I don’t know how it happened? I think my owner didn’t want me anymore because I had a bad leg. He used to hobble me to trees and the rope was so tight it dug into my leg and made it bleed. The wounds were not cleaned so they got infected and I can hardly walk now, it’s so painful.

So I found myself left outside a village called Agios Georgios, Paphos District, hobbled to a Stop sign beside a main road. The cars came so close to me I thought they would hit me, I was so frightened that I went round and round the post which shortened the rope, but then the rope dug into my leg even more so the pain got worse. I felt awful, there was no water to drink and I couldn’t reach the grass in the field, so I just laid down and curled up to try and keep warm. All through the night and the following day it rained, I was wet, cold and hungry; I didn’t know what was going to happen to me.

The following day, Sunday, the rain stopped and there seemed to be a lot more cars whizzing past me, then a truck stopped and a man and lady got out.

They were coming to me! I got up, put on a brave face and looked happy to see them. The lady looked at my poor leg, and then she slowly and caringly checked my whole body. Then I saw the man with a bucket and bowl. What was going to happen? I couldn’t believe it food and water; they had brought me akhiro, pony nuts, and lots of apples and carrots – my favourites.

After I had eaten I was given a nice new head collar to wear and the horrible rope was removed from my leg, I felt better already, then I was slowly walked into the field and tied to a tree, later the man and lady left but with such kind words I knew they would be back. Yes I was right, the next day they returned with more food, fresh water and lots of cuddles, which I really liked, but alas off they went again. So was this my lot in life!

Tuesday arrived cold but dry, so did the man and lady but this time with the truck came a big blue box – what was going to happen? The lady untied me and I was slowly walked to the blue box which I had to get in. It was warm and dry inside and I felt safe, then we started moving, I was unsteady at first but soon got the hang of it.

We stopped at a village called Avdimou to see a man called Yiannis who is the veterinary surgeon of The Donkey Sanctuary, he washed my bad leg and then put a bandage on it, I also had to have injections, it was very painful but I was very brave and the nice lady was there so I felt safe. I had to get back in the blue box, more driving till eventually we arrived at Vouni. I was taken out the box, GOSH what a lot of donkeys and people all making a fuss of ME I felt like a film star. A short walk and I was put into a nice warm loose box where I received more visitors.

Although my leg is still painful it is getting better, every day my bandages are changed, I get 2 meals a day, fresh water to drink and lots of hugs and cuddles from the staff that look after me. When I’m better I shall join the other donkeys.

What a life - I’m so happy!!

The Donkey Sanctuary in Cyprus rescues many donkeys like Georgie, we can only help donkeys like him with your help so please click on our donate button and make a donation for George and his friends