Donkeys are definitely a 365 days a year commitment but they surely do spread a lot of peace and goodwill at this festive time. Alfie and Vinnie have been absolute superstars visiting care homes and nursing homes and must be the most photographed equines in the county! I have been truly touched by people's reactions to them and feel incredibly lucky to be a part of spreading smiles around Staffordshire. I have seen people who cannot see light up at the touch of Vinnie's hairy head, people who cannot usually move limbs stretch out a hand to pet them, people who are agitated become calm in their presence and quiet people become animated recalling donkey rides in their childhoods.
So many people comment that something special in a donkey touches them and staff have been amazed at the difference the presence of donkeys have made to residents. A donkey can hear a human heart beat from 3 meters away and they know who wants them up close - they are highly social animals and match energies according to what they sense in the people they are interacting with. I sometimes think our only legacy after we are gone is the effect we have had on others and this month I feel pleased and proud that the herd have made some people's Christmas just that bit brighter.
Wishing you all a very happy and healthy Christmas from myself, Alfie, Hughie, Willy, Vinnie and Bertie and look forward to meeting many of you in 2025.
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