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Donkey Talk: Affirmation and Affection

rredick September 17, 2024
Photo credit: youtube.com

Ever thought of trying out your CRAFT skills on a donkey? It’s a great reminder that boundaries determine your behavior, not your Loved One’s.

Donkeys are fascinating creatures. Highly loyal and affectionate, they readily form bonds with individual humans, or with horses, goats, or other donkeys. They’re naturally social, but also require a certain amount of space and independence. Alone of all equids (horses and cousin creatures), they vocalize on both the inhale (heee) and the exhale (haaaw). And while their primary role has been as beast of burden, they’re also amazing herd guardians, ready to take on coyotes, bobcats, and even wolves.

They are also great emotional support animals—provided you show them love in return. Witness the two-way kindness between Ronnie the donkey and a founder of Jacob’s Ridge Animal Shelter in southeast Spain. Ronnie is pretty deadpan, but it’s OK to laugh. Really. We’re sure he’ll forgive you.

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