We are deeply saddened to share that Tuba our rescue donkey age is estimated to be in his thirties has passed away. God in Jesus Christ precious name has brought home another precious donkey to heaven.

Tuba was healthy no signs of illness and than boom he started to have grand mal seizures. Our veterinarian came quickly and was able to administer medication to help him for a few hours. Early in the morning the grand mal seizures returned with a furry, we made the decision to have our vet humanely euthanize him. No more pain and suffering Tuba you are in heaven now.

What does donkeys are stoic mean? Donkeys unlike the horse will never show us pain until in most cases it is way too late making keeping donkeys healthy truly more challenging. We had absolutely no warning sign that Tuba was not feeling well, he ate his breakfast and dinner like normal. Tuba went out on the big paradise paddock track and proceeded to run and play with Oboe his bonded companion while the miniature donkeys grazed on the track. That evening Tuba had grand mal seizers, our vet promptly came and tried to stop the seizures within hours we made the decision to euthanize him. Tuba was truly a special donkey and the leader of Oboe his bonded companion. We miss him deeply and thank God he did not suffer.

What We Must Do When A Donkey Dies?

Donkeys are emotional beings and have excellent memories. It is vital that you put the halter/lead line on and walk the living donkeys buddies up to the body to say goodbye. This step is really important to give closure. Next it is vital that this donkey is not living alone get another donkey asap. Donkeys can die from grief and colic stress. Donkeys can go into a depression stop eating and drinking, have a glazed look in their eyes. Spend as much time as you can with your living donkey and help him/her through the grief.

I met Tuba and Oboe bonded pair of standard donkeys (Tuba 3rd donkey to the right Oboe butt) for the first time in 2008 as I was called asked to try and help the owners who were not able to halter or catch the donkeys. I went to the farm with the intention of teaching the owners how to tame and train Oboe & Tuba so they could stay in their forever home. Sadly they had tried horse methods on the donkeys that clearly did not work and the owners were frustrated with donkey behavior. I began working with the boys and was making great progress with them but sadly the owners did not want to learn as they had small children and a business leaving no time for the donkeys. I helped to get these two boys into a donkey sanctuary as our farm at the time was not big enough to take more equine. In 2014 we moved to our property in Sequim, WA I promptly brought Oboe and Tuba home to live with us in their forever home with Rio our Mammoth donkey on the Donkey Whisperer Farm ®. I always said God has a sense of humor as their names Oboe and Tuba fit Melody. 🙂

After Tuba passed we moved Oboe in with our miniature donkeys to help him. Luckily the miniature donkeys and our standard donkeys Oboe and Tuba have been spending lots of time together on the paradise paddock track. Please remember when a bonded pair of donkeys lose their companion it is vital to move the donkey in with another donkey quickly. Donkeys are very emotional and can stop eating, drinking and next is colic. Spend as much time with your donkey helping them move past the loss of the beloved companion. It is very important that all of the donkeys in the herd are able to smell the deceased donkey before burying the donkey. Why? Donkeys will cry out for a donkey that disappears if they do not know what happened and can stop eating and drinking. Its truly one of the hardest things to do loose a donkey, mule or horse. We thank God for his peace and strength to handle this pain and suffering. Tuba is in no more pain, we believe he is in heaven with Rio our mammoth donkey.

God bless you and your family two and four-legged!

Melody Johnson, Donkey Whisperer Farm ®