AUGUST 2026
Davina & Madyson
How You Can Help
Davina’s Story
Davina arrived at Oscar’s Place in February 2025, extremely pregnant and completely unsocialized. At first, we could not get within five feet of her. She was wary of people and clearly had been through a lot. Exactly one month after her arrival, she gave birth to her son, Rufus. Thankfully, Davina allowed us to help care for him, an early sign of her growing trust.
Rufus faced challenges from the very beginning. He was born with an infection in one leg and a deformity in the other. Because of this, both he and Davina spent a long time at UC Davis, where Rufus received extensive care and treatment. Their bond grew stronger through that experience, and our team was amazed by Davina’s devotion and gentleness as a mother.
Today, Rufus is thriving. He still receives special treatments and pain management, but he is full of life and energy and never lets his differences slow him down. Davina has also transformed. While she still prefers that people approach her slowly, once she realizes you are just there to offer love, she warms up quickly.
It has been incredible to witness her journey, from fearful and unsure to calm and connected. We are so happy that Davina will get to spend the rest of her life surrounded by kindness, with her beloved son always by her side.
Change the Life of a Donkey in Need
About the Photographer:
Johanna Siegmann is an internationally award-winning portrait and architecture photographer, specializing in photographing people with their pets. A collection of her unique images, which capture the relationship between humans and animals, has been published as In Good Company (Notable People with their Pets), available online and via special order from your local bookstore. Johanna believes in giving back to the community, and a portion of the proceeds from the book are going to charity. She has donated her time and talent to Oscar’s Place for this calendar project.
About Oscar's Place:
Oscar’s Place is a donkey adoption center and sanctuary in Northern California. We rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome donkeys otherwise destined for slaughter.
Millions of donkeys are killed for the collagen in their hides, used in traditional medicine and cosmetics. Unwanted donkeys are often sent to auctions where kill pen buyers are waiting. If we don’t step in first, they face a horrible fate.
Once rescued, staff and volunteers help each rescued donkey heal. Some donkeys find a loving forever home, and others enjoy lifelong care in our safe haven. Since 2021, we’ve saved 435+ donkeys and facilitated 175+ adoptions. Join us in creating a better world for donkeys.