The progress of action to fix Dusty is slow and our vet Ewan will have another look at him on Thursday 24th June to see if his swelling has gone down any further. He is still being kept in a shelter with Daniel and observed by Kate each day.

 This week and part of last week Kate has had help from a young student from Edinburgh, who desires to be a vet one day, she is called Calista (John Wilson has had a couple of weeks holiday so the help has been much appreciated) Calista has come down each morning by bus from Edinburgh and has also been doing some grooming of Coquette and Lilly as well as learning about the various medical problems that donkeys encounter.

There were various names put forward here at the sanctuary for our new Llama but he has finally been named "THOR". I came in one morning and Mrs Dale said well we have finally come up with a name for him which is quite appropriate seeing that his father is called Lightning, we have decided to call him Thora.  I was a little puzzled as Thora being a girls name seemed odd so I answered her by saying Is it a girl then? Mrs Dale then did a retake and said sorry it's to be Thor, yes he is a boy Llama.

He is doing fine and coming into the feeding shed with his mum Annie

It's been very hot here the last few days and we have had a few groups of brownies enjoying the fine weather. The donkeys also seem to be enjoying it as well. We have also taken delivery of 10 sheep to help eat all the weeds that our donkeys don't like. They came on Sunday from The East Links Family Park at Dunbar.

Last week we were sent a poem by Jimmy Peers an ardent donkey lover. It is called:-

DUSTY A BRAVE LITTLE DONKEY

All the saff at the Donkey Sanctuary are very sad.

For Dusty the donkey is feeling pretty bad

At the centre near melrose in the borders

Poor Dusty has got a painful skin disorder

Dusty you are in good hands where you stay

You will be well looked after there every day.

With Mrs Dale and the kindly vet

They will give you the best treatment you can get

So Dusty, don't you worry or get down hearted

For a new treatment for you will soon be started

All your friends from everywhere

Wish you well and will say a prayer

Also you have got a special chum

The little boy who has lost his mum

Very soon they will raise the money needed to pay

For your treatment by the laser ray

After the treament, it won't be long

Before your back with your friends where you belong

God Bless Your Friend

Jimmy Peers