Bingo
Bingo is a male Holland Lop who was donated to the program by a family in the community. He has been a delightful addition to the office critters. Bingo has a laid back but humorous personality. He is curious and adventurous. The first thing he did when introduced to the office is make himself at home in the lobster trap coffee table in the waiting room! This is how he earned the nickname “LOPster.”
He loves to be snuggled and enjoys racing around the office. His favorite treats are carrots, broccoli, cilantro and dark green lettuce. He is a favorite of the children who come to visit and spends many hours in their company. When staff come into the office in the morning, he greets them by standing on his hind legs and then exuberantly racing around his cage, bouncing and thumping. Bingo loves a good bunny massage and he loves to spend time with people, especially our therapist Alisha.
Rabbits are wonderful to have in sessions as they are quiet, calm and non-invasive. This is especially helpful for children with autism as they often can succumb to sensory overload. They are a great way to develop empathy in children and teach them how to cope with anxiety. Working with rabbits helps to develop calming skills, teaches respect and boundaries and enables a sense of nurturing through helping to care for them.
He loves to be snuggled and enjoys racing around the office. His favorite treats are carrots, broccoli, cilantro and dark green lettuce. He is a favorite of the children who come to visit and spends many hours in their company. When staff come into the office in the morning, he greets them by standing on his hind legs and then exuberantly racing around his cage, bouncing and thumping. Bingo loves a good bunny massage and he loves to spend time with people, especially our therapist Alisha.
Rabbits are wonderful to have in sessions as they are quiet, calm and non-invasive. This is especially helpful for children with autism as they often can succumb to sensory overload. They are a great way to develop empathy in children and teach them how to cope with anxiety. Working with rabbits helps to develop calming skills, teaches respect and boundaries and enables a sense of nurturing through helping to care for them.
Our Chickens
Some of the older Dreamcatcher chickens were bought from a local auction, but most of them were born and raised here in our coop! Our chickens specialize in teaching nurturance by messing up their coop regularly and supervising while our program participants learn to clean it. They also play hard to get when people try to catch them, thus instilling a well-earned sense of accomplishment and pride when they do finally accomplish this task! Helping people develop self-esteem and confidence is their therapeutic specialty. As for working with aggressive people, there are no better monitors for animal abuse then our chickens. You absolutely cannot abuse them without the whole world knowing it. All of our chickens are very friendly and love to meet new people. They are wonderful therapists and have helped many to overcome their life issues.
When babies are born, which they often are, the mother hens help children witness, first hand, what good child care is all about. The children often tell their stories while sitting quietly and observing the hens taking care of their babies. Sometimes a hen will abandon her chicks, which leads to conversations about feelings and identification with how the chicks might feel. Often, when this happens, another hen will ‘adopt’ the neglected chick and take care of her until her mother returns or until she can fend for herself if the mother does not return. This natural animal behavior elicits much conversation from our children and youth and there is no better place to have a heartfelt conversation than in the chicken coop on a warm Spring or Summer day while listening to the coo of the hens and watching them go about their lives.
When babies are born, which they often are, the mother hens help children witness, first hand, what good child care is all about. The children often tell their stories while sitting quietly and observing the hens taking care of their babies. Sometimes a hen will abandon her chicks, which leads to conversations about feelings and identification with how the chicks might feel. Often, when this happens, another hen will ‘adopt’ the neglected chick and take care of her until her mother returns or until she can fend for herself if the mother does not return. This natural animal behavior elicits much conversation from our children and youth and there is no better place to have a heartfelt conversation than in the chicken coop on a warm Spring or Summer day while listening to the coo of the hens and watching them go about their lives.
Rain
Rain is a purebred paint mare that has only half an ear. She was born in the midst of winter and was not found until her ears had already sustained terrible frostbite. Her legs had also frozen and as a result, her growth is stunted and she will likely suffer arthritis throughout her lifetime. Upon finding the half frozen new filly, the farmer and his family took her inside and raised her in their basement until she was strong and healthy enough to live outside in spring. Rain was loved and spoiled by the children who cared for her. Once placed with the herd, Rain had trouble fitting in due to her lack of ears. All of the horses she met thought that Rain was angry or bossy all the time (as horses who are angry or bossy, lay their ears flat back on their head). The family decided Rain needed another home and were going to take her to the auction where she more than likely would have sold for meat. It just so happened that a kind lady named Cindy met Rain by chance and decided to take her home. Cindy tried to integrate Rain into her herd of horses. The horses rejected her and were unkind to her. As Rain was only a year old, and a kind soul by nature, she had no defense. Rain was misunderstood by all the horses she encountered. Shortly thereafter, Cindy heard about Dreamcatcher and donated "No Ears" to the program along with a llama named Mr. Spitzie whom she had also rescued. We renamed No Ears Whispering Rain and introduced her to some children with disabilities who have loved her with all their hearts.
When Rain came to Dreamcatcher she was the first horse on the property. This was to her advantage as all new horses who arrived seemed to accept her more readily just for who she was. Rain is currently third in the horse hierarchy. She is a good friend to many of the animals in the herd, although will occasionally challenge Echo for second place in the hierarchy. Because Rain was “raised” by humans, rather than a horse mom, she is very people oriented but also has a few quirks. Rain sometimes can be pushy and defiant. Despite her faults, Rain is very loving, gentle and loyal. She is a solid horse and can handle the excited fast movements of children without blinking an eye. She loves head hugs and getting yummy treats.
Rain's therapeutic specialty is in teaching tolerance, patience and boundaries. She is especially good at helping people learn healthy assertiveness as one of her favorite games is to walk on your feet if you let her get too close without letting her know you are kind but firm. She loves with all her heart and never discriminates. She steals people's hearts because she never gives up no matter how much she has been through. She is a lot like many of the people she helps and is truly cut out for this work.
When Rain came to Dreamcatcher she was the first horse on the property. This was to her advantage as all new horses who arrived seemed to accept her more readily just for who she was. Rain is currently third in the horse hierarchy. She is a good friend to many of the animals in the herd, although will occasionally challenge Echo for second place in the hierarchy. Because Rain was “raised” by humans, rather than a horse mom, she is very people oriented but also has a few quirks. Rain sometimes can be pushy and defiant. Despite her faults, Rain is very loving, gentle and loyal. She is a solid horse and can handle the excited fast movements of children without blinking an eye. She loves head hugs and getting yummy treats.
Rain's therapeutic specialty is in teaching tolerance, patience and boundaries. She is especially good at helping people learn healthy assertiveness as one of her favorite games is to walk on your feet if you let her get too close without letting her know you are kind but firm. She loves with all her heart and never discriminates. She steals people's hearts because she never gives up no matter how much she has been through. She is a lot like many of the people she helps and is truly cut out for this work.
Buttons
Buttons is an Arabian Quarter horse who was donated to Dreamcatcher by a kind lady named Maureen. Buttons had cancerous tumors on her side when she arrived. The tumors were removed but Buttons had to endure many treatments to accomplish this. Happily, Buttons is now cancer free.
Buttons is the lead mare in the Dreamcatcher herd and she takes great pride in her leadership. She is fair but firm and accepts everyone so long as they are kind to each other. What makes Buttons so special and unique is her extraordinary sensitivity to her environment. We sometimes refer to Buttons as our “feelings barometer.” She is very in tune to those around her and she will pick up on the slightest of mood or energy. When a person who walks into her space is feeling angry, overly excited, anxious or scared, Buttons will toss her head, flatten her ears and flap her lips at them. Because she is so sensitive, she is reactive to all strong energies. However, when a person who is balanced, relaxed, calm and confident enters Buttons space, she welcomes them. Buttons is known to be drawn to those who are sad. Buttons truly loves people and it is her sensitivity that results in her sometimes being misunderstood as well as makes her the perfect co-counsellor for many people.
Buttons specializes in helping people understand themselves. Because she is highly sensitive, she gives clear messages to people about how they are feeling and how they are making her feel. She is sometimes anxious and has been therapeutically successful in helping people with anxiety disorders and panic attacks. When Buttons first came to Dreamcatcher, she was anxious a lot of the time, especially if she was taken away from her herd. It was a boy with severe anxiety who helped Buttons overcome her own panic behaviors. Buttons is highly skilled at helping people understand that things are not always as they first appear and that some people act a certain way because of how they feel, not because of the kind of person they are. She has also had great success in helping people learn that their angry expressions were sometimes mimicking other emotions, like sadness. Buttons is excellent at teaching labeling, identifying and communicating feelings as well as emotion regulation.
Buttons is a teacher and a trainer and always the star instructor for tours, presentations, workshops and information sessions. She has taught many people from all walks of life about themselves and has provided powerful learning experiences for all involved. Buttons is the best horse to take to conferences to teach the intricacies of Equine Facilitated Mental Health. She is a patient and cooperative teacher.
Buttons loves oats, peppermints, apples, carrots, attention and people. She loves taking care of everyone, especially those who are sad and in need of friend. Buttons excels at taking care of others.
Buttons is the lead mare in the Dreamcatcher herd and she takes great pride in her leadership. She is fair but firm and accepts everyone so long as they are kind to each other. What makes Buttons so special and unique is her extraordinary sensitivity to her environment. We sometimes refer to Buttons as our “feelings barometer.” She is very in tune to those around her and she will pick up on the slightest of mood or energy. When a person who walks into her space is feeling angry, overly excited, anxious or scared, Buttons will toss her head, flatten her ears and flap her lips at them. Because she is so sensitive, she is reactive to all strong energies. However, when a person who is balanced, relaxed, calm and confident enters Buttons space, she welcomes them. Buttons is known to be drawn to those who are sad. Buttons truly loves people and it is her sensitivity that results in her sometimes being misunderstood as well as makes her the perfect co-counsellor for many people.
Buttons specializes in helping people understand themselves. Because she is highly sensitive, she gives clear messages to people about how they are feeling and how they are making her feel. She is sometimes anxious and has been therapeutically successful in helping people with anxiety disorders and panic attacks. When Buttons first came to Dreamcatcher, she was anxious a lot of the time, especially if she was taken away from her herd. It was a boy with severe anxiety who helped Buttons overcome her own panic behaviors. Buttons is highly skilled at helping people understand that things are not always as they first appear and that some people act a certain way because of how they feel, not because of the kind of person they are. She has also had great success in helping people learn that their angry expressions were sometimes mimicking other emotions, like sadness. Buttons is excellent at teaching labeling, identifying and communicating feelings as well as emotion regulation.
Buttons is a teacher and a trainer and always the star instructor for tours, presentations, workshops and information sessions. She has taught many people from all walks of life about themselves and has provided powerful learning experiences for all involved. Buttons is the best horse to take to conferences to teach the intricacies of Equine Facilitated Mental Health. She is a patient and cooperative teacher.
Buttons loves oats, peppermints, apples, carrots, attention and people. She loves taking care of everyone, especially those who are sad and in need of friend. Buttons excels at taking care of others.
Echo
Echo is a thoroughbred race horse. He was a second place winner at Northlands in Edmonton and it is said that he was worth $20,000. While racing, Echo injured his knee and needed surgery to get back on the track. Once healed, he got back on the track but refused to run. As a result, it is believed he was not treated well and then sold to a kind lady for one dollar. She in turn, sold him to Dreamcatcher who was able to purchase him with money donated in memory of a young girl named Hillary who died of cancer. Echo is Hillary's horse and when he first came to live here he was sad and stayed away from everyone, even the other horses. He needed some help to gain a healthy weight and some extra care for his crumbling hooves. Several years later it was discovered that Echo had cancer in his eye lid, which had to be removed. Today Echo is healthy and happy.
In the herd, Echo is second in line in the hierarchy. He is like a “big brother” to the other animals and often plays games with Moonshine, the mini donkey and TeddyBear and Rocky, the mini horses. He takes care of the new arrivals, helping them feel safe and assisting them to find their place in the herd. On occasion he and Mr. Spitzie, the llama, will have disagreements about who gets to be the boss while the lead mare is out of sight. Echo also has a mischievous sense of humor and will often test the boundaries of what he can get away with, such as playfully nudging an unsuspecting handler sending them off balance, or untying his lead rope from the fence…no matter how well secured! Echo is kind and gentle. He seems to be a deep thinker and connects strongly with those he works with.
Echo has a way of making people feel special. As a result, he is most often chosen as the horse people want to work with. This is surprising as he really did not seem to like people much when he first arrived. He has learned to trust at Dreamcatcher and now he is teaching this to others. Echo's therapeutic specialty is teaching kindness and gentleness to people who are generally aggressive or angry. He also excels at helping people follow direction and at teaching people who have been abused that it is ok to trust again.
He has found his forever home here at Dreamcatcher and appears to thoroughly enjoy his new job. He is the first to greet anyone who walks up to the fence and he even calls to those he sees coming from a distance. Meeting Echo is truly a pleasure.
In the herd, Echo is second in line in the hierarchy. He is like a “big brother” to the other animals and often plays games with Moonshine, the mini donkey and TeddyBear and Rocky, the mini horses. He takes care of the new arrivals, helping them feel safe and assisting them to find their place in the herd. On occasion he and Mr. Spitzie, the llama, will have disagreements about who gets to be the boss while the lead mare is out of sight. Echo also has a mischievous sense of humor and will often test the boundaries of what he can get away with, such as playfully nudging an unsuspecting handler sending them off balance, or untying his lead rope from the fence…no matter how well secured! Echo is kind and gentle. He seems to be a deep thinker and connects strongly with those he works with.
Echo has a way of making people feel special. As a result, he is most often chosen as the horse people want to work with. This is surprising as he really did not seem to like people much when he first arrived. He has learned to trust at Dreamcatcher and now he is teaching this to others. Echo's therapeutic specialty is teaching kindness and gentleness to people who are generally aggressive or angry. He also excels at helping people follow direction and at teaching people who have been abused that it is ok to trust again.
He has found his forever home here at Dreamcatcher and appears to thoroughly enjoy his new job. He is the first to greet anyone who walks up to the fence and he even calls to those he sees coming from a distance. Meeting Echo is truly a pleasure.
Buddy
Buddy was donated in October 2013 we noticed that something was just a little off with this old guy. He can’t walk in a straight line properly, as his back end will tilt sideways, often throwing him off balance. He also has 2 bumps above his hips directly where a saddle would sit. We suspect this is from years and years of hard work and imagine it is painful, but he doesn’t complain.
He is a beautiful buckskin quarter horse with a very gentle, caring nature. As a true Albertan, he worked hard and played harder, but has to take it easy now that he’s older. He was quite the athlete in his day though, working the rodeos as a skilled barrel racer and cattle-penner: He was the best. We guess that Buddy is about 27, which makes him a senior horse.
With the help of volunteers, Buddy’s balance has slowly improved over the past year. They work with him often with gentle but consistent muscle training, grooming, and feet cleaning. We have also noticed this long winter season was especially rough on our old timer’s arthritis and have put him on a special diet and supplements to help lubricate his joints.
Buddy is excellent at helping to develop empathy in children, build confidence in those with little to no self esteem, and teach respect and boundaries. He is the perfect horse to help people of all ages overcome fear with his docile nature. Don’t let the sluggishness fool you though! Behind those charming eyes is a horse as sly as a fox and as sharp as a tack, why just last week he taught himself how to open the gates to the pastures and sometimes he can be pretty willful!
He is a beautiful buckskin quarter horse with a very gentle, caring nature. As a true Albertan, he worked hard and played harder, but has to take it easy now that he’s older. He was quite the athlete in his day though, working the rodeos as a skilled barrel racer and cattle-penner: He was the best. We guess that Buddy is about 27, which makes him a senior horse.
With the help of volunteers, Buddy’s balance has slowly improved over the past year. They work with him often with gentle but consistent muscle training, grooming, and feet cleaning. We have also noticed this long winter season was especially rough on our old timer’s arthritis and have put him on a special diet and supplements to help lubricate his joints.
Buddy is excellent at helping to develop empathy in children, build confidence in those with little to no self esteem, and teach respect and boundaries. He is the perfect horse to help people of all ages overcome fear with his docile nature. Don’t let the sluggishness fool you though! Behind those charming eyes is a horse as sly as a fox and as sharp as a tack, why just last week he taught himself how to open the gates to the pastures and sometimes he can be pretty willful!
Teddy Bear
Teddy Bear, Teddy for short, is a Shetland pony who was donated to us by a family with small children. Teddy used to give many pony rides to many children until one day he decided that he didn't want to do it anymore. He started to run in circles when the children were riding him and he became hard to catch. When we met Teddy, he didn't want to know us. He ran from us every time we tried to get near him. He wouldn't even come over if we had his favorite food. Teddy has trouble trusting people and thinks that we only want to be with him to ride on his back. We promised Teddy that we would never ride him and we never have and we never will.
Even after several years of work, Teddy still has trouble trusting. He has improved greatly and will, once he knows you, come and take treats from your hand or out of a bucket. A lot of calm patience is required but once you get a halter on him he relaxes. Occasionally he will still have moments of panic and run in a circle. Teddy prefers calm, slow movements and sounds.
In the herd, Teddy would stay by himself or with the senior horses. Last fall we placed him with our two new mini horses after the passing of his best friend Kenya. Teddy was always the last one into the corral for treats and sometimes you would have to throw the treats so he could get them. Now that Teddy is with the mini horses, he has become best friends with Sally and her son Fitz.
We love Teddy for who he is and we won't give up on him. We'll keep trying to help him to overcome his fear of people and eventually we'll convince him that he will never have to do another pony ride again.
Teddy teaches patience, kindness and empathy. When working with him we are truly working FOR him. He also helps people understand that it is normal to lose trust when we are disrespected or harmed but that it is always possible to gain it back again with love and kindness.
Even after several years of work, Teddy still has trouble trusting. He has improved greatly and will, once he knows you, come and take treats from your hand or out of a bucket. A lot of calm patience is required but once you get a halter on him he relaxes. Occasionally he will still have moments of panic and run in a circle. Teddy prefers calm, slow movements and sounds.
In the herd, Teddy would stay by himself or with the senior horses. Last fall we placed him with our two new mini horses after the passing of his best friend Kenya. Teddy was always the last one into the corral for treats and sometimes you would have to throw the treats so he could get them. Now that Teddy is with the mini horses, he has become best friends with Sally and her son Fitz.
We love Teddy for who he is and we won't give up on him. We'll keep trying to help him to overcome his fear of people and eventually we'll convince him that he will never have to do another pony ride again.
Teddy teaches patience, kindness and empathy. When working with him we are truly working FOR him. He also helps people understand that it is normal to lose trust when we are disrespected or harmed but that it is always possible to gain it back again with love and kindness.
Ceilidh and Daisy
Ceilidh (pronounced “Kay-leigh”) is a standard donkey and is the sister of Daisy. Both Ceilidh and Daisy were donated by Sue McIntosh of the Healing Hooves program and came to live at Dreamcatcher in 2006. Before coming to Dreamcatcher, they worked with Sue helping children and youth with mental health issues.
When Ceilidh was born, her mother refused to feed her or look after her. Ceilidh was fostered out to a loving family where she was bottle fed. Soon after, Daisy was born by Ceilidh's mother. It was assumed that Daisy would be treated the same as Ceilidh was but in fact, Daisy was treated well by her mother and was able to stay in her care as a young jenny. In the end, both Ceilidh and Daisy went to live at Sue's and now reside at Dreamcatcher where they help people understand that life may sometimes seem unfair but it often works out for the best in the end.
Ceilidh is very sweet and usually calm and laid back. She loves working with people and enjoys a good ear scratch. Her best friend is her sister Daisy and the two of them are joined at the hip. If separated from each other they become very distressed and when they are reunited both will nuzzle and dance around together, sometimes braying gleefully.
Ceilidh and Daisy have an adopted brother, Mini Donkey Moonshine who usually follows them around. Moonshine likes to play and like any younger sibling can sometimes be a pain! Both Ceildih and Daisy are tolerant and loving toward Moonshine but will put him in his place if needed.
At some point in Ceildih’s life she over ate and foundered. This is evident by the large fat deposit in her neck which causes her neck to flop to the right side. Ceilidh did recover from her time of founder and hasn’t experienced it since, however her neck will always remain flopped to the side.
Both Ceilidh and Daisy LOVE treats! When they see you at the treat barrel they will put on a singing show of ‘Eyawing’ and braying so loud that you have no choice but to feed them. They love working with people and help them to overcome their fears, accept things the way they are and learn to be loving and kind. They also help people increase their frustration tolerance and learn to be patient. They are great at helping people become good problem solvers.
Daisy is a standard donkey and the younger sister of Ceilidh. Both Daisy and Ceilidh were donated by Sue McIntosh of the Healing Hooves program and came to live at Dreamcatcher in 2006. Before coming to Dreamcatcher, they worked with Sue helping children and youth with mental health issues.
Daisy’s older sister Ceilidh was not treated well by her birth mother so it was assumed that Daisy would be treated the same as Ceilidh was but in fact, Daisy was treated well by her mother and was able to stay in her care as a young jenny. In the end, both Daisy and Ceilidh went to live at Sue's and now reside at Dreamcatcher where they help people understand that life may sometimes seem unfair but it often works out for the best in the end.
Daisy is bright, spunky and spirited! She likes working with people but she has a mind of her own and she is never afraid to share her opinion. Like her older sister she absolutely loves a good ear scratch and is always ready for a bucket of yummy treats. Her best friend is her sister Ceilidh and the two of them are joined at the hip. If separated from each other they become very distressed and when they are reunited both will nuzzle and dance around together, sometimes braying gleefully.
Daisy and Ceilidh have an adopted brother, Mini Donkey Moonshine, who usually follows them around. Moonshine likes to play and, like any younger sibling, can sometimes be a pain! Both Ceilidh and Daisy are tolerant and loving toward Moonshine but will put him in his place if needed.
Both Daisy and Ceilidh LOVE treats! When they see you at the treat barrel they will put on a sing show of ‘Eyawing’ and braying so loud that you have no choice but to feed them. They love working with people and help them to overcome their fears, accept things the way they are and learn to be loving and kind. They also help people increase their frustration tolerance and learn to be patient. They are great at helping people become good problem solvers.
When Ceilidh was born, her mother refused to feed her or look after her. Ceilidh was fostered out to a loving family where she was bottle fed. Soon after, Daisy was born by Ceilidh's mother. It was assumed that Daisy would be treated the same as Ceilidh was but in fact, Daisy was treated well by her mother and was able to stay in her care as a young jenny. In the end, both Ceilidh and Daisy went to live at Sue's and now reside at Dreamcatcher where they help people understand that life may sometimes seem unfair but it often works out for the best in the end.
Ceilidh is very sweet and usually calm and laid back. She loves working with people and enjoys a good ear scratch. Her best friend is her sister Daisy and the two of them are joined at the hip. If separated from each other they become very distressed and when they are reunited both will nuzzle and dance around together, sometimes braying gleefully.
Ceilidh and Daisy have an adopted brother, Mini Donkey Moonshine who usually follows them around. Moonshine likes to play and like any younger sibling can sometimes be a pain! Both Ceildih and Daisy are tolerant and loving toward Moonshine but will put him in his place if needed.
At some point in Ceildih’s life she over ate and foundered. This is evident by the large fat deposit in her neck which causes her neck to flop to the right side. Ceilidh did recover from her time of founder and hasn’t experienced it since, however her neck will always remain flopped to the side.
Both Ceilidh and Daisy LOVE treats! When they see you at the treat barrel they will put on a singing show of ‘Eyawing’ and braying so loud that you have no choice but to feed them. They love working with people and help them to overcome their fears, accept things the way they are and learn to be loving and kind. They also help people increase their frustration tolerance and learn to be patient. They are great at helping people become good problem solvers.
Daisy is a standard donkey and the younger sister of Ceilidh. Both Daisy and Ceilidh were donated by Sue McIntosh of the Healing Hooves program and came to live at Dreamcatcher in 2006. Before coming to Dreamcatcher, they worked with Sue helping children and youth with mental health issues.
Daisy’s older sister Ceilidh was not treated well by her birth mother so it was assumed that Daisy would be treated the same as Ceilidh was but in fact, Daisy was treated well by her mother and was able to stay in her care as a young jenny. In the end, both Daisy and Ceilidh went to live at Sue's and now reside at Dreamcatcher where they help people understand that life may sometimes seem unfair but it often works out for the best in the end.
Daisy is bright, spunky and spirited! She likes working with people but she has a mind of her own and she is never afraid to share her opinion. Like her older sister she absolutely loves a good ear scratch and is always ready for a bucket of yummy treats. Her best friend is her sister Ceilidh and the two of them are joined at the hip. If separated from each other they become very distressed and when they are reunited both will nuzzle and dance around together, sometimes braying gleefully.
Daisy and Ceilidh have an adopted brother, Mini Donkey Moonshine, who usually follows them around. Moonshine likes to play and, like any younger sibling, can sometimes be a pain! Both Ceilidh and Daisy are tolerant and loving toward Moonshine but will put him in his place if needed.
Both Daisy and Ceilidh LOVE treats! When they see you at the treat barrel they will put on a sing show of ‘Eyawing’ and braying so loud that you have no choice but to feed them. They love working with people and help them to overcome their fears, accept things the way they are and learn to be loving and kind. They also help people increase their frustration tolerance and learn to be patient. They are great at helping people become good problem solvers.
Moonshine
We have had Moonshine since he was 6 months old. The lady who rescued Rain and Mr. Spitzie, Cindy, made Moonshine special for us. She breeds mini donkeys and had promised us a Jack as soon as he was weaned from his mother. Moonshine came to live with us in the summer of 2006. At first he refused to walk or go through gates when he was led on halter. Now, if he is wearing his halter, the only way he’ll walk is if he can hold the rope in his mouth and walk himself! He is truly a donkey! Moonshine follows us everywhere when he is not on lead and he is the first to run up and meet and greet new people.
Moonshine loves to play and often can be found wrecking havoc in the pasture by chasing all the larger animals and smacking Echo, the race horse, with large sticks that he holds in his mouth to do so. Moonshine is the adopted little brother to standard donkeys Ceilidh and Daisy and he loves to follow his big sisters around. Moonshine is also friends with the miniature horses Teddy and Rocky, but he seems to be particularly fond of Echo. He and Echo spend many hours playing and goofing around in the pasture. Moonshine is a delight to watch and to be with.
Moonshine specializes in helping people feel welcome and comfortable, providing a wonderful sense of comic relief, teaching people to remember to play and have fun and helping people who have a fear of large animals to overcome their fear while building their self confidence. Moonshine is also very sensitive and has been known to stay with people who are weeping until they feel better.
Moonshine loves to play and often can be found wrecking havoc in the pasture by chasing all the larger animals and smacking Echo, the race horse, with large sticks that he holds in his mouth to do so. Moonshine is the adopted little brother to standard donkeys Ceilidh and Daisy and he loves to follow his big sisters around. Moonshine is also friends with the miniature horses Teddy and Rocky, but he seems to be particularly fond of Echo. He and Echo spend many hours playing and goofing around in the pasture. Moonshine is a delight to watch and to be with.
Moonshine specializes in helping people feel welcome and comfortable, providing a wonderful sense of comic relief, teaching people to remember to play and have fun and helping people who have a fear of large animals to overcome their fear while building their self confidence. Moonshine is also very sensitive and has been known to stay with people who are weeping until they feel better.
Mr. Spitzie
Mr. Spitzie is a horse-protecting llama. If you can’t find the horses, just look for Mr. Spitzie because he is sure to know where they are. Mr. Spitzie was rescued by a kind lady after she stumbled across him on his way to the sausage factory!
Spitzie is a self-proclaimed horse and though he does not associate with other ruminants, he is still very kind to Uncle Snee, Buttercup, and Chuckles. He just considers himself to be on a whole other level in the social hierarchy! But seriously, Mr. Spitzie is a very dedicated protector of the entire herd. He takes it upon himself to check out any possible threats to the herd. When new people, animals or objects come near, he is first to inspect and let the others know if the situation is safe and acceptable. Whenever you take an animal out of the pasture, particularly a horse, Spitzie is sure to stand very close, supervising every move to ensure that you are treating his herd members in an appropriate and dignified manner. Mr. Spitzie is very conservative and values propriety.
As a result of Mr. Spitzie dedicating every waking moment to guarding the herd, he tends to be a bit uptight while sacrificing his own needs. Llamas need to take time lying down to chew their cud, but horses graze most of the day. So as the horses move about the pasture, so does he. He often doesn’t take “Spitzie Time,” but he’s learning.
The regal Mr. Spitzie specializes in teaching people to care for others and be kind to everyone while learning how to balance their own needs. He teaches socialization skills, frustration tolerance and anger management. He is a quiet confidante who is always willing to lend a helping hoof.
Spitzie is a self-proclaimed horse and though he does not associate with other ruminants, he is still very kind to Uncle Snee, Buttercup, and Chuckles. He just considers himself to be on a whole other level in the social hierarchy! But seriously, Mr. Spitzie is a very dedicated protector of the entire herd. He takes it upon himself to check out any possible threats to the herd. When new people, animals or objects come near, he is first to inspect and let the others know if the situation is safe and acceptable. Whenever you take an animal out of the pasture, particularly a horse, Spitzie is sure to stand very close, supervising every move to ensure that you are treating his herd members in an appropriate and dignified manner. Mr. Spitzie is very conservative and values propriety.
As a result of Mr. Spitzie dedicating every waking moment to guarding the herd, he tends to be a bit uptight while sacrificing his own needs. Llamas need to take time lying down to chew their cud, but horses graze most of the day. So as the horses move about the pasture, so does he. He often doesn’t take “Spitzie Time,” but he’s learning.
The regal Mr. Spitzie specializes in teaching people to care for others and be kind to everyone while learning how to balance their own needs. He teaches socialization skills, frustration tolerance and anger management. He is a quiet confidante who is always willing to lend a helping hoof.
Sally More info coming soon...
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Fitz More info coming soon...
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