Having been off the scene for a while due to health issues (more about that another time) I decided a visit to the local Donkey Sanctuary would be of benefit.
I've been staying with my parents in Devon whilst recuperating and Andrew has come down for a visit and to take me up to Yorkshire to continue my recovery there.
The sanctuary is just that; a sanctuary, and there is something highly soothing and relaxing about visiting it. It's free to enter as it is the spirit of the organisation to allow people free access to visit and see their work and achievements. They rely on voluntary donations and fund raising events for income.
We arrived quite early and had the pleasure of seeing all the elderly and more fragile donkeys resting in their stable, a large barn filled with clean straw. That alone was the most peaceful sight. The donkeys have collars with their names which are colour coded to show their particular needs, e.g. medication or extra feeds.
Donkeys are such gentle peaceful animals, and contact with them has a really soothing effect for anyone that feels in need of a bit of tlc. They all have different personalities, likes and dislikes just like us.
I particularly liked meeting the more sociable donkeys in the home paddock where they mingle with visitors and enjoy being stroked, patted and talked to - approaching people at their choice and resting in open stables if they prefered to be alone.
The sanctuary occupies a huge area with something like 460 donkeys spread around fields and paddocke, all guaranteed a safe and caring home for life. Andrew and I took a short walk to see the Poitu donkeys, as being a large hairy variety they appealed to our curiosity! A short walk for me is a bit of an effort but we were rewarded, as some of these donkeys were very confiding and came over for some attention - more lovely donkey therapy!
Love the lovely donkeys!
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