Hamoriko is a 40-year-old donkey who has spent his entire life hauling carts.
Despite the heavy work, he was not being properly fed and his previous owner didn’t care about his health needs.
It was only when Hamoriko could no longer stand that his former owner decided to let him go free.
Luckily, the old donkey was found and taken in by the Starting Over Sanctuary.
The Starting Over Sanctuary staff felt their hearts bleed when they saw Hamoriko.
So thin, so tired, the animal couldn’t walk and even the muscles of the mouth were so weak that he couldn’t eat.
The Starting Over Sanctuary provided for all of his needs, from leg support for him to stand up to nutritious food and companionship of other animals.
Above all, they enveloped him in the warmth of their love and unconditional support.
Yes, love can create miracles. It strengthened Hamoriko’s will to live. Later, after two months, as the other animals gathered around him,
Hamoriko tried to stand on his own. Even though he didn’t succeed, he touched the hearts of everyone at the shrine.
Then, a week later, the next miracle happened! Hamoriko was able to stand unaided. And he started jumping and running!
It was the fulfillment of everyone’s prayers! Now Hamoriko eats healthily and roams everywhere.
Now he also plays the role of king of the sanctuary, overseeing the hundreds of animals in this Israeli refuge for donkeys,
horses, sheep, dogs, ducks and many others who have suffered at the hands of man.
Hamoriko has had her share of pain from mistreatment, but at the Starting Over sanctuary,
she has finally found a home where she and other animals like her are loved forever!
