Elvira, the Donkey

Elvira, the Donkey

When I first met Elvira she was with her ever present sidekick, Billie the goat. Elvira was inherited (along with Billie) by the new owners of the ranch. They informed me that the mammoth jennet was probably about 15 years old. I took one look at her and knew they were terribly misinformed. Elvira was at least 25 — if not older!

Regardless of her age, she still had spirit. Despite her advanced years she carried herself well, except one very important problem. Her movements were curtailed by a pronounced limp that stemmed from her forefoot. I immediately suspected something serious.

Indeed, it was serious. A visit with the vet confirmed that Elvira’s problem was chronic and serious. It wasn’t long before her hooves began curling upward, giving her the appearance of wearing elf shoes. It was already difficult for the old girl to move around and these hooves made her movements even more painful and cumbersome. Despite all of our efforts, we could not find a farrier to come out for a donkey. It seems no one wanted to tackle this job! And even if we had found someone, I am not certain that Elvira would have stood still for it!

The best I could do was help her by giving her phenylbutazone to get the inflammation and pain down to a manageable level. She began moving around much better and within no time the rocky soil was working its magic on her hooves. As the hooves filed down her movements became more spirited and she appeared to take a new interest in exploring the ranch.

Then one day Elvira did not appear at feeding time. My search found her laying under some cedar trees, Billie, her ever-present sidekick, standing guard over her. I encouraged her to get up using some carrots as bait. After many faltering attempts she managed to get up on her feet again. Throughout the course of the next few weeks, this scenario repeated itself over and over again. I spent many cold nights over at the ranch checking on her, bringing her hay and water in the barn so she could be comfortable.

It appeared as if Elvira’s body was failing her. The phenylbutazone was no longer doing its job. She was already on a high dosage, one that could affect her internal organs, but the vet increased her dosage. Unfortunately she did not respond. It was obvious that her pain was constant. Despite the fact that navicular disease is not common in donkeys, Elivira appeared to be the exception. Worst of all, this syndrome had been going on a long time. There was very little we could do, except try to make her comfortable.

On December 11, 2008 Elvira departed this world, Billie, her constant companion, never left her side. This was probably one of the saddest days of my life and the memory of this beautiful girl still lives on at the ranch. Sometimes I almost see her, grazing off in the distance. And, I swear, that there are times I think she is braying a greeting at me.

Elvira, we all miss you, especially Billie who was totally alone. A new goat companion named Lola is now keeping her company. And a welcome surprise came in the form of a little kid named Charlie who arrived this spring.

You are now at Rainbow Bridge — galloping with the other donkeys and I am certain you have a new sidekick goat who shadows you everywhere you go. We miss you and love you Elvira, you will live on in our hearts.

Meet Billie

Meet Billy
Presented by SecurePet Pet Sitter Services of Wimberley, Texas

-
Name: Billie     Age: 3 years
What I am: Goat
Hometown: Wimberley, Texas
Favorite song: “Grazin’ in the the Grass” by Friends of Distinction
Favorite movie: Goofy Goat Antics (1931 cartoon)
Favorite actor: Eddie Albert
Hobbies: Texas Two-Stepping
Occupation: Grass Engineer/Field Sentry
What I hate: Being hungry
What I love: Carrots
One word description: Goofy
Fashion accessory fav: Brass Horns
Favorite pet sitter: SecurePet Pet Sitter Services, Wimberley, Texas

…………….

SecurePet Pet Sitter Services is located in Wimberley, Texas and provides pet sitting care for all types of animals: ranch animals, dogs, cats, birds, reptiles (but not gators!) and amphibians. We specialize in pets with special needs. This full-service pet sitting company will ensure that all your pets receive the best of care while you are away on business … or pleasure.

Ranch Animal Photographs

Pet sitting takes me to a lot of strange places, including ranches. Here is a sampling of some of the ranch animals I have taken care of. A few are “regulars” that require twice daily feedings. Others are on an “as needed” basis. But all are interesting and meet this gal’s physical fitness requirements! Enjoy.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
•