donkeys are different

Donkeys are different to what? - well, ponies for a start (not that I know much at all about horses or ponies - I have never been an equestrian queen) and as I am finding out, they are pretty well different to any other creature I have come across!

Our two miniature donkeys are newcomers to the farm. I could call them an 'impulse buy' - certainly an impulse opportunity, but after some donkey networking, we decided to give them a go. Whether they remain the 'two and only' or become the founding members of 'Dove Farm donkeys' is yet to be decided. At the moment we are just getting to know each other, and it's a steep learning curve all round.

Dandy and Rusty are half-brothers, aged about 18 months and 14 months respectively. As donkeys can live into their 4os, you will understand that these two boys are just babies really. Although one is much bolder and bossier that the other one, they depend very much on each other, and get along together pretty well most of the time.

I love their spontaneity and openness, and am touched by their trust. it's no wonder you hear such bad stories of cruelty towards donkeys . They are inquisitive, curious and interested in everything new. Dandy and Rusty's favourite thing is the wheelbarrow - never fails to create excitement and grab their attention. I haven't worked out its attraction yet - scratching post, interesting contents, something to test their strength on, who knows?

What I do know, is that donkeys smell (surprisngly strongly) and so do I when I have been around them. Henry reminds me of this joyfully and frequently, taking his revenge for all the years I have complained about him smelling of cows and silage and muck - oh well, only 40 years to get used to it.