Our sweet little donkey “George” is celebrating his 6th birthday today !!! 

He even shared his cake with his bestie Little Lad … 

Sometimes the most amazing moments with our donkeys aren’t caught on camera. Either we don’t have our camera with us or it would ruin the moment to try and capture it. Today was one of those days …..

George was having a mid morning relax in the opening to his stable, all tucked up and looking very cosy. Little Lad was just outside enjoying some straw. I approached George very calmly, sofltly speaking to him. He stayed laid down. I got down in the straw too … and slowly inched my way closer. I was laid next to him and he just gently sniffed me and stayed down …. it was the most amazing experience I have ever encountered with a donkey. He is such a calm and gentle soul ……

Yesterday we walked through our small hamlet and through and around a field with our two gorgeous boys by our sides. They behaved amazingly. They get so excited about going out now …. They know exactly what is going to happen when they get outside their electric fence area. George has to walk around the puddles and Little Lad likes to stop to see all the other animals and humans on the way round.  Both them and us have come a long way in a year ….

So today for the first time we tried Little Lad in a Dually headcollar by Monty Roberts. It didn’t take him many minutes to get used to it. We were just leading them around in their enclosure. George who isn’t so strong was in his normal headcollar. For those who don’t know Monty Roberts,  he is the godfather of intelligent horsemanship, working  with both man and equine showing respect and kindness rather than dominating your animal with fear and brutality. The headcollar we used applies pressure if the Little Lad tried to bolt/run from us. He walked in hand by my side, shoulder to shoulder without any resistance or pulling. For the first time in ages we took the boys outside their electrified area but still within the confines of their field. No problems ! Just walking calmly not trying to stop and chew on the grass every two paces or trying to pull away. Slowly slowly …. We will be up the road and over to the next village in no time …

So our boys should be awarded a Golden  Carrot as they certainly put on a show when Sophie and Lou came to visit from the Donkey Sanctuary!

Little Lad who is normally a bit reserved was very inquisitive. I think Lou had  deliberately doused herself in mint cordial before she arrived as he wouldn’t leave her alone. He frisked every pocket! 

Gorgeous George was his normal cute and overwhelming self wanting to be everyone’s friend. Two donkeys in a field no headcollar, just showing how amazing they are and how settled they are with us. It was quite fitting that Sophie and Lou should visit on that day , as it was 1 year ago exactly that we had the call to  meet our boys for the first time. Our year has been filled with the most amazing and overwhelming experiences. It is impossible to imagine our life before these humble creatures blessed us with their love and antics……..

Here are some pictures of our boys playing to the camera and showing how settled they have become ……

So here it is. Over the last 11 months that we have been custodians of these amazing animals, we have learnt a thing or two and so have they. 

They are more intelligent and sensitive than most people would give them credit for and there is nothing stupid about them. 

When we do the usual routine of picking out their hooves I always say ” come on lift it up” as I gently persuade them to stand on 3 legs and let me clean out the hoof in my hand. Over the last couple of days Little Lad has been very keen to lift his feet up …. Today was simply a revelation! 

He watched while George had his grooming session and then walked into me as if to say ” don’t worry about my headcollar today, I can’t wait to to have my pampering “. 

So worry I didn’t and set about grooming him all over. He does love this and his little bottom lip starts to quiver when he gets really relaxed. Then on to his feet ( still no headcollar). I always show them what I have taken out of the grooming kit so as not to worry them. I was still scratching his shoulder when suddenly I realised he had his leg in the in the air – waiting for me to take it and clean out his hoof. Simply amazing. I only had to move to the next leg and he was there, hoof in the air – all 4 legs the same. This donkey is so intelligent it’s scary ! And trusting too … Who knows where we will be in another 12 months ! 

We love our donkeys 🐴🐴💖💕

They didn’t want to get out of bed this morning – know how they feel ! 😴

So as today has been very tropical weather wise I thought the boys should have  their on taste of the tropical too ….

So in their evening meal they had banana, melon and the obligatory carrots!!

They licked their bowls clean … Yum Yum !!

We have bought a dog toy today and try to donkey proof it …. Not sure how long that will last. 

Here is the reaction …. Once again it’s curious George to investigate. Khush also thought he would demonstrate- lol ! Have fun boys !! 

Donkey or dinosaur ?

Little lad being the larger of our two donkeys managed to limbo under the fence yesterday to the lush green grass ! But he was very coy about it. George on the other hand, Mr Compliant wouldn’t dream of doing something so naughty, but he did grass up ( get it ) his friend by sounding the alert – EEEEYORE ! 

However Little lad made no resistance to being taken back in, we just un hooked the fence and he merrily trotted in ! You can’t blame him for trying that grass does look greener !