Healthy Donkey

The Healthy Donkey provides a fascinating background to the history of this iconic animal and introduces potential owners to everything they need to know about donkey guardianship, with useful information about diet, bedding and grooming. Those already familiar with donkeys will also find invaluable information about addressing behavioural issues using patience, kindness and bodywork using the Tellington TTouch techniques - a non-invasive system of touch and massage designed to bring about calmness, trust and confidence. Case studies show how these techniques can be used to address a variety of problems. Topics covered include: the history of the donkey; anatomy, physiology and conformation; connecting with nervous and novice donkeys; introducing bodywork; Tellington TTouch and Connected Riding. There are an estimated forty to fifty million donkeys in the world, mostly used as working animals, and its popularity is down to its stamina, and the fact that it utilizes its feed more efficiently and tolerates thirst better than its cousin the horse. Illustrated with 82 colour photographs.

The Miniature Mediterranean Donkey, also known as the Miniature Donkey or simply the mini, hails originally from the Italian islands of Sardinia and Sicily. They are not just very small donkeys but an entirely separate species. They are the smallest of the equines and increasingly popular as pets. This book will introduce you to these little donkeys by discussing their appearance and biology, typical behaviour, reproduction, their feeding needs, socialisation and bonding, how to train them and what makes these adorable equines such wonderful pets. It will also tell you what you need to know in order to decide whether or not this is the pet for you - cuteness factor aside - and, if it is, where to buy one, how to select your mini, what you need to arrange and buy before you bring it home, and how to take proper care of it. The owner must know what these pint-sized, intelligent and very loving equines need with regards to their environment, feeding and social and mental lives in order to be both healthy and happy. The Miniature Mediterranean Donkey is susceptible to several of the same bacterial, parasitic and viral infections that standard donkeys and horses may contract. Anyone who is serious about owning one needs to know how to care for them, what to look for and how to deal with common conditions. Covered in this book: Care Costs Daily care Do's and don'ts Feeding Health History Intelligence One or two Personality Tips on buying Training Travelling ...and much more

Strong, intelligent, dependable, friendly, and extremely versatile, donkeys are the perfect farm companion. Whether you use your animal to pull carts, till fields, or protect livestock, you’ll benefit from this practical and inspirational guide to working with and caring for your donkey. Providing expert advice on selecting the right breed for your needs, daily maintenance, training, and first aid, Sue Weaver also includes plenty of fun facts and charming donkey anecdotes. Raise a happy and healthy donkey!

International animal welfare charity The Donkey Sanctuary is launching The Clinical Companion of the Donkey, the revised version of The Professional Handbook of the Donkey, which has been the definitive text for clinicians and professionals working in donkey medicine or surgery for over twenty years. Now in an easy-to-read and easy-to-navigate format over its 360 pages, this updated paperback includes current and extra information in a bid to improve the health and welfare of donkeys worldwide by sharing knowledge and providing further education. Without covering the same ground as other excellent textbooks, The Clinical Companion of the Donkey concentrates on those differences in the equine species that are specific to the donkey. A new chapter on donkey behaviour has been included, as this is fundamental to understanding this unique animal and the presentation of clinical signs and requirements for handling, nursing and treatment. Technical colour illustrations have been included using images from the extensive libraries at The Donkey Sanctuary, as well as those private collections that belong to contributors. This book will also be available as translated versions over the following months. Created with heart and keen intelligence, The Clinical Companion of the Donkey has all the attributes of the animal it aims to aid, and will surely be the textbook of professionals involved with donkeys for years to come.

On a U.S. military base near Fallujah in war-torn Iraq, Col. John Folsom woke up one morning to the sound of a small, scruffy donkey tied up outside his quarters. He was charmed by this scrawny animal with a plaintive expression. Folsom and his fellow Marines took in the donkey, built him a corral and shelter, and escorted him on daily walks. One night, hanging out with the Marines as they relaxed after work, the donkey snatched someone's lit cigarette and gobbled it up, to the laughter of all. Suddenly, the donkey had a name: Smoke. More than a conversation topic for troops connecting with families back home, Smoke served as mascot, ambassador, and battle buddy. Smoke the Donkey recounts the strong friendship between Colonel Folsom and this stray donkey and the massive challenges of reuniting Smoke with Folsom in the United States following Folsom's retirement. After being given to a local sheik, Smoke wandered the desert before Folsom rallied an international team to take him on a convoluted journey to his new home. The team won a protracted bureaucratic battle to move Smoke from Iraq to Turkey, only to face a tougher fight getting him out of Turkey. Once in the States, Smoke became a beloved therapy animal for both children and veterans. Smoke's story, while tinged with sadness, speaks to the enduring bond between a man and an animal, unbroken by war, distance, or red tape.