What a great organization. Friendly, knowledgeable and so much love for donkeys. Well worth the trip.
I have been a huge animal lover my whole life. You can tell when animals are well cared for. Two years ago I was given the honor to become a volunteer for Oregon Donkey Sanctuary (ODS). I'm retired so I'm lucky to volunteer 3 days a week as a barn cleaner. ODS is the BEST sanctuary in all aspects: Vet care, dental care, farrier care, feeding, bedding, water (warm and cold water available at all times), special ongoing care as needed--massage, acupuncture, heat wraps. And of course the barns and paddocks are very clean! :)
Abnormal behavior, wounds, cuts, scrapes, limping--everything is documented immediately and addressed immediately. These donkeys receive such wonderful care, compassion and love--and it shows. Jim and Rhonda the Founders are truly wonderful, caring people--they know what they're doing and they do it well! Sign up for one of our tours and see for yourself. Photo is of KeKe -- such a precious girl. www.oregondonkeys.org
I love the Oregon Donkey Sanctuary! If you cannot snag a spot on one of their upcoming, small, private tours this spring, definitely come out for their annual fundraiser and meet some amazing donkeys and the volunteers who care for them.
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Awesome sanctuary where donkeys, many with special needs, get to live out their lives surrounded by love and excellent care. Must see during their next public visit (fall fundraiser Oct 12th-13th) and learn about the plight of donkeys, visit their growing gift shop and of course hug some donkeys. I've been to donkey sanctuaries in and out of the US and this one is my favorite.
Oregon Donkey Sanctuary is a magical place with 26 well cared for permanent residents. Each has an amazing story to tell. I’m fortunate to be a volunteer and at sanctuary twice a week.
The fall fundraiser, Pick a Pumpkin, Pet a Donkey is a fun event for all ages. Check out their website for more information and watch for upcoming opportunities to visit the donkeys. Sign ups required.
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I fell in love with this place after the find a pumpkin pet a donkey fundraiser about 18 months ago. Little Mikey was my favorite at the time. Rhonda, owner, spent some time with us and I quickly learned about these amazing animals. With retirement on the horizon and my love for animals, this was the place to be, so I started volunteering about a year ago and I love it. The donkeys receive excellent care and the volunteers lend a helping hand daily and on special occasions. Each donkey has a unique personality and Rhonda and Jim know that and even recognize each ones bray. If you get a chance to visit, do! You too will be amazed. Along with volunteering, it’s easy to help with Amazon smiles, their wish list on Amazon, adopt a donkey and others. Check out the website for some amazing pictures.
I am a happy, happy volunteer for this top-notch organization. Constant, detailed attention to the needs of the herd and each individual in it: diet, enrichment, medical needs (including rehabilitation from abuse, neglect and injury), clean barns, safety. All delivered with a steady stream of love and respect.
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I am a fairly new volunteer at ODS. I am every day more deeply impressed with the loving community founders Jim and Rhonda have built for the donkeys. They receive everything they require to recover happy lives lived with dignity to the last breath. The human community delivering all that--Jim and Rhonda themselves, the many volunteers, the vets and farriers-- is so dedicated, so active on behalf of the animals. To spend time out there is a privilege, and a visit to a world where people make happen what needs to happen. It works!
I have been a volunteer at the Oregon Donkey Sanctuary for the past two years. It has been the most rewarding experience in my life. As a newbie to the donkey world, I learned what amazing creatures they are and that their care is many-faceted and critical. This is especially true of our lovely residents, many of whom have been abandoned or abused, resulting in health challenges that takes a trusted advocate to ensure their well-being. Jim and Rhonda, founders of ODS, are just those people to do the job. Their love and dedication to these animals is legendary. I feel so lucky to have found the premier organization that works tirelessly to raise awareness and safety of their own donkeys and donkeys in general.
This organization focuses their resources on caring for the donkeys in their care and shares the magic of these majestic animals with the community. Donkeys have a bad reputation and organizations like this are working hard to change the world's perceptions. I fell in love the moment I met the donkeys and haven't turned away since.
Volunteering at the Oregon Donkey Sanctuary has been an incredibly rewarding experience. The team is passionate, knowledgeable, and truly dedicated to the well-being of the donkeys and other animals in their care. The sanctuary provides a peaceful environment where volunteers can make a real impact, whether through daily care, education, or outreach
Really amazing organization. They help donkeys that have been abused, neglected or abandoned. Really kind people that clearly have a great connection with the animals. I went to visit the sanctuary last Friday and it was a really beautiful experience.
Jim and the team have build a wonderful space for donkeys of all shapes and sizes, and these delightful animals are living their absolute best lives. Thank you for sharing your property and introducing so many Oregonians to the donkeys!
We took our family to visit ODS not knowing quite what to expect during our visit but we ended up having the best time. We learned great information about the donkeys and were beyond excited to be able to interact with them. As excited as we were to interact with them, we were more excited to see the care that they are clearly given. The grounds were extremely clean, the animals were given individualized diets based on their needs and even the water was the "ideal donkey temperature".
Big thank you to ODS for educating, caring and sharing.
It is such a calming, grounding experience to visit the sanctuary. It is clear the animals are loved.
I became a volunteer here after meeting a donkey I fell in love with in High School. Years later, I was introduced to this organization and have the honor of helping care for a plethora of wonderful donkeys with fantastic personalities. This organization is a true gift to the donkey World. The animals are well cared for and given loads of love on a daily basis (and it shows). I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this nonprofit.
I love volunteering at the sanctuary. I am SO impressed with the many volunteers who each do their own job. A great team. Imagine keeping track of the special needs of 25 donkeys. Special feed and medications, and keeping track of out put, hoof trimming. (their hooves don't all grow at the same rate), teeth, (is anyone dropping to much food. Are they eating all of it?) There's a team who's job is to clean the barns and dry lot every day. And a vet on call. And perhaps the hardest one: keeping track of the donkeys' emotional wellbeing.
It's so much fun to watch them play with each other, and with their favorite toys.
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As a long time volunteer I can attest to the love, integrity and hard work that goes into this sanctuary. ODS is as good as it gets.
As a volunteer with this organization, I can't begin to put into words how much it has changed my life to be able to be a part of ODS. Most of the donkeys there had such rough lives before arriving at the sanctuary, and it warms my heart to witness firsthand how spoiled they are now. They receive top notch care, nothing is too much for them. This is all maintained by caring volunteers and the huge hearts of the founders, Jim and Rhonda. Jim and Rhonda have such a compassion for animals that it drives them every day to make a difference in the lives that they touch. This nonprofit is as good as you can get!!
I recently visited the Oregon Donkey Sanctuary and it’s an extraordinary place. The owners, Jim and Rhonda, are so welcoming and it is clear that they are passionate about the donkeys and want visitors to learn about the species in general and about the individual donkeys. Jim was able to tell us about each donkey: where they came from, how and why they ended up at the sanctuary, their health issues, and each one’s personality and special needs.He made sure we knew how to approach the donkeys so all of us (people and donkeys) could enjoy the experience. The volunteers were friendly, knowledgeable, and loving towards the animals. The property is so beautiful and peaceful and it was a joy to watch the donkeys interact with each other. It was clear they appreciated the attention from their caregivers and visitors. I enjoyed the experience immensely and plan to visit again and bring friends with me so they can be entertained and learn about these delightful creatures. I can see how a visit with the donkeys could be very soothing.
I recently became aware of Oregon Donkey Sanctuary NW when we were invited to a community event there. I was so impressed with the facility and care given to the donkeys. That is most important in my eyes as an animal/equine person. ODSN goes above and beyond by inviting the public to visit with their donkeys during special events with a focus towards education. You can tell a lot about a nonprofit by the number of their volunteers and their passion for the mission - donkeys. Their volunteers were also wonderful. I highly recommend this nonprofit and hope to visit again and again!
Been a volunteer for about a year now. I get to do grooming and enrichment once a week or so. It's enrichment for me as much as them. The sanctuary is excellent with care, feeding and treatment. Love those long ears.
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The Oregon Donkey Sanctuary is so much fun to visit! It's a welcome place for everyone and an amazing and unique experience.
Jim and Rhonda take incredible care of their donkeys. In return the donkeys love to share their unique personalities with visitors and volunteers.
Come visit the Sanctuary and enjoy your "bray" with the donkeys!!!
I have been volunteering at ODS for about 18 months and the experience has been so fulfilling. The amazing dedication of the owners and other volunteers to the donkeys is inspiring, never have I seen such love and dedication to animals. The donkeys are pampered, loved and given everything they need to live a good healthy life once they get to ODS.
When I began volunteering I thought I would come out once a month, but it turned to once a week and more when I am available, I cannot get enough or give enough to this place.
This farm represents nothing but Love and respect for these donkeys. They are so well cared for. It’s an honor to have the opportunity to share in their daily experiences. The owners of this farm put the care of these donkeys first and it’s reflected back by the bonds and relationships these donkeys form with humans. The donkeys absolutely know they are loved!
All living creatures that come to this sanctuary are cherished and healed. The donkeys are our priority and receive world-class care until their last breath. I have yet to meet a person who has come to visit or lend a hand that hasn't walked away transformed for the better. There is something about donkeys that heals people's souls.
Oregon Donkey Sanctuary does amazing work! The first time I visited the sanctuary I could tell these precious donkeys couldn’t have a better home.
Founders Jim and Rhonda do an excellent job of caring for their rescues. So many arrive at the Sanctuary having been abused or mistreated with a lot of health issues. Jim and Rhonda ensure these donkeys immediately receive the vet care they need, as well as addressing the donkey’s emotional and mental needs as well. They are fed the food and supplements they need to get healthy and stay healthy.
These donkeys receive so much love and nurturing—you can tell just by watching them how content and happy they are to call Oregon Donkey Sanctuary home. I now volunteer at the Sanctuary and love every minute.
This is a great place to visit and learn more about donkeys! Jim and Rhonda are very committed to the well being of these friendly donkeys and to educate everyone (the public and volunteers alike) about donkey well being, etc. They take excellent care of the donkeys, ensuring the donkeys get enrichment and are proponents that socialization of the donkeys is important. The donkeys are friendly, like big dogs, that one would never know the bad situations some of them came from. This is due to the work that Jim, Rhonda and volunteers have done in working with the donkeys, taking the time to gain the donkeys' trust, confidence and giving them the best care. Definitely a calming experience being around these amazing donkeys with such personality!
I have been volunteering with Oregon Donkey Sanctuary for several months. Jim and Rhonda have created a safe and healing space for these magical donkeys, many of whom have special needs. They treat every donkey with respect, kindness and compassion. Jim, Rhonda, and each and every volunteer are incredibly dedicated to the wellness of these beautiful animals, each of whom brings so much joy to every person they encounter. This is a healing and special place for donkey and human alike. So grateful this organization exists, and excited for all the wonderful programs yet to come.
This sanctuary is positively DREAMY!
Jim, Rhonda and all the volunteers we met were so helpful, knowledgeable and happy to be there.
The donkeys were all so sweet and have their own 'quiet wisdom' about them.
I can't wait to come back and volunteer!
The owners of the sanctuary were kind enough to work my daughter and I in for a visit with the donkeys even though they were booked solid! We fell in love with the donkeys and the wonderful work the sanctuary is doing and decided to ask to volunteer! It is a wonderful place!
I have been to the Sanctuary 3 times and have brought different friends with me. It was so much fun and such a loving atmosphere for these sweet donkeys. I can tell that they are having so much fun and truly enjoy their environment. I will keep coming back only next time the grandkids are coming out :). Thank you for everything you do from educating the public about donkeys to creating an incredible environment where these gentle giants, sometimes not so giant lol animals can live in peace and in the company of a loving family.
We went out for the Plant Sale, but really to see the donkeys. What a beautiful location and the love and care of the animals was clear. Need to get more time out there!
I can say so many wonderful things about ODSN. I accidentially found them last year when looking for a fall event to attend. I went to their Fall Fundraiser and fell in love. I have been volunteering every since. Jim and Rhonda's dedication to these beautiful animals is inspiring and amazing! The sanctuary is not only a soothing place for the donkeys but also for us humans who are lucky enough to spend time with them. I love them all but have a specail place in my heart for sweet Gage and his story. Rescued from BLM he has had a rough life and health issues. He is so content at the sanctuary and so loved. In the few months I have been there he has become more social and calm. Anyhow, I cannot say enough about this place and the owners! I encourage everyone to donate, visit, volunteer and learn about these amazing beings! XO
The Oregon Donkey Santuary is my happy place. I’ve volunteered here for over two years now and I am also honored to be on their Board of Directors.
The owners Rhonda and Jim are so kind and caring for all the animals in their care. They go above and beyond to treat any ailments, special needs, with quality food and supplements as well as health and wellness treatments. All donations go directly for the care of the donkeys.
If you would like to come out and spend a few hours in the presence of these sweet donkeys schedule a visit for visitation day. If you are looking to volunteer there are lots of ways you can help.
Come out and enjoy the Zen of this Santuary & you will see why it’s my happy place.
Oregon Donkey Sanctuary Northwest is an amazing facility. Rhonda, Jim, Jeff, and many volunteers do outstanding work caring for these wonderful, long-lived, intelligent and playful donkeys. They are dedicated to further educating the public about the plight of these amazing animals. They also provide scheduled opportunities to learn and interact with the donkeys at their sanctuary.
One of my friends is a volunteer for this wonderful place and when I visited her, this was one of our excursions. It was wonderful! I learned a lot about Donkeys and it was so soothing to brush them and have a little chat. Each one I met has its own personality and story of how it ended up in the Sanctuary. I highly recommend a visit and a donation to help these wonderful creatures and the people who are taking care of them.
Oregon Donkey Sanctuary NW is a gem. They rescue and take in neglected donkeys from the entire region. It is a beautiful place, full of kind and helpful volunteers. In this idyllic setting, these donkeys frolic happily with humans and other donkeys alike. Spending time here is a treat for anyone! ❤️
I have had the distinct pleasure of volunteering with this organization for over 4 years and have recently been blessed with becoming a Board Member. I've appreciated learning about the notable differences between horses and donkeys and have acquired an incredible respect for these exceptional creatures.
Each of the sanctuary residents has a unique personality and they reflect the care and trust they receive from their advocates, Jim and Rhonda. Some of the donkeys have come from highly stressful situations. Yet, over time, they learn to trust again.
Jim and Rhonda are incredible spokespeople and caretakers. They are open and all-inclusive teachers of the history and biology of these extraordinary creatures. The time spent at the sanctuary is worthwhile as it is fun as well as meditative. I highly recommend spending some time with all of the sanctuary residents, including Jim and Rhonda!
Jim and Rhonda have created a safe, kind and exciting environment for both the donkeys and the visitors! The love and dedication shown to the animals is unparalleled in my experience. The compassion towards the animals needs (both physically and emotionally) stands out as being paramount to everything they do. I am a proud advocate of Oregon Donkey Sanctuary Northwest; and I highly encourage others to check them out and get involved!
I can't tell you enough how much I appreciate the work Jim, Rhonda and the volunteers do.
These donkeys and their loving , forgiving ( and for too many there is much to be forgiven), gentle spirits have won my heart.
My way of helping is to do watercolor paintings of the donkeys to have made into prints for the rescue to use in fundraisers.
Every little bit helps. If you've not met these sweet creatures you must. For me it was love at first visit.
Three donkeys in particular made an impression that day. Miss Mindy who's since passed on at the venerable age of 53. She quietly followed me around like a puppy, oh how I miss her. Dave and Huey were the other two that showed me grace. Little did I know how much their trust meant. They all have a story and they can be hard to hear. If you can support this Sanctuary, do so, if you get to visit consider yourself blessed.
We visited and volunteered for the Oregon Donkey Sanctuary over the summer and found them to be a top-notch organization. Rhonda and Jim are diligent about the health and welfare of the donkeys under their care, providing not only basic veterinary care but alternative therapies as well. Quite a few donks also require special individualized diets/supplements and one even has to be hand-fed due to medical reasons. The grounds are spotless and the spacious donkey shelters are heavily padded with bedding. Rhonda and Jim welcome all ages of visitors, young to old to handicapped, and the donkeys always greet the visitors with a "Hi friend" attitude. I found being at the sanctuary to be very therapeutic and relaxing and will definitely help out again. I highly recommend anyone in the area to come for a visit and let the donkeys (and Rhonda and Jim) welcome you into the herd.