07/25/2026
In Loving Memory of Ruby Rose 🌹
March 2016 – July 2026
Some donkeys leave hoofprints on trails. Ruby Rose left them on hearts.
Ruby Rose came to ReDONKulous Ranch Sanctuary & Rescue in March of 2021 alongside her beloved momma, Winnie, after their family had to make the difficult decision to rehome them. They arrived incredibly loved...and perhaps carrying a few extra pounds from all the treats they had been spoiled with!
It didn't take long before the girls decided they wanted to be ReDONKulous Ranch Runners too. Ruby quickly discovered she had a talent not only for running, but for teaching. Countless first-time handlers learned the ropes with Ruby by their side because she was patient, kind, and always willing to give her best.
In just five short years as a pack b***o racer, Ruby Rose completed nearly 50 races across Colorado, California, Arizona, and Massachusetts. She even got to hike a portion of the Grand Canyon... a pretty impressive adventure for one little miniature donkey!
When she wasn't racing, Ruby was busy bringing smiles to thousands of people through more than 50 special events. She served as a Beverage B***o at weddings, birthdays, corporate events, a gender reveal, Christmas parties, and so many other celebrations. One of her biggest adventures came during the 2024 Denver Broncos Christmas party, where she bravely followed Sheba onto a service elevator at Empower Field to help serve beverages and churros to Broncos players, cheerleaders, and their families. She also proudly participated in the Denver St. Patrick's Day Parade and the Highlands Ranch Fourth of July Parade for several years.
But what made Ruby Rose truly special wasn't her résumé... it was her heart ❤️
She had one of the sweetest temperaments we've ever known. Gentle, curious, and always eager to be part of the herd, Ruby loved her momma Winnie, but she also found a second "mom" in Esther. Before long, wherever Esther went, Ruby was right behind her...followed by Winnie and Winkie, creating what our rental runners affectionately nicknamed the "mini brigade." I always tried to pair them with runners of similar pace so they could enjoy the trails together.
When Ruby Rose began falling behind during the Creede race in June, I knew something wasn't right. Over the following weeks we worked closely with veterinarians, treating what appeared to be an infection and hoping she'd bounce back. Despite her illness, Ruby continued to do what donkeys so often do... hide just how sick they really are. She remained standing, eating, drinking, and wanting to be with her herd, even as her body was fighting far more than we could see.
In the end, despite every effort to save her, Ruby Rose passed peacefully after developing a severe bacterial lung infection and complications her body could no longer overcome. While our hearts are broken, we find comfort knowing she was surrounded by compassionate friends who loved her deeply and made sure she was comfortable until the very end.
The loss of this precious little donkey is felt by so many. We have been overwhelmed by the stories, photos, and memories you've shared of Ruby, and we're so grateful that she was able to touch so many lives in her ten short years.
Thank you to everyone who loved her, ran with her, petted her, laughed with her, and cheered her on. We promise to continue the work she helped inspire through the many other donkeys we've been blessed to give sanctuary.
Run free, sweet Ruby Rose. You'll forever be part of the heart and soul of ReDONKulous Ranch.
🌹 ❤️ March 2016 – July 2026 ❤️ 🌹
Here are some links & video of her:
https://www.instagram.com/p/C8uYwWBMnyI/?igsh=MXE0aDU0bWRpc2xtcA==
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DD-hlnky0qL/?igsh=ZHN5dXNnajUwejA0
Denver Bronco Christmas Party 2025:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DD-h51qShtL/?igsh=MWJxN2UydjU4cWpxaQ==
A favorite memory 💖
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQnUZUUjm8s/?igsh=Yzc3YXExNTk5NDhq
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DRPyINMDrg2/?igsh=cW5pYWMxd2M4M3Vv
Christmas 2025:https://www.instagram.com/reel/DSbmgPHjoq2/?igsh=OHFtODFmbXoyMGFj
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DSMOUF0jlAP/?igsh=MXVtaTNmaTUxeWlnaw==
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTRwhTjDmow/?igsh=bW04MmQ4NmhkMGQ5
New National Western Stock Show Complex:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTgTc9aDien/?igsh=YXV1ZHB3cmE4bXB0
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUAH-cIjryy/?igsh=MTV2bTZxc2o1ZXRkaQ==
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVnIAdvDswA/?igsh=MWZ3M3N4N2Z1ZzBneQ==
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DWdKpDEjvl7/?igsh=MXFwaGEzZG5mbTQ1Mw==
https://www.instagram.com/p/DX1ql9QEcMZ/?img_index=1&igsh=MWVsZHVwcDhtY21qaQ==
