Velma was born overnight August 10, 2021. I went out to feed the mini donkeys (Donkey and Daphne) when I woke up. As I entered the barn, I saw an extra pair of eyes looking at me! Velma was a surprise! After I examined her, I realized she had one leg that was weak and one hind foot that was completely bent. I called our local vet and they told me to bring her in. I loaded her into the back of my Jeep (Daphne was not happy with me)! After the vet examined her, they suggested that we speak to an equine specialist. Luckily, we live in San Antonio where Retama Horse Race Track is located. Surgery has been suggested as a way to correct the tendon contracture in her left hind leg. This will be a costly procedure. Velma is not a prize horse or an expensive mini-donkey.  She is a farm animal that we did not expect. We had suspicions that Daphne was expecting but it was never confirmed. Mini Donkeys have a gestational period of 11.5-13 months.  We do not think that Donkey is the dad.  We are pretty sure that Daphne was pregnant when we got her. Regardless, she is a surprise from our pet mini-donkeys. I was born with a birth defect myself and my heart just explodes when I look at Velma.  A lot of people would say "let nature take it's course".  Financially, that makes the most sense.  Who spends $2000 on a donkey?  I am doing my best to figure out finances to do what we need to help Velma.  Rich and I pay it forward whenever we can.  Things are tight right now as I am not working. If I was working, I would not be able to give Velma the time and care she needs. It is a double edged sword!  I pray that Velma can overcome this hurdle and the doctors can help her. We appreciate any help you can give. Velma is a family pet who deserves a chance at a good life!

We are fighting right along side this baby! She needs us all!