Lusco Farms Rescue

I went there to check it out and got a nice tour. Very nice people that really care for the animals.

I saw Alf on Lusco Farms Facebook page and had to have him. We met him and loved him. Also loved Stewie but could only take one. Stewie is now the mascot for Lusco Farms. Lusco Farms was very patient with us as Alf is our only donkey. They answered all our questions even after the adoption!!

They do wonderful work with these sweet creatures. Took a visit there and animals are WELL cared for.

I have know this family for a few years now and have watched this group grow and do wonderful things for these poor animals who have been abused and neglected his family has brought a good thing to our community and raised awardness on the donkey issues. Way to go Scott, Lou and family!!!

I have becomes friends with this group over the past several years and have been impressed with their dedication to all animals in general. Their care for and concern for the mules and donkeys is incredible. They drive hundreds of miles to rescue and place their animals. Most rescues only cover animals in a small area, but Lusco Farms covers multiple states. They are the only rescue of their kind in this area.

First of all, I am a long-time owner of quarter horses...showing, breeding and training them. But due to my advancing in age and arthritis, it became more difficult for me to ride and raise, and train the 1000 lb. horses, so I and my herd went into retirement. Then my herd dwindled to 3 horses.
I have a 7 horse-stall insulated, heated barn, indoor and outdoor arenas, and 20 acres of pasture.
Then, I came across the Lusco Rescue on the internet. The donkeys (especially the minis) were a sign from heaven. I read all I could about the donkeys, on the internet and finally called Lusco. They were very friendly and talked to me about donkeys in general, and their rescue. I fell in love!

I was going to make an appointment to see the Lusco Rescue, when a friend of mine informed me that they knew of a mini donkey headed to slaughter if not sold....I immediately contacted the donkey owner, and offered a home for their 2 yr. old jack. And, they ended up selling me the mini for $25.00.

He was thin, not gelded, and had no shots nor wormed. I picked him up, and then called Lusco for any and all info on how to properly raise this donkey.....
Because of their help, experience, and encouragement, (even though I didn't get a rescue from them), my "Boomer" has been gelded, wormed, and had his shots...plus I halter broke him, had a series of farrier work done on him...he is now a happy, healthy and thriving little guy. I hate to think what would have happened to him if I had not seen and talked to this wonderful rescue.

Lusco Rescue is one of the most loving, caring, and dedicated rescues out there....because of them, I found and fell in love with the donkeys....if not for them, my little "Boomer" would not be with us today....I thank them from the bottom of my heart....oh, and "Boomer" thanks them too...:).

This is a wonderful and much needed rescue. I became involved with the rescue when attending one of their fundraisers....since then they have come along way to get the word out there that there is a need for donkey rescue! I have visited their rescue and the animals have a wonderful life while in their care. Lu and Scott take great care to who they allow to adopt the donkeys and make sure it will be a good fit and that the animal will have a wonderful forever home.
I will continue to support this rescue as much as I can and attend their fundraisers!!!
Keep up the great work Lu and Scott and team!!
LuAnn Kahle

Do not know where to begin...My husband and I grew up in town and were never around equine. A year and a half ago we bought a home on 3 acres and the previous owner left his neglected mule there. We all fell head over heels for him and we learned quickly (as best as we could anyways!) and made sure he was loved and healthy again! Fast forward to August 2014 and due to unfortunate circumstances we are losing our home which is devastating in itself but had to find a home that was worthy of beautiful Joker. We never felt comfortable with anyone who wanted him, so being the research junkie I am I came across Lusco Farms. Contacted them told them our situation and they came and got him. I knew we made the right choice when the first thing Scott did was go up and hug my friend Joker (just like I did everyday!) and introduced himself to him! Wow! His wife Lura was so very kind and thoughtful too! Watching him leave was and is still very hard on us, mostly me as I was very close with him but we know it was the right thing to do. At least I know he is safe and loved. I honestly cannot even find words to express what they have done for us. I wish I could tell everyone how wonderful, selfless and compassionate these people/rescue are!!

I can't say enough great things about this rescue and what they do for the animals, and for the adopters. A year and a half ago I adopted two wonderful donkeys from Lusco Farms, and through the whole searching, adopting, and post adoption period they have been wonderful. Their genuine concern and love for these beautiful animals shines through all that they do.

This is a rescue that goes over and above
Caring for these beautiful animals.
They add on and keep building w/ high spirits,
Love and caring. Bravo to Lusco!!!

Lusco has been wonderful to my mother and stepfather in the adoption of their donkeys, Nick and Max. They made sure the home was suitable and have stayed in contact every step of the way. They deserve much, much more recognition than I could ever give. Rescuing animals is such a selfless job, these people are truly incredible.

This is such a great organization that help the donkey's they have a great group of staff I'm very thankful to know that they are in good hands when the need care GO LUSCO nation love ya guys thank you very much for everything you do.

This is a great organization! It is such an honor to volunteer for such a loving and caring family. They do everything possible to help out the donkeys in need even if it means having to put family plans off for a bit. I've volunteered for them since they started the rescue and I absolutely love it. It has taught me so about the false facts about donkeys. It's always great to see such a fantastic family help out those in need.

I witnessed this come up from the ground. Ever time I visit there is something new and happening to help these precious animals. A very caring and compassionate group of individuals at LuscoFarms!

We adopted two adorable mini donkeys from lusco and from the start Scott and lori have been there for us with answers to our questions and any other information we needed. highly recommend this organization

My family and I have supported this organization since the day their doors opened, they truly are a blessing in disguise, they are always spending their "free time" educating people on the animals, finding homes for the animals, traveling to save an animal...the list goes on. They are team players working to make sure that all animals are taken care of, even if they are not donkeys, mules, or ponies. whatever the animal is they reach out to the public and find it a home. They will always hold a special place in our hearts.
Thank You Lusco Team for all that you do for the animals,(big or small)

Donkeys have long gotten a bad wrap for being kind of silly to look at, having a funny voice that doesn't resemble anything like that of a horse and more than anything for being stubborn. For all those reasons, they are often neglected & even worse, discarded into horrible situations. While it is true that they can be stubborn, there is good reason- it's because they are wicked smart. For example, before asking a donkey to cross a stream, you better make sure there isn't an easier way to get around the water because they are too smart to tricked into getting wet if they don't have to. It's not that they don't want to please, it's just that they don't want to be made to do anything that they don't have to do the hard way. Once humans figure that out, making friends with donkeys is easy & fun to include friendships that last for years & years. This organization has done wonders for not only saving, protecting & fostering donkeys but also promoting them as the great animals that they are!!

Most helpful in getting a vet who understands donkey and mini equines.

My husband and I found 4 incredible animals here! the staff were very accommodating and knowledgeable. I'd definitely use a shelter to get animals, not only are you mending a heart, but gaining a friend for life!

This is a wonderful rescue to donate to, my family and I had several to choose from but these guys won our hearts over. Scott & Lu are a husband and wife team, with the help of their children, family, & friends. You can call them up at anytime of the day with a question or a rescue and they drop everything to help you out. We have met them on several occasions and they are very knowledgeable and friendly. The animals in their care definitely come first!!!!! Such a truly amazing rescue. If the Shehans aren't out at an event educating people on the plight of the unwanted donkeys, you can find them at the rescue either building something or fixing something. God Bless you all!!!! Please keep up the good work!!!!

My family and I donate to this wonderful rescue every month. I wish it could be more but I do know that my donations are used solely for the animals you can see it, they are forever improving the lives of these precious animals. I wish I lived closer so I could volunteer. Lusco Farms is a family run rescue with lots of volunteers whom none of them get paid. If you are looking for a forever friend please consider checking this wonderful rescue. Lusco farms the orginal donkey rescue in SW Iowa..thank you for saving these animals! You all are amazing!

My family and I always donate to Lusco Farms. This rescue is the best rescue in SW Iowa, believe me I know, I had dealt with others in the area and this one is top of the line. The donations that they receive are always spent on the animals, you never have to worry there. You can visit them at anytime and you will find the Shehans and several volunteers working on their latest project. The animals always come first at this rescue. I will continue to donate to Lusco Farms. Love the people, love the animals, glad they are here to help the unwanted equines of the area...an amazing rescue, helping those who can't speak for themselves. WTG Lusco Farms

Lusco Farms is an amazing rescue. Scott, Lu and their many, many volunteers are a top-notch bunch of people who are truly dedicated to the care of the abused, unwanted mules, donkeys, & mini ponies. My family & I have had the pleasure of meeting this group on several occasions. The staff answered all the questions we had. We are planning to adopt an donkey as soon as we get our place finished. You can call them up anytime and they will drop everything to help you or an animal in need. They took time out of their busy schedule one Sunday to show us around and explain what they do. Truly an amazing time. They are forever improving the rescue, whether building a new building, fixing fences, fixing existing buildings, basically always taking care of the animals in their care. You can definitely see where your donation is going, unlike some rescues that are out there. Lusco Farms Rescue is the most amazing rescue located in southwest Iowa. If you are looking for an animal, please check these guys out, you definitely won't regret it.

I have been an adopter, a donor, & a volunteer for Lusco Farms. Lusco Farms is truly an amazing rescue for all horses, donkeys, mules, that have been neglected and/or abused. This is truly a place to heal. Lu, Scott &the staff provide a second chance to these animals and make sure their adoptions are a perfect fit for the sake of all animals having a forever home. The rescue depends solely on donations, they have no paid staff. They use the donations 100% on the animals that they rescue. They are great at keeping the public informed on everything they do!!!

We feel so lucky to have adopted a donkey from Lusco Farms.

Last winter we suddenly needed a companion for our horse. We had never even seen a standard donkey up close, but we loved them when we visited Lusco. The staff made sure we had all the information we needed, and they even hauled our donkey to our door. They clearly were invested in her; they stayed as our horse met and accepted the donkey.

We got consistent support and advice as we cared for our donkey and then moved donkey and horse to a boarding barn. From there, we better established ourselves at home for horses, and we took on a boarder. We no longer needed Donkey.

Lusco Farms came and got her from us, graciously thanking us for caring for her as long as we did. They were able to adopt her out to someone else. Everybody wins! What a great charity!!

We have known Scott and Lura since we adopted Honobee over two years ago which we adopted for a stable mate to our ailing mare. She passed a year ago this time and adopted a second jenny to be with Honobee. An unforeseen situation caused us to surrender both donkeys back to Lusco farms but we have kept our relationship with Lusco farms to the point we plan to foster donkeys for them over the summer months only to help take weight off their herd. We have donated hay to the equine as well and support their fundraisers. They do a fantastic job with their rescue by taking a misunderstood equine by the public and educating them to find forever homes.

My family and I have supported Lusco Farms from day one!!! This is a rescue that truly cares about the animals... they are totally made up of volunteers that give 110% of their lives to caring for these amazing animals. They are forever trying to make the public aware of the forgotten equine, truly being the voice for these animals. Lusco Farms....the orginal donkey rescue in SW Iowa!!!!!!!! God Bless you all!!!

This is one of the most amazing rescues in southwest Iowa. Lusco Farms is truly a place to heal for unwanted donkeys,mules, & mini ponies. The staff there are great on educating you all about the forgotten equines, truly speaking for the ones who have no voice. I have attended a few of their fundraisers and this is truly a great bunch of people who really care. They take them in, care for them and find "forever homes" for them.. Such an amazing organization!!!! Kudos to Lusco Farms!!!

While I am a member of the public, I also have firsthand knowledge of this terrific group through the Southwest Iowa Animal Coalition. This group works tirelessly to not only rescue and provide the care these animals need, but also to adopt them out. They can be seen regularly at area adoption events, bringing the donkeys along for the public to see, and to educate the public about donkey rescue. Many of the donks that are rescued have been neglected, Lusco Farms takes them in, provides the food, attention and vet care they need until they can be rehomed. If this isn't dedication, I don't know what is.

We adopted two donkeys from Lusco Farms Rescue in Malvern, Iowa. What a wonderful rescue organization this is....totally dedicated to finding safe, new homes for donkeys in need. It was clear to us from our first visit that Lusco Farms provides a much needed service in an area that lacks other animals in need. We received top-notch support and guidance through the adoption process and the rescue continues to be available to us whenever we have questions about donkey care....they also love to hear updates on how our new "donkey kids" are doing! It's wonderful to find such caring people and such a great non-profit!

Lusco Farms Rescue is very dedicated to the rescue of unwanted donkeys, burros, and horses. Every weekend, and often during the week they can be found responding to someone with unwanted donkeys, or building new places for the animals they take in. They can frequently be found spending their weekends educating people on the responsibility of animal care and ownership. They diligently pursue ways of making their farm a place for those animals in need of loving care. It's obvious they love what they do when you talk with them. Their enthusiasm is contagious. I adopted 3 of their donkeys. They spent their Sunday driving over 300 miles to deliver them to me, and then spent time explaining the care and feeding of them.

Lusco Farms is an amazing example of what a small group of dedicated people can do to help animals in need. Donkeys are a misunderstood and under-represented part of our world, and the Shehans are working to address the problems faced by these amazing creatures.

We adopted our donkey, Blondee, from Lusco Farms Donkey Rescue and it was a GREAT experience. The Shehans were so accommodating and helpful in letting us come meet her and then when we picked her up. The donkeys at Lusco Farms are healthy and happy and incredibly well cared for. I'm constantly amazed at how far the Shehans will go to rescue donkeys, they do much more than other rescue groups would do to bring donkeys in and to get them adopted.

We are going through a cross-country move and Lusco Farms is helping us out with some of our livestock and I know my donkeys are in the best possible place until I can get them moved because they are staying at Lusco Farms. I would be so worried if I had someone else taking care of them but with Lusco Farms I know they are getting the specific care and understanding that donkeys need.

We adopted 2 donkeys from Lusco. Scott was so helpful through the whole process. It is so great to see these animal get another chance and to know that someone will help them. Until they find their new forever home Lusco will take care of them and love them.

AFTER VISITING LUSCO FARMS RESCUE THIS PAST JULY, WE LEARNED A LOT OF TIME AND VERY HARD WORK GOES IN TO THESE VERY LOVABLE ANIMALS.
SCOTT & LAURA'S DAY STARTS AT 4 AM EVERY DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK ! BEFORE THEY GO TO THERE JOBS.
THEY HAVE TO FEED AND WATER ALL OF THESE DONKEY'S, JUST LIKE A CHILD.
THEY HAVE TO KEEP THERE LIVING AREA CLEAN, AS THE FLIES WILL INVADE THERE LIVING PLACE.
THEY HAVE TO KEEP A SPRAY ON THEM JUST TO KEEP THE FLIES FROM BITING THERE LEGS,FACE,AND BODY.
THEY HAVE TO HAVE THERE FEET TRIMMED SO THEY CAN WALK WITH OUT PAIN.
THEY HAVE TO MAKE SURE THEY HAVE FRESH HAY AND STRAW FOR FOOD & BEDDING.
MUCH LOVE AND ATTENTION IS GIVEN TO THESE SWEET INNOCENT ANIMALS.
I NO I ONLY TOUCHED ON A VERY FEW THINGS ABOUT THIS SPECIAL PLACE IN MALVERN,IA.USA FOR THESE DONKEYS,
OH YES I FOR GOT THE HORSES,AND NOW GOATS.
THERE IS A LOT MORE TO THIS STORY. BUT I WANTED TO SHARE WHAT LITTLE BIT I LEARNED.
SCOTT,LAURA AND ALL THE OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS I DIDN'T MENTION GIVE THERE ALL AND I AM PROUD OF ALL OF THEM.

I own a Harley-Davidson motorcycle store South of Council Bluffs, IA. At our grand opening I was approached by Scott Sheehan, who spoke to me about Lusco Farms Donkey Rescue. I had never heard of 'donkey rescue' before and was immediately moved by his love and concern for these tender animals.

As such, I directed our store to partner in any way we could to provide Lusco with marketing, cash, and building community awareness. Lusco brings some of their animals out for petting, so our customers and public can see the work and progress of the donkeys.

We look forward to maintaining our sponsoring partner status with Lusco Farms, and invite anyone with "Heart" for donkeys to join in.

Bruce Eide,
Loess Hills Harley-Davidson
Pacific Junction, Iowa

I work with people who have physical and mental challenges. I called Scott at Lusco Farms to see about bringing some of the people I serve to see his miniature donkeys. We pulled the bus right up to the barn. Our people, many in wheelchairs, got out and they brought their donkeys to us. They worked with each individual to get them comfortable with the animals. The donkeys often rested their heads on the laps of the people in the wheelchairs. It was a great experience and I would recommend them to anyone for pet therapy, for adoption, etc. Kudos to Lusco Farms!