Born in 2015, Cash lost his mom when he was a yearling. He missed out on social skills and proper care. When he came to the DSC in 2021, his hooves were overgrown, and he did not know how to interact politely. Now, he enjoys ear and wither scratches, and running around with his friends.

Before coming to the DSC in 2021, Monterey lived with cattle and about ten other donkeys, but there was no appropriate shelter, nutrition, or regular care. He arrived at the DSC as a jack, and we think he likely fathered many of the young donkeys who came with him. He was gelded after his arrival.

Carling has had a tough stretch lately. Soreness in his front hooves first showed up as abscesses. Our vet team diagnosed him with laminitis. We started our laminitis care protocol, and Carling has recently been able to come off it. He's on daily medication and we're exploring remedial shoes.

Johnny’s journey hasn’t always been easy, but at 33-years-old, this senior donkey continues to show us just how remarkable he is. Recently, Johnny has needed a little extra care, which reminds us how important comfort, routine, and compassionate care are, especially for our older residents.

We’re excited for the GCVI Concert Jan 23 in support of the DSC! Music from Alanis Morissette’s 'Jagged Little Pill' at the GCVI Auditorium, 155 Paisley St., Guelph and it's all in support of donkeys in need. Admission is pay-what-you-can, with all proceeds going directly to the Sanctuary.

Abby and Burrito were extra cozy at night check, happily settling into some fresh straw. Fresh straw, good friends, and a peaceful night is just the way it should be!

Speaking with Donkeys, a free webinar about understanding donkey body language and behavior. We’ll explore how donkeys communicate and how to build trust. Free to attend Same webinar, multiple dates • Fri, Feb 5 at 2:00 pm • Mon, Feb 9 at 2:00 pm • Tue, Feb 17 at 6:00 pm • Wed, Feb 25 at 6:00 pm

Wishing a warm and peaceful Orthodox Christmas to everyone celebrating today. 🤍 From all of us at the DSC, we hope your day is filled with kindness, reflection, and a little extra comfort. May the season bring peace, hope, and gentle moments to you and your families.

On New Year’s Day, we celebrated two very special donkeys: Phoenix and Aiden. Phoenix came to us after she was taken from the wild in 2023. Aiden arrived at the Sanctuary in 2024 just days old. One shared New Year’s Day with so much to celebrate! Happy Birthday, Phoenix and Aiden!

Sugar is starting a new chapter! Sugar came to the DSC in 2015 with her mom Minnie. After losing her mom earlier this year, Sugar has shown great resilience and she’s now settled at a DSC Host Farm, where she’ll be a companion to a mini jenny in need of a friend. We’re so happy for them both!

Snow day fun, donkey-style Our animal care staff got a little creative today and built a snowman right in the mini geldings’ paddock as a bit of enrichment. Let's just say it definitely got some attention! A whole lot of curiosity made for a pretty fun winter moment!

On Festivus, we're here with Gerry and Flint, celebrating the little things that bring us joy! Festivus is known for its airing of grievances, but Gerry is happy to leave the past behind. And Flint with his feisty personality brings a spark of spirited Festivus energy all his own! Happy Festivus!

It’s National Cookie Exchange Day, and Pippin definitely approves of treats made just for horses and donkeys! A big, heartfelt thank-you to Foxwood Farms, Bradford, Ontario for donating funds to the DSC from the sales of their equine cookies, made especially for horses and donkeys!

It’s National Maple Syrup Day, and we couldn’t resist shining the spotlight on our very own Maple! Since arriving at the DSC in March 2025, Maple has shown us just how sweet she is (fitting name, right?). Happy Maple Syrup Day from Maple — no tapping required

So grateful to The Braytones for sharing their wonderful voices at our final Holiday Open Day of the year! Your music added such a warm, festive feeling to the day and brought smiles to visitors, volunteers, and even a few donkeys. Thank you for helping us end the season on such a joyful note!

International Animal Rights Day, December 10th, is a powerful reminder that every animal deserves safety, dignity, and compassion. Today, we reaffirm our commitment to caring for them, and sharing their stories so more people can understand just how incredible they truly are. #IntlAnimalRightsDay

Happy December Birthdays to Pippin, Heather, and Josh! We’re celebrating three wonderful donkeys this month, and we hope you’ll join us in sending them all the warm birthday wishes they deserve! Each of these donkeys brings so much joy to the sanctuary!

Special Open Day this Sunday, December 14! This event is fully sold out, and only guests with confirmed tickets and Annual Passholders will be admitted. Walk-in tickets will NOT be available. The Braytones choir will begin singing in the Learning Centre at 4:00pm, finishing around 4:30–4:45pm.

Happy International Volunteer Day! To everyone who gives their time and heart to the donkeys: thank you. We couldn’t do this work without you, and we’re grateful for you every single day. #InternationalVolunteerDay #DonkeySanctuaryOfCanada #ThankYouVolunteers

Our Second Virtual Learning Centre Video Is Here! Packed full of info and the donkeys were absolute stars, standing so patiently for the body condition score demonstration. (You may spot one of your favourite donkeys!) youtu.be/19DAFSz06sk?... #DonkeySanctuary #VirtualLearningCentre #animalcare

As evening rolls in, the donkeys get a last night check as they settle down for the night. Because of you, our donkeys can rest easy. Your Giving Tuesday donations ensure comfort, care, and security every single night of the year. www.thedonkeysanctuary.ca/giving-tuesd...

Midday moments made possible by your thoughtfulness! As the sun climbs higher, our donkeys receive hands-on care that keeps them comfortable and content. Your Giving Tuesday donation supports farrier visits, veterinary care, and the enrichment that keeps our donkeys healthy in both body and spirit.

Giving Tuesday begins with the sunrise. Every day at the donkey sanctuary begins with quiet care and compassion and gentle routines that are only possible because of kind supporters like you. Thank you for making their mornings bright! www.thedonkeysanctuary.ca/giving-tuesd...

Introducing the two newest faces at the DSC! Todd (with his distinctive black nose) and his buddy Tucker (a handsome grey) arrived on November 4th, and they’re already settling in beautifully. These two boys came from a caring home that simply needed some help balancing winter farm management.

A sincere thank you to Jo's Snowflake Fund at @torontofdn.bsky.social for their thoughtful donation to The Donkey Sanctuary of Canada! We’re so appreciative to have you as part of our caring community. Thank you for making a real difference!

Have you met Captain, our resident barn cat? We think he may be just a tiny bit confused about his species.. We’re not saying he thinks he’s a donkey… but if he suddenly starts braying, we won’t be totally surprised!

Our mini mule, Miss Jenny, recently enjoyed a tasty seasonal treat! When she first arrived at the DSC, she was extremely nervous and kept her distance from people, but with patience and kindness, Miss Jenny has learned to trust. Living comfortably in our Special Care paddock, she is flourishing!

Big thank you to Kahn Forge, Inc. for their thoughtful donation of Durasole to the DSC. Your kindness is already making a difference for our long-eared friends, including sweet Justin! Durasole is a hoof-hardening treatment. Thank you for helping our donkeys stay happy and hoof-strong!

Our Special Holiday Open Days are coming up on November 30, December 7, and December 14, and advance tickets are now available. These days fill up quickly, so be sure to book ahead and enjoy a peaceful seasonal visit with the donkeys and mules. www.thedonkeysanctuary.ca/special-open...

Welcome Buttons and Bonnie! They came to us from a very caring home when their elderly caregivers knew the donkeys needed more care than they could keep up with. Bonnie gave the pickup team a little challenge during loading, but with plenty of donkey diplomacy, everyone made it back safe and sound!

On Nov 6th we said goodbye to Da Vinci, who was peacefully euthanized after sustaining a serious tendon injury. At 39 years old, Da Vinci lived an extraordinary life filled with friendship and wisdom. We are grateful for his grace, spirit, and years of companionship. We will keep him in our hearts.

Luke and Franny have started on arthritis meds to help keep them comfortable through the colder months. Their treatment began a little early because of the chill. They are doing well! Luke lives in our Special Care herd, while Franny enjoys life with the minis and both are thriving. #DonkeyCare

We’re excited to introduce a brand-new resource designed with donkey owners in mind. The Virtual Learning Centre has launched with our first video, Donkey Care Essentials, along with downloadable PDF resources to support you in caring for your donkeys. www.thedonkeysanctuary.ca/virtual-lear...

Donkeys can be protective by nature, but relying on them for predator control can put them at risk and it doesn't always work. Apollo and Sherlock are examples of donkeys who were neglected when they failed to do a job they were never meant to do. Livestock guardian dogs are a far better choice.

We’re heading to the Royal! We're excited to share that we’ll have a booth at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair again this year! We'll be there from November 7th to 10th. Come by and meet members of our team, and discover how the DSC is making a difference for equines in need.

Holiday Shopping at the Long Ears Boutique! The Long Ears Boutique will be open for Holiday shopping every Monday and Friday from 9:00am–12:00pm, beginning November 24 until December 19. (The barnyard will NOT be open during this time - boutique access only) long-ears-boutique.myshopify.com

Watson and his brother, Sherlock, first arrived at the DSC in the spring of 2017 after their former owner no longer wished to keep them as guard animals. A shy but sweet soul, Watson unexpectedly passed away while out in the field on Oct 10th. Watson touched many hearts and will be missed.

We'll be at the Foxwood Christmas Market on Nov 29th! Visit our table where you’ll also find a selection of festive favourites from our Long Ears Boutique. All proceeds directly support the donkeys in our care. Limited quantities will be available at the event. #DonkeySanctuary

Happy 3rd Birthday, Gwyn! We welcomed baby Gwyn into the world at 8:30pm on October 27, 2022. It's hard to believe this beautiful girl is already three years old! She’s grown into a stunning young donkey who’s always eager to learn about the world around her. #DonkeyBirthday #Donkeys

There’s a special kind of peace in the air at the DSC this time of year. Last Open Day is this Sunday before the regular season ends, but then we’ll be open for three special Holiday Open Days on Nov 30, Dec 7 & Dec 14! Advance tickets available online www.thedonkeysanctuary.ca/visit-us/

Community Work Day at the DSC on Saturday, November 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Come lend a hand with outdoor projects that help get the Sanctuary grounds ready for winter and enjoy a fun day surrounded by good company (both human and donkey!). Email [email protected] to sign up.

Happy Birthday to Phoebe! Phoebe was born on October 20, 2011. She came to the DSC in the summer of 2023 with her two miniature donkey friends, Ross and Rachel. Since arriving, Phoebe has had surgery to remove a diseased eye and has adjusted beautifully to life with one good eye. #MammothDonkey

Help Protect Puslinch is hosting an Open House at the Donkey Sanctuary of Canada, this Saturday, October 18 from 11am to 3pm Learn why responsible growth matters, ask questions & sign the petition. No charge to attend. All are welcome. More info at helpprotectpuslinch.ca

October is full of birthday celebrations here at the DSC! We’re sending extra ear rubs to our donkeys who were born this month: 🎈 Caesar – October 14, 2022 🎈 Phoebe – October 20, 2011 🎈 Sydney – October 23, 1999 🎈 Gwyn – October 27, 2022 🎈 Pepper – October 31, 2021

Thank you to everyone who took part in PACE for the Donkeys 5K Trail Run 2025! $33,519 was raised to help care for donkeys in need! A special shoutout to our Platinum Sponsors, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Inc. and Arrow Machine for their support! #ThankYou #CommunitySupport #5KTrailRun

“You have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” Few words capture Dr. Jane Goodall's spirit more closely. These words hang on a paddock fence here at the DSC, a daily reminder that compassion is a choice we can make every day. #InMemoryOfJaneGoodall #MakeADifference #AnimalWelfare

Puslinch is growing and how we plan that growth matters. Join us on October 18 between 11am and 3pm for an Open House hosted by Help Protect Puslinch. Discover what Puslinch By Design recommends for our township’s future, and why the proposed Estill development does not align with sound planning.

It’s National Noodle Day, and we couldn’t miss the chance to shine a spotlight on our very own Noodle! Here’s Noodle during night check, looking handsome as ever, with Beans sneaking in a little photobomb! #NationalNoodleDay #DonkeySanctuaryofCanada #DSCcommunity #Donkeys #NoodleAndBeans

Happy International Music Day! We're celebrating the day with our own Melody! Melody came to the DSC as a tiny foal, just a month old. Always ready to “hit the right note”, today, Melody is thriving and reminding us that every donkey has their own unique song. #InternationalMusicDay #Donkeys

On the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we recognize our sanctuary is located on the traditional lands of the Haudenosaunee Peoples. We acknowledge the enduring presence of Indigenous communities and our duty to continue to care for the land, as we commit to listening and learning.