In the midst of the uncertainty and isolation of the COVID years, small moments of joy became more meaningful than ever. Rumors got around to a group of city employees, that joy during those long lonely days arrived in the form of two long-eared, soft-nosed miniature donkeys living quietly at a local resident’s home.

When meetings started up again, and life got back to normal, the donkeys were still talked about by those who would come to city hall. In the middle of one such conversation, Carole Vanzant, Asst City Manager, mentioned that she had heard about them since COVID but didn’t know where they were. Well, it turns out that the councilman she was talking to was the owner of said donkeys! Not just any donkeys, but friendly little ones who loved attention and happily accepted hugs.

Word spread quickly among the city employees. The thought of meeting these gentle animals sparked smiles even during the worst of days. Before long, a small group including Carole, Rachel, Kelsey and others arranged to visit the councilman’s home after work one afternoon to see the donkeys for themselves.

The moment they arrived, any lingering stress, or doubt, seemed to melt away. The miniature donkeys ambled over with curious expressions and twitching ears, greeting their visitors as if they had been expecting them all along. Their soft noses and patient personalities made them impossible to resist.

One by one, the city employees reached out to pet them and soon discovered that hugging, petting and feeding peppermints to a miniature donkey is exactly as comforting as it sounds.

Laughter filled the yard as the donkeys leaned into scratches and affection. Phones came out for photos, and the simple act of standing in the sunshine with animals and visitors created a moment of perfect connection.

The visit left such an impression that the group later turned one of their favorite photos—two of the donkeys standing proudly together—into a large canvas now displayed at City Hall. It serves as a daily reminder that sometimes the best therapy comes with four hooves, long ears, and a heart full of kindness.