Sometimes the news seems to be unremittingly miserable.

Mass killings, political uncertainty, real poverty in our midst and abuse revealed on a massive scale. Little wonder then that depression abounds in our divided society.

From time to time however, something joyful does happen. In the paper (October 6) I was quite amazed to discover an article about donkey visits to care homes and hospitals. The pleasure these visits give to patients and relatives is, I think, wonderful. It cheered me up too. I can certainly remember donkeys on the beach at Yarmouth.

READ MORE: Donkey visits work wonders for hospital patients and care home residents

What a brilliant therapeutic idea such visits are. Animals are one of God's greatest gifts. When we can no longer keep them, good Samaritans like Sarah McPherson fill the gap.

The pictures of donkeys meeting folk represent truly imaginative care. Wonderful, newsworthy stuff.