Residents of the Anbarg care home in Etten-Leur had to blink twice on Thursday. There two donkeys walked through the corridors of the residential complex. The surprise quickly made way for joy, because the residents were allowed to cuddle extensively with the fluffy visitors. “I don’t forget this anymore,” says one of the residents.
Ilona Schalk (47) from Prinsenbeek has been working in healthcare for 25 years. Ten years ago she decided at Christmas to take a donkey to work. “That was received so nicely at the time,” she says Southwest TV. Ilona decides to do that more often and to delve into the animals. Ten years later she regularly goes on with her donkeys Lizzy and Fayke all West Brabant. The goal? Make people happy and give a nice day.
“We often visit people who are lonely.”
“We often visit people who are lonely or live with a condition or illness, but we also go to schools or other institutions,” explains Ilona. The people visibly does the visitors visibly well. “The reactions of the elderly are really heartwarming. And a donkey does not judge,” Ilona knows from experience.
She notices that the animals often evoke memories. This is also the case with a resident from the ANBARG. “I am a real animal person. More than a people person,” says one of the residence. “They don’t ask for anything, they take you as you are. I also always rode horse in the past. Unfortunately, that is no longer possible, but that’s why I think it’s so nice to hug the donkeys. I don’t forget this anymore.” Another resident mentions the animals babies. “I love it!” She says happily.
It is special for Ilona that her donkeys are always received so well. “A big animal is coming at you, but hardly anyone is afraid of them. Fayke even puts her head on the lap of a resident or she gives a kiss. That’s nice to see.” A resident has no trouble with that either. “You don’t see a beast so close every day,” she says.
“If a donkey doesn’t want something, he doesn’t.”
“We often get the question whether the donkeys want this,” says Ilona. “But if a donkey doesn’t want something, he really doesn’t hear that,” she laughs.
The residents of the ANBARG are visibly happy. There is firm cuddling and talking about the animals. Many of the residents used to have pets. She is doing well that they can hug again with an animal. “I’m really an animal person,” says a woman. Fayke puts her head on her lap satisfied.
