I could not count the number of evenings, either while preparing dinner or sitting at the dining-corner table, that I would listen to the bray of a donkey in the near distance calling out for dinner.
It was such a comical sound.
I wished I could meet this mysterious donkey.
well...
Introducing
Charlotte - Wonder Donkey
and she has friends and apparently a very, very important job. I didn't wander too close as the look in the steer's eyes was a warning.
Charlotte, a guard donkey, lives with our neighbour where we now buy our eggs. She resides just across the road and waaaay up the hill. You can set your clock to Charlotte's 5 o'clock dinner "hee haw".
For the longest time I wondered where the donkey lived. I would always look up the long drive-ways of the farms as I did my daily walk and wonder if that's where she was.
So, it's nice to finally see her.
Charlotte's job is to keep the loose dogs, fox and coyotes from coming close to the livestock. She has a large field to wander around and keep guard over the cattle, chickens and well-fed barn cats.
When I first learned of this, I was really shocked as I never thought a donkey could protect other animals from predators; especially coyotes. But, you learn something new everyday, don'tcha.
Yep, even at my age.
From Mother Earth News...
Donkeys who do attack a predator will be very aggressive, using their teeth and hooves. They may bray loudly. They will charge the threat and attempt to chase it away. If they confront the predator, they will attempt to bite at the neck, back, chest or buttocks. They may slash out with their hooves or turn and kick the predator. Experienced owners strongly suggest you do not attempt to stop a donkey that is charging or attacking and that afterwards, you allow the donkey to calm down before approaching it.
"Wow...you go, girl."
See you next week, Charlotte.
Early Bird Special...
To all you fussy bluebirds out there...fly by and take a look at our beautifully rustic spring model. This 'cheap' and airy structure will be vacant as of April. I know location is everything when raising a young family. Our wooded landscape provides you with peace and tranquility. Athough, our neighbour's cat, David, who has a short attention-span and can be bought with Temptations, may think he is hiding in the woods. All-day dining available only seconds away in our up-scale fly-thru restaurants and a 24/7 spa for mom. Fly by, bring your friends. I can let it go for a song.
hugs, Deb