080: They Grieve, They Love, They Remember: Inside Donkey Dreams Sanctuary
About this episode
This episode explores the emotional complexity of donkeys and the work done at Donkey Dreams Sanctuary.
A donkey can grieve so deeply after losing a bonded companion that they stop eating. That is only one of the powerful truths Amber Raleigh and Edj, co-founders of Donkey Dreams Sanctuary, reveal in this unforgettable conversation with Cheryl Moss. Donkeys are often dismissed as stubborn or treated like smaller versions of horses. But these intelligent, emotionally complex animals think, love, remember, form lifelong relationships, and experience profound grief. Amber and Edj care for nearly 100 wild burros and rescued donkeys at their GFAS-certified sanctuary in Arizona. Their approach is built around trust, respect, and keeping donkey families together whenever possible. In this episode, you will discover: Why donkeys are dramatically different from horses What wild burros experience during government roundups Why separating bonded donkeys can have devastating consequences How Pete began to heal after meeting Lila What it means to honor a donkey's sovereignty How Donkey Dreams provides care without relying on force Why Amber and Edj are developing a new 40-acre home How they are preparing young people for careers in compassionate animal care Simple ways you can support Donkey…
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