Donkey who was ‘grief-stricken’ after finest pal’s dying finds happiness once more

A donkey who was “stricken with grief” after the dying of his long-term companion has made a brand new “friendship for all times”.

Raffles, who lived with house owners Rosie and Mike Dewhurts in northern Scotland, was heartbroken when his finest pal Harry died abruptly in November 2022. The Dewhursts contacted The Donkey Sanctuary for steering.

“This was additionally a really traumatic time for Rosie and Mike, who not solely misplaced certainly one of their beloved donkeys but additionally noticed the impact it had on Raffles,” a spokesman for the charity mentioned.

“Over the following few weeks, and with plenty of love and care, Raffles started to beat his grief. Rosie and Mike have been torn between relinquishing Raffles into the care of The Donkey Sanctuary, the place they knew he’d have a loving residence for all times in firm of different donkeys, and rehoming one other donkey. They finally determined to use to turn into guardians, and have been profitable.”

The Dewhursts undertook Donkey Sanctuary coaching in preparation for his or her new arrival, and divided certainly one of their fields so the 2 donkeys might be stored separated initially.

“Then they acquired the decision they’d been ready for – an appropriate companion for Raffles had been discovered,” the spokesman mentioned.

“Bob lived among the many resident herd at The Donkey Sanctuary Leeds and had been offering donkey-assisted actions to folks within the surrounding neighborhood, whereas being educated for his or her rehoming scheme.

“Earlier than coming into the care of the animal welfare charity, Bob was initially purchased by his house owners at Appleby Honest in Cumbria. He proved to be a little bit of an escape artist and stored setting himself free. The house owners have been unable to safe him on their land and have been involved for his security, however wished the most effective future for him – so that they made the choice to relinquish him into the care of the sanctuary.”

Bob arrived on the Dewhursts’ residence in Aberdeenshire final August.

“When Raffles noticed him, he cantered over to satisfy him throughout the fence,” the spokesman mentioned.

“The pair then spent round 20 minutes trotting backwards and forwards alongside the rails attending to know one another.”

The pair have been put in the identical subject and inside half an hour, have been grazing facet by facet.

“To see Raffles with Bob was great,” Rosie mentioned. “He had been alone for seven months and now lastly each donkeys had the prospect of happiness collectively.

“Initially we spent quite a lot of time with each, typically sitting for an hour or two observing them and providing cuddles in the event that they got here to say hiya to us. However as Bob settled, we gave them extra time alone. We gave them quiet time and house, and inside two months they have been totally bonded, enjoying video games collectively and mutually grooming.

“The entire expertise has been so constructive for Mike and me, however extra importantly for Raffles and Bob.”

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H&H information editor

Eleanor is an skilled journalist who spent over eight years working for native and nationwide newspapers earlier than becoming a member of H&H as information editor in March 2016. Obsessed with equine welfare and exposing the reality, Eleanor has reported on all elements of the trade, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage guidelines to mules. Her sport of alternative is showjumping, through which she competes her personal horses, and he or she additionally enjoys reporting at native leaping exhibits by means of to worldwide championships.