A Pet's Remarkable Role in Aiding a Person's Recovery from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
In the heart of the PrimRose Donkey Sanctuary, I stood facing a despondent Darwin, whose breakfast bowl I held. ordinarily, this was Darwin's most anticipated time of day. But today, dear Darwin turned his back, triggering a sense of fear within me.
Once upon a time, Darwin arrived here as a skeleton, skin and bones, with teeth ground down to stubs. His drab, patchy coat bore testimony to his traumatic past. With loving care and warm meals, he had been nursed back to health. As a regular volunteer at the sanctuary, I'd been introduced to this extraordinary place by my daughter Mehra, who was infatuated with the sanctuary's furry residents.
With a troubled history that was buried deep within me, I'd been reluctant to embrace new experiences. At five years old, I had been molested by a family acquaintance. Years of counseling and Eventually, a strong second marriage could not seemingly erase the scars left behind. The struggle to trust God continued, despite feeling hope, challenge, and incomprehension from Baha'u'llah's teachings, such as "I swear by My life! Nothing save that which profiteth them can befall my loved ones."
I resisted, convinced that I had more than enough on my plate. But Mehra persisted, regaling me with stories of the sanctuary's unique residents – like Hannah, the mini donkey with a dough-like shape, who threw tantrums when separated; Harry, the nervous, overweight donkey who loved being in control; the gentle, affectionate Joey, despite his grim history of abuse and footloose Sheeyore, who had dementia and introduced herself over and over.
"What's the worst that could happen?" I whispered to myself. "I won't make any commitments," I promised.
Unexpectedly, the sanctuary proved to be a beacon of healing for me, nestled in its peaceful embrace. Witnessing the resilience of the donkeys deeply affected me, especially on the day my family situation weighed heavily on my heart. The larger donkeys surrounded me, taking turns bestowing "hugs" by placing their heads on my shoulder and nibbling my cheek affectionately. Their protective half-circle offered comfort and reassurance as tears streamed down my face.
I realized then, that like me, these donkeys were survivors, whether it be psychological scars or physical abuse they endured. Some, like the goofy-faced Carl, kept their distance from humans, while others, like gentle Joey, discovered their safe haven.
Sheila, the sanctuary's founder, had been aware of my past struggles and my newfound interest in energy healing. When Darwin was brought in, near death, she asked if I would work with him. I embarked on a challenging journey, adapting my healing techniques to equines, groaning inwardly at the audacity of thinking I could control their fate. Darwin survived, thrived, and found his "happy ending."
Darwin's stall sat next to Sheila's meal prep station for special-needs residents, and he was a regular vigilant onlooker for his meals. His lower lip trembled with anticipation as he watched his breakfast mash getting prepared. But today, dear Darwin, had you turned away.
With dread coursing through me, I worked with Darwin, desperately trying to restore balance. Although he seemed brighter when I left, I was at a loss as to what had caused his distress.
To our horror, it was later revealed that Darwin had been poisoned. A visitor had fed him toxic daisies. Seeing Darwin dying before me, I grimaced and gritted my teeth, vowing to save him. I threw myself into working with dear Darwin, ignoring the pain and exhaustion that consumed me, convinced that I held the power to fix everything.
And yet, dear Darwin passed away. I crumbled, slumping in grief-stricken despair. I'd fought so hard, prayed so fervently, my heart aching with each radiant memory of our time together. I felt a sense of injustice, believing that all my efforts were meaningless. Days passed, and a cold emptiness settled over me.
But then, something shifted. I felt a gentle nudge, prompting me to delve deeper. It dawned on me that I was not in control – not of life or death. I realized, with a pang of regret, that my entire life, I had been grasping for control. But I could not control the world, nor another soul, nor even myself.
As I wrestled with these thoughts, I found myself reflecting on my journey with Baha'u'llah's teachings. The idea that "... Nothing save that which profiteth them can befall my loved ones" had troubled me, but now, it began to resonate with me on a deeper level. I started to understand that perhaps God had a different plan, a plan far more profound than anything I could imagine.
I decided to let go. I grasped onto the serenity that pervaded me, coasting on the ebbs and flows of life. And in doing so, found solace in the knowledge that all was well. Darwin found his "happy ending" in a place far beyond the confines of this world. The peace that enveloped me as I bore witness to his journey reminded me of the Bible verse: "Be still and know that I am God."
Caring for animals, as evidenced by the story of Darwin the donkey, holds profound significance when approached with a spiritual mindset. it imparts compassion and empathy, provides an opportunity for emotional healing, and fosters a sense of responsibility and purpose, all while nurturing an appreciation for the interconnectedness of all living beings.
In the face of loss and disappointment, I learned that living a spiritual life means surrendering to God's will and trusting that all will ultimately be well. I still don't know why Darwin passed away, or why I was hurt as I was, or why the world is mired in so much suffering. But one thing I do know: there is grace to be found in the darkness, and strength in the heartache. By embracing the ebbs and flows of life with openness and trust, we can find peace, within ourselves and within the world around us.
In the midst of their health-and-wellness journey, the PrimRose Donkey Sanctuary became a sanctuary for mental health, offering healing and emotional support to the narrator. As she worked with the donkeys, including Darwin, she discovered a sense of connection and interconnectedness between all living beings, promoting a lifestyle rooted in compassion and empathy.
The narrator's experience with Darwin, despite the heartache of his passing, underscores the connection between science (the healing techniques she employed) and health-and-wellness (the mental and emotional healing she experienced), highlighting the importance of integrating various facets of wellbeing in human life. Furthermore, her connection with Darwin serves as a symbol of the close bond between pets and their owners, further reinforcing the significance of mental health and wellness in our lives.
