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High school student Payton Dankworth from Ballinger, Texas, has accidentally found herself as the momma to a tiny little baby donkey named Jack, and she couldn’t be prouder! It all started a few weeks back after she got a call from a friend who had made a heartbreaking discovery.
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Image credits: thelifeofjackkkk
“One day my friend was out riding horses when he stumbled across Jack,” Payton told Bored Panda. “His mom wasn’t taking him so he called me and asked if I’d like to try and keep this baby animal alive. He was very malnourished and wasn’t doing very well. So I told him yes, I would do my best!”
Image credits: thelifeofjackkkk
The cute donkey was in a really bad way, and it was touch and go whether he would survive at all. “The first night was the hardest night with him, trying to get him to eat and use the bathroom so we would know that his insides weren’t shutting down,” Payton continued. “After we got through the first night he started taking a bottle and going to the bathroom.”
Image credits: thelifeofjackkkk
Image credits: thelifeofjackkkk
Having nursed this adorable animal through that critical period, Payton and Jack quickly became inseparable as he took to his new family and surroundings. And although she’d never looked after such farm animals before, Payton was now Jack’s momma, whether she liked it or not!
Image credits: thelifeofjackkkk
“He became really playful and now loves playing with my dogs. Right now he sleeps inside with me since he’s still so little and I give him a bottle about every two hours and then take him outside to use the bathroom. Jack also will not go to sleep unless my dog is with him. He will cry all night instead.”
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Turns out that Payton is the perfect mom, and he’s found a best friend in her dogs, too! “He loves them!” Payton said. “I take them all together on walks and car rides too! They love that!”
Image credits: thelifeofjackkkk
While Payton and her family don’t live on a farm, she has grown up around animals so is quite adept at looking after them. Jack has plenty of room to run around and chase his puppy pals. “I grew up showing steers and I’ve had my fair share of what you would call life on the farm,” she explained. “I don’t actually live on a farm but we do have a property with other livestock animals on it.”
Image credits: thelifeofjackkkk
Image credits: thelifeofjackkkk
While Payton is at school Jack misses her, but she makes sure that she’s not away for too long. “I go and see him on our coke break and our lunch period to give him a bottle and visit. While I’m at school he goes outside and plays with the dogs! I think he has a lot of fun doing that, he even tries to play tug with them.”
Image credits: thelifeofjackkkk
“It’s funny to watch because he doesn’t really have teeth and can’t pick up the toys.”
Image credits: thelifeofjackkkk
Since Jack came into her life, she has been inspired by his transformation to the point that she is now determined to look after animals for a living. It is clearly something that comes naturally to the 17-year-old, you only have to watch Jack bouncing around to see how happy and healthy he is!
Image credits: thelifeofjackkkk
“Jacks transformation has been the greatest thing ever to watch,” she told us. “It’s been so heart touching watching him thrive.”
Image credits: thelifeofjackkkk
“From watching him barely have enough strength to stand up to watching him run around and play with my dogs has been the greatest thing ever!”
Image credits: thelifeofjackkkk
What do you think about Payton and Jack’s heartwarming story? Let us know in the comments and check out Jack’s very own Instagram account here!
Image credits: thelifeofjackkkk
What do you think ?
Laugh Fan 6 years ago
Donkeys are gorgeous! Makes my heart so happy this this little one has been saved. Wonder what my two dogs would think...
Broken Bay 6 years ago
It's funny how they somehow got a reputation for being ugly even though they are actually beautiful animals.
Load More Replies...
Just another bot 6 years ago
Lovely story and the pics are heartwarming. I just wanted to ask, what is a 'coke break'?
Ginger Shephard 6 years ago
Texas= "coke" (note the lower case c) = all sweetened, carbonated beverages. As in "Do you want a coke? Yes? What kind? Dr. Pepper, Sprite, Coke, or Mountain Dew?" (For example) Now that probably meant a break where you can get a snack... not necessarily just a coke. I know...a but confusing. (Source: girl from Texas)
Load More Replies...
Kenny Kulbiski 6 years ago
Good for her. I'm just wondering if Jack thinks he's a dog. I can visualize some really freaked out cats in the future.
Brodie 6 years ago
Oh no no no. Just you wait til Jack is fully grown and he still wants to be in the house sitting on your lap😒 My bottle lambs are almost a year and STILL try to break into the house to get on the couches
Charlotte Brine 6 years ago
My thoughts exactly. It's hardly going to be fair on the poor donkey when he inevitably grows too big to let him cuddle on the sofa or even lounge around the house and he can't understand why he has been rejected and banished to the garden. Especially with him seeing the dogs still allowed Inside the house. Poor little floof :(
Load More Replies...
Liam Walsh 6 years ago
Jack is what male donkeys are known as and a female is a jenny or jennet.
Load More Replies...
Sharon Palmer 6 years ago
He is absolutely gorgeous and looks like a hooved little bundle of fun!
Diele Letzte 6 years ago
Will adult jack still have a place in a sofa? Or will he wander wondering why he can't watch netflix anymore?
Bill 6 years ago (edited)
I hope she doesn't live in a HOA or live in a strictly zoned town. Posting articles like this xan get you a "Cease and Desist" letter from the town lawyer for livestock ordanances
Laura Doherty 6 years ago
Well done to you! Jack looks like an absolute delight to have around. Thank you for giving him a chance!
ForkNBeans 6 years ago
So cute and those itty bitty feets! Congratulations on your love for animals and I think you've found your path in life!
Lispel- Lotte 6 years ago
Did anybody noticed the different socks at the other girl while they are sitting on the couch with the donkey? I'm doing that too! (the socks, not the donkey)
Maria Da Gloria Ferreira 4 years ago
Achei um gesto de muito amor e gratidão que ela fez por ele,Deus te abençoe grandemente 🙏.Os animais são nossos irmãos menores assim disse Chico Xavier, todos tem um porque na vida de quem cuida.gratidão sempre.
Maria Rohlen 6 years ago
He needs other donkeys to learn how to be a donkey and interact with them, to "speak donkey", otherwise he will never be able to live a donkey life and can't interpret their sign language.
Susanna Vesna 6 years ago
He is the cutest thing! It's great to have access to the outdoors. This made me hate living in an apartment...I want to follow this story! <3
Monika Soffronow 6 years ago
Baby animals are adorable. There was just one thing that made me sit up and say: WHAT? One of the captions says that during school days Jack misses her but “I go and see him on our coke break and our lunch period ..." Coke break??? Is that a thing in school in America? Seriously!?!
pets & plants 6 years ago
Is the donkey somehow house trained or ?? What about all the donkey poo and pee indoors?
Giraffes Inc. 6 years ago
That girl is such a wonderful Mommy! Her 'son' Jack is so very fortunate ... looking forward to updates!
HoffLensMetalHedLovesAnimalsUK 6 years ago
My head and heart can't take this, it's too much for me to handle Mainly i'm thinking "why haven't i got a baby donkey?" Sooooooooooooo adorable.
Christina Uhlir 6 years ago
To me, the point of the story is Payton's willingness to help an animal in need of survival which is big responsibility. Animals are not toys to play with when you feel like it, and throw them out when you don't. Payton has the big heart, is exceptional human being.
panda_legerdemain 6 years ago
Nice to see ppl helping the poor soul. Donkeys are mistreated and abused all over the world and this is just heartwarming..
Linda Matheny 6 years ago
Payton, what an awesome beautiful challenge you have taken on and accomplished. Jack is adorable! I'm sure you are going to have many amazing memories together!!!
Lois Harach 6 years ago
This has been one of the most poignant stories I've read for awhile! It's sweet, it's tragic, and yes I had tears once or twice or many more times. For a feel good story have a read. I appreciate this young girl for taking a baby donkey in and nursing him back to health. Young people don't seem to care. Me, me, me! That's what matters to young people today.
Clare E 6 years ago
Old people have been saying that about young people since the dawn of time. It's simply not true. There are plenty of older people who only think of themselves.
Load More Replies...
Laugh Fan 6 years ago
Donkeys are gorgeous! Makes my heart so happy this this little one has been saved. Wonder what my two dogs would think...
Broken Bay 6 years ago
It's funny how they somehow got a reputation for being ugly even though they are actually beautiful animals.
Load More Replies... Just another bot 6 years ago
Lovely story and the pics are heartwarming. I just wanted to ask, what is a 'coke break'?
Ginger Shephard 6 years ago
Texas= "coke" (note the lower case c) = all sweetened, carbonated beverages. As in "Do you want a coke? Yes? What kind? Dr. Pepper, Sprite, Coke, or Mountain Dew?" (For example) Now that probably meant a break where you can get a snack... not necessarily just a coke. I know...a but confusing. (Source: girl from Texas)
Load More Replies... Kenny Kulbiski 6 years ago
Good for her. I'm just wondering if Jack thinks he's a dog. I can visualize some really freaked out cats in the future.
Brodie 6 years ago
Oh no no no. Just you wait til Jack is fully grown and he still wants to be in the house sitting on your lap😒 My bottle lambs are almost a year and STILL try to break into the house to get on the couches
Charlotte Brine 6 years ago
My thoughts exactly. It's hardly going to be fair on the poor donkey when he inevitably grows too big to let him cuddle on the sofa or even lounge around the house and he can't understand why he has been rejected and banished to the garden. Especially with him seeing the dogs still allowed Inside the house. Poor little floof :(
Load More Replies... Liam Walsh 6 years ago
Jack is what male donkeys are known as and a female is a jenny or jennet.
Load More Replies... Sharon Palmer 6 years ago
He is absolutely gorgeous and looks like a hooved little bundle of fun!
Diele Letzte 6 years ago
Will adult jack still have a place in a sofa? Or will he wander wondering why he can't watch netflix anymore?
Bill 6 years ago (edited)
I hope she doesn't live in a HOA or live in a strictly zoned town. Posting articles like this xan get you a "Cease and Desist" letter from the town lawyer for livestock ordanances
Laura Doherty 6 years ago
Well done to you! Jack looks like an absolute delight to have around. Thank you for giving him a chance!
ForkNBeans 6 years ago
So cute and those itty bitty feets! Congratulations on your love for animals and I think you've found your path in life!
Lispel- Lotte 6 years ago
Did anybody noticed the different socks at the other girl while they are sitting on the couch with the donkey? I'm doing that too! (the socks, not the donkey)
Maria Da Gloria Ferreira 4 years ago
Achei um gesto de muito amor e gratidão que ela fez por ele,Deus te abençoe grandemente 🙏.Os animais são nossos irmãos menores assim disse Chico Xavier, todos tem um porque na vida de quem cuida.gratidão sempre.
Maria Rohlen 6 years ago
He needs other donkeys to learn how to be a donkey and interact with them, to "speak donkey", otherwise he will never be able to live a donkey life and can't interpret their sign language.
Susanna Vesna 6 years ago
He is the cutest thing! It's great to have access to the outdoors. This made me hate living in an apartment...I want to follow this story! <3
Monika Soffronow 6 years ago
Baby animals are adorable. There was just one thing that made me sit up and say: WHAT? One of the captions says that during school days Jack misses her but “I go and see him on our coke break and our lunch period ..." Coke break??? Is that a thing in school in America? Seriously!?!
pets & plants 6 years ago
Is the donkey somehow house trained or ?? What about all the donkey poo and pee indoors?
Giraffes Inc. 6 years ago
That girl is such a wonderful Mommy! Her 'son' Jack is so very fortunate ... looking forward to updates!
HoffLensMetalHedLovesAnimalsUK 6 years ago
My head and heart can't take this, it's too much for me to handle Mainly i'm thinking "why haven't i got a baby donkey?" Sooooooooooooo adorable.
Christina Uhlir 6 years ago
To me, the point of the story is Payton's willingness to help an animal in need of survival which is big responsibility. Animals are not toys to play with when you feel like it, and throw them out when you don't. Payton has the big heart, is exceptional human being.
panda_legerdemain 6 years ago
Nice to see ppl helping the poor soul. Donkeys are mistreated and abused all over the world and this is just heartwarming..
Linda Matheny 6 years ago
Payton, what an awesome beautiful challenge you have taken on and accomplished. Jack is adorable! I'm sure you are going to have many amazing memories together!!!
Lois Harach 6 years ago
This has been one of the most poignant stories I've read for awhile! It's sweet, it's tragic, and yes I had tears once or twice or many more times. For a feel good story have a read. I appreciate this young girl for taking a baby donkey in and nursing him back to health. Young people don't seem to care. Me, me, me! That's what matters to young people today.
Clare E 6 years ago
Old people have been saying that about young people since the dawn of time. It's simply not true. There are plenty of older people who only think of themselves.
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