Compass is excited to welcome Susannah and Chloey to the Farm
Earlier this week, Compass Farm celebrated the arrival of two miniature donkeys with a delightful morning tea. It was wonderful to have our valued donors join us in officially welcoming Susannah and Chloey to the Compass Family.
The morning began with Compass CEO David Dangerfield sharing a touching story about a young woman who previously attended Compass. This woman experienced such severe anxiety that she couldn’t tolerate being touched, even by her parents, and had withdrawn from all communication.
David stated, “She hadn’t lost her voice, she was still verbal but had withdrawn from communicating with others. Over the weeks and months at Compass her anxiety eased through her engagement with the animals, she eventually progressed to grooming the ponies and helping with feeding other animals. She then gradually started interacting and having conversations with other Trainees and Staff. Her parents and family were able to hug her and she became capable of leading a normal life without the anxiety or fear.”
“Her whole life changed and so did the life of her family”
“So today we aren’t just welcoming two donkeys to Compass Farm… we’re welcoming two new therapists to our team… two magicians who are going to help us bring out the very best in the people who attend Compass”
Compass Farm 2IC Tina who has worked hard behind the scenes to create this opportunity for the Compass Farm stated, “Animal therapy and companion animals is a practice proven through evidence-based research to have many benefits for mental and physical health. Such benefits include decreased feeling of isolation and depression, provides comfort, reduces boredom, lowers anxiety, reduces loneliness and much more. Animals represent reality, they eat, play and show emotions as they maintain a safe psychological presence. Animals offer friendship through non-verbal clues, which can be an easier form of communication than typical human spoken communication.”
“Donkeys in particular have “dog like” personalities and are naturally calm animals with enormous therapeutic benefits.”
“Touching, grooming and cuddling donkeys allows people to relax and feel a sense of nurturing and connection. A donkey’s emotional intelligence could help to develop the psycho-social and emotional skill set of humans, and the physical act of touching an animal calm both the human and the animal through oxytocin being released in the body through activation of touch receptors in the skin. This release of oxytocin provides a calm and connection reaction, including changes in behaviour as well as lowered blood pressure and pulse rate. Donkeys also tend to be protective of humans, and naturally respect the human need for personal space. This special aspect of donkeys is useful in all cases of fear.”
Susannah and Chloey have settled in wonderfully. Although Compass Farm’s veteran Shetland Pony Valerie was unsure about their arrival at first, she has now warmed up to them and enjoys having some new friends in the paddock. After all, we know Valerie will always be the original boss lady!
Compass extends its thanks to North Coast Plumbing, the Crosby Family, Maroochydore RSL, Neil Mansell Concrete, Fencescape, and our individual donors. Your support will create a lasting impact for years to come.
Enjoy the library of images from the morning below.
