Two mini donkeys, one big glow-up

It’s double the cuteness this National Donkey Day when it comes to Annie and Coco, two miniature donkeys who stole hearts at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary — especially those of their eventual adopters. These two spunky girls are up for whatever adventure their friends have up their sleeves. A game of soccer with a giant ball? Sounds perfect. A trip to the creek for a walk? Let’s go. Climbing on top of a wooden box? Count the girls in.

Not so long ago though, these social butterflies weren’t so sure about fun and games. When they first arrived at the Sanctuary, they needed some help finding the confidence they show off so easily these days.

Best Friends equine trainer Shy DeLand devoted herself to helping these mini donkeys. Shy and some volunteers devised games and excursions to help Annie and Coco see that meeting new people and having new experiences can be a real treat — and plenty of donkey cookies were involved in the process.

New friends help shy donkey duo expand horizons

They’d take a walk together or enjoy a pamper session of grooming. With every jaunt on the trails around the Sanctuary and each new friend they met, the sweet pair grew more at ease. As they became more and more willing to try something new, their confidence was built in small moments that added up over time.

Annie and Coco showed just how far they’d come when they met their adopters for the first time. Their newfound confidence and curiosity sent them right into their new person's arms, searching for a gentle stroke — or maybe some tasty treats.

One last hurdle stood between them and their new home: getting into a trailer. For equines, enclosed spaces can be intimidating, but Shy and the donkeys had prepared for this moment. “Now they’ll hop right in because they know that’s where all the cookies live,” Shy says — a simple sign of just how much their world has opened up.

Meet 2 donkeys who have a lot to say

These days, Annie and Coco are ready for just about anything, especially if cookies are involved. And this National Donkey Day, they’re living proof that with a little patience, a lot of heart, and a few well-timed treats, even the most timid donkeys can grow into the life of the party.

Our goal at Best Friends is to support all animal shelters in the U.S. in reaching no-kill. No-kill means saving every dog and cat in a shelter who can be saved, accounting for community safety and good quality of life for pets. 

Shelter staff can’t do it alone. Saving animals in shelters is everyone’s responsibility, and it takes support and participation from the community. No-kill is possible when we work together thoughtfully, honestly, and collaboratively.