JOY WITH JUNIPER
Emily is autistic and has very limited vision and hearing, so communication is very difficult for her.
However she has a special bond with Juniper, her miniature donkey pal from The Donkey Sanctuary charity, whom she visits through the centre’s donkeyfacilitated learning sessions.
Emily used to struggle to control her emotionsi and at times would become very distressed and confused. Juniper has shown how social donkeys like him can help with development of critical life skills, such as managing emotions in vulnerable people, and connect emotionally with them.
Melissa, Emily’s mum, says, “Emily was so locked in before we started, and being close to the donkeys really tunes her into herself and the world around her. She is always calm and grounded, and after her visits the positive effects can last for days. She is ‘feeling’ her emotions more now and starting to understand them.” WWW.THE DONKEYSANCTUARY.ORG.UK 01395 578222
Social donkeys can help with developing life skills