Memorial to Xander – August 6, 2024
Another amazing soul has left our embrace. Today we said good-bye to our dear donkey Xander. Â Xander was 37 years old and basically died from old age. He enjoyed a good life. In fact, Xander was one of the exceptions in our herd where we can say he lived his entire life loved and cherished.
Xander came to the sanctuary just 2 years ago when he was the last of his little herd of donkey friends and his humans were needing to move from their farm into the village where Xander could not accompany them. Although it was very difficult for his human family to move without him, they also knew he was safe here with us and they still could visit him here. At the time he came, he was already wearing the signs of a long life. He was arthritic and had issues with his feet that made things sometimes challenging for him. Because of the problems in his joints he was more delicate and couldn’t go out to pasture with the other donkeys. But he was always with them when they were inside and he enjoyed the companionship of his new herd of friends here.
Xander was a staff, volunteer, and visitor favorite. He was as gentle as could be. He had a heart of gold. And he had a glimmer in his big soulful eyes that just beckoned people to come over to see him. He was great with adults and little people as well. He was noble and wise and that energy just oozed out of every fiber of his being. You couldn’t pass by Xander without giving him a scratch on his huge ears or wrapping your arms around his neck and giving him a hug. He loved it as much as we did.
He was also the time keeper of the farm. Like clockwork you could hear is loud and very unique bray announcing feeding times and staff arrival times. He put his whole body into every bray. It was comical to watch him. Xander radiated a joy that was so indicative of the life he lived. He loved every minute of his life and soaked it all up.
Xander would want to thank so many people in his life for all the love and care he received. The list would be long, and you know who you are. And I know that right now you join all of his family here in feeling sadness at his departure but pure joy in having known him. He touched so many hearts.
We would like to thank a few people here who really helped make his final two years more comfortable and possible for him. First a big thank you to all his caretakers who loved him dearly and miss him greatly now. A special thank you to his farrier Lauren Waite who adored Xander and who so many times went out of his way to get here in times when Xander was struggling with foot pain to offer Xander relief when he needed it most. Also thanks to Dr. Rachel Fraser for all her help and advice over the past two years. And to Dr. Christine, our staff veterinarian who oversaw his daily care, and who helped him find peace, comfort, and dignity in the end. Thank you.
Xander would have loved to stay longer but his body simply gave out. He was tired. That good kind of tired when you get to the end of a day and know deep down that you did the best you could do and it was a good day.
Rest well old man. Your wisdom will live on in our hearts. And we swear that your bray will always echo through the farm for all of time. You had a great run. A life well done. Rest easy.