Water, water everywhere, not a drop to drink!

As ever, the latest Newsletter begins with comments on that most discussed topic in this country - the weather!!  Since last time, we have been frozen, snowed on and drookit.  In between times, the sun has had the cheek to come out and smile at us and even make us feel relatively warm.
The week before Christmas was particularly bad for anyone looking after livestock as the extreme cold snap meant that the water, being carried to the troughs in the various paddocks by pipe, froze.  Once the donkeys drank the contents of the troughs, no more came through and we were forced to transport water in jerricans.  Our little van came into its own, as it was ideal for this job - two trips per day made sure that all the donkeys had plenty to drink. 
The ice which was removed from the troughs was several inches thick and it was a big relief when the thaw finally arrived.
If we thought that was the Winter over, we were wrong - at New Year the snow arrived!!  Thankfully, at the sanctuary, it was never too deep for us to have huge problems and a few of the younger donkeys had great fun rolling in this soft, white stuff!!
The middle of January was taken up with horizontal rain and gales.  No damage has been caused - in the last few years we have seen some of our larger trees blown down - but the mud levels can be a real trial working outdoors!! The end of January/start of February has not been much better!!
Our resident donkeys all have very thick coats, ideal for the cold weather, and whilst they do not really like the rain - their coats not being  water repellent like those of horses and ponies - they do not seem to mind and can be found outside grazing even when they are able to enjoy a cosy and dry shed.  We do have some donkeys, though, that would not even poke a nose outside if it meant getting it wet!!!  Paddy and Henry spring to mind, instantly  - just shows what clever boys they are!

GIFT PACKAGES STILL AVAILABLE - For any occasion.  £10.00 inc p & p
With donkey of your choice.
To Include: Fridge Magnet; Key Ring; Badge; Pack of 10 Notelets & Envelopes.

DONKEY SOFT TOY - £10.00 inc p & p

SOFT DONKEY HANDBAG - £8.00 inc p & p

VISIT OUR SHOP AT THE HOLMES
Gifts for sale include:

2008 Sanctuary Calendars – Marilyn Allis Cards;

Sanctuary Tea Towels – Sanctuary Car Stickers

Individual Donkey Fridge Magnets - Key Rings - Badges

Packs of 5 or 10 Notelets & Envelopes featuring sanctuary donkeys

Mouse Mats & Framed Photographs of sanctuary donkeys

Pewter Donkey Pendants – Pin Badges – Phone Charms

Variety of soft donkey toys; Eeyores; Donkey from Shrek; Ceramics

T-SHIRTS WITH SANCTUARY LOGO
Orders taken – Adults £7.50; Childrens £5.00

Sponsor a Donkey. For further information: Telephone : 01835 823468(daytime) or  07773951010