As we wrote the May Newsletter, we were still having cold, wet days and had water-logged fields and could see no end to it. Well, it turned out to be the hottest, driest May since records began and we all thought, fantastic, Summer’s here! WRONG!

June and July have been disappointing – the unpredictability of the weather being the worst part.  On one particular Sunday afternoon, we were supplying the visitors with waterproof jackets and footwear since most had started out in bright sunshine and arrived at the sanctuary in near monsoon conditions!  

We can report that the donkeys did not go without their carrots that day, though.  The intrepid public still went to each field and ensured that the donkeys got their weekend treat.  Thank you everyone who “enjoyed” that particular day!

St. Swithin’s Day has come and gone and if it is to be believed, then we are in for more of the same – sunshine and showers (heavy ones) for the rest of the summer. 
 

Show me the way to go home!
Last time we told you that on 14th June, a young supporter of the sanctuary, DEAN BROWN, aged 13, was going to join three adults to walk from Cameron Toll in Edinburgh to Galashiels to raise money for our charity. Well, we are delighted to say that Dean and his companions completed their journey in about 9 hours and raised over £2,000 in sponsorship for the sanctuary.  Dennis the donkey had a very big welcome for the lads as they arrived at CarParts4U. When we hear so many bad reports about the “youth of today”, it is fantastic that a young lad should undertake such a trek for charity.  His mum and dad tell us that it was entirely Dean’s idea.  All the more credit to him. THANK YOU, DEAN.

Giving a generous helping hand!
A group of ladies from the Doncaster area who visited the sanctuary a few years ago held a Coffee Morning on our behalf and raised £240.

A gentleman who had been designated Aberfeldy Citizen of the Year 2008 by Aberfeldy & District Rotary Club very kindly donated his prize of £200 to our charity. Mr Leszke and his party enjoyed a visit to the sanctuary to meet the donkeys who will benefit from his generosity.

Our loyal friends, Border Beasties, have been hard at work again and sent us a much welcome cheque towards our funds.

We have also received donations, in some cases anonymously, from a few very kind people.  No matter the size of any such donation, we are just very grateful to those involved.  Sometimes there is a sad connotation such as a bereavement behind the gift and we truly hope that the donor knows how much it is appreciated by us and how it would have been approved of.

The unsung Heroes!
The sanctuary is only open at weekends for visits by the public due mainly for Health & Safety reasons and most people have been able to fit in with this.  We have always insisted that visitors are escorted round the sanctuary to ensure that mishaps are kept to a minimum. (We can never say they never happen!!!)  In order to do this, we have a band of very loyal volunteers, some of whom give us a day every weekend and have done so for several years. These ladies – no gents on board at the moment!! – are mostly in full-time employment or at college, so it is a big commitment on their part and we cannot emphasize just how grateful we are to them.  They all have acquired a vast knowledge of the workings of the sanctuary and are happy to explain what goes on and introduce the visitors to our beloved donkeys in a safe and enjoyable manner.

EXPERIENCE A DAY IN DONKEY HEAVEN!
There has been very little interest in this new venture so we have decided to abandon the idea for this year and will look it afresh for 2009.

INFORMATION SHEET

OPEN ALL HOURS? – NO, NOT QUITE!!
The sanctuary is open every Saturday and Sunday at 2pm for the guided tour of the animals throughout the year. The volunteers will be waiting to greet you.  We regret we cannot permit visits mid-week as we do not have the personnel on hand to escort visitors round.  Only pre-booked Groups can be accommodated. Booking Forms can be obtained from the office.  Health & Safety Regulations dictate these decisions.