And Donkey Man makes three

Goshen-If you've been wondering what's happened to Joyce Urban and her pet rescue, both are doing well in their new upstate location. Forgotten Friends ran afoul of the Town of Goshen zoning code last year when Urban took on a pair neglected donkeys, Willow Belle and Yogi. She and her husband, Dave, were ordered to get rid of the donkeys. But rather than do that, they promptly set about looking for a more accommodating place. Joyce, Dave, and their donkeys and other critters now live on a commodious 35-acre property in Sharon Springs, located in a farming area in central New York about 45 miles west of Albany. Joyce, who grew up on the same block in Goshen where she ran her rescue, said she misses her hometown but appreciates the extra space. Now she has to make sure she becomes as well-known in her new community as she was in Goshen. As anyone in this line of work will tell you, pet rescues depend on the kindness of neighbors. Up until now, people have sought her out in Sharon Springs mainly to bring in stray or abused animals. Another challenge for Joyce is that in this agricultural region, folks tend to be less sentimental about animals, which are raised mainly for work or food. But she is upbeat. She has already started an outreach program for young people at the rescue, which she now calls Whispering Willow Farm (the name honors both Willow Belle and a beloved deaf dog, Whisper, who died while the Urbans were still in Goshen). She shares with children her considerable knowledge about pets and rescue work while they get to know the animals at her place. And the people of Goshen and Chester have not forgotten her either. She said TLC Grooming in Chester "still continues to support us and groom our dogs. We will be doing pet photos again this year with her. Debbie Olsen has just been wonderful to us." And Mrs. Millie Carr, who regularly dropped off much-needed paper towels while the Urbans lived on Greencrest Road, actually showed up unexpectedly on their doorstep in Sharon Springs one day to make a paper towel delivery. "She is so sweet, she just sent me a $10 donation," Joyce said. "She is so kind." Another unexpected surprise was a brand-new donkey, born to Willow Belle. Joyce said she had no idea the donkey was pregnant when on the morning of May 18 she found mother and baby together. Yogi is the other part of that family equation -- a marvel, considering the size differential between mom and dad. The baby donkey's name is Fancy Dan the Donkey Man. "He looks just like his daddy Yogi," Joyce said. "We absolutely love him." Anyone who would like to drop Joyce a line is welcome to e-mail her at Yodelingyogi@aol.com.