Humans are not the only ones risking injury or facing danger during massive snowstorms. Two horses and two miniature donkeys became trapped in their barn after several feet of snow fell in the neighborhood of Aspen Springs.

The two horses managed to escape, but the donkeys, Bonnie and Clyde, remained trapped. The animals’ owner called for help, and the Gilpin County Animal Response Team (GCART), Timberline Fire Department, and Meyers Services came to their rescue.

The volunteers of the Gilpin County Animal Response Team, Brittanie Dickson, Chris Jesik, and Laura Jesik, walked the animals a mile from their barn and into a safe and temporary shelter.

“Timberline Fire Chief Paul Ondr and his volunteers helped with the structure and securing the donkeys. Jeramy Meyers with Meyers Services plowed a path with his front-end loader so we could safely access the barn to get the animals out,” Dickson offered.

The incident took roughly five hours from the time the call came in from the sheriff's office, and the helpers waited for Meyers Services to make it safely to the location to plow a path to the structure.

Dickson also shared, “We evacuated the animals. Then, we had to wait for the temporary barn to be plowed and the panels to go up.” Thanks to the local heroes in Gilpin County, the animals and volunteers are now safe, and there were no injuries.

The animals will remain at a temporary location, awaiting the rebuilding of their barn. Dickson says they are hoping insurance will cover the barn. “If not, GCART is going to assist in the new build, and we will reach out to the community for support as well.”

Dickson’s advice for animal caretakers is for animals to be set up for success as you would set yourself up when preparing for a storm. She recommends you have extra food, water, medications, leashes, halters, ID tags with collars, travel kennels, and anything your pet may need that is easily accessible.

The work does not end there. Keeping a shoveled path to barns will make emergencies easier to manage. Keeping roofs cleared of snow so they don’t become overburdened is another good idea.

Thank you to local heroes for your efforts and success in helping those that can’t speak for themselves!