Today we were joined by eight 'donkey carers' for the day and the lucky donkeys receiving extra attention were Bess, Jenny, Murphy, Peter, Daphne, Hannah, Robin and another donkey called Peter. From the photos below, I'm sure you can tell that Deborah, Christine, Karen, Gillian, Christoph, Janet, Angela and Clare thoroughly enjoyed their day with the donkeys.
All these lovely donkeys are based at Paccombe Farm where today's experience day was being held.
Taking the photos, I get a chance to chat to the 'donkey carers' while they groom and walk their donkeys.
Among them today was a face I recognised... a donkey weeker! Deborah is from Scotland and having spent her 13th Donkey Week with us last week, she had treated herself to this very special day to be with the donkeys. Her donkey for the day was called Jenny, aged 38, who came into the Sanctuary's care in 1993.
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Christoph from Austria was enjoying his day with a donkey called Bess (aged 35). He was lucky to get two for the price of one because her best friend Polo (aged 25) is so closely bonded, they go everywhere together - even in the photo that each 'donkey carer' takes away with them at the end of the day.
After the photos were taken, I decided to walk back to work. Although Paccombe Farm is very close to the Sanctuary, it's a steep climb up, so along the way, I stopped off to cuddle some donkeys along the track (that's my excuse anyway, rather than saying I was out of breath and had to stop off for a breather)!
If you're interested in finding out about this unique opportunity for a "hands on" experience here at The Donkey Sanctuary, you can find out more by visiting our Donkey Carer for a Day web page.
Following on from the success of our Donkey Experience Days, we launched our "Junior Experience Days" this year to give children between the ages of 8 and 15 the chance for a unique opportunity to get ‘hands on’ with our adorable donkeys. You can find out more by visiting our Junior Experience Days 2010 web page.
My friend and I booked this day many many months ago and day came and Wow, we had the best day - never think twice about being a carer for a day - we had an all encompassing experience of being with the donkeys on Tuesday 18th May - along with the most beautiful weather, location and staff - the donkeys are amazing, they have the happiest life they could wish for and it showed in their temperaments and behaviour. The day was just fabulous with a mixture of real hands on with the donkeys, education and seeing behind the scenes especially the hospital, EST Centre and the wonderful Devon cream on tea which topped the day off.
Thank you to Katie, Debbie, Alan, Sandra, Dean and everyone else (sorry I cannot remember all the names).
We are really looking forward to revisiting - you come away feeling completely elated - that's thanks to the people, the scenery and the in star position the donkeys.
Bye for now
Louise and Vicky
I was at the Donkey Carer for the Day just after Donkey Week on 13 May, I had a great day and really enjoyed myself spending quality time with the donkeys. We were very well looked after with food etc and the company was great. I'd recommend anyone who loves donkeys to try and go on this wonderful day out.