The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary is devastated to announce the passing of our greatly loved and, much admired donkey, Belle.

A few weeks ago, Belle was struck down by an illness which affected her movement, and which eventually meant she had difficulty in standing. Belle was tested here and had many nights of ‘Pyjama Club’ nursing, but her condition did not improve. Belle had a variety of tests and was then sent for a CT scan at Liphook, accompanied by her friend, Smudgie. Whilst she was at Liphook she was closely monitored, and additional tests were run. It soon became clear that in addition to an arthritic deterioration in her neck and spine, she was also suffering from a neurological condition which was affecting her movement. We were alerted to the news that Belle’s condition was incurable, and to prevent the pain that she would endure with these issues, it was agreed by the team here and at Liphook that the kindest thing we could do was to put Belle to sleep.

On behalf of all our supporters we must thank and pay tribute to the outpouring of love and care given to Belle at all times of the day and night, by our own staff and volunteers, our veterinary team, and the amazing team at Liphook who cared for Belle as if she was ‘one of their own’. Thank you to all of you.

Belle was an island donkey who originated from the Brickfields Horse Centre. She was taken into a lovely caring home in Niton and came to us when her owner ‘mum’ had passed away and her owner 'dad' had to go into a nursing home. Belle was in her late twenties then and was a beautiful friendly donkey. Belle immediately had a secret admirer, a certain French donkey gentleman called Busby! They became firm friends and many of our early outreaches became the Belle and Busby show. They were known to so many people round the island and very often we would get special requests to go to events - providing it was Belle and Busby who went along. On one occasion the terrific twosome were invited to Norton Grange Hotel on Christmas Day between 10.00 and 11.30 to wish the guests Happy Christmas. The hospitality that the 2 donkeys received was so good that they were still there eating grass and carrots at 2.00 in the afternoon - they weren’t missing out on their own Christmas feast!

Belle was an outstanding therapy donkey both here at the sanctuary and in residential centres across the island. She was kind, patient and extremely tolerant. She loved fuss, loved being groomed and loved the affection and adoration of those who adopted her and often came to see her.

Belle leaves behind her daughter Hannah, who is the absolute spitting image of her mum, both in looks and in character. Hannah has her own admirer in Pinto O’ Sullivan, and it could well be that the Belle and Busby show of yesteryear becomes the Pinto and Hannah show of the future.

It would be lovely if people who adopt Belle would consider adopting her daughter Hannah, in memory of her mum.

Thank you Belle for the memories , thank you for helping people whose lives were a struggle, and above all thank you for the kindness and love you gave to all of the staff and volunteers who cared for you. We will miss you terribly.

R.I.P Belle. You can now rejoin your admirer Busby and best friend Blossom over the rainbow bridge.