New friends help shy donkey duo expand horizons

You know those kids who are somewhat reluctant to leave home and end up living in their mom’s basement well into adulthood? Well, donkeys Jack and Rubia are a bit like that. This mother and son duo are two of Horse Haven’s newest residents.

While they were very loved in their previous home for the past 15 years, they were also a little isolated. “Jack is super friendly with people and wants to be playful, but he hasn’t been around anyone else besides his sweetly surly mother,” says Horse Haven manager Jen Reid.

[Pint-size equines living large]

Caregivers wanted to expand their horizons and give them the opportunity to make friends, but all that change was a bit overwhelming for Jack and Rubia. The solution? Pairing them with a mellow mule named Lucky, who provides the quiet comfort they both need to adjust to this exciting new life. While we can’t be sure, we think Jack’s burgeoning independence might entice Rubia to stop nagging him to pick up his socks and help out a bit more around the house.

This article was originally published in the September/October 2024 issue of Best Friends magazine. Want more good news? Become a member and get stories like this six times a year.

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