Three Retired Therapy Donkeys Find Love and a New Life by the Sea
Dorset, UK — After years of comforting others through The Donkey Sanctuary’s Donkey Assisted Activities programme, three very special donkeys — Monte, Muldoon, and Junior — have found their forever home with Guardian Sam Cannon, discovering peace, play, and purpose in the beautiful countryside of Dorset.
From Therapy Work to Tranquil Retirement
Previously beloved members of the charity’s community outreach work, the trio retired and joined The Donkey Sanctuary’s Rehoming Scheme, which matches experienced and caring homes with donkeys who need them most.
Sam, a lifelong equine lover, never expected to adopt donkeys. But after the heartbreaking loss of her two horses — Solly, an ex-racehorse, and Dylan, a beloved carthorse she had raised from a yearling — her heart was open to a new chapter.
“They’d been in our lives for so long, it was like losing part of our family,” Sam shared. “But the routine, the joy, the care — I wasn’t ready to give that up.”
A Perfect Match Through The Donkey Sanctuary
Encouraged by friends and a visit to the sanctuary in Sidmouth, Sam connected with Donkey Welfare Adviser Sophie Foster, who assessed the property — complete with stables, shelter, hardstanding, and eight acres of field.
Sam attended hands-on training to learn all about the unique traits and care needs of donkeys. This learning journey included understanding the emotional intelligence, social bonds, and physical characteristics that set donkeys apart from horses.
Soon, Monte, Muldoon, and Junior stepped down the transporter ramp and into their new home — and into Sam’s heart.
Meet the Donkey Trio
Each donkey has a distinct personality:
- Muldoon may be the smallest, but he’s the boss! Always first for a cuddle, he’s full of mischief and charm.
- Monte, soft-voiced with a thick, dark coat, is the shyest of the group. His gentle “eeyores” melt Sam’s heart daily.
- Junior, the largest, is a quiet observer and deeply empathetic. He often comforts Sam when she’s feeling low and enjoys playful rolls and bonding time with Monte.
Life in the Slow Lane
The donkeys enjoy a routine filled with straw beds, grooming sessions, and enrichment activities — from playing tug-of-war with old feed buckets to chewing branches and getting a scratch from broom heads. Music often plays in the background, creating a calm, happy atmosphere.
Sam, who works from home, checks in on them throughout the day and loves their evening ritual of brushing, fresh straw, and field tidying. Morning starts are joyful, and saying goodnight is always a little hard.
“They make each day better,” Sam said. “I can’t wait to see them in the morning, and it’s always a wrench to leave them at night.”
Donkeys Who Steal the Show
The donkeys are local celebrities. When Sam and her family take them for walks through the village, passersby wave, cars slow down, and children beam with delight.
“It’s like being out with film stars!” she laughed.
More than just companions, Monte, Muldoon, and Junior have helped Sam heal from the loss of her previous horses. Their love and gentle nature have brought renewed joy and routine into her life.
“They love and enchant everyone they meet, and have helped to heal my broken heart in a way I never expected,” she added.