Ebenezer the Donkey: How One Community’s Favorite Donkey Changed a Family Forever

In this episode of The Story of My Pet podcast, Julie Marty-Pearson welcomes guest Joe Domino, who shares how a donkey named Ebenezer became an unexpected community icon near Kansas City, Missouri. Joe describes discovering Ebenezer in a roadside pasture, regularly visiting with his son Miles (who is on the spectrum), and eventually interviewing the owners, Ben and Victoria Alvarado, as a journalist. As Ebenezer’s popularity grew through community visits, videos, and a website, he later faced health issues, received care from dedicated helpers Randy and Shirley Phillips, and was rehabilitated at a horse hospital before passing in 2010. Joe recounts the community’s response—tributes, a parade float, and “Long Live Ebenezer” bumper stickers—and explains why he created a digital book to preserve Ebenezer’s legacy, while reflecting on how animals connect people, support grief, and inspire rescue work. 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 00:47 Growing Up With Pets 02:17 Spotting Ebenezer the Donkey 04:48 A Community Donkey Legend 07:30 Website Videos and Book 11:03 Ebenezer Legacy and Donkey Rescue 14:59 Miles Memories and Grief 16:49 Merch Idea With Bonfire 17:51 Why Animals Matter 18:09 William de Possum 19:13 Losing a Found Dog 20:51 Adopting Senior Cat Frannie 21:59 Caring for Aging Pets 23:50 Why Senior Adoptions Help 25:27 Dr Kitty Legend 27:53 Grief and Healing 31:55 Ebenezer Book Links 33:36 Final Thanks and Subscribe