Obituary donkey Susi
Donkey Susi was one of the "great" Aiderbichler donkeys
In spring 2010, donkey Susi (then 21 years old) and her daughter Moni (then 2 years old) became Aiderbichlers. An animal-loving family took pity on the pregnant donkey Susi, bought her free and brought her to their farm. There, a short time later, the donkey foal Moni was born and Susi’s world was in perfect order.
The two donkeys enjoyed the love and care of their humans, but unfortunately the run was too small and cramped for the animals. There was no way to solve this problem. It was difficult and impossible to find a place – nobody wanted to take the two of them and give them a species-appropriate life. So they asked if Susi and her Moni could move into Gut Aiderbichl.
Susi and Moni loved their humans
The two donkeys came to the front door to see if they could find someone who might give them a carrot. Both were very trusting and were taken for a walk by their owners so that they could get enough exercise. The space was simply too small and the walks were not a permanent solution for keeping the animals well.
In the future, long walks around the Gut Aiderbichl farm were possible
Susi and her little Moni were amazed at how many other donkeys greeted them at the farm. There were even donkeys from Greece. They were delighted with the large stable and the free range they could enjoy during the day. Susi made friends with Batis and little Lilly. Both donkeys had come to Henndorf from Greece and had a long history of suffering on their backs. Unfortunately, Batis died first and then Little Lilly years later at the ripe old age of almost 51.
Moni loved her mother dearly
The two of them loved to stand in the sun on the wooden wall of the Great Hall. Quietly and with their eyes closed, they enjoyed the warmth. Sometimes Marie would come over and it was as if she was saying “Hey girls, let’s go!”. Susi’s look was enough and Marie went on her way. Moni never let her beloved mum out of her sight and no one could disturb the strong bond between mother and daughter.
Susi had a strong character and showed self-confidence
Sometimes she was unapproachable and her body language clearly showed what she wanted and what she didn’t want. In recent years, it was as if she was becoming milder and more lenient with us humans as she got older. Her eyes looked calm and indicated that petting was very pleasant. But if she didn’t want signs of affection, she simply walked on with her long, slender legs and left the human standing there.
Susi became more approachable and milder with age
Sometimes she was harsh, but that subsided and there were even days when she approached visitors, which she didn’t usually do.
Lately, she has been taken to the vet more often due to various health problems. Susi was suffering from laminitis and osteoarthritis and was given mild painkillers. We noticed that she was deteriorating physically and that her Moni was watching her more and more and wouldn’t let her out of her sight.
Animals feel when someone leaves their midst
Moni walked shorter and shorter distances with her mum, very anxious and alert, watching her mum Susi’s every move. She did what a mum usually does: watch her child so that she can help if something happens.
Susi’s body was getting weaker, the examinations also showed that her health problems were getting bigger and bigger.
The light of life was extinguished, but you never leave completely
Even when the animal has reached an advanced age, there are better days and then worse days again. Selfishness is out of place here and the animal carers have learned from working with the animals when the animal is sending out signals that it wants to start the journey to the Rainbow Bridge. The team and the vets discussed together that Susi should be released from her pain.
At the age of 36, Susi closed her eyes quietly and almost a little gratefully. Moni was next to her mum and watched quietly as her mum’s breathing became quieter and quieter.
Dear Susi,
You were special to us because you got your way and always knew what you wanted and what you didn’t want. Elegant and fairylike, you roamed the yard with Moni and your friends. Sometimes you were at a distance, other times you were very close to your humans.
Especially in the last few months of your life, you became more approachable and enjoyed being stroked and having people whisper little secrets into your long ears.
In Rainbow Land there is no pain. Your friends Batis and little Lilly are probably already walking with you across the wide pastures of Eselland. Take care dear Susi, we’ll look after your Moni and will never forget you!
The pain we feel when a beloved animal dies is the price we pay for the joy they bring us.
– Author unknown
By: Gisela Pschenitschnig, Gut Aiderbichl
