X-ray for a Cause: Revolutionizing Donkey Rescue Care

Would you donate to help save and improve the lives of countless rescues for years to come? I don't mean helping us save one from the trader industry this time, but investing in a piece of equipment that will improve the lives of hundreds of donkeys over many years while cutting down on rescue costs.

Our current protocol is that donkeys needing x-rays for injuries, hoof deformities, etc. have to be loaded on the trailer, driven 2 hours to the University, x-rayed at a cost of several $100 to $1000, then hauled another 2 hours home. By having a portable x-ray machine on site, we would save the donkeys the stress of loading on the trailer, traveling long distances, and undergoing a procedure in a new location. Those donkeys who are unhandled are difficult to get on a trailer on a good day, nonetheless, if they are not feeling well. If we had x-ray capability on site, the veterinarians could view them remotely or on-site. The donkeys would be more comfortable, care would be expedited, and the savings in transport costs and x-rays at the university would greatly increase the ability to rescue and rehabilitate more donkeys at the rescue.

An example is a little donkey who we are calling Joe. Joe is a mini who is coming to us from a distraught owner after he was kicked by a horse. Joe is not moving his back legs currently. Their local veterinarian was not that helpful, and they do not have funds to take Joe to the University. We agreed to take Joe and try to give him the best shot we could. We have been in touch with veterinarians at MU and our local veterinarian, and we have a plan of action. If we had the x-ray machine, we could quickly take the films when Joe arrives and immediately send them to the specialists for interpretation and recommendation. Without x-ray capability, we will be examining Joe, taking cell phone pictures and videos, sending them to the veterinarian, and getting a recommendation on how to best comfort him until we can get Joe in the trailer, drive him there, and get all the exams and x-rays done, costing upwards of $2000. With the x-ray, the only cost after the machine purchase would be any treatments recommended. This savings could be several $1000 over the course of a few months. More importantly, Joe would get faster, more efficient care so he could heal faster and more comfortably.

We are starting a fundraising campaign for this machine. We have the recommended equipment lined up and all the preparations made, we just need funding. Would you like to donate to help many donkeys over the next several years? We have a package cost for the recommended x-ray machine and associated equipment of $26,800. We truly believe this machine will greatly improve the quality of care we give the animals while saving the rescue $1000's in veterinary bills. As always, your contribution is fully tax-deductible and will be dedicated to the purchase of this machine.