Thomas
- Name: Thomas
- Breed: Donkey
- Registered: No
- Foaled: 9/9/2024
- Color: Dark Brown/Chocolate
- Sire: Unknown
- Dam: Penny
- Lineage: Besides knowing Thomas’s mama, Penny we do not know any of his lineage.
We’d like to introduce you to Thomas, our cherished miniature donkey gelding—affectionately known around here as our “fluffy little yard donkey.” Thomas isn’t just a part of our homestead; he’s a treasured member of our family. The story of how he came to live with us is as heartwarming and unique as he is, and we’re excited to share it with you.
If you’ve been following our journey through Homestead Horsemanship, you’ve likely witnessed the special bond between our son, Isaac, and the donkeys. That connection began when Isaac was just a toddler, and it’s a memory we’ll always cherish. His first encounter took place at a church live nativity scene. Amidst the camels and sheep stood a humble donkey—and from the moment Isaac laid eyes on it, he was captivated. He watched it intently, drawn in with the quiet wonder and instinctive affection that only a child with a deep, natural love for animals could show..
As the years went by, we would occasionally come across donkeys—at auctions, on friends’ farms, or just in passing. Each time, Isaac’s fascination deepened. What affected him most, though, was seeing donkeys in poor condition at sales. His compassionate heart couldn’t bear it. He’d quietly ask us if we could bring one home, his empathy evident in every word. That’s when we began seriously considering adding a donkey to our homestead. But not just any donkey. We wanted to find the right one—one that could truly bond with Isaac and become a part of our family.
As it turns out, we didn’t find Thomas through an auction or a planned search.
One day, Jr. went out to look at a mare he was considering purchasing. While visiting the seller, he noticed something that immediately caught his attention—a small group of miniature donkeys grazing nearby. It was impossible not to be curious, and before long, a conversation unfolded. The seller explained that they also raised miniature donkeys, and one in particular stood out: a gentle jenny named Penny, who was nearing the end of her pregnancy.
As they chatted, Jr. couldn’t help but think about Isaac and his dream of one day having a donkey of his own. In a lighthearted moment, half-joking and half-hoping, he said, “I’d buy the baby in her belly if I could bring the mama home to foal and raise it here—so my son can bond with it from the very beginning.”
To his surprise, the owners didn’t dismiss the idea. Instead, they said, “We’d be open to that.”
It was an unexpected turn of events—one of those moments that just feels meant to be. Arrangements were made, and not long after, Penny came home to the homestead. Her arrival marked the beginning of something special.
They recognized us from our Homestead Horsemanship channel and had seen how we care for our horses and foals. They thought it would be fun and meaningful to be part of the journey by letting us raise the baby. So, Penny came home with Jr. that very evening — and just hours later, she went into labor!
That night, Thomas was born—and Isaac received the surprise of a lifetime. Not only did he meet his very own donkey for the first time, but he also had the rare privilege of witnessing his birth and helping to raise him from day one. The bond they share is truly remarkable—a testament to the deep connection that can form when love, care, and companionship begin from the very start.
Today, Thomas has grown into an affectionate, people-loving little donkey. He follows Isaac everywhere, loves attention, and brings a bit of joy to everyone who meets him. We never imagined how much happiness a miniature donkey could bring into our lives — but Thomas has taught us that sometimes the smallest animals leave the biggest footprints on our hearts.
