There’s something so adorable about a Mini Donkey who refuses to accept the fact that she’s not actually a lap dog. Stella is convinced she’s a tiny little fluffball, when in reality, that’s a few hundred pounds sitting squarely on dad’s lap!
She’s so cuddly. Her head nuzzled closely to his, she looks content to just stay where she is forever. Dad seems okay with the whole thing and who wouldn’t be? She’s like the warmest, softest stuffed animal coming to life in giant size, except she reacts with love and appreciation and just can’t seem to get enough!
Another Mini-Donkey comes over for affection, and dad has to figure out how to pay attention to both at once. What a great problem to have!
They are both so sweet, but I totally agree with this viewer: “What in the actual… are you trying to do here? Now the ENTIRE world needs one! I’d get absolutely nothing done, ever.” Unless someone out there is offering “Professional Mini-Donkey Cuddler” as a career choice, I’d be in big trouble!
~~~If you love animals giving their all, check out this adorable Quaker parrot, and his tenacious strive for perfection. Read it here: “Quaker Parrot Insists on Singing ‘Three Little Monkeys’ Whether He’s Ready Or Not.”~~~
People just love this video. “This is such an epic divinely given gift. Oh my goodness.” was one comment.
Another viewer wondered, “Oh my goodness, you’re killing me! I’m so jealous!!!!! How old is the little one, and the brown one too? Are they related? Thanks for not leaving the brown one out. He, she, needs that love too. SOOOOO sweet. Thanks for sharing.” The creator responded with the ages. Stella is a few months old, and the brown one is Stella’s Mom, Pepper, and she’s 4.5 years old.
Why Mini Donkeys Bond So Strongly With Their Humans
Mini donkey in a green farm pasture with a red ball. Shutterstock / Kent Weakley
Mini Donkeys are super social animals — more like dogs than livestock. They form deep emotional attachments, and often become stressed and upset if they’re kept without any form of strong social contact. They seek out physical touch, and will get your attention with nudges and brays, and by leaning into the humans they trust and nuzzling, or resting their weight against someone.
We see this in the above video. Stella has absolutely formed an emotional attachment with dad, and has found a way to get attention!
Related: Mini Donkeys Face Off in Adorable Zoomie-Filled Steeplechase Race
It’s obvious Stella doesn’t just like dad, she’s formed a bond with him. The herd begins and ends with him. He seems just as enamored, and if it takes letting a several hundred pound animal sit in your lap to show your love, he seems like he’s up for the challenge!
This story was originally reported by PetHelpful on Nov 8, 2025, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add PetHelpful as a Preferred Source by clicking here.