Gabby and her son Waylon are a bonded pair of wild burros with an unshakable connection. Gabby, around eight or nine years old, was captured by the Bureau of Land Management along with two others, George and Lily. When she arrived at Joey’s Home, she was pregnant—exhausted, unsure, and still carrying the cautious instincts of a wild animal. About six months later, she gave birth to Waylon, who has never known hardship. Now three and a half, Waylon is playful, curious, and full of personality, while Gabby has settled into motherhood with a calm, watchful grace.

They’re always together—Gabby’s steady presence guiding Waylon’s youthful energy. You’ll find them grazing side by side, communicating in quiet brays and soft nudges. Donkeys can live well into their 30s, so these two have a long future ahead of them, and wherever life takes them, they’ll stay together. If something ever happens to their caretakers, both are promised a home with a trusted adopter so their bond is never broken. Gabby and Waylon are living proof of what safety, family, and time can do.

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George and Lily were adopted from a TIP (Trainer Incentive Program) trainer—a program funded by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to help gentler wild donkeys captured from the open range so they can be adopted into safe homes. In theory, these trainers are meant to teach the burros to lead, allow their feet to be handled for trimming, and load into trailers. Unfortunately, the trainer who worked with George and Lily relied on force instead of patience, leaving both donkeys frightened and distrustful of people.

When they arrived at Joey’s Home, George was about four years old and Lily was five or six—still young, still carrying the instincts of the wild, and still uncertain about human touch. Over time, they began to relax under consistent, gentle care. Now they’re learning what safety feels like, on their own terms, surrounded by other donkeys who understand what it means to survive and start over.

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Ella is a petite mini horse who once lived a miserable life in a petting zoo in Big Bear, confined to a dog kennel. A woman in Landers rescued her but quickly realized that Ella’s fear and trauma required more time and experience than she could give—especially with 12-hour nursing shifts. So Ella came to Joey’s Home, where she’s been slowly learning that the world isn’t all noise and confinement. She’s still wary of people but shows signs of trust every day. Her big belly isn’t from pregnancy—it’s the aftermath of overfeeding, a common problem for minis whose diets must be tightly controlled. Ella’s learning that safety and structure can replace fear, one careful meal and gentle touch at a time.

Honeybee is a 25-year-old miniature donkey with a heart as big as her appetite. She and her late sister came from a breeder in Solvang and lived many years with a woman who loved them dearly. When the woman passed away, her husband—well-meaning but inexperienced—turned the donkeys out into a lush, overgrown pasture. Donkeys are desert animals, built for sparse forage, not rich greenery. The sudden abundance made them dangerously overweight, and her sister’s body couldn’t handle it, leading to organ failure. Honeybee survived and now lives under careful watch, with a strict diet and daily care to keep her healthy. She’s gentle, affectionate, and living proof that love and the right diet can give second chances.

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Sage is a 10- or 11-year-old miniature horse who came from a local breeder once active in the show circuit. Her previous owner, also diabetic and recovering from a partial leg amputation, could no longer care for her properly. Years of neglected hoof care left Sage with slippered feet and a crooked leg, but she’s thriving now. She’s sweet, stubborn, and fiercely attached to her best friend, Neon. Her personality leans toward “queen of the minis,” and she isn’t afraid to make her preferences known—especially if Neon’s involved.

Neon, around 23 or 24, came to Joey’s Home from a friend of the rescue who had saved him from severe neglect. When he first arrived, he was filthy, matted, and had pieces of chain link tangled in his mane and tail. He’d been transported in a van, which tells you everything about the conditions he came from. Once gelded, cleaned up, and given real care, he went to live with that friend until financial hardships forced his return. Back then, he was sharing space with a billy goat who regularly urinated on him—an image that still makes everyone shake their head. Now, Neon’s finally living the life he deserves: healthy, spoiled, and completely adored by Sage, who never lets him wander far.

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Ayaya, a miniature horse now in his thirties, has a rough past marked by abuse and neglect. He was rescued by a kind elderly woman in Landers who gave him safety, patience, and quiet companionship. She couldn’t train or ride him—she simply sat with him, brushed him gently, and helped him learn that people could be kind. When she could no longer keep him, he came to Joey’s Home, where he’s found his peace. Ayaya is still shy and wary, but he’s also deeply observant, often standing watch over the herd like a quiet guardian. He’s not adoptable, but he’s sponsorable, and he’s the kind of horse who carries quiet wisdom in every look.

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Rowdy’s story is coming soon!

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Kirby is around 30 years Kirby is around 30 years old and has earned her forever home at the rescue. She came from an animal control impound case years ago and arrived pregnant—at fifteen. That pregnancy was risky, but she pulled through and went on to have Rowdy, who still lives at Joey’s Home too. Years of neglected hoof care left her with “slippered” feet and a crooked leg, but she doesn’t let that slow her down. Kirby’s a little old lady now, dignified and calm, with a spark that reminds everyone she’s seen it all. She’ll live out her days here in sanctuary, surrounded by comfort and care.

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