"Dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and life long care of otherwise doomed animals"

A Remembrance of:  Yaqui...ancient Desert Shaman

The 2000 Death Valley rescue brought to us a special elder burro whom we named Yaquie. The first day at the holding facility he watched everything. The following morning he walks right up to us as if to introduce himself. All of the rescued Jacks, young and old respected this old, old soul and no one ever chased hem from food or water. He loved to be brushed and hugged and appreciated the special diet of senior feed, vitamins and grated carrots we formulated for him since his teeth were nearly gone.

We were blessed with his unique spirit for several months before he began to grow weak. For several more weeks we had to help him back to his feet when he wanted to get up from his naps but could not find the strength to do it on his own. Then one day he could no longer stand without assistance so we lay him gently back to the ground. Knowing he could not last much longer we rigged a blanket for shade and called the veterinarian to ease his passing.

This sad and difficult time was suddenly transformed when one by one all thirty two Jacks in the corral came by, touched Yaquie someplace on his body, then walked back to their hay. Shortly after the last Jack paid his respect, Yaquie took a deep breath and flew away with the angels. The veterinarian arrived shortly after and determined Yaquie to be the oldest equine he had ever seen, 50+ years.

A teacher had come from the desert and those he touched were changed forever. Thank you, Yaquie

*This beautiful remembrance is borrowed from the newsletter page of www.wildburrorescue.org  It is special to me because my burro 'Alice' is from the Death Valley region that this rescue works from. Please Visit this and the other Rescue Organizations and Please help when you can. Cheryl

www.wildburrorescue.org