Apifera Farm is home to artist Katherine Dunn and landscaper Martyn Dunn. Located in mid coast Maine, Apifera takes in needy animals but also shares them with elder people. They are a 501[c][3]. Contact katherine@katherinedunn.com with questions.
What begins as a sad story has a good ending. I was recently contacted by a local farm that they knew of an older couple that had fallen on some hard times and had been struggling. They would have no choice but to sell their rural property where they had lived for over 30 years. And they could not take their 34 year old donkey, and the very elder pig. If they could not find a suitable home, the alternatives were heartbreaking.
When I first met the donkey I fell in love. So very gentle and sweet and considering is very advanced age, in good shape wit some needed upkeep of feet and eight. His name is Peso. He is 34 which is very old for a donkey. They can love to 40 or 50 but 30+ is very old.
Hannah the pig, or as I refer to her, The Royal, has a mind of her own but is very non grumpy compared to our beloved Rosie of years ago fame. The donkey and pig are not exactly friends so Hannah now lives Rosie used to live, and she gets to see llamas which she likes Peso lives with the sheep and old Luci and has taken to them immediately. We learned quickly that Peso will guard if a dog comes in and he took after poor Teddy. But all is well and Teddy is very content with his goats and Marcella.
I'm very grateful we can help this couple and their animals. It is so sad. My gain is their loss but they are so happy and relieved that their two pets got such a good place to live. They have had the donkey for over 30 years, and the pig since she was young.
It can happen to any of us-circumstances change, or fall apart, or illnesses arise and compound everything...in the blink of n eye your whole world is upside down. I'm just relieved they found us, as sad as it is for them right now. They watch our online posts and like seeing the animals in their new home.
Even though I miss old Matilda the donkey, who was euthanized at age 30 this past summer, I can't help think she left the door behind her slightly ajar so Peso could find us.
Every time a new animal comes to Apifera, we make introductions. It always impresses me how adaptable they are, and if shown respect, safety and consistency, they settle in well. Here is Peso meeting Biggs and Harry.
