http://www.elrefugiodelburrito.com/en
The sanctuary is such a lovely place, set in the middle of the countryside, it is incredibly peaceful and it's always nice to just wander around watching the donkeys going about their business.
When we arrived it was feeding time so most of the donkeys were busy eating their feed, but several of them still took the time to come over to the fence of their paddocks to greet us!
As it happened, Jake, my husbands grandson, wasn't particularly interested in the donkeys, preferring to play on the childrens slide instead, but luckily Devlin was delighted to see them and really wanted to get 'up close and personal' with them. However, we had to be quite careful as the donkeys liked him a little bit too much and thought he'd make a tasty dessert after they'd finished their lunch!!
Devlin wanted to ride one of the donkeys but had to be content with pretending to ride, by sitting astride the fence!
Pausing at the Pozo de los Deseos, or Wishing Well.....I wonder what Devlin wished for?
These donkeys are part of the sanctuary's 'adoption' scheme. For a minimum donation of €15 you can 'adopt' one of the donkeys and you receive newsletters and a certificate. For several years we've adopted Leon who was rescued from Naples Zoo in Italy! Most of the donkeys are rescued from all over Spain and the rest of Europe. Sadly, most have been abused or neglected, but some are brought there by their former owners, who can no longer afford to keep them once the donkey is too old to work anymore.
Taking a respite from the heat! Devlin was glad of his cap but really should have worn a tee shirt rather than his hoodie!
A close up of my handsome blond boy from 1969!
After a stroll around the paddocks in the heat, we took a look in the Sanctury's shop, where they sell a selection of items to help raise funds for donkeys keep. Devlin finally got a ride on a donkey....although this one was made of woven straw!!!
We Love Donkey's! Looks like Devlin was enjoying himself , shame he could only ride on the fence ! :)
ReplyDeleteHe looks lovely in his blue outfit which would have been fine for the weather in the UK today!
Me too Dee, they are such sweet, gentle characters, in the main, aren't they! The hoodie in particular was a bit too warm for here but, with our visitors here, I didn't really like to hang around saying that I wanted my doll to be appropriately dressed in case they thought I'd completely lost the plot....I think they might be thinking that already to be honest! So I just quickly put on his hoodie as it was close to hand. Next time he'll wear a cooler tee shirt!!!
DeleteAh! A Devlin is a boy after my own heart - we have three naughty little donkeys, all rescued and in our will to go to the UK sanctuary if they out-live us and #1 son can't look after them. Meggy, the oldest one, loves the Sashas.
ReplyDeleteJenni, you're so lucky to have all the lovely animals you have! I love little donkeys, though some of these are quite enormous in donkey terms as they are Andalucian Donkeys which are large like mules. Also there are mules, but there is a real mix.....I guess size doesn't come into it when you're being abused by your owner. So sad. :( But thank goodness they are now safe and being well looked after!
DeleteAlso I do believe that there is a connection between this sanctuary and the one you're referring to. I will have to check that out.
Hey there Devlin, how lovely that you got to see the Donkeys and that you also have 'adopted' one through your family. Lovely to see that they have been rescued and looked after. One day we hope to get a donkey or two...inspired by Derek Tangye - he wrote about his donkeys on his farm in Cornwall.
ReplyDeleteHenry xx
Thank you Henry! I will answer on Devlins behalf because he is not allowed to use the laptop after a little incident last year when he got hold of my credit card.
DeleteYes, we have adopted Leon, he is a football playing donkey!!! He and his paddock mates actually play football ... that's when they're not eating of course!!! I hope you get to adopt one one day, because most sanctuaries are funded purely by donations, as this one is.
Lovely photos Sharon. It's great to see the Donkeys so well fed and looking contented.
ReplyDeleteThank you Rosie! And yes, I agree, after all they've been through, they really do deserve to spend their days relaxing in the sunshine and being admired by visitors......with the added benefit of a lot of ear scratches too....they seem to particuarly love that!
DeleteGreat photos of Devlin and so nice to see the donkeys too. He looks very handsome and I love that color on him :) xx
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Ginger! He does suit blue, doesn't he...goes with his lovely eyes! xx
DeleteThe photos are so beautiful, Sharon. And I love the blue Sweatshirt and his blue eyes. I love the last photographs (from behind). Devlin is a wonderful boy. And I like donkeys too.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Barbara! I'm glad you like them. I always admire how bright and clear your photos are, so am glad that you think mine are nice too! xxx PS I love donkeys too!! (You probably guessed!)
DeleteDonkeys are great and I love them as well. They do what they want and if they don't want, (nearly) noboy is able to make them go :)
ReplyDeleteAnd your boy is perfect dressed.
You're so talented in dressing your dolls convenient and relaxed -but representable. I love your style!
Donkeys are such lovable creatures, aren't they? And have great characters! The sanctuary actually details each donkeys personality which I really love. Some of them enjoy football, can you believe it!!!!
DeleteThanks so much on my boys outfit too....I really like him in blue!
Just ADORE that Devlin but tend to agree that in hindsight a Tee shirt might have been cooler for him given the weather.
ReplyDeleteLooks to be a fabulous Donkey retirement centre. Would they take me in there too as it looks to be purpose built, better equipped and well run than some of our old people retirement homes....plus all that glorious sunshine and views to look out upon?
LOL Kendal, I'll take you there any time you wish.....but wouldn't you get fed up eating all that straw?! ;)
DeleteIt is indeed a nice place though and the staff so obviously love the donkeys, which is so important, it's definitely more than a job to them.
I'm delighted to hear that you adore Devlin, he is a sweet but shy boy.....and yes, a very hot one too, having had to wear his sweatshirt in the sunshine!!!! :)