I have had the pleasure of visiting Longhopes over the years. It was always a great time to see the animals up close and hear their stories. They do suck good work with these dear sweet animals.
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I heard about this shelter when I saw a TV spot about it's open house. I stopped by that day and spent a long time just being with the animals. It is a very special place that gives these animals a second chance for a great life. You can tell the people care for them deeply and I was glad I watched the news that weekend morning.
We have supported Longhopes Donkey Shelter since our first experience at one of their fun events, almost 10 years ago. We were impressed by the founders' dogged determination to do the best they can for their donkeys every day. We could see that every volunteer truly cares about their charges, knows their names and temperament and personality quirks like they're old friends. The paddocks and barns are neat, clean and orderly. We have no doubt that every penny we give is used carefully, prudently, to give these gentle creatures their best chance at a good donkey life.
We are impressed with the dedication and, decades long, commitment shown by "Longhopes" to saving and caring for donkeys! They are loving and caring to their animals and they make sure that they are adopted to, high, quality care homes. Their updates and newsletters are written by Kathy Dean and, are sincere and well -written. Thier helpful, vidos are clear and well organized as they describe donkey, care and maintenance. They are true to their mission of rescuing donkeys!
I can’t have a donkey myself, so I get my “donkey fix” at Longhopes. We have been visiting the donkeys there for years, and it never disappoints. The donkeys are so well cared for, and every thought is about what makes their lives better. Those donkeys are LOVED, and they know it. If you get a chance to visit, you should. And if you can spare a few dollars, please do. During Covid, and after, they received a bunch of older donkeys with medical needs and could use the help. Those donkeys may have had some rough times, but they are in a place now where all of their needs will be met, and they will get to live their best lives with love and comfort. It is a truly great place.
We adopted our sweet girls, Dior and Sabrina, from Longhopes in 2021. I met them while volunteering at Longhopes and brought my family by to meet them. We knew they were the right pair to join our family, and Longhopes helped us through every step of the adoption process. Not only that, but I was provided with the best training as a volunteer for the organization and can attest to the amazing care and love shown to these sweet animals. Our donkeys received such great care and training at Longhopes and have been such an amazing addition to our family. I am so grateful for Longhopes and all they did for our girls as well as all the other donkeys in their care.
On June 14, 2014 I led a motor cycle riders club on a Saturday ride on the plains east of Denver to two animal sanctuaries; one was the Longhopes Donkey Shelter Inc. The stop was to be 45 minutes to an hour. Three hours later I was still trying to get folks back on their bikes. AND, nine years later I am still sponsoring at least two senior donkeys a year. To find folks like Kathy and Dean who have given up so much to help such loyal and giving animals is incredible and worth rewarding with support. I urge everyone who read this to give a little every year; it is the right thing to do. Thanks, Bill
I've sponsored donkeys at Longhopes for about eight years now and visit "my" donkeys monthly, so I've had a good chance to appraise this shelter. They are excellent in every way! They rescue donkeys from a variety of situations--abuse, neglect, ending up at the feedlot, owners who can no longer care for them--and they deal with every imaginable health problem. Their veterinarians, farriers, and trainers work on getting the donkeys heathy, both physically and mentally, to get them ready for adoption. A cadre of volunteers comes daily to feed and groom the donkeys, as well as to keep the place spotless. Every potential adopter is scrutinized, and there is the safely net that if the situation doesn't work out, the person must bring the donkey back to Longhopes. Kathy Dean and her crew are amazing--incredibly skilled, big-hearted, and hard-working.
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In the past four years, I have sponsored donkeys at Longhopes, and it has been such a pleasure to see them restored to health and become adoptable. It's a lucky donkey who lands at Longhopes to receive the care he needs and the appropriate placement in a forever home. Kathy Dean and her team work tirelessly to meet the needs of each critter that comes their way. We are so lucky to have such a stellar organization in our community
Longhopes is an amazing place. All the donkeys are looked after so well and loved. The staff are great and really appreciate their volunteers. All the donkeys get great medical care and their paddocks and barns are very clean. The best thing about Longhopes is you get hands on experience with the donkeys from training them to grooming them and of course hugging and kissing them. Everyone needs to visit Longhopes to see what a wonderful place it is....and hug a donkey or two!!
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The most amazing place, the donkeys are so well taken care of and loved. No donkey is ever sent to a home that is not perfect for them. The donkeys are all treated with love and kindness as they are trained and rehabilitated getting ready for their new homes.
All their medical needs are taken care of to ensure they are happy and healthy.
The facility itself is very clean and well taken care of.
Love this place and the donkeys so much.
In 2014 I had to relinquish my 4 beloved donkeys. Divorce had made staying on my acreage impossible, and since I had adopted from Longhopes, I knew that they would want me to bring the animals back to them.
What I remember most of that day is that I was TOTALLY devastated. The kind woman who handled the relinquishment was kind to me, but was almost entirely focused on helping my elder donkey, who was also very confused and frightened.
My donkeys have all found wonderful new homes thanks to the work these people do.
I continue to support Longhopes in any way I am able because they are simply the most ethical, hard working, shelter I know of.
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I've been associated with Longhopes since 2001, as a volunteer and an adopter, now I'm mostly just a donor. I have NEVER come across an organization that is run as efficiently or ETHICALLY. Kathy Dean loves those donkeys and puts their needs first, but always in a fiscally responsible way, and always looking towards the future.
What a great place! I'm a city girl that is moving to the country. I "think" I want donkey's. As a rescue mama for dogs, I know that it is important to educate myself. I signed up to be a volunteer at Longhopes. The process has been awesome! The staff has been easy to work with and very informative from my first inquiry, my first day to scheduling more. They are super friendly and I love spending time with everyone their. Of course, the donkey's are my favorite - but Kathy is amazing too!
I was looking for an animal non profit to volunteer at, and saw a story about Longhopes in our library's magazine. I took a tour to get an idea of what the organization was like and was immediately struck by the cleanliness of the grounds, the enthusiasm of the director and staff, and the donkeys themselves, who looked happy and well cared for. I absolutely have fallen in love with the donkeys and volunteering there is a pleasure.
We heard of Longhopes about 7 years ago after we lost our beloved elderly horse. We needed a companion for our grieving mare. Wow. What an experience we had and continue to have. Not only did we find an adorable donkey friend for our family we have continued to reach out over the years for advice and consider the longhopes community dear friends as well. We are so grateful that we found such an exceptional organization.
I visited Longhopes several years back. I was given a tour of an amazing facility. Thank you for all your hard work and helping donkeys that need a place to be loved!!!
I adopted a wonderful donkey named Poco from Longhopes Donkey Shelter. The adoption was the start of a wonderful relationship with Kathy Dean and the team at Longhopes. Not only are the donkeys well trained, well loved and ready for a forever home, the Longhopes group supports you in all you do with your donkey from answering questions to providing extra training (if needed).
Truly, Longhopes sets the standard for equine shelter facilities both in its physical appearance but also in the management, volunteer staff and the animals.
As a volunteer here I have seen the love and respect that the owners and other volunteers show towards the donkeys in their care. They put their hearts and souls into rehabilitating the animals that cross their paths. If you are thinking of adopting this is definitely the place to do it from.
I went to Longhopes donkey shelter for an open house last October. I had never heard anything about them before that. I was so impressed with them at the open house that I now volunteer at the Donkey shelter.
We love Longhopes! Four years ago they matched us up with the perfect donkey. We currently had 4 mini donkeys and wanted to adopt a larger donkey as a watchdog to protect our vulnerable little guys from predators. We were told that Ava was an elder donkey, probably 29 years old....Last year the vet came out to float Ava’s teeth and he told us that Ava is much, much younger than 29 and had many more years of service left in her. He was impressed by how great her teeth looked. So then we decided to see if she would be interested in learning to drive. She was very interested! Not only is she great at taking us out for cart rides on the trail, she also loves to take part in parades!!!This Fourth of July she started out the parade with her huge fog-horn-like bray to let the world know the parade was beginning!!!It was hysterical! She is super friendly and loves to work for treats! Thank you, Longhopes, for Ava, the donkey treasure!
Although we live over a thousand miles from Longhopes, they kindly responded to my plea for guidance in caring in the abandoned newborn donkey we rescued. We had no idea of how to care for the foal but with information from Longhopes we were able to nourish and care for the baby. They then went far above and beyond to locate a rescue in our area that would take the little guy in. This kind of empathy is remarkable. We will always be grateful to them!
Great organization run by great people who truly care about the well being of these animals and go out of their way to provide for them!
My family moved to Castle Rock in 2002 and began to build our dream home which included a ranch. My mom always knew adopting a donkey was part of our plan. When we were ready to take that step my whole family drove out to Longhopes and we got to meet the longhopes team and their donkey family. We spent sometime meeting some sweet donkeys who were looking for homes. My mom immediately fell in love with two young geldings who had to be adopted together because they were so closely bonded. I was standing in the pin where all the mamas, and mares were when this sweet mare named Sophie came up to me and followed me everywhere. She just knew we needed her. My mom said we couldn’t get all three so I left broken hearted thinking about her non stop and wishing we could have gave her a home. A few weeks later on my 10th birthday the longhopes team showed up to deliver our new boys. When they opened the trailer out walked Linus, Quiggly and my sweet Sophie girl. I cried and thanked my parents and thanked my lucky stars that somehow she ended up with us. This shelter has given my family so much. Growing up with donkeys and in this community taught me compassion and allowed me to see that organizations like longhopes really do make a difference in the lives of people and animals. Since 2002 we have adopted another mare named Shelby, and have watched all our donkey babies learn to trust and love again. This is truly a non profit that focuses on the reahabilitation of animals and making human and donkey lives better! I have nothing but love for longhopes and their mission.
I’ve been a veterinarian for over twenty years. In that time, I have worked with many shelters and rescues. Longhopes is an organization that you can feel proud to support. They do an amazing job for the animals in their care.
Longhopes is one of the most unique rescue organization around. Their focus is donkeys...just donkeys. They have rescued some that will remain with them for life - regardless of the expense, because they were simply too injured, or too old, or too damaged to re-home. They are committed to their well being for the duration of their lives. Others are rescued, rehabilitated, trained, and then adopted to loving homes. If a pair is "bonded" then they are adopted together. In the event that an adoption isn't successful (things do happen on occasion), they will gladly accept the donkey back and they actually insist on it to ensure that the donkey is well cared for until a new home can be found. They are 100% committed to the welfare of the donkeys they rescue.
I have had the pleasure of supporting this organization for about five years. It has been a very rewarding and enlightening experience.
Longhopes Donkey Shelter is the national expert in donkeys. With over 20 years experience, they provide the best care for all donkeys! They have rescue over 1000 donkeys and rehomed more than 950 of them. I support Longhopes because I believe in their mission and I know exactly where my money is going. This facility cares about the wellbeing of animals and they need your support!
I visited Longhopes Donkey Shelter recently, and was impressed with their success. The facility is housed with donkeys from a variety of neglectful backgrounds, yet when I saw each donkey at Longhopes, I could see the sparkle had returned to each donkey's eye. This farm is clean, well managed, and each animal is lucky to be placed there. The animals seem to know they're in good hands, and are relaxed, at peace, and content. Kudos to Longhopes Donkey Shelter!
Longhopes Donkey Shelter is just the best animal sanctuary I've ever experienced. My husband and I adopted two donkeys, a mother-daughter pair originally from BLM's Havasu reserve, in 2011. They've changed our lives for the better. Whenever we've needed information or help, Kathy Dean and Kelly Walters have offered wise counsel and encouragement. The Shelter is spotless and a place of love and hope, one that values the individuality of each donkey and that keeps expanding on a shoestring. The enthusiasm of the Longhopes volunteers is infectious. It speaks worlds for this organization -- especially when many others who try to give their time to wildlife and rescue organizations in Colorado seem to end up frustrated. Longhopes does impressive outreach to universities, high schools and veterinary training centers such as Colorado State University. Kathy and her husband Allen's full-time dedication (without pay) ensure that the bulk of every dollar donated supports their rescue, adoption, relief and educational programs. Longhopes stands out above any nonprofit of its kind, and is a great example to any who hope to develop their own rescue program.
My daughter and her family had adopted 2 donkeys (Tonto and Chauncey) from there, and I was interested in seeing the good work they do on my visit west:
Surprise visit, gracious tour of the facility, super clean, with caring volunteers and happy, well-fed donkeys!
I have been searching for the perfect mini buddy for my mini ranch. I visited long hopes rescue and was beyond impressed by their facilities! It was so clean and well kept! It was a hard decision on who to adopt. I finally decided and couldn't wait for the big day when my new friend would be delivered. Kathy made things so clear and easy. She is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate with her rescue. I am so happy I found long hopes and my new mini!!!
We visited Longhopes Donkey Shelter during one of their open houses. It was so fun and educational. We have two donkeys and the staff at the Shelter had a lot of good tips on keeping our donkeys happy and healthy. They even answered questions when I emailed about a year later.
All the donkeys at the shelter are so well cared for. It was such an inspiration to visit a place that does so much for the animals. Not just food and shelter and health care but also gentling and training. Just like with the horse rescues that I respect, training makes the animal so much more adoptable and so much more likely to have a good life. Thank you for all your good work lONGHOPES!
I love Longhopes!! I first visited January 2011 I imedatly fell in love with a donkey named Rachel. I just kept coming back I loved being with her and the other donkeys. My husband and I lived in a condo in Westminster and after the 3rd or 4th time visiting I told my husband I wanted to move and find a house with property, I had to have Rachel and her buddy Rosie. By October 2011 we adopted Rachel and Rosie :) I still volunteer my time at Longhopes and we are fostering 3 other donkeys from Longhopes right now. ♡♡♡♡ I don't know what I would do without my girls.
This group does an outstanding job of helping donkeys. A friend of mine has a livestock type rescue - she had a donkey tat she rescued that didn't like small goats. He actually would hurt them. I had Lynda, my friend, contact Longhopes and they took the donkey. He was very happy with his own kind. They really helped Lynda's rescue out on just a few hours notice. They are very worthy of this award. Joan Bryant
Longhopes donkey shelter is an amazing retreat for rescued donkeys as they await their new forever homes. The staff goes above and beyond for these animals, and they have a wonderful rapport with the community, allowing people to visit and interact with the donkeys! They're truly remarkable.
A well run facility with exceptional staff. These folks are the model for how things can be done.
I am so happy to know Kathy and her staff of professionals doing great things for donkeys. They are always happy to help and do a great job.
In May, my daughter and I got to visit Longhopes Donkey Shelter and visit with the donkeys and volunteers. I was so impressed with the care these donkeys receive. They are so fortunate to be in the perfect environment. I wish I could adopt two donkeys!
My husband and I adopted two donkeys from Longhopes six years ago and have been supporters ever since. They do a fantastic job of matching people and donkeys. We went sure we were going to adopt a mother and son for a driving team - but there was no connection. The next pair were adorable, but very needy, and the director Kathy carefully steered us away knowing we also had a busy farm life and horses. Then she introduced us to Ty and Reggie. They were a bonded but mismatched pair consisting of a mini and a standard. They are the light of our lives to this day. All donkeys for adoption are socialized and trained in the basics. They have a great staff of volunteers, a neat gift shop, and several events every year to introduce their donkeys to the public. The facility is always immaculate and every animal is loved. Although we haven't adopted more donkeys we try to stay involved through their EARS sponsorship program and additional donations.
This is the most caring and professional charitable organization that I have had the privilege to know. I was interested in adopting a donkey so I attended their Open House in May. They had many volunteers there to answer questions about each donkey's personality and history and helped me to decide which two were best for my situation. The donkeys could be haltered, led, and trailered - and were current on vaccinations, vet care, dental work, and hoof trims. I cannot say enough about these wonderful folks who care so much for these amazing animals. They will forever be in my heart. Amy Hetzer
We adopted two donkeys from Longhopes almost 2 years ago. The level of care, support, education, love, and community involvement Longhopes provides is fantastic! The staff and volunteers at Longhopes were so helpful to us, not only during the time of the adoption, but even afterwards. Kathy is amazing, always remembers us and our donkeys by name. We run into people all the time who recognize our donkeys because they were volunteers who cared for them at Longhopes. We get newsletters and annual reports, that show us Longhopes is using funds wisely, and looking out for the best interest of the animals.
I started volunteering here only recently, but after only a few visits I can say this place is excellent. They take wonderful care of the animals, have an amazing breadth of knowledge on them and their care, and are dedicated to finding them the best homes possible. They treat their volunteers well and appreciate their work which is also important.
Longhopes doesn't work miracles but they save and nurture these precious donkeys who often, have suffered greatly at the hands of careless or even cruel people. Seriously, bless this place!
My husband and I moved to a new home with 2.6 acres complete with fenced pasture and barn. In our search for "pasture pets" we met Kathy Dean and Longhopes Donkey Shelter. Having never been exposed to donkeys before, the crew at Longhopes made our decision very easy. Our lives have been forever changed adopting two donkeys who are the most wonderful additions to our lives ever thought possible. Kathy has always been there for us as nervous parents and I stand by this organization 100%. That was 1 1/2 years ago. Now I cannot imagine my life without Boyd and Lena. They have taught me so much and are such amazing animals. Thank you Kathy, Allen and all the terrific volunteers for rescuing,rehabilitating and helping such misused and abused gentle creatures of God.
Longhopes is my blood pressure medicine. Socialization is important for future adoption, so guests are encouraged to support the mission by petting, brushing and connecting with the donkeys. Longhopes welcomes donkeys, and they are so welcoming to visitors. They have made it very easy to engage at a level we can manage---visiting a few times a year. We love to introduce friends and family to Longhopes. People don't usually think much about donkeys, but once they visit, they are hooked! We have been inspired by the rescues, but also by the education (public and vet) and outreach Longhopes has done. It is a well rounded operation. They are very transparent about where the $ goes and very gracious about any assistance. LOVE LONGHOPES!
I always thought donkeys were cute, long-eared horse relatives. And I didn't think much else about them. But after volunteering at Longhopes, I have grown to really love the animals, (which aren't horses at all!) Longhopes is an amazing organization that helps donkeys at ALL stages of their gentle lives. Every week I volunteer, there are new donkeys, with different problems that Longhopes helps the donkeys overcome. It's mind-boggling how many donkeys have been rehabilitated and adopted to forever homes here. As a volunteer, I really appreciate the incredible, hands-on opportunity to work with these animals; Longhopes is a great organization for go-getter volunteers who don't want mundane tasks to do every day, but who want to play an intrinsic role in the organization's success and an active role in helping these amazing creatures.
Longhopes is a truly amazing and wonderful organization! Kathy and her husband have made it their life work to rescue and re-home donkeys (always to loving homes who they follow for the remainder of the donkey's life). It is so incredible to see people at Longhopes working so passionately to bring love and care to an animal that is under-dignified in this world. Working with donkeys has taught me much about myself. I am so glad that places like Longhopes exist in this world!
I have been volunteering at Longhopes for 3 years now and enjoy every minute that I am there. It feels good to know that what I am doing is making a difference. Working with other volunteers as a team is a rewarding experience. Working with the donkeys is so fufilling to me. Working with donkeys that have never been handled or have been abused feels good. After spending time with them and showing them love and caring you will get the same back from them.
About 5 years ago, I adopted the most adorable, well behaved donkey from this fabulous shelter! I love that their emphasis is on rescuing, training the donkey, making him ready for a new home, then finding that home! This is a beautiful, clean, well run animal shelter.
We have had the opportunity to volunteer at Longhopes Donkey shelter for the past three years. It has been a life changing experience for us. I fell in love with a pregnany donkey named Calypso. Who Longhopes rescued from a kill pen. We sold our home and found a home that was donkey friendly. We adopted Calypso and her baby. Named the baby Faith because we took a leap of a Faith by changing our life style late in life. We also adopted a male donkey named Dalton and a mini named Lolita. The rest as they say is history! We couldn't be happier! Thank you Kathy at Longhopes for letting us be apart of your wonderful organization ! And all you do for homeless, abused and neglected donkeys!