meet Jenny," Lewis said. "She's been an inspiration to so many people."
Lewis is working on arranging a visit between Jenny and Isabella or, ideally, bringing the two together permanently.
"We're going to use (the expo) as an opportunity to continue the cause we see here," Lewis said. "In my mind, the story isn't over. She's lonely. She's missing her friend."
retrieved from: http://morningsentinel.mainetoday.com/news/local/3667753.html
Friday, February 23, 2007
Headline: Donkey OK
By CRAIG CROSBY
Staff Writer Kennebec Journal & Morning Sentinel Thursday, February 22, 2007
PITTSFIELD -- In the end, she went in quietly, led into captivity by a trusted friend.
After more than a month on the loose and numerous vain capture attempts, Jenny the donkey simply walked back into captivity Wednesday morning.
As she pranced around her temporary corral, the donkey, whose stranglehold on freedom made national headlines, already seemed at home.
"I'm thrilled that she's safe," said Mary Gaeta, whose life had been turned upside down since the donkey's Jan. 18 escape from Gaeta's Higgins Road farm. "I'm sure everyone is going to be pleased, now she's been caught."
Jenny, who is actually believed to be a hinny, the offspring of a male horse and female donkey, was led into captivity, more than caught. Karina Lewis, an equine behavior specialist, had spent more than a week earning Jenny's trust and building a rapport.
"We spent a lot of cold days out there," Lewis said. "I spent a lot of time just shivering on the ground and respecting her."
Lewis spent Tuesday in the woods behind Gaeta's farm, where Jenny ran whenever she felt threatened. There was a major breakthrough when Jenny started following Lewis. Lewis walked through the corral area with Jenny on her heels, an act that set the stage for Wednesday's capture.
"So today, when it came down to doing that, it was a natural process," Lewis said.
Jenny followed Lewis into the three-sided corral, which is an amalgamation of pallets and wire fencing reinforced by snow banks, and waited patiently as Lewis and her partner, Kirk Stanley, erected the fourth side to complete the enclosure.
"We let things be her idea and we didn't force it," Lewis said.
The temporary corral will be replaced by a sturdier pipe fence by the end of the weekend, Lewis said.
"That will be a more permanent structure (Jenny) can't jump or get hurt on," Lewis said.
She is hoping Jenny's notoriety will lead people to donate money for a new fence to enclose Gaeta's 18-acre farm. Lewis estimates the project will cost $10,000.
Anyone who wishes to donate may send a check payable to Jenny's Fund to Bangor Savings Bank, 83 Somerset Plaza, Pittsfield, ME 049677. Any leftover money will be given to a mule rescue organization.
Throughout her escape, Jenny had continued to return to the farm for food, but would never allow Gaeta or her partner, Joe Varricchio, to get closer than 10 feet before fleeing into the woods. Attempts to tranquilize Jenny's food, and even an injection fired from a dart gun, failed to take the animal down.
The experience left Jenny no worse for wear, according to Lewis.
"She's in very good health," Lewis said. "She's very cute and she's just as smart as they come."
Lewis believes Jenny's travels, which rarely went beyond Gaeta's farm and the surrounding woods and fields, were motivated by a lost companion that was sold separately from Jenny at an auction last fall.
The companion, which Lewis believes is a twin sibling, is living at a New Hampshire farm after being acquired by a rescue organization.
Lewis hopes to build appropriate facilities that would allow the two animals to be reunited at Gaeta's farm.
"That sure would be neat if we could get her twin here," Stanley said. "It would be a gift to her."
Lewis said she plans to continue to work with Jenny, Gaeta and Varricchio to develop a trusting relationship.
"We want her to get better conditioned to humans and not be afraid," Lewis said.
Gaeta was served with a subpoena on Tuesday charging her with animal trespassing, a civil violation that was leveled after a neighbor filed a complaint, according to Sgt. Tim Roussin of the Pittsfield Police Department.
Overall, though, Gaeta and Varricchio said the experience has only fostered hope and friendships.
The couple had dozens if not hundreds of calls from across the country from people offering help and, in some cases, prayers.
The couple holds particular affection for Lewis and Stanley.
"I'll tell you, they are great people," Varricchio said. "They're a godsend really. There's still a lot of nice people in the world. It's gives you a good feeling."
Staff Writer Kennebec Journal & Morning Sentinel Thursday, February 22, 2007
PITTSFIELD -- In the end, she went in quietly, led into captivity by a trusted friend.
After more than a month on the loose and numerous vain capture attempts, Jenny the donkey simply walked back into captivity Wednesday morning.
As she pranced around her temporary corral, the donkey, whose stranglehold on freedom made national headlines, already seemed at home.
"I'm thrilled that she's safe," said Mary Gaeta, whose life had been turned upside down since the donkey's Jan. 18 escape from Gaeta's Higgins Road farm. "I'm sure everyone is going to be pleased, now she's been caught."
Jenny, who is actually believed to be a hinny, the offspring of a male horse and female donkey, was led into captivity, more than caught. Karina Lewis, an equine behavior specialist, had spent more than a week earning Jenny's trust and building a rapport.
"We spent a lot of cold days out there," Lewis said. "I spent a lot of time just shivering on the ground and respecting her."
Lewis spent Tuesday in the woods behind Gaeta's farm, where Jenny ran whenever she felt threatened. There was a major breakthrough when Jenny started following Lewis. Lewis walked through the corral area with Jenny on her heels, an act that set the stage for Wednesday's capture.
"So today, when it came down to doing that, it was a natural process," Lewis said.
Jenny followed Lewis into the three-sided corral, which is an amalgamation of pallets and wire fencing reinforced by snow banks, and waited patiently as Lewis and her partner, Kirk Stanley, erected the fourth side to complete the enclosure.
"We let things be her idea and we didn't force it," Lewis said.
The temporary corral will be replaced by a sturdier pipe fence by the end of the weekend, Lewis said.
"That will be a more permanent structure (Jenny) can't jump or get hurt on," Lewis said.
She is hoping Jenny's notoriety will lead people to donate money for a new fence to enclose Gaeta's 18-acre farm. Lewis estimates the project will cost $10,000.
Anyone who wishes to donate may send a check payable to Jenny's Fund to Bangor Savings Bank, 83 Somerset Plaza, Pittsfield, ME 049677. Any leftover money will be given to a mule rescue organization.
Throughout her escape, Jenny had continued to return to the farm for food, but would never allow Gaeta or her partner, Joe Varricchio, to get closer than 10 feet before fleeing into the woods. Attempts to tranquilize Jenny's food, and even an injection fired from a dart gun, failed to take the animal down.
The experience left Jenny no worse for wear, according to Lewis.
"She's in very good health," Lewis said. "She's very cute and she's just as smart as they come."
Lewis believes Jenny's travels, which rarely went beyond Gaeta's farm and the surrounding woods and fields, were motivated by a lost companion that was sold separately from Jenny at an auction last fall.
The companion, which Lewis believes is a twin sibling, is living at a New Hampshire farm after being acquired by a rescue organization.
Lewis hopes to build appropriate facilities that would allow the two animals to be reunited at Gaeta's farm.
"That sure would be neat if we could get her twin here," Stanley said. "It would be a gift to her."
Lewis said she plans to continue to work with Jenny, Gaeta and Varricchio to develop a trusting relationship.
"We want her to get better conditioned to humans and not be afraid," Lewis said.
Gaeta was served with a subpoena on Tuesday charging her with animal trespassing, a civil violation that was leveled after a neighbor filed a complaint, according to Sgt. Tim Roussin of the Pittsfield Police Department.
Overall, though, Gaeta and Varricchio said the experience has only fostered hope and friendships.
The couple had dozens if not hundreds of calls from across the country from people offering help and, in some cases, prayers.
The couple holds particular affection for Lewis and Stanley.
"I'll tell you, they are great people," Varricchio said. "They're a godsend really. There's still a lot of nice people in the world. It's gives you a good feeling."
February 22, 2007: Donkey News!!!!
That was the subject line in an email I received from RBF while on winter break in Texas. And I was just telling Dana and Bridget last night over dinner that I really needed to go online to The Maine Sentinel and see if the donkey had been "captured". I didn't want to miss any big news.
Here's the body of the email:
Hi Theresa,
I hope that you are having an enjoyable week. Just in case it did not make the front page news down there in Texas although I am thinking it certainly would….the Pittsfield donkey safely returned to home yesterday. I know that you had been following this story and that it has probably consumed many of your waking moments this week wondering about the welfare of said donkey. You may now rest easy!
Here's the body of the email:
Hi Theresa,
I hope that you are having an enjoyable week. Just in case it did not make the front page news down there in Texas although I am thinking it certainly would….the Pittsfield donkey safely returned to home yesterday. I know that you had been following this story and that it has probably consumed many of your waking moments this week wondering about the welfare of said donkey. You may now rest easy!
Friday, February 16, 2007
Feb. 14, 2007: Donkey Update
At least now I know I'm not the only one who is following this story. Check out today's article. All that made the front page was a little picture down by the table of contents and a reference to the article which was on the front of the LOCAL section. But it's still big news (and actually, pretty interesting):
Media herd trots to donkey dilemma
By CRAIG CROSBY
Staff Writer Kennebec Journal & Morning Sentinel Wednesday, February 14, 2007
PITTSFIELD -- Jenny the runaway donkey is proving to be the most famous fugitive on four legs since Bonnie and Clyde.
As Jenny's walk on the wild side entered its 26th day on Tuesday, the couple from whom the donkey made her great escape fielded telephone calls from media outlets throughout the country looking for an update.
Fox News and CNN have joined a throng of local media in broadcasting the movements of the delinquent donkey, according to Joe Varricchio, who owns Mary's Garden with Mary Gaeta. Varricchio received interview requests from news stations in Boston and California.
"It's more exciting around here, that's for sure," Varricchio said as he awaited the arrival of an Associated Press reporter.
The news coverage could help bring Jenny's saga to a happy conclusion. Gail Lever of Princeton, Mass., first read of Jenny's plight on Tuesday, and Lever just may hold the key to reining Jenny in. Equine experts who have worked to capture Jenny believe the donkey is searching for a partner that was sold separately at an auction last fall. Lever believes her mule, Isabella, is that partner.
"I think we have her buddy," Lever said Tuesday. "When I saw this picture today, (Jenny's) the spitting image of Isabella."
Both donkeys -- Lever believes both are actually mules, the product of a jackass stud and a female horse -- were purchased at Tilton's Auction in East Corinth. Both were considered too ornery to handle and were passed off to another owner. Isabella went to Lever, who, with two friends, runs Save Your Ass Long Ear Rescue, an informal donkey and mule rescue league. Jenny went to live with Varricchio and Gaeta, who hoped the animal would ward off the foxes, coyotes and raccoons that make off with about 60 chickens every year. Lever and Gaeta had both heard that the donkeys had been separated from partners.
"We could be wrong about this, but there are so many clues here that make me think this could be the long lost buddy of Isabella," Lever said.
Jenny escaped Jan. 18 and has been running in the fields and woods around Mary's Garden ever since. Varricchio and the Gaetas have gotten countless suggestions and offers of assistance, but all attempts to capture Jenny, even with tranquilizers, have proven futile.
Isabella, whose nickname is "Bellybutton," was sent to a farm in Acworth, N.H. She has made tremendous progress, Lever said, and is already eating out of outstretched hands. Lever believes Jenny can make the same progress.
"We're thinking of trailering Isabella over there and seeing if we could lure Jenny to her," Lever said. "We don't want to force her. We want her to come to us."
Karina Lewis, who specializes in equine behavior modification, returned to Mary's Garden for a second time on Tuesday. Lewis believes Isabella's arrival would hasten Jenny's capture.
"Karina said she'd go pick (Isabella) up if she had to," Varricchio said. "This is going to be something."
Lever believes Jenny and Isabella, who were likely lifelong companions and probably even sisters, have been heartbroken since the auction.
"These animals bond and they become such close friends," Lever said.
Lewis, who planned to return to Mary's Garden today, hopes Jenny will be captured before Isabella's arrival. Lewis and Jenny had just 10 minutes of what Lewis described as "contact" on Sunday during Lewis' first visit. That time of trust-building extended two hours on Tuesday.
"We're making definite progress," Lewis said. "I liked what I saw today. We're building rapport and that takes time. We're going to do this in increments and today was a huge step forward."
Media herd trots to donkey dilemma
By CRAIG CROSBY
Staff Writer Kennebec Journal & Morning Sentinel Wednesday, February 14, 2007
PITTSFIELD -- Jenny the runaway donkey is proving to be the most famous fugitive on four legs since Bonnie and Clyde.
As Jenny's walk on the wild side entered its 26th day on Tuesday, the couple from whom the donkey made her great escape fielded telephone calls from media outlets throughout the country looking for an update.
Fox News and CNN have joined a throng of local media in broadcasting the movements of the delinquent donkey, according to Joe Varricchio, who owns Mary's Garden with Mary Gaeta. Varricchio received interview requests from news stations in Boston and California.
"It's more exciting around here, that's for sure," Varricchio said as he awaited the arrival of an Associated Press reporter.
The news coverage could help bring Jenny's saga to a happy conclusion. Gail Lever of Princeton, Mass., first read of Jenny's plight on Tuesday, and Lever just may hold the key to reining Jenny in. Equine experts who have worked to capture Jenny believe the donkey is searching for a partner that was sold separately at an auction last fall. Lever believes her mule, Isabella, is that partner.
"I think we have her buddy," Lever said Tuesday. "When I saw this picture today, (Jenny's) the spitting image of Isabella."
Both donkeys -- Lever believes both are actually mules, the product of a jackass stud and a female horse -- were purchased at Tilton's Auction in East Corinth. Both were considered too ornery to handle and were passed off to another owner. Isabella went to Lever, who, with two friends, runs Save Your Ass Long Ear Rescue, an informal donkey and mule rescue league. Jenny went to live with Varricchio and Gaeta, who hoped the animal would ward off the foxes, coyotes and raccoons that make off with about 60 chickens every year. Lever and Gaeta had both heard that the donkeys had been separated from partners.
"We could be wrong about this, but there are so many clues here that make me think this could be the long lost buddy of Isabella," Lever said.
Jenny escaped Jan. 18 and has been running in the fields and woods around Mary's Garden ever since. Varricchio and the Gaetas have gotten countless suggestions and offers of assistance, but all attempts to capture Jenny, even with tranquilizers, have proven futile.
Isabella, whose nickname is "Bellybutton," was sent to a farm in Acworth, N.H. She has made tremendous progress, Lever said, and is already eating out of outstretched hands. Lever believes Jenny can make the same progress.
"We're thinking of trailering Isabella over there and seeing if we could lure Jenny to her," Lever said. "We don't want to force her. We want her to come to us."
Karina Lewis, who specializes in equine behavior modification, returned to Mary's Garden for a second time on Tuesday. Lewis believes Isabella's arrival would hasten Jenny's capture.
"Karina said she'd go pick (Isabella) up if she had to," Varricchio said. "This is going to be something."
Lever believes Jenny and Isabella, who were likely lifelong companions and probably even sisters, have been heartbroken since the auction.
"These animals bond and they become such close friends," Lever said.
Lewis, who planned to return to Mary's Garden today, hopes Jenny will be captured before Isabella's arrival. Lewis and Jenny had just 10 minutes of what Lewis described as "contact" on Sunday during Lewis' first visit. That time of trust-building extended two hours on Tuesday.
"We're making definite progress," Lewis said. "I liked what I saw today. We're building rapport and that takes time. We're going to do this in increments and today was a huge step forward."
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
donkey story moving up in headlines
Monday, February 12, 2007
Top headline on the front page of today's Morning Sentinel: "Elusive donkey still on lam" with color photo!
By AMY CALDER
Staff Writer
PITTSFIELD -- An effort to catch an elusive donkey turned sophisticated Sunday as a woman skilled in the psychology of horses tried her hand at the challenge.
Karina Lewis saddled her horse, Beauty, and headed out over a snowy field off Higgins Road toward Jenny, the yellow donkey that has evaded captors since Jan. 18.
"Some people call me a horse whisperer; some people call me an equine psychologist," Lewis, of Benton, said. "I like to call myself a problem-solver of people and horses."
Lewis' partner, Kirk Stanley, rode beside her atop Jasper, a dark bay mule. Jenny frolicked in the snow at a distance, approaching the riders and then backing off.
"We'll be part of the herd" Lewis said. "Jenny is on every level willing to communicate. It's going to be a little bit of a pursuit there in the woods because that's where she feels superior."
Lewis and Stanley came to Mary Gaeta and Joe Varricchio's farm Sunday, eager to help like lots of others who have become sympathetic with their plight.
The couple bought Jenny just before the new year to help guard the farm from foxes, coyotes and raccoons that make off with about 60 chickens a year, according to Gaeta. Jenny escaped Jan. 18 and has been wandering around the property and neighboring fields ever since, returning daily for food -- but just out of human grasp.
"I'm worried about her running into the road and getting hit or somebody else getting hurt," Varricchio said. "I've had so many suggestions and so many people that want to come with their animals to help draw her out. It's unbelievable. Everybody wants to help."
One person who tried Sunday was Kevin Hall of TK Ranch in Newport, which specializes in miniature horses and donkeys.
Hall led his donkey, Jackson, around the field on a leash, pursuing Jenny in the snow until he returned, exhausted and breathless.
"I've never had such a hard time getting a donkey a date in my life," he said.
Lewis took a slower, gentler approach with Jenny, which she called a "hinny," a female donkey crossed with a stallion. A mule is a jackass stud crossed with a female horse, she said.
Lewis' business is called The Mirror Effect, in which she has helped people from all over the world with problems including a horse's resistance to taking a bit, to one that constantly bucked its rider off.
Lewis has a master's degree in psychology. She grew up on a ranch in Montana, where her grandfather and uncle are professional cowboys and where she spent years developing a special ability to "read" horses, mules and donkeys. She recently moved to Maine from Colorado with Stanley, who grew up in central Maine.
"She has a unique gift that's just not a learnable thing," Stanley said.
Lewis was confident they would capture Jenny Sunday. But about 30 acres of woods thick with brush and fallen trees -- and open fields with snow drifts sometimes three feet deep -- impeded their efforts. And the aloof Jenny was anything but willing to submit.
"You know, it's kind of like chasing a 700-pound rabbit," Lewis said after about three hours of coaxing. "She's about 650 to 700 pounds and she can move just like a rabbit, in and out of the brush."
But she and Stanley said they would return Tuesday to pick up where they left off. "I'm going to come back several times," Lewis said. "I'm not going to give up on this situation."
The farm, called "Mary's Gardens," was abuzz with activity Sunday morning. Two baby lambs were born in the barn, Smokey the dog trotted around the barnyard with the hens, ducks and geese, and curious spectators who had heard about the donkey on television and in newspaper reports drove in and out, taking photos and offering recommendations for capture.
Jenny seemed to enjoy the hunt, lingering near the trees and showing herself only so much to onlookers before disappearing into the woods for long periods.
"She's a smart donkey -- that's all I can say," Varricchio said.
Lewis said Jenny may be searching for her mate, from which she was separated after someone who bought the donkeys at Tilton's Auction in East Corinth sold it. Lewis said having that mate would help draw Jenny out, and she asked anyone knowing its whereabouts to contact Gaeta at the farm.
Amy Calder -- 861-9247
acalder@centralmaine.com
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
all the news that's fit to print: January 30, 2007
The Morning Sentinel, founded in 1904, is a newspaper "Serving Northern Kennebec, Waldo, Somerset and Franklin County Communities." Good for them, they really only carry local news. So here's the contents of today's front page:
Top headline, article and photo stretch all the way across the front of the page: "Ripe for the plucking: Madison greenhouse begins selling 1st batch of tomatoes" (small inset photo on right) It's a story about a company that has a 25-acre greenhouse and is staking "its futre on the premise that vine-ripened tomatoes will taste better than those picked early and shipped thousands of miles." Amen to that! And it's good for the local economy.
Above the fold, directly under prior article, 3/4 of the way across the page:"Riding with some of the best: Oakland-based school district bus system nationally recognized" (big photo, 3 columns wide, above the article showing all the bus drivers in a bus) This is a clever photo and a great story. That should be front page news when your bus fleet gets national recognition.
Above the fold, 1/4 of the page, to the right of the prior article: "N.C. sex offender charged with rape." Sad but true, a registered sex offender from North Caroline is charged with raping a local woman Sunday morning. There's a small mug shot of the guy flush in the article.
Bottom third of the page, with table of contents, weather, and 2 news briefs in the middle: to the left: "Commission backs mandated insurance, cigarette tax increase."
And in the lower right hand corner of the front page, my all-time favorite: "Runaway donkey stays a step ahead of owner, police." The article is long enough it's even carried over to page 6. "A donkey that escaped its pen more than a week ago is stubbornly clinging to her freedom. Jenny, a 5 year old, has apparently not traveled far from Mary Gaeta's Higgins Road farm since escaping Jan. 18, but she is still on the lam despite numerous attempts to bring her in. 'We can't catch up with it,' said Chief Steve Emery of the Pittsfield Police Department. Gaeta, owner of Mary's Farms, had the donkey less than a month when she tried to coax the animal from its pen into the barn. Gaeta erected a barricade to guide Jenny, but she managed to slip underneath and ran into the road. 'It's been on the loose ever since,' Emery said. 'It sneaks in every once in a while to get a bite to eat.' Jenny has spent much of her time in a backyard just three houses down the street, Gaeta said.
and the story goes on from there. But isn't that a hoot? :-)
Top headline, article and photo stretch all the way across the front of the page: "Ripe for the plucking: Madison greenhouse begins selling 1st batch of tomatoes" (small inset photo on right) It's a story about a company that has a 25-acre greenhouse and is staking "its futre on the premise that vine-ripened tomatoes will taste better than those picked early and shipped thousands of miles." Amen to that! And it's good for the local economy.
Above the fold, directly under prior article, 3/4 of the way across the page:"Riding with some of the best: Oakland-based school district bus system nationally recognized" (big photo, 3 columns wide, above the article showing all the bus drivers in a bus) This is a clever photo and a great story. That should be front page news when your bus fleet gets national recognition.
Above the fold, 1/4 of the page, to the right of the prior article: "N.C. sex offender charged with rape." Sad but true, a registered sex offender from North Caroline is charged with raping a local woman Sunday morning. There's a small mug shot of the guy flush in the article.
Bottom third of the page, with table of contents, weather, and 2 news briefs in the middle: to the left: "Commission backs mandated insurance, cigarette tax increase."
And in the lower right hand corner of the front page, my all-time favorite: "Runaway donkey stays a step ahead of owner, police." The article is long enough it's even carried over to page 6. "A donkey that escaped its pen more than a week ago is stubbornly clinging to her freedom. Jenny, a 5 year old, has apparently not traveled far from Mary Gaeta's Higgins Road farm since escaping Jan. 18, but she is still on the lam despite numerous attempts to bring her in. 'We can't catch up with it,' said Chief Steve Emery of the Pittsfield Police Department. Gaeta, owner of Mary's Farms, had the donkey less than a month when she tried to coax the animal from its pen into the barn. Gaeta erected a barricade to guide Jenny, but she managed to slip underneath and ran into the road. 'It's been on the loose ever since,' Emery said. 'It sneaks in every once in a while to get a bite to eat.' Jenny has spent much of her time in a backyard just three houses down the street, Gaeta said.
and the story goes on from there. But isn't that a hoot? :-)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)