This adorable rescue donkey spreads joy to seniors!

When Erin Larson adopted a donkey, she hoped he would be a good friend for her blind horse. Tiptoe turned out to be that and so much more. Today, he is nuzzling his way into the hearts of nursing home residents!

- Diane Herbst

On a hot July day in 2022, a little brown donkey named Tiptoe eagerly walked into a fenced-in pen at a Corcoran, Minnesota, farm and trotted up to the big brown horse inside.

The horse, Ty, was blind, but feeling Tiptoe brush against his chest, he immediately lowered his head and started gently nibbling along Tiptoe's mane. The donkey returned the affection with gentle nuzzles along Ty's chest.

Overseeing this touching scene was Erin Larson, who had adopted Tiptoe earlier that day from a sanctuary, her good friend Tabea Brockman and Kym Garvey, who runs the sanctuary. They all started to cry. "This is exactly what they both needed," Erin said. "It couldn't have gone better."

Fated friends

When Erin adopted Ty in 2021, she was told the horse had bad eyes, and when he eventually became blind, a 39-year-old gelding on the farm became Ty's seeing buddy. Erin was touched, but couldn't help wondering what would happen to Ty when his pal passed away.

Erin decided she needed to get Ty a new friend another animal to stick with him, protect him and be with him forever.

The perfect creature, she realized, was a donkey, which are known for their intense loyalty and toughness.