Maria calls it a donkey trance. Almost every day, she kneels down next to Lulu or Fanny (Lulu was especially affectionate today) and the two talk, or commune, or listen. The love between them is palpable, and the peace and calm and spirituality of the donkeys work their magic. Gus has taken to joining in these beautiful and touching meditations.

Maria says it’s like being in a trance,  the rest of the world recedes.