At SAFE, we are proud to help horses in need find safe and loving homes. But a lot of what we do happens behind the scenes, conversations, consultations, and quiet moments spent helping people figure out what kind of horse (or donkey!) is truly the right fit for them.
Sometimes these talks lead to a visit or an adoption. Other times, they don’t. But we believe that even when an adoption doesn’t happen, every thoughtful conversation can make a difference, by helping someone avoid the heartbreak of a mismatch or by guiding them toward a more fulfilling relationship with horses down the road.
One of those conversations happened a few months ago, when Elizabeth reached out to SAFE about Inky, an adorable miniature horse we had available for adoption. Elizabeth had recently lost a horse that had been a companion to her donkey, Samwise, and she was looking for a new buddy for him.
After chatting for a while and learning more about her situation, we encouraged her to consider not just any companion, but maybe another donkey or a longear, like a mule. Donkeys and horses can cohabitate just fine, but in our experience (and in theirs!), donkeys truly seem to thrive when they have a fellow longeared friend.
We don’t always hear back from people after these conversations, so receiving an update from Elizabeth weeks later was not only a surprise, it was a heartwarming reminder of why this work matters. She graciously allowed us to share part of her message:
“I talked to one of the volunteers for a while and decided to pass on Inky and look for another short donkey or mule. ‘They’ say donkeys only thrive with other longears. I’m here to tell you—they are right for once!”
“I found an unhappy mini molly mule (it’s so fun to say) on Craigslist and got her home the next weekend. She’s the smartest animal I’ve ever met, and I’m slowly earning her trust. But my donkey, y’all—he’s SO HAPPY now. He just oozes contentment… talking to the volunteer, really helped focus my search”
Elizabeth named the new addition Arwen, a 34″ silver dapple mini mule, and her transformation since arriving is nothing short of a glow-up. From trust-building to carefully tailored nutrition, it’s clear that both Arwen and Samwise have found happiness—and each other.
At SAFE, we believe this kind of thoughtful matchmaking matters, even if we aren’t the ones making the adoption. Sometimes, the best outcome is helping someone recognize what their current horse truly needs, or pointing them toward a better path—even if it means saying no to the horse they initially inquired about.
We’re grateful to Elizabeth for sharing her story—and her photos of a truly adorable pair. And we’re grateful for every one of you who reaches out with questions, conversations, and a willingness to do what’s best for the horses in your life.
If you’re thinking about bringing a new horse home—or just want a second opinion—we’re always happy to listen, and to help.
