Darling Donkey Duo find a home in Waitsburg

WAITSBURG-Since Ed and Cathy Lambert started visiting Bob, Waitsburg's beloved donkey on E. 8th, they have developed a love for the breed. Lambert said that for many years the couple would visit and bring him treats. It wasn't until their daughter Kelly connected them to Peace Valley Donkey Rescue (PVDR) that they had a chance to adopt their own.

The PVDR application process was very thorough and detailed, explained the Lamberts. They began the process in early June of this year. After submitting their application, they waited about a week to find out if they were approved. After getting the nod, there was still more waiting to do.

Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue based in Miles, Texas has a nationwide network of Ranch Facilities and Satellite Adoption Centers. The Western States Regional Office is in Arizona, where Cathy says, "donkeys run wild all over the place".

While Peaceful Valley has sites all over the country, the Lambert's worked with the Northeast Oregon branch in Milton-Freewater. After being approved the Lamberts had to wait for the next load of donkeys to be sent from Arizona. And after that, there was a two-week waiting period after the donkeys arrived in Milton-Freewater before they could go to their new homes.

Though the Lamberts couldn't bring any donkeys home yet, they were able to visit the facility to to choose which ones they would adopt.

From twelve recent arrivals to choose from, the Lambert's selected a pair of two-year-old jacks (males) named Hank and Zeke. When asked which one is which, Lambert explained that Hank's color is dark brown, and Zeke is a lighter gray. But that is not the only difference between the pair; they say Hank is very laid back and easy going but Zeke is a tad ornery.

The Lambert's suspect that Zeke may have been abused in the past and believe that could have something to do with his extra spunk. Despite their differences in personality, they are both suckers for attention. They love to be brushed, play in the dirt, and will certainly never turn down a carrot.

Since arriving at their new home in mid-July, it has been nothing but fun and games for these two lucky boys. They are treated very well at the Lambert property where treats and affection are never shorted.

"They are just happy to have a home. They want to be near you all the time and I really enjoy that companionship", explained Lambert. He also mentioned looking forward to leading them around and possibly saddling training Hank for his granddaughter to ride.

With their contented slow-going energy, it's easy to see why the Lambert's wanted to give these handsome fellas a forever home. While the couple does not have any plans of taking the donkeys to any fairs or events, they welcome visitors to come see Hank and Zeke. Lambert added that they would be the perfect therapy animals, "if you're feeling stressed, come see them and you will feel better". Making time to slow down and embrace the "just glad to be here" attitude is surely something that we could all benefit from. If you do plan to visit the darling duo, just remember, carrots are their favorite treats.