Dana Bartlett (nee Bishop) moved to St. John USVI in 1992 and soon after started looking after the injured wild donkeys left on the island from the sugar plantations. After 25 years of hard work she has rescued countless animals including the donkeys, horses, deer, sheep, goats, and chickens. She runs a trail riding business for the tourists to provide funding to enable the sanctuary for the animals. Hurricane Irma, the largest storm in recent history ripped thru St. John leaving it devastated, practically cut off from the outside world.

The community pulled together and started clearing roads, and finally messages from residents on the island started getting to loved ones. The final bit of Dana's message to me, her sister, was "I lost only one donkey, my best buddy who would ALWAYS harass me for attention. Horrible way to go." It brought tears to my eyes. Help however was being organised from St. Croix (the southern most of the USVI) and Puerto Rico that were somewhat saved from Irma. Those hopes of a lifeline were soon dashed when Hurricane Maria hit those islands just a week later, rendering it in practically the same condition as St. John.

Recovery on St. John, whose main industry is tourism will take well over a year. Estimates of restoration of electricity and phone lines is well over 3 months, but probably more like 6 to 9 months realistically in some parts. No tourism means no funds coming in to care for the animals basic need: food, shelter, medicines.

Donations will go directly to help the animals make it thru the next few months and hopefully build a more secure shelter.