Lockdown restrictions are easing in certain parts of the world. Maybe you’re looking forward to the day you can see your best friend, your sister, or even your co-worker. But those of us with pets have at least been able to lean on them. But one Spanish man had been separated from his beloved pet for two months–until they had the most incredible reunion.
Baldomera
Ismael Fernández had been in isolation in Magala, Spain for two months. Approximately 36 km (20 miles) away was his family’s farm in El Borge. His sister was there, caring for Baldomera the donkey, Fernández’s treasured pet. When lockdown ended, Ismael Fernández headed over to the farm, excited to reunite with Baldomera. But his joy was tempered with nerves–would Baldomera remember him? How would the five-year-old donkey react to seeing him? (1, 2, 3)
The Reunion
In the video, Ismael Fernández calls out for Baldomera, and she trots towards him. Fernández starts rubbing the donkey’s forehead, asking her where she’s been. Then, overwhelmed with emotion, Fernández starts crying. Reacting to his emotion, Baldomera starts braying.
Ismael Fernández posted the video he took of the encounter on Facebook. “I am not ashamed that you hear me crying because it was a demonstration of unconditional love,” he says. “Baldomera was kind of crying too when she saw me getting upset. It was the most touching moment I have ever experienced.” Fernández posted an addendum to “sentimental people like me: she [Baldomera] also cries.”
It’s this combination of Ismael Fernández’s clear love for the donkey and his surety that she understands and loves him too that gives this story so much of its magic. The video quickly went viral as a heartwarming moment of love in such dark times. (1, 2, 3)
Public Response
The original Spanish paper, Cope, contained a quote from a woman who had seen the video, Maria Pilar. “The mutual love that can be had between a person and animal, both crying, is immense,” she says. “I am not ashamed of myself for being very moved by this video.” Comments on a Youtube video reporting the story are similar. Ellen Hepburn comments, “I have a donkey called Astrid, 28 years old. They most certainly do understand what love means.”
“How wonderful,” says Denni Hoad, on the same video. “Made me cry. With happiness.”
Appparently, Ismael Fernández isn’t the only “sentimental” viewer. “oh my that poor donkey is CRYING,” exclaims Mary Cad in a comment. “Poor baby. I am glad they are both together again.” (1, 4)
@Baldomerayyo
In response to the public outpouring of support, Ismael Fernández has set up an Instagram account for him and Baldomera (@Baldomerayyo). The first picture posted by the account is a selfie of the two of them together, as it should be.
Although Baldomera is five years old, she’s only been with the family for two years. Though Ismael and Baldomera have a special bond, she was technically a birthday gift for Ismael’s father, Antonio.
Here’s hoping the two can spend lots of time together from now on! (2, 3)
