07/21/2026
On Monday, July 20, 2026, at 8:13 a.m.,
MERS received a call about a 30 year old donkey down in a dirt lot in Dittmer, Mo. A veterinarian was called but could not arrive until after 1 p.m. Due to an excessive heat warning, we assembled a team and arrived at the location at 10 a.m. Upon arrival, two members put a halter and head protector on the donkey, named Jake, while the rest of the team assesed the situation, packed all necessary equipment and took it to the scene. The donkey had been down all night and was attempting unsuccessfully to get up. The team secured lifting straps under him and attempted a lift. Jake would not put weight on any of his legs. We put him on the rescue glide and secured him down, to move him to a more level shaded location. Once at a safer location, we removed him from the glide and the owner brought him a towel, pillow, water, grain and hay. The team moved him to a sternal position and he refused to drink so we added electrolytes and water to his grain and he gulped it down. We waited approximately an hour until he seemed brighter and more alert, and attempted a second lift. He put weight on his back legs but not his front. We put him back down and pulled him into a shadier location. The vet was about an hour out so we kept him comfortable with water, food, shade and a fan, until the vet arrived. The veterinarian assesed his condition and felt that due to his age, condition and not being able to stand, that euthanasia would be best. The owners agreed and several members helped the veterinarian, while the rest of the team packed all the equipment. We also assisted the owners in finding someone to come and bury Jake. Our hearts go out to the owners, who rescued Jake many years ago and gave him a good long life. Prayers go out to them. Due to the extreme heat the team dispursed without debriefing. A team of 8 members answered the callout. The callout ended at 2 p.m. with 56 miles traveled.
