NOVEMBER 2026
Patches & David
How You Can Help
Patches’ Story
When Patches arrived in May of 2021, he was in critical condition, weak, malnourished, and unable to stand. We carefully lifted him onto a trailer and rushed him to UC Davis Veterinary Hospital. The vets were unsure if he would survive, but we were determined to give him a fighting chance. They asked for a name for his medical chart, and we chose Patches because large patches of fur came off when we loaded him.
With time, care, and expert medical attention, Patches began to recover. He had gone without proper food for so long that his body had started consuming its own muscle for energy. He was blind from severe malnutrition, and his coat and skin were in rough shape. But despite all of this, Patches proved to be a fighter. Slowly, his body adjusted, and he started to gain strength.
When Patches was well enough, we brought him home to Oscar's Place, where his real recovery began. He needed to gain weight, regrow his coat, and build trust with the people around him. Over time, he did just that. While his eyesight will never fully return, we believe he can see shadows. He knows his pastures well, including where to find food, water, and the fences, and he has a ton of friends. Donkeys and people alike love Patches, and he loves them right back.
As he grew stronger, we learned more about his past. A dental exam revealed that his tongue had been severed on both sides, likely from years of pulling heavy loads with an ill-fitting bit. The injuries showed that he had worked hard his entire life, probably beyond his physical limits. When he could no longer perform, he was abandoned at an auction. Thankfully, he found his way to us instead.
Patches is exactly why Oscar's Place exists. He will spend the rest of his life in our care, and we are committed to giving him everything he needs to be happy and healthy. Despite everything he has been through, Patches is one of the most trusting and affectionate donkeys at Oscar’s Place. When he hears familiar voices, his ears perk up, and he walks toward us, eager for attention. He loves to be brushed, scratched, and spoken to softly. His resilience and gentle nature remind us every day why this work is so important.
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.