Donkeys provide therapeutic support for children with special needs
Arizona nonprofit uses the gentle animals to help kids build confidence and strength
CAVE CREEK, Ariz. (InvestigateTV) —When most people think of service animals, dogs come to mind. Experts say horses can also be therapeutic, but a ranch north of Phoenix uses donkeys to make a difference for children with disabilities.
Eleven-year-old Ryan Elliott has autism, anxiety and core strength challenges. But once a week, when the Phoenix fifth-grader climbs on a donkey named Charlie, Ryan feels like just another kid.
“It has helped us in more ways than I can count. It’s like an unspoken understanding that they have with the donkeys, so we see a huge difference in speech, confidence and strength,” Ryan’s mother, Ashley Elliott, said.
Program serves children with special needs
Ryan is one of about a dozen children with special needs taking part in the equine assistance program called Donkeys of the Heart.
The nonprofit provides kids who are dealing with mental or physical disabilities with a chance to connect with a donkey.
Founder Sophie Rainer said she grew up in Europe and saw firsthand the physical, social and emotional benefits donkeys can provide, so she decided to create a similar experience in Arizona.
“I had donkeys in France and once I discovered their amazing personality, how they behave, I mean, my heart was into helping children and adolescents,” Rainer said.
Donkeys offer unique advantages
Rainer said donkeys remain incredibly calm and don’t get as easily spooked as horses, which is a big plus when working with children.
It didn’t take long for Ryan and Charlie to connect.
“They’re just nonjudgmental. You can tell anything to a donkey. Kids just love it. They’re themselves here, they can be themselves. They don’t have to be anybody else,” said Katie Stearns, a volunteer.
See the full story by Jason Barry here.
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