One of our dear friends in the animal kingdom has passed away. Dieske, a mammoth donkey living in Zeist, Netherlands was put to sleep by his caregivers at Stichting De Ezelsociëteit recently.

Mr Dieske was 27 years of age. He had developed laminitis, a painful inflammatory condition of the hooves. Euthanasia is in the best interest of the donkey in these cases as the level of pain the creature experiences can be intense.

Dieske’s remains were cremated and the kind workers at Stichting De Ezelsociëteit built a sort of shrine to this noble animal at their donkey sanctuary roughly 45 minutes south of Amsterdam, Noord Holland.

Two dozen donkeys are being cared for at this rural refuge.

Rest in peace Dieske. We love and miss you