ALICE
Welcomed to the Sanctuary - August 2012
Crossed the Rainbow Bridge - February 2024
Donations may be made in Alice’s name to Rosemary Farm Sanctuary, to help the next equine in need.
“The Rising Sun”
It was a beautiful day to bid farewell to an old friend.
The senior mule Alice, and the heart of her herd, was helped over the Rainbow Bridge, marking the end of nearly 12 years with Rosemary Farm Sanctuary.
This exceptional soul was gentle, wise and caring, and was finally able to trust us enough to share that with us. A former pack mule, she was broken in every way upon arrival; body bent with arthritis from work, a ripped ear, brands, and a closed down persona....her blossoming here was a thing of beauty.
As she aged, she found protection from the Percheron mare Violet, and a best friend in the zebra dun mare Nala.
In her 30's, her bay coat full of grey, and fragile, Alice was able to enjoy a custom blanket, special food, and lots of tlc. But all good things must end, and Alice's body was in pain, and it was time.
We are sad tonight, humans and herd alike, but we are so very proud of what Rosemary Farm accomplishes, with the help of so many.
Alice’s Story
Many horses, donkeys and mules, are used up before arriving to the Sanctuary, and Alice was one of those.
Emotionally shut down, with no use for, or trust of, humans, Alice would stand off, alone, trying to be anywhere else. It’s doubtful she had a clear idea of what exactly would be better, but her experience with humans to that point in time was one of pain. Alice had been a pack mule somewhere out West, and wears the brands of two different stables on her body. The largest, on her right flank, if of a rising sun. This brand was clearly visible when Alice’s coat was short, and the shapes are indelible. As were the dents in her back, from the weight of carrying heavy packs for years. Her frame was slightly buckled from the damage, and she had arthritis and daily aches as a reminder of that ugly past.
Alice was a challenge to befriend, and for good reason. After her time West, as she slowed, she was sold and shipped East, and eventually landed on a large property, where her ‘job’ was to kill things. It’s a common rumor that all mules and donkeys are ‘coyote killers’, and while some certainly are, many are not. Alice was lucky she was not killed herself, as she wandered that large property. Most rescues and sanctuaries will not adopt out ‘guardian animals’ because often it ends in disaster. For Alice, after some years, the property was sold and the owners reached out to the rescue community. Rosemary Farm said yes. It took hours to capture her and deliver her, back in 2012, and begin her new journey in a small paddock.
Upon her arrival, the slow process of winning her over began… and it was a slow process. She was in decent weight and health, but her hooves were overgrown and needed attention. Her ear was torn, probably from a livestock tag being ripped out. And more importantly, Alice needed to find happiness. Initially, the dogs were kept away, there was concern she was dangerous. But as time passed, it was clear that it was Alice who was more concerned for her own safety, and she was never been seen to try to kick or hurt any other living thing. She would not fight. As it turned out Alice was a peaceful mule, who just wanted to get along. With the same desire for peace and friendship, progress was made, bit by bit. Trust began. It was two years before her hooves could be trimmed, but happiness rose on her days.
Anyone who knew the gentle Alice became would hardly believe her difficult past. Even her expression changed, as the dark clouds of worry and despair lifted, and she began to glow, like the sun. She made friends, both human and equine and stole the heart of a donor who Staydopted her starting in 2019.
Alice loved attention, treats, and cozy blankets that helped keep her old arthritic bones at ease. She greyed considerably as she aged, and became even more fragile, but had the devoted protection of Violet, and close friendships with Remy and Nala. Alice was the emotional core of her herd group, a mystery that was inexplicable but very enjoyable. And Alice, not a fighter at all, sang, the ultimate tribute from a mule.