In Cork, a donkey named Gulliver visits hospitals to bring joy to patients. He’s part of a therapy team that includes various animals, helping those in need.
Gulliver works with Hairy Henry, a care farm started by Sandra Schmid. For over 11 years, they’ve visited medical facilities, helping sick patients and those with disabilities.
The team includes Sean the sheep, pygmy goats Twig and Bramble, and Skye the horse. Each animal has gone through pet therapy training to ensure they’re ready to help.
They’re busy! When not requested by the HSE, they handle private bookings for group sessions and family fun days. Their visits are always a hit, and some animals even receive fan mail.
Sandra says the animals help break the ice for quieter patients. They encourage conversations about pets, making visits more enjoyable. Recently, they met a former sheep farmer who loved one of their animals, Hetti.
Before starting Hairy Henry, Sandra worked in social care. She wanted to combine her love for animals with therapeutic work. She believes interacting with animals provides emotional and social stimulation.
Last year, they launched the Hairy Henry Educational Trust. Their new program, ‘Giddy Up and Go,’ aims to help teens struggling in school by using animals to build life skills and resilience. Donations are welcome to support this initiative.
For more cute photos of the Hairy Henry team, check out our interview with Sandra.
