Farewell Dear Friend
In February 2002 a small group got together and formed the Tennessee Donkey ASSociation. Little did we know that we had formed much more than a donkey club. The bond that was formed between this group of people was unbreakable, we had formed lifelong friends! Among these people was a man that had such charisma that you couldn’t help but fall in love with him, I know that I did! This man was Bob Dorris. Bob’s smile was contagious. No matter how bad you felt, Bob’s smile would light up your soul and a hug from Bob made you feel that you were in the safest place in the world. I can tell you, the world is a lot less bright without him in it.
Bob and his wife Sandy were a match made in heaven. There isn’t a house big enough to hold the size of these two hearts together. Bob was a wonderful husband and a loving father. He had 2 children and 3 grandchildren of which he was a very active part of their lives. Family was such a large part of Bob’s life that when Sandy’s father became sick they sold off their large miniature donkey herd to make the time to care for Sandy’s father and mother. Bob and Sandy’s family was not just made up of two legged members but there was a host of 4 legged members also. Bob adored his furry family: Charlie, Ollie and Rosie and they adored him. Ollie and Rosie had gone to heaven before Bob and I am sure they were very excited to see Bob arrive.
Bob and Sandy raised outstanding donkeys for many years at Wit's End Farm in Franklin, Tennessee. Many donkey owners across the country got their start with top quality donkeys from their farm. Bob was a strong advocate for these wonderful long ears which is evident in the prestigious awards he and his donkey Komotion won. Bob and Komotion won the TDA Ambassador award not once but twice and with his good friend, Joe,
their two donkeys were undefeated in Best Matched Pair. Bob also showed Komotion in the Carriage Club winning all kinds of driving awards competing against horses and showing everybody that long ears are a force to be reckoned with. Bob was a good natured competitor making him a blast to show against.
His good natured wit made him a wonderful catalyst to happiness for everyone he met. I guess it was fitting that his and Sandy’s farm was called Wit’s End. He will be sadly missed by all that knew him. Oh by the way, Bob if you get a chance will you teach Patches to back for me!
