Forget the ‘ass’ jokes because I can assure you, I’ve heard them all before—more than once. The barrage of eye-rolling misuses of the legitimate word aside, I truly did spend my summer learning from donkeys. Four months (and counting) as The Donkey Sanctuary of Canada’s Education Assistant have not just been about making money or learning scientific facts regarding this often misunderstood species. Beyond their dietary info and social behaviour, I learned things from these gentle creatures that I only wish humans had the capacity to grasp. So without further ado, I share with you the wisdom of my long-eared friends, in the hope that you may learn from them as I have.
Live and let live
Donkeys are very ‘live and let live’ animals. Unlike horses, they are of the ‘fight,’ not ‘flight,’ variety, and will defend themselves when necessary. However, they only attack when threatened and even then, only after their warning signs have not been heeded. At all other times, they are docile, affectionate beings, giving little concern to that which seems harmless. If humans were more like donkeys, the world would be a much more peaceful place.
Nothing beats a good backrub or scratch
If you’ve never seen a donkey getting its ears rubbed or its back scratched, I highly recommend it. Their heads extend out, their eyes twitch, and their lips droop in ecstasy. This type of pleasure is second to none for them, and the gratitude on their faces serve as excellent proof.
Slow down
Tablets, iPhones, laptops, computers, etc. are all meaningless in the world of the Equus asinus. The true purpose of life being to achieve survival long enough to pass on one’s genes (and the latter no longer being an option for our guys thanks to the modern practice of gelding), donkeys have no interest in our tech-centred, deadline-driven lifestyle. So long as hay is near, water is accessible, and a scratching post or grooming buddy is available, life to the domesticated donkey is good.
Let us be equals
No, donkeys do not all get along with each other. They form bonds, clash in personality, and can in some circumstances, become aggressive. In keeping with their self-preserving, live-and-let-live character, they don’t typically form the hierarchies that exist with horse herds, the government, or your local high school cafeteria. It’s about survival and choosing your own company – no more than that, no less.
There is good in the world
It isn’t just a sanctuary for the animals that now call it home; it is a refuge from the stresses, responsibilities, and general difficulties of life for all those who step foot on the property. To stroke the neck of a content donkey, or of any content animal for that matter, can help one almost feel their blood pressure drop. This isn’t just wishful fantasy—this is scientific fact. The peaceful gaze of an animal who understands it is in a position of complete safety goes perfectly with the stroke of a kind hand making just a little difference in that moment.
Forgiveness
For a place full of many animals carrying a cruel or unfair past, the amount of love radiating from animal sanctuaries can be astounding. Having experienced the treatment some of these poor animals received, it is only honest of me to admit I am not sure I could ever learn to trust again. Yet every day, rescued animals around the world display love, gratitude, and amazingly, trust to members of the same species that caused them so much pain. If this type of forgiveness is possible, perhaps we too can learn that love is kinder to us all than any form of hatred.