The story of the DSC

The Donkey Sanctuary of Canada was founded in August 1992 by Sandra Pady in Puslinch, Ontario with the vision of creating a sanctuary where donkeys, mules and hinnies could live free from neglect and abuse. For a glimpse into the origin story of the DSC, read this excerpt from Sandra’s book The Donkeys and Me: A Memoir:

Looking back, it all happened so naturally. It seemed like we had just moved to the country and in the blink of an eye there were fourteen donkeys living at Walnut Ridge Farm. Fortunately, by this time it was just late September which meant that the animals could graze in the pastures for several weeks longer. During that period we scurried around, obtaining hay for the winter and then we had a trailer moved onto the property so that we could provide housing for someone to help with the equines’ care.

Along with everything else that was going on that summer and fall, by an acquaintance I was told about an organization called The Donkey Sanctuary in Dorset, England. The Sanctuary had been in operation for almost twenty years and care was being given literally to thousands of donkeys. Before that moment, I had had no exposure to animal sanctuaries but this idea of a refuge for donkeys in need was immediately intriguing. Of course all of this was happening before common use of the internet and so after obtaining the address, I sat down and wrote a letter of enquiry. Dr. Elizabeth Swendsen, the Founder of The Donkey Sanctuary, replied with words of encouragement and a general description of day-to-day operations. While reading the letter I remember thinking, “I can do that. I can help these animals by forming a sanctuary, too.”