Healing Hearts Donkey Rescue and Refuge went over and above and way out of their way to help us. We found ourselves in a situation that caused us to come to the conclusion that one of our donkeys needed specialized care that we were unable to give him. We knew that we did not want our other donkey to be without donkey companions. Because we are senior citizens, we decided that, rather than looking to bring another donkey in as a companion for the remaining donkey, it was time to let our donkeys go and start another chapter in their lives. Words can't express how difficult a decision this was for us or how much our empty barn affects us.Paulette and Dan of Healing Hearts came to our rescue. They traveled many, many miles to pick up both of our donkeys and not without some great inconvenience to them. I believe that they care a great deal for the donkeys that are in their care and that they will do their best to insure the best outcome for all.It will be quite a while before the raw feelings of loss heal, but it is a comfort to know that our guys are in very good, experienced and caring hands as they start new chapters in their lives. We feel very fortunate to have had Healing Hearts so willing to help.
My sister and I had a wonderful experience at Healing Heart. Paulette and her husband, Dan, were very thorough in showing us around.
The place is very efficiently run. In the main office, a whiteboard lists the tasks that must be done. In the barn, each donkey has a labeled halter. There's a chalkboard that lists hay and grain amounts to feed. Also, scale to know the weight of the hay (as donkey's feed needs are quite different from horses). Ample supplies keep the jobs easy.
My real joy is brushing the animals and loving them.
I think very highly of the shelter and refuge! I'd recommend this place to anyone interested in volunteering or needing to adopt or rehome a donkey.
I reached out with an interest in adding donkeys to my list of beloved rescue animals and was met with a wealth of enthusiasm and knowledge to help me on my mission. Healing Hearts went to another town just to mail me books to help me understand these animals better and how to care for them. The responses to any guestions have been very prompt and I feel confident that I have the support to offer these special animals a loving home. My impression is that this is an amazing refuge, deserving of recognition and support.
I have been a donor to healing Hearts Donkey Shelter and Refuge for several years and I believe in their vision and Philosophy. Donkey are very dear to my heart and to know that this shelter care and help them be safe it makes me very thankful and happy for the work they do.
Healing Hearts Donkey Refuge is a small and beautifully run sanctuary in the hills of northeastern Washington, just a few miles shy of the Canadian border. The residents are treated with love and attention to detail by caretakers who are obviously devoted to them. That is why I am a monthly supporter of this wonderful refuge.
I have been contributing to this non-profit for sometime, A month or two back had an opportunity to visit;; (I live a couple hundred miles away)
What fine folks and very welcoming atmosphere; even the resident donkey's were friendly and fun . I saw several recent facility improvements ; I only heard about via e-mail.
I can and will continue to support:Healing-hearts-dnkey-shelter-and-refuge monthly as I am able. I attended a fund raiser there with dinner and arts and crafts for donations; what fun time.
I've been volunteering my time at Healing Hearts Donkey Shelter and Refuge for the last 5 years. Paulette, with the help of her husband Dan, maintains a well-run, clean, organized facility. Paulette doesn't just rescue donkeys from bad situations but takes in donkeys that owners must surrender because they can't keep them or take care of them. She actually weighs out the hay for each donkey to make sure they get the correct amount for their size (I've never seen that done before at other rescues). She puts overweight donkeys on a carefully monitored weight management program before she'll allow anyone to adopt them. She goes the extra mile to fix whatever ails a donkey and will stop at nothing to make sure they are content and comfortable. She makes every prospective adopter demonstrate that they can approach, halter, lead a donkey and is able to pick up and clean all four hooves properly. If they don't know how, she makes sure they do before they leave with that donkey (I've never seen another rescue do that either). She and her husband treat us volunteers like friends rather than volunteers and they make us feel welcome and appreciated. I have a great deal of respect for these two people and I will continue to be there for them for as long as they need me.
I am a current volunteer at Healing Hearts Donkey Shelter and Refuge and have worked closely with both Paulette and Dan for the last several months. My two children and I started volunteering when Paulette got injured last April and what a great experience we have had! We have learned so much not only about the care of donkeys, but also about the animals themselves. The donkeys are amazing, beautiful creatures with unique personalities that have been fun to get to know and spend time with. Healing Hearts has some wonderful programs that connect the local students with the donkeys on a weekly basis. This benefits both the students and the donkeys. I loved reading the notes coming from the students after the program! The connections they made with the donkeys was priceless. For me personally, I started out volunteering to help out due to Paulette's injury, but I have benefitted so much from my time there. Being around the donkeys is good for my physical and mental health. I am so thankful for Healing Hearts Donkey Shelter and Refuge for allowing me the opportunity to work with them and get to know these beautiful creatures!
Healing Hearts Donkey Shelter and Refuge has provided me a safe container to connect with donkeys and gain a better understanding of how to take care of them. Healing Hearts Donkey Shelter and Refuge has a wide range of donkeys that each provide a different experience when interacted with based on their distinctive personalities. I am thankful for my journey visiting this truly wonderful shelter and refuge for donkeys. Thank you Paulette for making it so exceptional.
This place is awesome! They take in the sick and unloved donkeys and either love them and let them live out their remaining days safe and happy or rehab them and find perfect homes!
The amount of care that is given, the time that is taken to help and find each donkey the best home possible. This place is genuinely there for the donkeys. I have seen first hand how hard everyone involved works to give these guys a successful start and to find the right people to make sure they live their best life.
When my friend needed help because they couldn't keep their donkey this organization helped tremendously very thankful for Healing Hearts Donkey Shelter and Refuge
Such a welcoming and meaningful experience to help out at Healing Hearts Donkey Shelter. Paulette's commitment to the animals and her community are beyond measure, from her volunteer training to the community education she provides. I can't wait to spend another weekend out there!!
Hello!
I've been interested in adopting a donkey for years. Healing Hearts has posted very useful information to help with my decision. I've learned so much from them and hope they can assist me in the future.
If you have a donkey that needs to be adopted and an adopter who JUST adopted through Peaceful Valley how do you justify denying that sweet donkey the forever home she deserves? Isn’t that why you exist? Really not in the interest of the animals.
With Paulette down due to a broken leg, a call went out for volunteers to help with the donkeys. I showed up and was warmly met by Dan, shown what to do, and given a beautiful campsite on their property next to the Okanogan River. The care and love that is shown to the donkeys was evident. While I was there, a group of Dan's dedicated friends and neighbors spent several days in the sun building volunteer housing and bathrooms, all to promote the wellness of the volunteers as they care for the donkeys. This place is special, full of love, and in a beautiful part of the country. Kind and remarkable people, mission-driven, I would give them my trust. They love the Donks!
Hi! I'm Denise Christensen, and I am happy to share my story. When I retired from my career with the state of Washington as an IT professional, I looked for a volunteer opportunity that would be fulfilling for me and serve a need in the community. I found Paulette Jacklin, met some donkeys for the first time in my life and, frankly, I was hooked! Four years later, I am now a member of the Board for Healing Heart Donkey Shelter and Refuge. My primary role could be described as that of Matchmaker. I am the Donkey Adoption Consultant. I make it my priority to get people and donkeys together who are simply made for each other! Donkeys are amazing and they bring such warmth and delight to my world (I currently have 4 donkey companions) and I can hardly imagine life without them. Also, I can only imagine the heartbreak for people, and their donkeys, who, through no fault of their own, find themselves in circumstances where the best thing they can do is surrender. The reasons are as personal as any person might face-health or financial challenges, a move, or even a death in the family. That is where we come in!! HHDS&R helps donkeys get placed into new, loving, forever homes where they can be properly cared for and live their best lives. I love what we do to educate folks about donkeys and donkey care. It is a very worthy organization and I am honored to be a part of it.
Outstanding organization, with amazing people running it! We adopted our four girls and couldn’t be happier. The continued support and education has been so awesome.
My donkey died in March. He was 27 years old. I was looking all summer for another donkey and couldn't find anything anywhere in Washington State. My daughter who lives in North Dakota found Healing Hearts Donkey Shelter And Refuge right away. I'm not real good with computers and have to get help using it. I called them up and told them exactly what I was looking for and the founder of the non-profit said she had just the donkey in mind. She told me everything about him and she showed me some pictures and he was perfect. I asked her when can I come and get him and she said hold on...not so fast. You have to fill out an application first, then if my application is approved, I can come and meet him. I was all set to bring him home, I even brought my horse trailer, but she said she has to watch to see how I get along with the donkey and to see if he likes me too. Than I had to show her I new how to halter and lead and that I had no qualms about picking up his feet. She approved of me so I got to load him up and take him home. She hit the nail on the head. He was exactly what I was looking for. Amous, I re-named him Amous after the one that recently passed, turned out to be a wonderful donkey. He and my horse get along really well also. My wife passed away recently and he'll help fill that void. I use to bring my old donkey to church for their Thanksgiving and Christmas events. I'm looking forward to bringing my new Amous to those events. I'm looking forward to working with him to get him use to wearing a blanket. She advised me to work on his trailering and I will. Those folks at Healing Hearts do a wonderful job training these donkeys. He lets me put my arm around his neck and hug him, he lets me halter him, he lets me pick up his feet and he lets me lead him everywhere. He comes right up to me as soon as he sees me. I like that. He's very affectionate and very well mannered. I've got both the vet and the farrier coming out. The vet is coming out to give my horse her shots and do a health exam and I'm going to have him check Amous too since he's here. The farrier is going to stop by to introduce himself to Amous and get acquainted. I just love this guy and I've been calling Paulette (that's the founder's name) regularly to give her updates. She loves getting updates. She told me that I can call her any time to give updates or if I'm having any problems or concerns. I'm so glad my daughter found this place.
My husband and and I started out with goats to enjoy hiking activities with. They were great for short hikes, but then we wanted to adopt something larger for long distance hikes. Through my research, I learned that mules and donkeys were very sure footed and perfect for hiking up in the hills and deep in the woods. i researched that donkeys were safer around children and were very calm natured and didn't spook easily. that was exactly what we needed. we gave them a call and, low and behold, it was pure fate that connected us. as it turned out, they had a pair of donkeys that not only packed for most of their lives, but they even came with their own gear. Paulette even let me bring our goats to meet the donkeys to see how well they would get along. they did beautifully and they were great with the kids. The only problem was they were a bonded pair and we only wanted one donkey. Paulette explained that donkeys were social animals and they needed another donkey companion so they wouldn't become sad and become depressed and begin to misbehave. she also pointed out that Barney and Betty had been together since they were both five and a half years old and and were very bonded by this time. She explained that losing a lifelong friend would be equivalent to losing a close family member and, for that reason, Healing Hearts will not break up bonded pairs. We decided to go back to our cabin and think about it. it didn't take us long to make up our minds. We came right back the very next day to take them both and we have never regretted that decision to this day. Paulette and Dan have a very nice place for the donkeys and they are clearly well taken care of. Paulette is very thorough about making sure she matches up the right donkeys to the right owners. We love our donkeys and we love that our children can ride on them during our hikes.
I have the pleasure and honor of volunteering at Healing Hearts. Paulette and Dan Jacklin are truly dedicated and extremely hard working. I have seen them go above and beyond for these beautiful donkeys more than once. Their donkeys have to pass rigorous protocol before being adopted out.
I'm a volunteer at Healing Hearts Donkey Shelter and Refuge. I enjoy working, helping, and learning more about Donkeys. Most of all I love the time spent with these loving and beautiful Donkeys. Paulette and her Refuge is a blessing to these Donkeys. They are cared for and loved and are found loving homes. I experienced watching the happiness of family and children who are adopting the donkeys. The total operation is amazing, organized and geared for success for the donkey. Every Donkey's needs are thoroughly assessed and cared for to assure a successful adoption for the Donkey. I'm amazed each time to visit the shelter and am so happy to be a small part of it.
Healing Hearts is amazing!! They work 24/7 - 365 to ensure rescued donkeys get the care they need and get into the best homes. They are incredibly knowledgeable and will help you with all you need to know about the care of donkeys. They really do go the extra mile. We love them!
I thank Healing Hearts Donkey Shelter And Refuge for allowing me to visit their rescue. I gained a lot of knowledge and wisdom about donkeys. I got to love on them a lot and it made me feel so blessed to be able to be around these God created animals that also love us a great deal. Paulette's care for them is exceptional. Clean water. Clean fresh and nutritious hay. Clean pens. They have sun and rain shelters too. I am very impressed. I've seen my share of rescues and so far this one is my top one. I give them a 10/10. I pray for blessings to be poured out onto their rescue and for all donkeys to get a forever kind caring home. It was a pleasure to spend my days off with them and the donkeys.
Healing Hearts Donkey Shelter and Refuge is a wonderful organization run by fantastic people in a strikingly beautiful place. I needed to help myself after my husband died last year, and I love donkeys, so searched online for a rescue in Washington state. Healing Hearts popped up, so I called Paulette to arrange a visit. Paulette was so welcoming. She even joined me for dinner near my hotel so that I wouldn't have to be alone on my first evening in Omak. I went to HHDSAR the next day, and my planned 2 day visit lengthened into a week. The dear, sweet, gentle, beautifully cared for donkeys in that lovely, peaceful setting truly helped heal my own broken heart. I got to know and admire Paulette and her husband Dan over that week, and I've been a supporter ever since.
We needed to rehome our 2 sweet donkeys to decrease our physical work load as we are getting older. We felt that Healing Hearts was a good way for them to get placed appropriately. The process was relatively quick and easy (though emotional) to arrange. We have received updates about their time at the shelter while awaiting placement. It is never easy to give up beloved pets, but Pauline and Healing Hearts has made it easier than it might have been otherwise. We are thankful for Healing Hearts Donkey Shelter and Refuge!
My name is Jeff Pries. I called this non-profit about adopting a couple of donkeys. I had a specific idea of what I was looking for. She showed me around and I selected two that were the right size and stature for packing and hiking. whenever I would call her on the phone she would respond immediately. She has a good rapport and is very patient with people. You have to have patience when dealing with lots of different people. she's always eager to advise me when I run into behavioral difficulties with them. I highly recommend her if your looking for a donkey to adopt. she has a a lot of donkey knowledge and is able to help you select the right fit for you. She has a wealth of information and is always ready to share what she knows.
great people doing great things for donkeys in need in northern Washington. Dan and Paulette have dedicated themselves to giving donkeys the respect and proper care they deserve.
I was blessed with two wonderful BLM donkeys, 2 jennies. Ruth was taken way too early, which was devastating. My Maggie became very depressed and finally I knew I needed to help her. I found the Healing Hearts rescue ranch. They were great to work with. First, they were quite thorough in going through my application to make sure I had the acreage, shelter, and animal friends (additional equine, in my case my donkey Maggie) to live with an adopted donkey. As the late July temperatures rose, they were very patient with my delays until the temps fell back into the mid 90's. They welcomed me into their ranch allowing me to set up my bedroll (I was going to camp out) in the main office to be out of the extreme heat. They had two jennies i was going between and had all the patience allowing me to make a decision and never trying to rush me into a decision and rushing me off. They even let me help with a few chores (I insisted as I'm used to it and like it) to work with the donkeys they had. The donkeys in their care are very well cared for and are always "worked" with volunteers and a trainer to make sure the donkeys are gentled and ready for adoption. I ended up adopting both Emma and Patsy as I couldn't decide between which, so, since my trailer was way too big for even two donkeys, why not bring them both home? Knowing both were possibilities, the rescue ranch had already taken care of farriers to trim hooves and the vet to clear all medical requirements. Since I came from out of state, that was very important and great that it was taken care of. The folks at the rescue ranch care a lot for their donkeys and provide a safe and welcoming ranch for all the donkeys. They also do their due diligence to ensure the adopting people will provide the best care for the donkeys before they adopt the donkeys out. The attached photo is of my 3 girls, Maggie (my original and eldest is in the middle), Patsy to the left and Emma to the right. Great to have the two new girls to make my Maggie so happy - and they are so gentle (love apples and carrots) - a great addition to have :-) I am very happy I was able to find this rescue ranch and so very pleased with how we were able to communicate prior to my coming over (along with the delays) how I was accepted at the ranch and brought to meet the donkeys, and the entire process overall. Great rescue ranch and personnel makes it great.
Staff is great, they truly love what they do & the animals. I am so lucky to have been a volunteer along the side of my amazing mother (lead donkey trainer).
When the owners of CJ and the property we were living decided to sell and leave . It meant finding a place that would care for CJ like I did . He was my buddy and this refuge was the best place for him. They would find a place where someone could keep him and love him like he deserved.We found Dan and Paulette to those people . You can tell right away they care for the animals and want only the best for them. We were always welcome to visit CJ . Dan and Paulette are good people . The heart they have to do what is best for the donkeys is wonderful. Our goal after I retire is to spend time volunteering and helping them with the donkeys. Even picking him up was made easy. Get a chance to know them for yourself and you will see they are people you enjoy knowing. Someone you can call a friend after the first meeting.. Dan and Paulette , thank you for all you do and get done. Keep up the good work and know it is noticed. Carla Messal
I volunteered at Healing Hearts Donkey Shelter and Refuge for a year. Paulette and Dan Jacklin are amazing individuals. They are truly dedicated to these beautiful creatures and their care. Both are committed to the welfare and proper care of the donkeys and do everything they can to educate people to the responsibility necessary for their protection and healthcare. Paulette does education training through Power Point presentations, allowing individuals to arrange visits to meet the donkeys, walk them, feed them treats and learn how precious and smart these animals are. Paulette absolutely cherishes these animals and has devoted her time and money making sure others cherish them.
I helped out as a temporary foster home for 2 donkeys. It was an amazing experience start to finish. What a great rescue to support. The care and thought given to each animal was amazing. It was an honor working with them.
The well being of these donkeys are a joy to be a cooperative component to! What wonderful creatures and Healing Hearts Donkey Shelter and Refuge is a loving and healing place for them.
The medical and emotional care the donkeys receive there is outstanding and great consideration is given to finding a good home for each dear animal.
I am so impressed and keep up to date on them through a friend who works there.-
This is my favorite non-profit and I donate via PayPal, Amazon Smile and a donation directly through one the folks that work with the donkeys.
I've watched the founder work tirelessly to help these loving creatures.
And for those to far gone....because of neglect or abuse by their previous owners..... and it's obvious that they're not going to make it.......she goes out of her way to make sure that those donkey feels loved and knows happiness before they die.
Great people doing great things.
We adopted two very lovable donkeys.
The adoption process was easy and fast.we highly recommend them. They depend on donations so keep them in mind
Dennis and Kathy Railing
Due to my advancing age, it was becoming clear that I needed to rehome my pair of donkeys. I, myself, had rescued them privately 10 years earlier. They were in terrific condition here with me, up to date on everything and well cared for and loved. I was being proactive to be sure their care continued to be healthy and happy. A neighbor who volunteers for HHDSR stepped in to introduce me to this rescue. They are very responsible, have good rules for adoption and good screening of new homes. My kiddos are in a perfect situation for them that is even better than the one they left! I'm grateful I found them 10 years ago and gave them a good life. I'm very grateful to HHDSR to help me continue their security and wellness for the future.
This rescue organization is wonderful. They go above and beyond in their attempt to educate the public to hopefully make their organization less necessary. They also go the extra mile when it comes to helping the animals that are surrendered to them. I personally rescued a foundered donkey from a neglectful situation and contacted Healing Hearts who drove basically an entire day round trip to come pick this animal up. They have been wonderful in regards to keeping me in the loop and keeping me informed about his progress and I am extremely happy to see how well they care for him. I have a great deal of confidence that when he is ready to be adopted, they will find the best possible situation for him. In short, just a really respectable organization.
I worked with Healing Hearts for well over a year to gain the courage to surrender my 2 mini donkeys and find them their new forever home. Paulette was so incredibly kind and compassionate with me as I struggled to come to terms with knowing I was doing the right thing. I had looked at so many different places and talked to so many people but Paulette and her husband at Healing Hearts Donkey Rescue was the only place that settled my heart and gave me the peace I knew and needed that my pair of donkeys would be safe, loved, cared for and eventually in the perfect new home. I cannot express my gratitude more for their help. They are truly the best.