My husband and I are very fortunate to have added Murl and Teddy to our equine herd. They are the first donkey equines in our menagerie (5 horses, 2 dogs and 2 cats). Initially, the horses checked them out and snorted with indifference.
Let’s start at the very beginning. Donkeys were not at all in our plans for future animals before March of 2002. At that time I went on a short vacation to see an aunt and uncle in Arizona.
Just for the fun of it, my uncle and I went to a very small abandoned mining operation, which consisted of a barn with restaurant and a whole lot of rusted and crusty-looking mining equipment laying out and about with no identifiers. As we walked about, peeking into long ago closed up and dilapidated miners shacks, we heard a very obnoxious “hee-haw-haw-haw”. We followed our ears to a nice sized corral where I saw two of the most beautiful animals that I believe God ever created. They were both chocolate-colored standard sized donkeys and were, of course, begging for our attention, which we promptly gave them. Finding a few bales of hay hidden in a corner of a lean-to, we snatched up a couple leafs and began feeding these gorgeous animals, who did not think twice about indulging. We soon had to leave, hearing donkey brays on our way out.
After coming home to Colorado, my husband had to hear the big news of my trip – DONKEYS. After explaining at great length how beautiful and affectionate these animals were, he got the picture – yes, I was hooked. So, we “surfed” the internet to read all we could about donkeys and donkey care, and that’s where we found out about the Longhopes Donkey Shelter. After requesting information from the internet page, we were sent brochures and typed pages to check out. We read it all, then called with more questions. After mulling over all the information we decided we had best wait at least another year before taking on more large animals.
Well, Kathy called and asked if we would consider adopting a pair of donkeys, since more would probably be coming this fall and she would like to adopt some out before that. I right away said “no” we were going to wait another year. I called Chuck at work and told him of the phone call and my big, soft-hearted husband said of course we should adopt a couple of donkeys right away. Within 15 minutes we called Kathy back to set a date to get introduced to a fine donkey pair.
And, what a fine donkey pair we selected and received – Murl and Teddy, both large standard donkeys that we specifically chose for riding. Teddy is the lover and Murl is the worker, and what a fast learner. My 76-year-old mother calls Murl “her donkey” and he will be her riding donkey, since the horses are much too large for my tiny mother (all of 5 feet 2 inches and 105 pounds!). We have ridden both of these beautiful animals, but have a lot more work to do before riding down the road. In 2 months the donkeys have come such a long way: they approach us for pets, they halter fairly easily, they are patient with saddling, we can trim their hooves, and they have their own “donk stall” which the horses can not get. Teddy and Murl are quite the pasture buddies and players. And what a hoot – my Charly Horse, (a large quarter horse), has adopted these donkeys as his personal grooming pair. Both Teddy and Murl stand patiently as Charly Horse licks them clean; what a soggy pair of donkeys when he is finished! Chance, (our 3-year-old quarter horse) thinks they are his playmates; he carries a Jolly ball around behind them! (see the picture on the last page to see their introduction.) All in all, the donkeys have brought us much joy and happiness. Hopefully Chuck and I will both soon be retired and move to a larger acreage; then look out! More and more donkeys! We LOVE them dearly – what a blessing they have been. Chuck says they are “adorable” and I know that too! Thank you Longhopes Donkey Shelter!
ADDENDUM (February 28, 2003):
And now there are three, yes three beautiful donkeys in our pasture. We feel so blessed to have added “Elvis”, a spotted donkey and a Longhopes’ favorite, to our herd. Elvis slipped into the donkey routine immediately. As a bonus, he also gets along quite well with the horses and assumes his place among them at the feeder. He enjoys playing with Teddy and Murl; all three hang out together and play tug-of-war with the cones or the Jolly ball. Elvis is quite the affectionate one, but whoa! – he is also quite the tester. He thinks working should be left up to Teddy and Murl, who have done round pen work for a while and do very well. Elvis does better each day, and we love him tremendously..
