STAFFORD, Conn.—With the loyal, playful personalities of dogs and the physical needs of horses, Mediterranean miniature donkeys won over the hearts of Kim and Karl Milikowski.
Three years ago the couple bought their first donkeys and last year they founded Foster Hill Farm, a custom-built Stafford homestead where they breed the animals for show and sale.
Their farming is not full-time -- both work at their own companies -- but they could not resist the charm of mini donkeys.
"I'm a horse girl, but they were just so cute," Kim Milikowski said. "They are just endearing little animals."
Seventeen donkeys live on the couple's 35-acre farm, along with three dogs, three cats, and a goat. The couple's farm is still largely hobby -- and an expensive one at that -- but Kim Milikowski said it's easy to get hooked on donkeys.
"We both fell in love with them," Karl Milikowski said. "It didn't bother me one bit getting the donkeys. This is a labor of love."
The Milikowskis' ultimate goal is to spur donkey popularity and get a quality breeding program started in the area. While miniature donkey breeding is widespread in other parts of the country, such as Texas and the Midwest, East Coast breeders are scarce.
The animals, Kim Milikowski said, are "the new alpacas."
When the Stafford breeders purchase donkeys for their herd, they look beyond the playful personalities. They select for size -- 30 inches high is optimal -- and opt for stocky bodies, good muscling, and beautiful coloring.
The Milikowskis will sell some of their donkeys to other breeders, but many of the animals will make great pets, they say.
The animals are relatively low-maintenance, and owning them is addictive, Kim Milikowski said. Children are especially drawn to the donkeys' size and playful demeanor, she added.
While miniature donkeys eat mostly hay, the couple's herd receives the occasional treat, such as bread, carrots, apples, or tortilla chips.
They are hardy animals and easily acclimate to cold winter weather by growing plush coats, which have to be trimmed come springtime.
Miniature donkeys have to be kept in pairs, though, or with another animal, such as a goat or horse.
"They get lonely," Kim Milikowski said. "They are herd animals. They need buddies."
The Milikowskis began their miniature donkey farm for business and pleasure, but they have also involved their herd in local events, such as the Coventry Farmers Market and the Stafford Arts Commission's Autumn in the Park.
The couple also hosted an animal control benefit called Farm Day this month at Foster Hill Farm and raised $2,000 for humane animal traps.
Their donkeys are scheduled to appear next at a reading time at the Stafford Public Library and at the Christmas tree lighting during Ellington's Winterfest.
With the public appearances, the Milikowskis hope to spread their adoration for miniature donkeys to the community and find homes for many of their favorites.
"I just like their personalities and watching them," Karl Milikowski said. "They look at you with their big eyes, and you're just mesmerized."
More information about the farm's donkeys can be found at http://www.fosterhillfarmsdonkeys.com
