Spend some therapeutic time with your favourite ass at Rest Ur Ass Donkey Sanctuary
Ruimsig-based donkey rescue introduces new Therapy Thursdays to the community, an opportunity to interact with the donkeys in a calm environment.
Roodepoort’s beloved donkey rescue, Rest Ur Ass Donkey Sanctuary, has started a new initiative called Donkey Therapy Thursdays.
After witnessing a beautiful interaction between one of their beloved donkeys and a child with a muscular degenerative disease, Lloreen le Roux knew immediately that she wanted to share the amazing connection and therapeutic capabilities of the rescue’s resident donkeys.
“We are opening up a time on Thursdays for those in the community who would like to experience the donkeys in a calm and therapeutic setting to come through and spend time with them. They can come and brush the donkeys, have a picnic among the donkeys, or even just sit and watch them if they are hesitant to interact,” she explained.
A lot of research has been done on the positive effects of equine therapy on those with cognitive disorders like dementia, depression and so forth. One of the better-known effects of spending time with animals is the release of the happy hormone, serotonin.
“The Therapy Thursdays initiative is something very near to our hearts and we are not charging anyone for these interactions. All you need to do to come and spend time with the donkeys is contact us to set up a time and come through,” elaborated Lloreen.
She added that they want to ensure the peaceful atmosphere and calm effect of the donkeys by limiting the number of visitors at the sanctuary at any given time on Thursdays.
“We are hoping that anyone who needs some quiet donkey time, or therapists who would like to bring their patients to visit with the donkeys as part of their journey, will make use of this service,” concluded Lloreen, “Remember to book your visit on 073 207 6432.”
