So a friend said, "Wanna see the donkeys?" Wasn't sure what I was expecting, but it wasn't this. Donkey Dreams Sanctuary is a sanctuary in many ways, for the donkeys and the sponsors. At Donkey Dreams, we are educated on donkeys: the way the donkeys come to this sanctuary and why. The sanctuary is a place the donkeys are treated well and they, at their own pace, interact with humans or not.
Going to the sanctuary is peaceful in itself. Many of the donkeys come right over for back ,ear, and butt scratches. For some, there are never enough scratches. Amanda and Edj always have learning toys and games for the donkeys no matter what their ability or age. You can go sit in a chair and a donkey may bring over a play toy or just nudge for a scratch.
Donkey Dreams Sanctuary is a safe and healing place for both donkey and human. Amber and Edj have created a special place for sponsors to help these lucky donkeys in their care. The donkeys in their care are taken care of with such kindness and love and are given individual care depending on the health issues per individual. The fact that these two amazing people do the daily care (everything) on their own, Amber and Edj are true donkey whisperers. They have a deep connection to every individual they have in their care and make sure every single donkey gets exactly what they need. We are so lucky to be sponsors of our special needs donkey and always look forward to learning more every time we go visit.
I can’t say enough about the welcoming and relaxed environment at Donkey Dreams Sanctuary! Upon arrival, it is immediately obvious how truly happy the donkeys are at their forever home. Simply sit in a chair in an enclosure and observe the donkey’s intelligent and playful nature. Which donk(s) will choose you?
The essence of Donkey dreams is kindness and learning how donkeys interact with each other and humans. I love seeing the donkeys interact with their herds keeping traditional rituals like walking in a line going from one area to another. The 1 year donkeys have room to run, trot and chase each other in play. I love watching the mother donkeys reminding their off spring about the rules of respect.
The other side is donkeys like to interact with people. Each donkey is unique in how they like to be approached and where to brush them.
Amber and Edj’s. approach has been to have donkeys/ sponsor and volunteers interact at their level of comfort.
Edj learned that donkeys like to have purpose and stimulation so he set up challenges around their spaces. It’s a great space to nurture your heart and soul at Donkey Dreams Sanctuary.
I have been visiting Donkey Dreams from its inception.I have seen first hand the loving care Amber and Edj provide these animals.
Over the past year and a half I have observed Donkeys who were shy of people are now interacting and engaged.
Donkeys that were overweight are trimming down and Donkeys who were a bit thin are filling out beautifully.
The owners are fully committed to these animals. They have a world class ferrier who not only takes care of each Donkey regularly, but is coaching Amber and Edj to be able to support the Donkey's hoofs. They are also taking a course in this ancient art.
The animals have virtually 7 gorgeous acres to roam and encouraged to graze, romp, play with one another, and truly live a Donkey's Dream.
This place is amazing! It’s so good for the soul to spend time brushing, petting and loving these beautiful animals. The time, energy and love that Amber and Edj put into Donkey Dreams is evident in the obvious happiness of all of the donkeys. Incredible human beings caring for incredible animals
We found out about the sanctuary through the Mesquite donkey museum. We were thinking of being a sponsor so we paid a visit to the sanctuary. We were so impressed with the love and care provided by Edj and Amber we decided to sponsor 2 donkeys, Buster & Swayzee. We have the added benefit of being able to visit the sanctuary which is about 10 miles from Mesquite. Interacting with the donkeys is so therapeutic and relaxing. They are so intelligent and can be very affectionate.
Ever consider hugging a donkey or massaging a donkey’s ears or brushing a donkey’s coat? Well we certainly didn’t until we became acquainted with Donkey Dreams Sanctuary. As the name implies, the Sanctuary provides safety, care and a forever home for their donkey inhabitants. But the one feature that we have found to be the most rewarding is ‘Human Interaction’. As Sponsors we visit the Sanctuary frequently and without fail as we enter the property one or more of the donkey "residents" will come to great us. Sometimes it’s curiosity but most times it’s just because they want a “human” hug, an ear rub or a coat brushing. It seems that most donkeys crave human interaction and Donkey Dreams Sanctuary is a place that encourages it and provides a venue for it. We think it’s a marvelous operation and always look forward to our next visit.
SnR
We moved out to Nevada four years ago, and I wanted to work in an area where I was passionate about what I was doing. I started working with donkeys and fell in love. About a year ago, I started fostering and volunteering at Donkey Dreams Sanctuary. The folks that run the sanctuary are very committed to creating human to donkey interaction. They believe that spending time with donkeys can establish a peaceful space within oneself.
When I come to the sanctuary, I walk the fence line, visit with, brush, love and pet the donkeys. We also foster a donkey that we visit and love very much. The individuals who run Donkey Dreams Sanctuary have built a beautiful home for donkeys in need, and provide them open space to roam and grow. It is their mission to give them a home where they can be loved for the rest of their lives. You can see it in their eyes, and hear it in the voices, that they are totally devoted to these animals. Over the years I have learned a lot about donkeys, their intelligence, mannerisms and how to interact with these beautiful creatures. Working with the donkeys is the best heart medicine this old man could ever have been prescribed.
The first thing you notice at Donkey Dreams Sanctuary is the relaxed freedom and the calmness of the donkeys. The donkeys are allowed to wander in and out of the various pens . They seem to feel safe and secure on any part of the property and it shows as they wander up to you to say “Hello, and welcome to our home.” The pens are clean and there are food stations and water troughs scattered throughout, letting the donkeys assume their more natural actions of wandering and grazing from place to place. Watching the families or herds that have formed is a true glimpse into their world as you see youngsters play with each other and then getting an “auntie” or “uncle” to join in the fun. Amber and Edj will tell you that everything is done with the comfort of the donkey in mind and it shows with these happy, cared for, and loved creatures.
I love donkey dreams. They have handicapped donkeys that would not get adopted. Also donkeys that need to stay together. They are happy and so loveable. I am glad to be apart of this program. They do everything they can to make each one of them know they are loved and protected. they also want the donkeys to be themselves. we give them space if that's what they want and baby them if that's what they want. It surely would be any donkey's dream