My name's Liz Hazell-Smith and I work here at the Sanctuary in our Veterinary Projects Department. This is my first blog which I hope you will enjoy and begin to follow!

It’s very chilly today and as I walked over to the Main Yard, I was pleased to see a number of visitors, many with children and dogs braving the cold. It’s half term this week and there are fun and interactive holiday workshops going on here at the Sanctuary each day.

What a warm greeting I received from a donkey called Ruby on Monday! It's been so hectic in the PR Office that I have been rushing from one job to the next, but I was stopped in my tracks when this beautiful dark brown youngster came up to me and rested her gorgeous head on my shoulder. I really do love it when donkeys do this as it's the best kind of cuddle I think you can get from them!

This Valentine's Day I saved a kiss for Henry the mule! Henry is 29 years' old and lives at Town Barton Farm. Henry absolutely loves to kiss people; he likes to nuzzle his top lip on the lucky recipients chin!

I'm delighted to bring you the latest film clip of our adorable Ashley!

Ashley was sadly orphaned at birth and thanks to the dedication of staff caring for him, and the company of the donkeys he now lives with, he is growing from strength to strength.

Last week I attended Stage 1 of the Donkey Care Course which is run by The Donkey Sanctuary. The course is designed to help people learn how to look after donkeys and provide for their needs. The day was action packed with interesting classroom teaching intermingled with practical demonstrations and hands-on experiences.