Sophie

By Morgan Voorhees

My family and I moved away from our neighborhood in Littleton, to just outside Castle Rock on 70 acres.  I am 11, and it was a big adjustment for me to move to a different school, and away from my friends, and out where we don't have a lot of neighbors.  I have always loved animals, and shortly after moving to Castle Rock, I had to put my dog Abby to sleep.  For a few months, we didn't have any animals, and we decided life was very lonely without any animal friends.

We quickly built a barn and started filling it with critters.  Everyone we talked to told us to get a donkey because they will protect our sheep, and will keep rattlesnakes away.  We had no idea how smart they are, and how we would fall in love with them.  We started looking around for donkeys, and found Longhopes.  On our first visit, we didn't know which donkey we wanted, because we wanted all of them.  We thought either two girls or two boys, and then I found Sophie.

While we were visiting, all the donkeys came up to us and some even picked at my clothes and my little brother clothes, but Sophie pushed the others away and stood right next to us.  As we left, Sophie just gave me a look like "aren't you going to take me home?"  I talked to my parents about Sophie, but I also knew two boys or younger donkeys might work out better for trail walking.  We had about a week to decide on who we could adopt, and all I could think about was Sophie.  Mom and dad knew there was something special about Sophie, and I really wanted a new friend. 

At the end of March, we were so lucky to adopt Sophie, Linus and Quigley.  Sophie was the first donkey to decide which stall was hers, and Linus and Quigley allow Sophie to decide most everything.  Sophie is always cheering me up and makes me feel good when I am around her.  She is the queen of the barn, and my best friend.  Linus and Quigley get their share of attention too.  I feel lucky that Sophie and the boys picked us to come and be a part of my family.

We now have chickens, ducks, pheasants, sheep, rabbits, and of course Sophie, Linus and Quigley.  The 3 donkeys love to run and chase each other, and fight about who gets the last carrot or apple.  Linus and Quigley keep Sophie feeling young and Sophie tries to teach the boys manners.  We are very happy to have found Longhopes Donkey Shelter and I will always love my new friends.

*Editors note-Morgan now has an even 4 donkeys with the later addition

of Shelby from Longhopes.