In The Donkey's World

When you hear the word donkey, what's the first thing that comes to mind? An animal that pulls a cart in the Middle East? Well, in some cases that is accurate, but donkeys have SO much more potential than that! Sometimes they are abused, while other times they are worked their whole lives until, lack for a better term, drop dead. Speaking from experience, I can say that donkeys can bring so much happiness and joy into your world. Horse lovers get attached to their animals, so why can't donkey lovers?

People really underestimate donkeys. I myself have 8 of them. They are all my favorites, but there is one that has been a part of my life since the day he was born. His name is Bear. He is in the picture above. He is about 6 months old now and I am training him for World Competitions. In the beginning, he was nervous, and didn't want to be around me. But after a couple weeks of working with him, he began to trust me, and that was a very special moment. I halter trained him, and now he LOVES the halter! He loves to work! I will walk into the pasture, and he comes running up to me.It makes me happy that I have such a special connection with him.

1. Donkeys are social animals. They love to play and spend time with each other.

2. Donkeys WILL NOT breed with a horse unless they were trained to when they were young.

3. Donkeys are stubborn. When they do what you want, its not because they want to, its because they have no other choice.

4. Sometimes, donkeys can get overweight from too much hay (coastal/alfalfa). They will show signs of this when the skin on their neck begins to flop to one side. (See image below). In my experience, the Jennys I have that are pregnant lose that as soon as they give birth.

Whether you want to admit it or not, some type of animal can bring anyone joy. For me, its donkeys. They mean a lot to me, and it upsets me when they are harmed. I would like to teach people about them so that they can understand the importance of how donkeys can help us!