Going through a tough time in life is hard to endure alone. Sometimes all it takes is one companion (the right one) to make it all better. Amber Austwick was born with her twin prematurely. Unfortunately for Amber, she was born a special case — unable to breathe while she was in the womb. To fix the problem, doctors had to perform an emergency tracheostomy when she was born. In order to allow air into her windpipe they installed a pipe that would ultimately cut off airflow in her vocal chords making her completely mute. Just like others who’ve needed that one companion to help them survive, Amber also needed that one special someone to help her get through this difficult time in her life. That’s where Shocks the donkey comes in.
Shocks was actually found left for dead when he was finally rescued from a farm in Ireland.
Thankfully his suffering came to an end when the rescuers found him and brought him to The Donkey Sanctuary in Birmingham, England.
Shocks would always lower his head to let Amber embrace him around his neck. It was initially a scary sight for the parents but the duo appeared extremely smitten.
Amber was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, a condition which affects muscle tone, movement, and motor skills.
But even after the surgery she didn’t say a word — that is until one day in November, 2013.
“They still value their time together and they still love their cuddles,” said Amber’s dad.
