hanging on by jantan

hanging on

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.

Well that must have kept you busy. Did the donks enjoy the attention
May 2nd, 2013  
Great characters these two. Shame about your goats eye though. Sorry to hear that.
May 2nd, 2013  
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.
May 2nd, 2013  
Wonderful!
May 2nd, 2013  
Your donks look such good friends & I don't think the inspectors need worry these donks have the best life possible with your family!!!

Love these kissing donkeys.
May 2nd, 2013  
Showing you how he unhooks his buddies head collar!
May 2nd, 2013  
You must get some reward for looking after the donkeys so well? Apart from their mischievous company, that is! This shot is great cropped like this!
May 2nd, 2013  
Nice capture
May 2nd, 2013  
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.
May 2nd, 2013  
I just love this POV and close crop of the docks muzzles. Really great shot Jan. fav
May 2nd, 2013  
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.
May 2nd, 2013  
Love the tight crop!
May 3rd, 2013  
Awwwwwww this is too cute.
May 3rd, 2013  
aw beautiful fav
May 3rd, 2013  
Very nice - they are such friendly creatures.
May 3rd, 2013  
That is so cute! I love the image of the goats dragging the donkeys around the field haha
May 3rd, 2013  
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!
May 3rd, 2013  
Such a poignant shot xx
May 3rd, 2013  
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....
May 3rd, 2013  
JH
Yep, I somehow doubt that the inspectors see many happier donks, but glad they made it official.

Pirate goat! Brilliant! @judithg
May 4th, 2013  
@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.
May 4th, 2013  
What a sweet shot. Must be a bit nerve racking.
Poor Mr Billy Goat.
May 5th, 2013  
Love this! FAV
May 8th, 2013  
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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