big day today, two inspectors from the donkey sanctuary came round for their annual visit to make sure that I am looking after the donkeys I foster from them. So I spent the morning (and the past few days if I am honest) poo picking, sweeping the yard, grooming the donks and generally tidying up.
I actually get inspected four times a year, but once a year the regional officer comes out as well as the local representative. When they are here they check the donkeys' weight, feet and that they are up to date with all of their vaccinations, dental checks, farrier visits and worming. I always get slightly nervous in advance, but is usual it all went extremely well.
While they were waiting in the yard for the inspectors to arrive the donkeys got quite bored. They don't wear their head collars all of the time, partly because they can be dangerous if they get caught on something when they are out in the field, but also because they always manage to remove them from each other, and if they don't do it then the goats hook their horns through the collars and drag the donks around the yard. The donks don't seem to mind that and put their heads down so the goats can get access to them.
The vet came round this evening to look at the goat's eye. We are to stop treating it because it is not infected any more, but he has almost definitely lost almost all of his sight in it, and it is still bright red and devilish looking. Doesn't look like he is going to make his normal appearance at the village's May Day celebrations on Monday - he might scare the little children if he does.
I would love to fave this twice, once for the cute shot and again for the lovely story, I have an image of the goats puling the donkeys around the yard.
Aah ,friends forever !! love this tender moment. They sure know how lucky they are in having you as their Foster mum !! Glad to know the goat's eye is better.
They look like they are whispering secrets to each other. I loved your story about the goats dragging the donkeys around - it really made me smile. Another lovely shot.
Donkeys are such characters! But then, all animals have a real personality! Love how you caught their personality ... their obvious affection for each other and their playful nature.
Well done!
I'm loving that purple halter - would love to see the goats leading them (though obviously only for a very short and safe time!) Thank goodness the inspector didn't see goat's eye - he would have stuck the donks straight in his car home! Can't you take him with an eyepatch and a kerchief round his neck (maybe a parrot?) - seems a shame for him to miss the fair....
@judithg Funnily enough Judith I had been thinking about some kind of patch affair myself. It would be a shame for him to miss it because he is such a friendly little chap and I would hate for people driving through the village to miss the surreal sight of Graham and I (and any kids who don't think it would be too embarrassing - none this year I should think) walking through the village with two donkeys and two goats on leads.
Aw, that is so sweet. I'm glad you were there with your camera to capture this tender moment. Fav.
It's interesting to learn about the inspections for donkey foster parents. Even though is a bit stressful for you, I'm very glad that someone checks up on the donkeys just in case some foster family isn't taking good care.
The mental image of the donkeys being willingly led by the goats gave me a giggle. I thought you were the one who posted the video of the goats hopping on a donk's back, so I backtracked a little bit and found it. Also happened upon the shot of Cashew in the feed trough, peeking over the edge. Such a shame about his eye. :-( He's an adorable little character and lucky to have a safe place to live with his diminished eyesight.
May 31st, 2013
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Love these kissing donkeys.
Well done!
Pirate goat! Brilliant! @judithg
Poor Mr Billy Goat.
It's interesting to learn about the inspections for donkey foster parents. Even though is a bit stressful for you, I'm very glad that someone checks up on the donkeys just in case some foster family isn't taking good care.
The mental image of the donkeys being willingly led by the goats gave me a giggle. I thought you were the one who posted the video of the goats hopping on a donk's back, so I backtracked a little bit and found it. Also happened upon the shot of Cashew in the feed trough, peeking over the edge. Such a shame about his eye. :-( He's an adorable little character and lucky to have a safe place to live with his diminished eyesight.