"He Broke Into A Smile Straight Away!": Donkey Grins From Ear To Ear After Being Rescued From Floodwaters

When Suzanne Gibbons spotted a donkey desperately stranded in a flooded river, she knew she had to save it. Unfortunately, she didn’t have a boat nor knew how to swim, so she put a plea out on her Animal Heaven Animal Rescue (AHAR) Facebook page asking for people with a boat to come forward to help.

Source: Heaven Animal Rescue

Fortunately, Mike Fleming, a member of Killorglin Rowing Club, saw her post and came along with his boat.

Source: Heaven Animal Rescue

“He was my last chance and phone call to beg for a boat. I knew straight away he had the guts to do it. No negative attitude just come on girl we’ll give it a go.”

Source: Heaven Animal Rescue

Fleming, along with Gibbons and Declan Murphy, tried to save the trapped animal. The poor animal was safely pulled out of the water with a rope and a life-saver.

Source: Heaven Animal Rescue

“Declan worked hard to get the rope and buoyancy aid around the donkey, who was terrified and very tired by this time. The donkey was ‘towed’ to land and pulled out to safety,” a press release about the dramatic rescue explained.

Source: Heaven Animal Rescue

Once the donkey hit dry land, he had a huge smile on his face. He has been affectionately named “Mike” in honor of his rescuer.

Source: Heaven Animal Rescue

We are happy to know that he has a loving owner and is well cared for. He only escaped from his stable because a storm damaged the gate.

Source: Heaven Animal Rescue

“His owner had found him that morning out in the field, and because the river had burst its banks, the donkey was stranded,” the press release read.

Source: Heaven Animal Rescue

Source: Heaven Animal Rescue

Source: Heaven Animal Rescue

Thank you so much for anyone who helps animals in need! Please share this post with your friends and family members!