One of our supporters describes in their own words how our donkey-assisted activities helped them take huge strides in managing their low self-esteem and anxiety.
When one of our supporters first took part in donkey-assisted activities, they soon discovered the lasting impact donkeys make to people’s lives. Harry and Leo were two such donkeys...
“I was referred to do a six-week placement at The Donkey Sanctuary. I had been experiencing very high levels of anxiety and low self-esteem due to ongoing complex post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression.
“I was very apprehensive at first and found it very difficult to attend the first session but I did anyway and was immediately put at ease by Louise and Fleur from The Donkey Sanctuary. I spent an hour or so talking with them while in the paddock with the donkeys and I soon felt safe and positive that this was the right place for me to be.
“Over the six weeks I learned so much about myself through interaction with these wonderful and insightful animals and with the gentle support of the staff. I soon realised that if I was masking my anxiety, the donkeys could sense my emotions and would themselves behave as if unsettled. I worked with Leo and Harry who, although a bonded pair, have very individual personalities.
“Leo would react to my anxiety in a very attentive and affectionate way while Harry appeared to be unsure and would keep his boundaries until I learned to explore my emotional energy and use mindful breathing exercises to regain my equilibrium. Having become somewhat adept at masking my true feelings, it was a challenge for me to accept and express how I was feeling in order to change my emotional state. Once I began to do this, my journey with Harry could begin and I feel it was a learning journey that both Harry and I went on together.
“We learned to trust each other and the feelings when Harry began to seek me out were of pure joy. Having such an intelligent animal begin to trust you despite seeing me for exactly what I am, no masks, was massive for me and I started to feel that I am acceptable as myself and stopped being so self-conscious.
“The learning was gentle but life changing for me. Each session Louise and Fleur would ask me to explore how I could use this learning in my personal life. I found the facilitated learning to be very well matched to my needs.
“I feel that the sessions have been very useful and helpful in my everyday life and far exceeded any initial expectations I may have had. I have also developed a much better understanding of donkeys and the gentle, wonderful animals they are. I hope to be able to pursue a voluntary position with them in the future. I would like to offer my sincere gratitude to everyone, two and four legged, involved in this project for giving me this opportunity to help myself heal.”
Could you benefit from Donkey Assisted Activities?
Learn about the programmes our sanctuaries offer to support individuals with self-development and wellbeing.
