Community rallies to help Ebenezer the donkey

Ebenezer has been a fixture in his pasture on the western edge of the Missouri town of Grandview for most of his 30 years.

Locals have stopped to say hello for years and many have provided him with a few treats to liven up his day.

However, age is catching up with Ebenezer, who is in need of dental work and treatment for white line disease of his hooves.

The Kansas City Star ran a touching story about Ebenezer on its front page on Tuesday. It said anyone wanting to contribute to the donkey's veterinary bills could make a donation to Equine Health Solutions, a veterinary clinic in Raymore.

Its readers opened their wallets and within days $US5000 had been contributed - not to mention 300 cards from wellwishers.

Ebenezer is owned by Ben Alvarado, an 85-year-old World War 2 veteran, who wryly told the newspaper that Ebenezer has more friends than he does.

One is Shirley Phillips, who, since September, has been stopping by twice daily to provide supplementary meals, given that Ebenezer's worn teeth means his ability to eat grass is limited now.

Alvarado can't visit Ebenezer as much as he used to, but he knows only too well the affection the community holds for his old friend.

"All those people who come to visit him, they're his family now," he told the newspaper.

Ebenezer's fans are able to follow his treatment on Facebook.

Ebenezer has already arrived at the clinic for his health exam, blood work and x-rays.

He has a lung infection which is responding well to treatment.

"He is currently undergoing treatment for white line disease," the clinic reported. "Ebe's general health has to improve before his teeth issues can be addressed," it said.

Ebenezer checks out his new neighbour Valentine. Tucking into lunch.