HOLLAND, Mich. — Fellinlove Farm has become a favorite destination on the lakeshore for people who want to experience companionship from animals. The donkeys, in particular, have become known as ambassadors for the nonprofit, and the welcoming committee at the farm.
"They tend to gravitate toward people - little babies, children, they need to take care of them. Seniors that use walking devices, they seem to want to care and nurture. It's something I feel that's instinctive in them," said Cheryl Kaletka, who founded Fellinlove Farm and serves as its executive director.
"They have great intelligence. In the Christian world, there's the story of the cross and the donkey, and in Biblical times, Jesus chose a donkey to ride into Jerusalem Palm Sunday. They're not always like the famous steeds. They're more the lowly, humble kind that are dedicated."
For many years, one of the stars of the show was a miniature Mediterranean donkey named Eve, who was known as the adoptive mom of another donkey named Squiggles. But back in January, tragedy struck at the farm.
"Eve became sick. It was a one week demise, and we had the vets, and it was determined that she had a mass on her liver, and she passed," Cheryl said.
"When Squiggles saw Eve die, he became very depressed. He went to the corner of the pasture. He would bray continuously for her. It was very difficult. So we kind of were on a mad search in January, for a friend for him - a donkey."
It didn't take long. The farm was able to find a donkey named Stevie in southern Indiana, and they brought him to the farm.
"Of course, it's not always a match made in Heaven initially, but you can see Squiggles was very comforted by the presence of another donkey. Stevie had to stay away from Squiggles until he was officially gelded and the testosterone left his system," Cheryl said.
"A month after he arrived here, he was able to join the herd. And of course, there was a little bit of adaptations to be made. He's a little brother and Squiggles is a 10-year-old brother. It was just fun to watch them play out, but you could tell there was going to be a friendship or brotherhood."
Stevie has warmed up not only to Squiggles, but also to the guests at the farm.
"I can say that he is an amazing addition. We're forever going to miss Eve, but we see the investment of Eve's love and dedication in Squiggles. So, Squiggles is kind of carrying the torch, the lessons that Eve taught him, with Stevie and our guests," Cheryl said.
If you'd like to visit Squiggles and Stevie, you can visit their website to schedule a trip. They also have open farm every Saturday from 2 to 5 p.m. The farm also has opportunities for people to volunteer or donate.
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