Gail Guy's childhood love for Nativity donkeys sparked a breeding business. Now, she owns Rocky Branch Longears - Miniature Donkey Breeders in Canton, North Carolina.

A herd of miniature donkeys was taken a breeder who rescuers say irresponsibly let them breed out of control on their land.

Miniature donkey breeding isn't Ms Young's day job, however. She runs her own research company, and donkey breeding is simply her "release and indulgence".

Gemmell will have cows, miniature donkeys, goats, chickens and other animals at the expo – all part of her Susie Q’s Second Wind farm menagerie.

Since then, she has had miniature donkeys on her 40-acre farm, usually about 50 that are bred and sold along the East Coast and throughout the United States.