Harmonious Endings  by Harmony

Editors Note:  Last November Longhopes traveled to Wyoming with three donkeys:  Harmony (a 6 year old BLM feral jennet); Willis (an 8 year old BLM gelding) and Jackson (a 2.5 year old gelding).  All three donkeys were rescued from separate homes and auctions, but this trip was their last trip.  They were going to a forever home with Phil and Ray Deane Card.  We recently received this letter from Harmony (with Ray Deane’s help)

Dear Longhopes:

Jackson, Willis and I want you to know that we are safe and happy in our new home.  We are sending you some pictures to show you.  We have 160 acres to share with our new herd, which consists of 5 horses, 5 mules and 1 BLM jennet (who was really desperate for donkeys to even out the equine balance).  It is difficult to describe how beautiful it is here.  We have a deep row of trees, a river and mountain cliffs.  We have shelter (which we really need in the winter) and all the food we want in big round bales.  We even have Elk to watch.

I have made a new, very big yellow friend-her name is Elly Mae and she is a Belgian Cross mule.  Despite her size she doesn’t frighten me.

Jackson is happy running with the horses and mules.  He EVEN sleeps with them.  He also “rules the roost”  by making everyone wait for treats until HE finishes his turn.  You’d think the horses and mules would rebel since they are 3 times his size , but they all just follow along.  I’d like to know his secret.

My friend Willis has made it his job to keep counsel with the only other BLM donkeys on the property, Emma and I.  The three of us like to walk the area of the property that most resembles the ranges we lived on before we were captured.  I guess it has made us closer to share the history of being feral donkeys.  Maybe we just all appreciate how pampered we are now.

However, sometimes Willis and Jackson will go off and chase each other.  Boys will be boys you know.

Everyday we get hugs and treats because Ray Deane and Phil are retired and home with us.  We have learned from Emma that braying speeds up the treat arrival.  Sometimes we sneak up to the house and then bray.  Guess what happens then?   The treats come flying out the door.   Ha ha ha EEE-hah.

                                                                Love Harmony