I am super in love with Popover and Muffin, the mini donkeys at the farm. The picture of them with my sister gives you an idea of how adorable they are. I lovingly refer to them as “my girls” because they live in the barn I was for which I was responsible for several years. They are notorious for slipping through gates (even when latched) and making a run for the front lawn for better snacking. At this point, Popover, the elder white one is harder to keep plump due to her age but there was a time we had to restrict their eating for fear they would founder. When they arrived, they were obese with fat pads on fat pads on their sides. Now we laugh and leave them on the lawn for a while until we coax them back in with a little grain, but not without some good Samaritan reporting that we have loose animals on the lawn. This also happens with our ancient Shetland pony, Fuzzy who gets free rein. Fuzzy is another story.
My absolute favorite donkey story is one that I would have really loved in video format. One cold night I was brining them in and I didn’t want to have to catch them in the cold so I was haltering them for less hassle. I had Muffin’s halter on and had the gate “”hooked” with my foot so I could easily navigate the two. However, before I could get to Popover, she pushed her way to the front and darted between my legs. She scooped me off my feet with my buns just over her front shoulders and my upper body laying on her back with my face just above her tail. She was just tall enough that my legs did not no touch the ground. She carried me down the little hill and up the other side to get into the barn and all the while I still had a hold of Muffin’s lead rope so she was following behind us. This silly scenario was made worse by the fact that I was laughing so hard I could not breathe. I was laughing so loudly that my sister came from the other barn to see if someone was hurt, but missed the show. In my laughing, I was befuddled as to how to get off. I knew any shift would likely make her buck with the potential of smashing my face or throwing me in some way. I am not a petite person and I didn’t want to injure her so I had to think quickly. She walked right into the barn with me not really bothered by my being on her back until I finally attempted to shift my weight to my left foot to try to get off and she promptly dumped me in the aisle. My fear was not about the fall but the potential damage of little hooves. Somehow she gave a spunky buck without striking me.
These donkeys have a job on the farm. They actually keep coyotes away from our new calves. The sound they make can be ear piercing but it really does work. They are known for alerting through their bray and for kicking with their back hooves. The bigger role they play is that of adorable pets that have ears that look like they were mistakenly added. They have very stubborn and funny personalities. They literally can lock their feet in place and refuse to go like no other animal I have ever met. They are also very smart. Donkeys and mules seem to have amazing memories and they will decide if they like you or not. And it is clear if they dislike you. They remember if you wrong them in any way. This gives me all sorts of things to think about. Donkeys have lots of lessons to share.
1st They don’t complain about a heavy load or burden but just keep going with one foot and then the other.
2nd They are unapologetic for their voice and looks.
3rd They are natural protectors who speak up when danger is present.
4th They are incredibly persistent.
5th Their charm can outweigh their stubbornness.
If you have gotten the chance to watch Ted Lasso yet, you will remember “be a goldfish,” referencing the animal with the shortest memory. I am thinking Ted was onto something. As much as I love the donkeys, I am going to leave off the trait of not liking those who have wronged you as a strength, but it does still fall under the protection lesson. Perhaps it is more self preservation.
If you are thinking a mini donkey would be a nice addition to your family, keep in mind, they don’t like to be alone. They, like humans, like to have companions. Every single animal I come across seems to have lessons to share. Big and small. Sometimes the small lessons can have the biggest impact.