The farm has been in our family for over 100 years.  My grandparents farmed and ranched this land and passed it down through the generations.  I grew up here and have many fond memories of playing among all these big beautiful old trees.....mostly live oaks, but some post oaks, blackjacks, elms, pecans, a few cedars and one hickory.

     Wayne had always said that someday he wanted a spotted miniature donkey.  So....when he retired in 2002, he went out and bought the first spotted baby he saw and named him Patches.  Since we knew very little about donkeys, we were lucky.  As it turned out, Patches had a good bloodline.  His dad  was a state champion and he has grown into a fine herd sire.

      Donkeys got into Wayne's blood even more and one donkey led to another......well, you know the routine.  Since Patches (even though he was a success story) he has been very selective in choosing the others, keeping in mind bloodlines, conformation, size, temperament and color.

     We are dedicated to producing exceptional, well balanced foals and to try to pair our  jacks and jennets to achieve these desirable traits.  We have found that miniature donkeys are a pleasure to have.  They have brought much laughter and joy to our family, especially our grandchildren. They are warm and friendly and compete for hugs, rubs, and scratches.       

     Donkeys are social animals so ours are never pastured alone. They are intelligent so please don't mistake their sometimes slow response for  stubbornness......they are "thinkers".  Humans could learn patience from these docile little animals.

     At Hope Oaks Farm, the light is always on and the coffee is hot;........... so "ya'll" come on by and "hee haw" with us.