BOONE, Iowa—The Boone Area Humane Society recently welcomed a special guest, a five-month old miniature donkey. BAHS Director Vanessa Heenan says “This a totally new on for us. But thanks to Iowa State University Vet Medicine, our staff and volunteers, he is starting to feel better and really showing us his personality.”

In November, a rural mail carrier saw the donkey lying in a ditch in rural Boone County and alerted BAHS staff.  Heenan arrived at the location and found the donkey’s body temperature was so low, it didn’t register on a thermometer. He was rushed to Iowa State Vet Med and admitted to the ICU unit.

The donkey stayed at ISU for a month before he was stable enough to come to BAHS. He continues to regain his strength and put on weight. Heenan says “the medical bills for this little guy is over $5,000, but he is worth every penny.”

BAHS is currently holding a naming contest for it’s newest friend. The public can submit one name entry for every $10 donation to his care. A name will be drawn on Sunday, January 20, 2019 at 5:00 p.m.

Heenan says “Our mission is to help all animals in our area.” She says they are currently working with the Boone County Attorney to create better, comprehensive animal welfare laws so all animals across the county are cared for properly, donkeys included.

Additional information on the naming contest can be found by visiting http://bit.ly/Help_donkey.

(contributed article and photos, BAHS)