We need animals in our lives, they connect us to natural world, heal us, offer us love and connection. And they need us, too, I have seen this with dogs, cats and also with our donkeys, among the most affectionate animals in the world. For some years now, our day has been with Maria and I brushing them, talking to them, and Maria has the gift of agility, she gets down with them, at their level, talks with them, connects with them. In this I see their power to heal and nourish her, and I also see their need of us, they need for attention, brushing, talking and touch. It is a mutual thing, born out of our own emotional histories, and their long instinctive experience at living with humans and serving them.

It is always a beautiful and touching thing to see.