In 2008 a woman woke one morning to find a hinny in her yard. As well as calling Animal Control, she contacted Equine Aid. She thought the funny little, peach-colored animal was a mule – a natural assumption. Ruben is the opposite breeding from a mule. His dam was a donkey and his sire was a horse. The result is an animal who has shorter ears, a horse-like tail and a different voice than a mule.
Unfortunately Animal Control insisted on taking him to an auction barn even though we offered to care for him at no charge. After two weeks there, with no one claiming him, he was run through the auction. Thanks to an AC officer dear to our hearts and kind donors, he was bought at the sale and came to live here. At 40 years old, we expected Ruben to live out his days with us, and we are so glad he did. Ruben was beloved by our volunteers and was a great friend to hug and keep us company at feeding time or while doing chores around the barn.
