Ruby the miniature donkey was born in 1981 and raised out on an open field for sixteen years with no human interaction. She came to the Farm in 1997 in very poor condition. Not only was her skin weathered hairless and every bone showed from malnutrition, but her bloated belly also carried a baby. A veterinarian was called in immediately, but no treatment could be given in her current condition other than to put some weight and strength back in this animal. It was assumed she would miscarry the baby due to her feeble state. Over the next few months, she began to improve and, miraculously, delivered a full-term baby girl.
In September 1997, Abby was born and the veterinarian was called right away. Mother and baby were deemed healthy and Ruby had milk for the first time in 3 years. It wasn't until Abby attempted to stand, that the effects of her mother's condition showed itself. Due to the lack of nutrition in the early development, there was no cartilage in her front 'knees'. The doctor suggested she be 'put down' because of the severity of the birth defect; she would never be 'normal'.
It was decided that all efforts were going to be made to help this girl live a full life. With legs casts, her legs would be stable until the 'knee' joints fused. For the next 8 weeks, her casts were changed morning and night. Yes, her legs appear different; bent at the 'knees', but Abby continued on as any other young donkey, running and jumping with the best of them. You see, she never knew she was disabled.
Ruby continued to improve and within a year began participating in school programs, nativity settings, and even led a Palm Sunday parade; receiving her own palm. Despite being a range donkey for so many years, she quickly became a 'people' donkey and loved being around the children. She would wander in search for them if not restrained.
Abby continues to live at the Farm and has given birth to 3 babies; one who still resides here. Always a 'people' donkey, she has taken over where her mother left off.
In September 1997, Abby was born and the veterinarian was called right away. Mother and baby were deemed healthy and Ruby had milk for the first time in 3 years. It wasn't until Abby attempted to stand, that the effects of her mother's condition showed itself. Due to the lack of nutrition in the early development, there was no cartilage in her front 'knees'. The doctor suggested she be 'put down' because of the severity of the birth defect; she would never be 'normal'.
It was decided that all efforts were going to be made to help this girl live a full life. With legs casts, her legs would be stable until the 'knee' joints fused. For the next 8 weeks, her casts were changed morning and night. Yes, her legs appear different; bent at the 'knees', but Abby continued on as any other young donkey, running and jumping with the best of them. You see, she never knew she was disabled.
Ruby continued to improve and within a year began participating in school programs, nativity settings, and even led a Palm Sunday parade; receiving her own palm. Despite being a range donkey for so many years, she quickly became a 'people' donkey and loved being around the children. She would wander in search for them if not restrained.
Abby continues to live at the Farm and has given birth to 3 babies; one who still resides here. Always a 'people' donkey, she has taken over where her mother left off.