When we think of pets, we generally think of two types of animals: cats and dogs. These cuddly bundles of joy epitomize the concept of pet ownership. However, we pet lovers know that love for an animal knows no limitations, and we feel our monthly donations should reflect that! 

There are countless animals that live their lives as beloved pets, despite the fact that many of us may not think of them as traditional pets. Just a few of the Cuddle Clones we have made over the years prove this beyond a shadow of a doubt! We have been lucky enough to create  Cuddle Clones of horses, cows, sheep, and other farm animals. This month, in honor of the members of our community who call their farm animals friends, we are proud to shine our Shelter Spotlight on Peaceful Pastures Donkey Rescue in Lincoln, MO. 

A portion of each and every purchase goes to benefit animal shelters, pet rescues, and humane societies all around the country, and every single organization we support is nominated by our customers. Do you know a pet welfare organization in need of support? Visit the Donations Page on our website and fill out our shelter nomination form.

Introducing Peaceful Pastures Donkey Rescue

Peaceful Pastures Donkey Rescue was born from v one woman’s dream. Founded in 2021 by Executive Director Beth Hakala, Peaceful Pastures began in service of a donkey in desperate need named Waffles.

Once we received this rescue’s nomination, we knew we needed to pledge our support:

“PPDR is one of few 501(c)(3) organizations in the United States that is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating abused, neglected and malnourished donkeys. Although there are over 150 donkeys on roughly 230 acres, it is completely run by volunteers. They take wild and very malnourished donkeys and work with them to gain their trust and give them the nutritional support they need to thrive. The donkeys are then adopted out to carefully vetted and loving homes. PPDR also has several events throughout the year to educate the public regarding the global rapid decline in donkeys due to slaughter.”

After promising her daughter a donkey, Beth recalls attending a horse auction, and her life would change forever once Waffles was brought before the crowd. “They were pushing her, hitting her, and she appeared to have a hard time walking. She looked up at the audience and the shear terror of the situation was obvious in her eyes.” Beth reminisces. “She had to come home with us.”

Waffles was in desperate need of medical attention, and as Beth provided Waffles with the proper care, she began to learn more about the tragic realities so many donkeys face: kill buyers, kill pens and auction trading. In short order, Beth had taken in dozens of donkeys, rescuing them from squalid conditions unfit for any living being. With over 200 acres of land and a newfound need to provide for these neglected and abused animals, Peaceful Pastures Donkey Rescue was born.

Bolstered by a passionate and dedicated Board of Advisors and staff, all of whom are volunteers, Peaceful Pastures Donkey Rescue hopes to grow and expand their offerings in the years to come. “My dream now is to continue to save donkeys, but also to introduce others to the emotional connection and therapeutic benefits of spending time with donkeys.” says Beth. “By educating people on the slaughter and trader industry and showing them the personality and love of the donkey, we can get support to shut this industry down.”

How to Support Peaceful Pastures Donkey Rescue

The good news is that if you purchased any of our custom gifts for pet lovers last month, you already have! Your purchase means we were able to support Peaceful Pastures Donkey Rescue’s mission. However, for those of you who want to do more (and we love that about you), there are a few great ways to support the cause:

• Make a Monetary Donation: Young and on the ground organizations like Peaceful Pastures survive off of donations made by amazing people like you! Your contributions directly contribute to furthering their mission, and your tax deductible donation will directly lead to saving the life of a beautiful animal in need.
• Adopt a Donkey:We know that not everyone can realistically consider adopting a donkey. After all, an urban apartment or packed family home isn’t the ideal environment (although not utterly unheard of). However, if you have the space on your property and in your heart, adopting a donkey or miniature horse can make all of the difference for both the animal and the organization.
• Volunteer at the Rescue: Are you a Lincoln, MO local with time to space and a passion  for giving back? Volunteering with Peaceful Pastures is the perfect way to show your support. Peaceful Pastures is always looking for volunteers to provide care for the animals and help host events. Those interested should contact the rescue via email!

Thank you again to everyone who nominated this wonderful organization.