.png){kind=small}
MARCH 2025
BUCK & KENNETH
Buck's Story
​
Buck and his best friend Buddy arrived at Oscar’s Place at the end of 2023 under bittersweet circumstances. They came to us as an owner surrender, a situation that is familiar at Oscar’s Place. Like many of the donkeys we take in, Buck and Buddy came from a deeply loving owner who, despite their best intentions, could no longer care for them.
​
Shortly after their arrival, Buck and Buddy were joined by another owner surrender, Bray Bray. All three donkeys were placed together in quarantine, a standard procedure to ensure their health and safety before being introduced to the larger herd. Quarantine can be an isolating experience for donkeys, but for this trio, it was the start of a beautiful friendship. Their time together not only forged bonds among them but also made their eventual integration into the boy pasture smoother and less stressful. Having familiar faces around provided comfort and reassurance as they adjusted to their new surroundings.
​
Donkeys are incredibly emotional animals, which is one of their most endearing qualities, but it also means they feel deeply—both the good and the bad. Transitions like an owner surrender can be particularly challenging for them. Imagine spending your whole life with one trusted caretaker, only to find yourself in a strange new environment with unfamiliar faces. It’s a lot for anyone to process.
Understanding this, the team at Oscar’s Place takes great care to ease the transition for every new arrival. For donkeys like Buck and Buddy, the first few months are critical. During this period, our staff and volunteers pour their hearts into making them feel safe and loved. The initial weeks were difficult for Buck and Buddy; they were understandably standoffish, unsure of their new home and the people who cared for them.
​
But with patience, consistency, and kindness, everything began to change. Kenneth, one of our dedicated team members, played a significant role in helping Buck and Buddy come out of their shells. His gentle approach and unwavering dedication slowly built trust, showing them that they were safe and cared for. Day by day, Buck and Buddy began to relax. They grew comfortable with the people around them, bonded with their new herd, and adapted to life at Oscar’s Place.
​
Today, Buck and Buddy are thriving. Their initial hesitation has been replaced with confidence and a sense of belonging. They have found not only a home but also a family—among their herd, the volunteers, and the staff who care for them. Their journey is a testament to the resilience of donkeys and the transformative power of love and care.
​
Every donkey has a story, and Buck and Buddy’s is one of friendship, trust, and hope. Here at Oscar’s Place, we are honored to provide them with the stability and love they deserve, ensuring that the next chapters of their lives are filled with happiness and peace.
About the Photographer:​
​
Johanna Siegmann is an internally 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 animal, has been published as In Good Company (Notable People with their Pets), available online globally 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:​
​
Donkeys are some of the most loving and trusting creatures on Earth, and when they suffer because humans are unkind, Oscar’s Place steps in. While we’re just a team of everyday individuals, we deeply care for and are committed to providing a safe haven for donkeys in need.​ We focus on donkeys because the world's donkey population is being decimated. Not by disease, global warming, or predators. But because there is a high demand for their hides in the creation of a traditional Chinese medicine.
​
They deserve better than to be abused, crowded into horrifying transport containers, and shipped off to slaughter factories. Our mission is straight-forward: To every donkey that makes its way to Oscar’s Place, we will do everything in our power to keep that animal safe, healthy & happy for the rest of its life.
​
We love animals, and quite frankly, we need to team up with other people who also care about what happens to these beautiful creatures. The good news is that it doesn’t take much to make a big difference.​When you make a donation, you help a donkey recover emotionally and physically from its past.
You are restoring their belief in humans as caregivers. Your impact even makes it possible to re-home donkeys to carefully-screened adopters, which enables us to bring more of these precious animals into our care system. Again, we’re not special, but our team consists of caring employees, volunteers, veterinarians, and farriers – all with a singular objective: to help donkeys recover physically, mentally, and emotionally. Every person on-site is committed to hands-on interaction with our donkeys, every day.Loving them. Calming them. Healing them. We want to show them that humans can be good. Can you save a donkey’s life today or can you share this message?
Thank you so much for caring.