SHEILA
Jennet
Age: c. 21
Arrival: 2011
Current status: Sanctuary
RECENT SPONSORS:
ASSIGNED VOLUNTEERS:
History: Like Toby, Sheila was one of the herd of 24 that we rescued from Southwest Livestock Auction in fall of 2011. That means that Sheila's intake dates back to about a year before we were even incorporated as a NM charity. No one knows where she came from or how she landed there, but many in that herd were in poor shape, both physically and behaviorally. Sheila was one of those who could not be touched, and she still likes to threaten to kick if she gets handled toward the rear end of her torso. In addition, Sheila may have some vision problems that make it complicated for her to tolerate movement near her head. Over time, Sheila has made progress with gentling, and she was even adopted out for a few years to a small ranch in Deming, but she returned when her adopter unexpectedly passed away and seems to be happiest here at our facility.
Personality: Sheila is social with most other donkeys as well as mules and horses, and she has had a number of close bonds with other donkeys, both male and female. She is currently bonded with Toby, whom she has known since her first intake, but also acts as Tigger the hinny's stepmom, and the three form a complicated love triangle, with Toby and Tigger both claiming Sheila as their best buddy. On her end, Sheila is enjoying the attention!
Diet: Despite Sheila's age, over 20 at this point, she does well on a diet of bermuda grass hay and barley straw. Her mixed herd consisting of a mule, a hinny, and three donkeys has a salt block and occasionally gets a tub of Equilix minerals. Sponsor Sheila here!