For almost ten long years, two donkeys stood forgotten in a sprawling field in the Midwest — their basic needs ignored, their lives slowly shrinking with every passing season.
One of them suffered the most. Her hooves had grown so long and twisted from years without care that taking even a few steps was agonizing. But through it all, her best friend never left her side.
They had nothing — no shelter, no vet care, no kind hands. But they had each other.
Thankfully, someone finally noticed.
When animal rescuers from Foreverland Farm, a sanctuary in Ohio, learned about the donkeys’ heartbreaking situation, they rushed to help. What they found confirmed their worst fears.
“We were told they haven’t received hoof care in at least eight years!” the team shared. “The bonded pair has been living out on acres and acres of land.”
The donkeys had no idea just how much their lives were about to change.
The donkeys were quickly transported to the sanctuary, where they received a full medical evaluation. The more mobile donkey seemed relieved to finally be in safe hands, but his friend — the one with the painfully overgrown hooves — had a much harder road ahead.
Despite years of neglect, she was calm and trusting during her exam.
“They both did so well despite not being handled for so long,” the rescuers wrote.
X-rays revealed the extent of the damage to her legs and joints. The team immediately crafted a treatment plan to bring her hooves back to a healthy shape — a process that will take time, specialized orthopedic shoeing, and a lot of love.
“This is only the beginning for her,” the sanctuary explained. “She’ll need custom orthopedic shoes to help stabilize her joints and make walking easier. But she’s finally on her way.”
The two donkeys — now named Toby and Phoebe — are settling into their new home together. For the first time in years, they have warm shelter, gentle hands, and hope.
And even after everything they’ve endured, their faces are starting to soften into smiles.
“We are all really hopeful,” Foreverland Farm shared. “Thank you all so much for the love and support of these two! They needed someone to rescue them — and they got millions of people loving them the way they’ve always deserved.”
Toby and Phoebe still have a long road ahead, but their new journey is filled with comfort, care, and the promise of a pain-free future.
Anyone wishing to help can support Foreverland Farm’s lifesaving work through their donation page.
