What can I say about this amazing place, the focus of our Karma Project. I first learned about Oscar’s Place from an interview I saw on CBS This Morning. David Begnaud was interviewing Ron King, the founder of Oscar’s Place and by the end I knew this had to be the focus of my retreat.
I have learned a lot about the abuse donkeys endure since watching that interview. Because many societies regard donkeys as a low- status animals, they suffer a lot of abuse. Donkeys are typically inexpensive and hold little value and therefore are used as working animals who receive very little care from their owners. Additionally, China has a strong interest in donkey hides to manufacture traditional Chinese medicines. The gelatin in their hides supposedly has medicinal properties to nourish the blood and strengthen the immune system.
Oscar’s Place has made it their mission to not only resuce as many of these gentle creatures as they can, but also to educate us about the torture they endure. They now have 118 donkeys (as of Jan 31, 2023) and volunteers are needed to spend time with them and help them to trust humans again. Once the donkeys are ready both physically and emotionally, Oscar’s Place help them to find their forever home.
Oscar’s Place has two key requirements regarding adoption. First and foremost, you must ensure that the donkeys will not be used for giving rides, breeding, any type of work, or be used at a petting zoo. Finally, you can only adopt donkeys in pairs; donkeys form very strong bonds with one another and it is devestating for them to be separated.
So, as Oscar’s Place volunteers, we will spend several hours scratching their ears, kissing their noses, giving them hugs, rubbing their bellies and giving their bums a good scratch; they really love that!! The requirements for this tasks are simple; a love of animals and a loving heart.
If this sounds appealing to you, please join us June 21-25 in Sonoma Valley at the Karma Yoga Retreat! I can tell you from experience, these donkeys will catpure your heart; my mom even fell in love with them!
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Yoga & Pilates With Andrea 