Fiona: The Gentle Soul - Rancho Burro Donkey Sanctuary

Meet Fiona

The Gentle Soul

Introduction

Fiona is a gentle and shy standard donkey with a heart that was nearly broken by hardship.

Like her best friend Wookie, she was saved from a crowded kill pen in Bowie, Texas, by All Seated in a Barn and transported to a temporary foster sanctuary at Return to Freedom. The harrowing journey was especially brutal on Fiona, who is naturally timid.

Upon her arrival at fostering, she was showing severe signs of lameness. Radiographs revealed a heartbreaking diagnosis: Fiona had severely foundered, and the bone was already rotating in both of her front hooves, requiring urgent, specialized medical attention.

Healing at Rancho Burro

Recognizing that Fiona needed intensive, dedicated hoof care immediately to survive, and knowing she could not be parted from Wookie, Rancho Burro Donkey Sanctuary made arrangements to bring them both to our sanctuary early.

Now safely in her forever home, Fiona is receiving the expert farrier attention and medical care her delicate hooves require. While her journey toward physical healing continues, she finds immense comfort in her safety and in leaning on Wookie, who has bravely accepted the role as her constant, protective guardian.

The Medical Crisis & The Meeting

The combination of intense physical pain and past trauma caused Fiona to retreat into herself. She initially struggled to bond with the other donkeys in her rescue group, remaining an outcast.

Seeing two lonely souls, the team at Return to Freedom introduced her to Wookie, a lonely miniature donkey also seeking connection. The two outcasts connected instantly, forming a deep friendship that offered Fiona a sliver of hope and comfort amid her suffering.

Before & After: Journeys of Hope

The Beginning: Wookie, PJ, and Fiona sharing a quiet moment upon their arrival at Rancho Burro.

Fiona patiently waiting in the sanctuary's medical room for a routine evaluation. Healing her foundered hooves requires careful tracking, specialized veterinary attention, and a whole lot of love.

Rocking her cozy blanket and custom therapeutic red boots! These specialized shoes provide the crucial cushioning and support Fiona's front hooves need to walk comfortably on her path to healing.

Wookie and Fiona sharing a quiet, romantic moment over lunch. Their relationship has bloomed into a beautiful partnership, providing Fiona with the constant devotion she needs on her path to healing.

Become My Virtual Guardian

Fiona’s severe founder requires intensive, specialized farrier attention and ongoing medical care. Help provide the critical hoof care she needs to walk comfortably by becoming her Virtual Guardian today!

As a special thank you, you will receive exclusive email updates featuring fresh pictures and videos of Fiona, so you can personally watch your new friend heal and thrive at the sanctuary.