I adopted a bonded pair of donkeys from LDS in December 2025, and I truly cannot say enough good things about my experience. Kathy D., Becca, and the entire team are absolutely wonderful. The adoption process was simple, straightforward, and incredibly informative, which made everything feel comfortable and well-supported from the start. From the moment you arrive, you can immediately sense how deeply these animals are loved and cared for. The facility is spotless, well-organized, and thoughtfully maintained. Every donkey there appears healthy, happy, and clearly cherished. What has meant the most to me, though, is the ongoing support I've received since welcoming the girls to their new home. Whenever I have questions, I feel completely comfortable reaching out for help and advice. It's clear that LDS's commitment doesn't end at adoption -- they truly care about these amazing animals and the families who welcome them. Thank you, LDS, for everything you do! Don't be surprised if you see me again soon -- I just might be back to adopt another pair. read more

Kathy E. Dean, President of this donkey rescue doesn't actually adopt donkeys out to well qualified, loving homes. After doing some research in my community, I learned that very often for unfounded and unsubstantiated reasons Kathy will "close a matter" as she puts it and not allow an adoption to take place. Sadly, I heard a story where a long time volunteer wasn't even allowed to adopt one of these donkeys. One woman I spoke to said, she is aware of over 10 instances were Kathy has done something very similar to potential adopters. This is a very cruel pattern. She truly is doing a disservice to these animals. Her priority is NOT finding these animals loving homes where they are the center of love and attention. Kathy lead me to believe my adoptin was going through. Although I confirmed with my farrier and veterinarian that she never reached out to either one of them for reference. For weeks I was led to believe that this donkey was coming to live at my ranch, I should've known better when she didn't reach out to my references. It's a very unfortunate situation for those who find themselves emotionally invested in their potential adoptee only to have the rug jerked out from under them. If you want to go and see the donkeys or donate be my guest. The donkeys are well cared for, so it appears. The volunteers seem very capable and caring. I had a few questions about the contract and payment method which prompted her to say this "matter is closed". I guess it could have been a worse situation as described to me by other people who have dealt with Kathy. In short I'm not getting my donkey for whatever frivolous and prejudice reason she came up with. I spent 20 years in broadcasting as a TV journalist in major markets and have worked with countless rescues and animal shelters, never have I had an experience that was so disheartening and unprofessional as this one. I would say approach this place with the upmost caution if you are looking to adopt a donkey. Kathy will play with your emotions, tug at your heart strings and prevent you from adopting your chosen animal. read more

I recently visited Longhopes Donkey shelter with a large group. It's a fun activity for both adults and children. They give you an overview of how the shelter came into existence and how the donkeys will behave when you visit them. You can enter the pens and pet them, brush them, or just spend some time visiting. Most of the donkeys are pretty docile. The ones that are not well socialized are generally segregated. Some are very friendly while others are people-shy - usually because they have not been well cared for. You can feed them carrots and apples too, but only monitored by the staff. The shelter is about 25 minutes east of Denver not far off of I-70, so is pretty easy to get to. Donkeys have a distinct 'aroma' so wear your grubby clothes and shoes. read more

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I first visited Longhopes on a tour in May 2021 and immediately began sponsoring a donkey. The amazing work that Kathy and the other staff/volunteers do to take care of these amazing animals is heart warming. And their thoroughness in finding the right forever homes for the donkeys is commendable. I particularly want to call attention to the fantastic job Julie did on that initial tour and how helpful and gracious she was on my subsequent visit to say hello to "my" donkey, Einstein. Her love of these creatures is patently obvious, as is Kathy's. I thoroughly enjoyed my conversation with both these wonderful women. And I love receiving Victoria's monthly updates on how Einstein is faring and what's happening at Longhopes. Do yourself a huge favour by booking a tour and then go one better and sponsor a donkey. read more

I love this place. The staff are knowledgeable and passionate about donkeys. Who knew that donkeys were so loving and so full of personality? They can't get enough petting, hugs, scratches and love. They're also fond of graham crackers and ginger snaps. I highly recommend visiting Longhopes! read more

This was a once in a lifetime experience. Had so much fun learning about the donkeys and getting to interact with them. They were so friendly, and the staff was knowledgeable and you can tell absolutely love their animals and what they do. So much passion in such a beautiful place. read more

What an amazing shelter and experience. What these folks do for the donkeys is phenomenal. A beautiful facility full of people who love and care for these precious animals. A must see when in the Denver area. Will never forget this beautiful experience. read more

March 26, 2014 ~ LDS Review: I am not affiliated with, related to, nor benefit from this review. I have never visited their shelter or met any staff. Only contact has been through emails. With this being said, this is what I do know. I did my research before contributing to them and found LDS to be very accountable and business savvy with their distribution of funds received. Therefore, I have supported them since Feb. of 2009. I have never been sorry. Any contributor may request a copy of their financials and they will be happy to provided you with such. They quickly respond to any correspondence, treat you like you are their only contributor, and above all put their donkey's first. The organization even took their time to meet a specific request I had which meant a lot. In short, they run their non-profit organization as it should be. Since 2009 I have watched their little shelter grow and change by reading their newsletters on a regular basis. No organization can continue to grow at a steady pace as they do, and be run poorly. I am indeed sincere when I rate them with five stars. It is my intent to visit their operation in the future and see first hand what my dollars support. I'm confident my contributions support the best! Hats of to Longhopes Donkey Shelter. Judi Walch ~ Eagle Point, Oregon read more

Did you know there's a donkey shelter just east of Denver? I sure didn't until last summer. This place is fabulous! For the past year I've been first a volunteer and now a sponsor. Volunteering is great if you're up for it. Volunteers clean the donkey areas, put out fresh straw, help with feedings, and socialize/train the donkeys (harnessing, walking, brushing, cleaning hooves, leading through obstacle courses, etc.). They ask that you commit to 2 3-hour shifts per month if possible and will teach you the skills to help out. Volunteering got to be too much for me so now I sponsor. For $35/month my money goes to help take care of the donkeys and I get to visit and give the donkeys love. My sponsee is Echo, a sweet dark brown/black pregnant female. I love her! I love them all. Donkeys are like really big dogs - they like attention and are very social. In my year the donkeys have changed over quite a bit. This is because the wonderful staff does a great job of placing donkeys with qualified adopters. I can't say enough positive things about this shelter, the fabulous people who work and volunteer here, and the ultra loveable donkeys. read more

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A fabulous place with a great mission and wonderful, adorable animals. Highly recommend visiting and supporting these donkeys and their hero's! read more

I visited Longhopes last summer. I was very impressed with the tour we received and the high quality of care the animals receive. You can tell that every employee and volunteer put their heart and souls into caring for the animals. I highly recomend visiting and supporting this rescue. If I lived in the area , I would certainly give my time and money to this worthy organization. read more

My husband and I adopted two donkeys from Longhopes six years ago as horse companions. They have become so much more and they are an integral part of our life and horse farm. Since then we have continued to support Longhopes through their EARS program which helps sponsor donkeys waiting for adoption. Any donkey adopted from them is healthy and has good basic training. They will load into a trailer, lead with a halter and be good for the farrier. The organization is careful to match the donkey (or donkeys) with the potential adopters. Any guidance or help you need is cheerfully supplied. Visit the facility and you will see that the well being of their charges is the most important thing to the staff and volunteers. It is always sparkling clean and well maintained. Without organizations like this there would be many more abused and neglected animals. They have been internationally accredited by the Global Organization of Animal Sanctuaries. Check them out. read more