Susan Morgan with mini horse Shazam and mini donkey Silver Dollar
Melinda Klinka, Pet Companions Club
The Pet Companions Club of PebbleCreek hosted Susan Morgan who owns Painted Promise Ranch on Feb. 4 at the Eagle’s Nest Courtyard. She raises mini horses and mini donkeys. Susan brought with her, Shazam, a 26” mini horse (red kerchief), and Silver Dollar, a mini donkey (blue kerchief). Shazam is 24 years old (mini horses typically live until 30+ years old) and Silver Dollar is 12 years old (mini donkeys typically live 40 years). When baby donkeys are born, their hair is very soft, but at around 4 months, it becomes coarser. Their bray sounds like a foghorn. She currently has five horses (four of which are minis) and 28 donkeys (26 minis).
Susan uses her minis mostly for therapy and breeding. Her therapy minis are first evaluated for the right personality. Donkeys are very self-aware; if they trust you, they are more likely to do what you want. She goes to independent living, assisted living, and memory care facilities in Peoria, Sun City, Lake Pleasant, and more. The community gets to pet and learn about them. Around holidays she dresses them up in Halloween costumes and appropriate attire for Christmas. The minis bring much joy to the residents. Recently Shazam and Silver Dollar received their names on an embroidered vest and a volunteer badge for their work within the communities.
Minis are actually quite rare; she breeds very selectively and she strives for conformation—similar to dogs. She has a waiting list for the foals and only breeds a few a year, with pasture breeding.
The PebbleCreekers at the meeting had ample opportunity for photo ops and petting. Many questions were asked as they were so cute! This was the first time that Susan was at PebbleCreek.
It was very evident that Susan has found her calling and loves her animals deeply. She brings joy to others with her therapy visits as well as those who receive her minis as foals. She brought smiles and joy to all of us as we met Shazam and Silver Dollar. We enjoyed getting our photos taken with the minis and learning about their lives. Such a fun experience!
If anyone cares to donate, Susan has a Zelle account at 602–290–2553.