Published: July 11, 2008 08:46 pm      

Couple donates donkey to auction

Sale will help 4-H organization offer scholarship.

The Cass County 4-H horse and pony club is now able to offer a scholarship to its members because of a local couple’s charity.

Jack and Sue Pentland decided a year ago to donate one of their miniature donkeys to the organization to be auctioned off. The proceeds are going to a new scholarship for nine or 10-year members who are enrolling in college, as well as to the club itself.

“We just wanted to help the kids,” said Jack, who has 60 miniature donkeys on his farm north of Royal Center. “We’ve been very fortunate as far as breeders are concerned.”

Jack, who has been working with donkeys since 1992, said the animals are especially good with children and anyone who is handicapped.

“The way they get along with handicapped people and children is unreal,” Jack said. “You’d have to see it with your own eyes.”

The Pentlands have two grandchildren in the 4-H horse and pony club — 13-year-old Tony and 15-year-old Troy.

Roughly 60 members are a part of the organization — which not only teaches the kids showmanship but also life lessons.

Last year, the miniature donkey Turbo was sold for $500. This year, Wildfire will be sold at noon next Saturday at the 4-H livestock auction at the fairgrounds.

Jane Lytle, whose son is in the club, said the donation will help the organization honor outstanding 4-H members, many of whom spend several hours a week training to show their animals at the 4-H fair.

Jack said he hopes the donkey goes to a good home.

He said he hopes to continue to donate a miniature donkey to the club every year.

Melissa Soria may be reached at (574) 732-5143 or via e-mail at melissa.soria@pharostribune.com