The Human-Animal Connection - Pet Life Radio Original (PetLifeRadio.com)

• The Human-Animal Connection 66 Donkeys are the REAL Unicorns

  Discover the enchanting world of donkeys with Ellie Laks, the co-founder of The Gentle Barn, as she unveils the hidden depths of these gentle creatures. Often misunderstood, donkeys are not only kind and empathic but also surprisingly playful and soulful members of the zebra family. Ellie shares heartwarming tales of the therapy donkeys at The Gentle Barn, revealing how they effortlessly connect with humans in profound ways beyond words. Unlike many animals that resist newcomers, donkeys and cows welcome strangers with open hearts, treating them like long-lost family members. Despite enduring myths of stubbornness, Ellie's stories shatter these misconceptions, showcasing donkeys' true nature as peaceful, wise animals that prioritize safety and embody healthy boundaries. Join us for an inspiring journey into the world of donkeys, where their warm gazes and serene presence can settle spirits and touch something deep within ourselves. EPISODE NOTES: Donkeys are the REAL Unicorns

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• The Human-Animal Connection 65 Forever Love with Donkeys

  For thousands of years, donkeys have walked beside us—carrying our burdens, plowing our fields, and offering quiet companionship in times of peace, war, and hardship. These remarkable beings are far more than beasts of burden; they are deeply intelligent, profoundly social, and, perhaps most importantly, natural healers. Their gentle, steady presence is exactly what the world needs right now. In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with Suzanne Velasquez, Director of Forever Home Donkey Rescue and Sanctuary, a 30-acre safe haven in Benson, Arizona, where over 30 rescued donkeys roam freely, at last experiencing the love and kindness they deserve. Yet, the story of donkeys is not always one of kindness. Too often, they have been misunderstood, mistreated, and unfairly judged. But if you take the time to truly see them—to look into their soulful eyes—you’ll understand the truth: donkeys are extraordinary. Their ability to sense human emotions and offer comfort as therapy animals is nothing short of life-changing. Therapy donkeys can be our partners in healing. With their deep sensitivity and unshakable calm, they have an innate ability to guide people toward safety—both physically and emotionally. For those who have endured suffering and trauma, simply standing in their presence can be transformative. Donkeys show us what it means to trust, to heal, and to find peace. This World Donkey Day, we invite you to celebrate with us. Join The Human-Animal Connection and Forever Home Donkey Rescue in honoring and protecting these incredible animals. These stories of resilience, love, and healing will stay with you long after you’ve listened. Tune in and let the magic of donkeys touch your heart. EPISODE NOTES: Forever Love with Donkeys

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• The Human-Animal Connection 64 What a Zookeeper Learned from Animals

  What makes life in a zoo better for animals? Being able to make their own choices and bonding with individuals who care for them. In this episode we meet a warm and joyous zookeeper whose job it was among other things, to prepare crocodiles for their regular medical exams. Crocodiles, who can learn their own names, and will come when called are not only the first species you think of when you talk about “animal intuition” – but how do they know it is time for once every two-year medical exam? Learn how they knew from what shirt the zookeeper was wearing they could predict what was coming that day. What makes them suddenly disappear when it is time for a blood test? Learn all about Albert Ferraro’s experiences with these and other zoo animals, including exotic Tapers with personalities and affection, and Siamang monkeys who delighted with a handheld mirror and other joyful tales about how bonding with one special human can make  EPISODE NOTES: What a Zookeeper Learned from Animals

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• The Human-Animal Connection 63 Pilots to the Rescue

  Flying animals out of disaster areas, or from shelters that are overrun is the mission of Pilots to the Rescue. Pilot Michael Schneider tells heart-warming stories of helping animals get out of bad situations and get to better ones! Michael explains that every year close to a million homeless pets are euthanized in the US, primarily due to a lack of space in crowded shelters. With their non-profit organization, they are able to coordinate with shelters who are in dire circumstances and transport the animals to help them find loving homes with families who have open arms and hearts. Helping at risk animals is the mission of Pilots to the Rescue, and learn how the animals do in flight, as they make their way to safety. Their goal for the year 2025 is to save 2,500 animal souls. Listen to this show and feel inspired about how we change the destiny of animals. EPISODE NOTES: Pilots to the Rescue

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• The Human-Animal Connection 62 Penelope Smith on Animal Consciousness

  Penelope Smith, Author of Animal Talk, Interspecies Telepathic Communication, has been lecturing and teaching Animal Communication all over the world for decades. In this episode she explains her deep feelings and understanding of Animal Consciousness. She more conscious than we are about love and life. This is a delightful conversation that will inspire you to open your own heart and mind to the world of Animal Communication. explains that all beings are conscious. They have emotions and make choices and decisions; they have intentions and a purpose in life. We can learn so much from communicating with them about what is important to them, what they think of us, and how they can teach us so much about who we really are. Penelope talks about the cost to humans of having a false dividing line between humans and other animals, how the notion of hierarchy is dangerous because it leads to treating “others” as less than, whether that is different species, different races or genders, it is time to no longer give power to the idea that humans are superior. There is nothing like communicating directly with animals to help us recognize that they are often EPISODE NOTES: Penelope Smith on Animal Consciousness

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