George helps Helena cope with her sad loss

Dear little Helena’s mum, Effie, already had an old injury to her hip when she came to us last year. When we discovered she was pregnant we were very concerned about her during the pregnancy and when giving birth. Fortunately with the help of some safe medication and careful monitoring, she got through the pregnancy but the problem with her hip after Helena was born continued.

Not long after Helena was weaned off Effie, we had to make the heart breaking decision to put her to sleep. We were obviously very sad to say goodbye to Effie, who was a wonderful mother, but also concerned about Helena. She grieved for a few days and was a lost little girl, but we gave her lots of extra cuddles, and then we noticed that she had adopted an uncle – our partially sightedGeorge. He has taken her under his wing – well foreleg – and they spend most of the day and night together.

Dear George is so patient with Helena as she is very playful and jumps up and down on him. He’s also taught her a few donkey manners and is always there if she is feeling a little worried about something. We know he helped her get through a very difficult time. George has called in support when needed, from one of our very old donkeys called Marcus, so does occasionally get a rest.