From the perspective of Gut Aiderbichl
When you think you can't go on...
(written by Gisela Pschenitschnig)
For many years, I have been telling visitors about the many animal fates that have brought them to Gut Aiderbichl at some point. In many cases, the animals are taken in, because of a lack of money, a decline in performance or a change of home...Very often, the animals also have to get a new home, because the owners fall ill or - simply get old.
For many people, having animals around is the most beautiful thing in the world. All the furry noses, questioning googly eyes, all the love that animals give us - for animal lovers, life without animals is almost unthinkable.
The story of Herold the donkey and Jonathan the pony
A few weeks ago, we received an email from Salzburger Land. Herold and Jonathan were looking for a new home. All her life, a farmer's wife had the animals around her. At some point she retired and the farm was handed over. The cattle farm became a horse farm. The farmer's wife wanted to keep only one box: the box for Herold and Jonathan. They got a small pasture just for themselves, because they were not wanted with the horses.
The many years together remain unforgettable
When they were young, the two of them had even taken carriage rides with the farmers' people. Jonathan, the pony, had taught the donkey, Herold, how to do it. It was a time full of love for the two of them, and now love had to give way to reason. The farmer's wife was not allowed to lift anything heavy after an operation and then she also fell ill with Covid19.
In the long run, help from the family was not to be expected. There were people who offered her help, but she did not want to hire Herold and Jonathan somewhere else. "You have to know something about animals...They should have it good" - she was probably right.
First friendships in the new home
Herold and Jonathan have been roaming around the farm at Gut Aiderbichl Henndorf for a few days now, getting to know the many goats, cattle, dromedaries, peacocks and pigs. Herold has already found a friend, our Santino. Jonathan likes our pony girls quite a lot, but he hasn't decided on a lady of the heart yet...
For many years, I have been telling the story of our rescued donkeys, among others. Today I was standing in the yard watching Jonathan. Suddenly I got a gentle nudge in the back. Herold looked at me. He likes to have his ears scratched and his back stroked. Suddenly he put his mouth on my shoulder and we looked at each other. "Hello, I'm the new one" - I gently put my nose on his and closed my eyes. So much trust from a donkey, how much he must have loved the farmer's wife....
Herold and Jonathan were lucky like me: there is nothing better than standing among the animals, telling their stories and feeling their trust and love. Herold and Jonathan are looking forward to your visit soon.
Sincerely, your Gisela
