First, for Mel in N.Y., here’s Bernard modeling the chucker a la Morning Bray Farm. Thanks, Carson!
Now, on to Bernard’s exgooberance for the poor, poor Jolly Ball.
Don came home last week to find Bernard stepping on and shredding the Jolly Ball.
Poor, sad Jolly Ball wasn’t jolly anymore. Of course Don immediately took it away from Bernard for fear that he would swallow a piece of it.
A trip to the farm supply store yesterday morning brought us home with a shiny new Jolly Ball. Bernard was very skeptical.
Upon further examination…
Bernard determined that the new Jolly Ball was worthy of his attention. Hmm… same technique though. We’ll have to keep an eye on Bernard and his new Jolly Ball.
Meanwhile, we have some other extremely exciting news to share! Nigel let me touch him for the very first time yesterday morning. Back-to-back scritches on his forehead… we’re totally okay with baby steps buddy. Love you. ♥
Morning Bray Farm 
June 7, 2010 at 4:36 am
I can’t believe Bernard destroyed a Jolly Ball … those things are REALLY tough! Wow!! Love the reenactments, especially with Nigel … sweet!
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June 7, 2010 at 6:41 pm
Pat,
Thanks! We thought Jolly Balls were indestructible!
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June 7, 2010 at 5:46 am
Wow, that IS good news! Past experience tells me that Nigel will be a polite, in your pocket burro in no time flat. (Paco is one of the most polite, respectful horses I’ve ever handled. I think he and Nigel have much in common with each other personality wise.)
Hooray for Nigel and his friend the chucker.
And looks like you’ll have to watch the Jolly Ball sales and stock up when they have them on special. Ha-ha.
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June 7, 2010 at 6:39 pm
C,
It’ll be interesting to see how things happen. I still constantly worry about rushing him (I’m working really hard not to). I know I worry too much, but I so want him to know he is loved! 🙂
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June 7, 2010 at 6:57 am
Bernard and his antic’s…. love ’em! Hooray for Nigel! I’m sooo glad you were able to touch him… now I’m just waiting for you to be able to give him a big ol’ hug from all of us in blogland….
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June 7, 2010 at 6:34 pm
Nancy,
Me too!
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June 7, 2010 at 7:05 am
Wave to the nice people, Bernard.
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June 7, 2010 at 6:33 pm
Carson,
He’s working on his beauty pageant wave right now. 😉
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June 7, 2010 at 8:54 am
Bernard was just trying to tell you it was time for a new jolly ball, and look…it worked!
That is terrific news about sweet Nigel. One day soon you will be posting about giving him a full body hug, I just know it!
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June 7, 2010 at 6:33 pm
Lilla,
I sure hope so too.
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June 7, 2010 at 11:29 am
I wondered the other day if Nigel was allowing your mom to pet him as he seemed to be a part of the group.
Those darn jolly balls! My German Shepherds love them but also destroy them pretty rapidly and they are so expensive. We just bought a new one last week and it’s already got teeth marks all over it. I’m going to show your picture to my husband – he didn’t think an equine could be as hard on one of them as our dogs.
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June 7, 2010 at 6:32 pm
ms martyr,
They are expensive… good golly, Jolly! I wonder what your hubby will have to say. 🙂
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June 7, 2010 at 12:39 pm
Oh my! Bernard! You GO boy! Those balls are to be played with until they burst. Yep, that is the way to go with a Jolly Ball! I am thinking of getting a 10″ indestructible ball… maybe. Huppie kills all balls but it is a joy to watch her work =)
Nigel…. you wonderful, beautiful, sweet boy! Hurrah for scritches! You are in the sweet spot little one…
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June 7, 2010 at 6:31 pm
woofwhinnywhisper,
And does he ever play with them until they burst!
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June 7, 2010 at 1:04 pm
Thanks Bernard, now I understand the chucker !
And good boy Nigel I just knew you would be a people donkey soon.
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June 7, 2010 at 6:28 pm
Mel,
Bernard says, “You’re welcome” and Nigel says, “Thank you”. 🙂
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June 7, 2010 at 3:35 pm
I am a friend of C in WI and I can vouch that Paco is an amazing horse. He’s so sweet–I can’t imagine what life would be like without him. With a little patience, I’m sure Nigel will be just as sweet and cuddly and you’ll wonder how you ever got through life without him.
C in WI got me hooked on your website and now I visit it religiously. Love your pictures, please keep up the good work!
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June 7, 2010 at 6:27 pm
L,
That’s so kind of you. Thanks so much. 🙂
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June 7, 2010 at 7:43 pm
My girls won’t even look at their jolly ball… hmmmmph! 🙂
Exciting news about Nigel… Yesss!!
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June 7, 2010 at 8:55 pm
Tammy,
Don’t feel bad… Bernard really does seem to be the only one (along with Ellsworth once in a great while…) so far who really plays with it. But then again, what doesn’t Bernard want to play with? 🙂
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June 7, 2010 at 9:20 pm
Well, it certainly is a jolly blue. I wonder if something less destructible is needed. Like an armored tank. 🙂
Love the glove addition. I thought he might have had a question.
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June 7, 2010 at 9:26 pm
Winter,
You’re hysterical! Yes, it would appear that Bernard does need an amored tank, ha!
And I so wish I could think of a witty question right now, but can not. Alas, that picture would be excellent for our next celebration contest, non? 🙂
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June 8, 2010 at 6:45 am
I think it is astonishing that formerly wild donkeys adapt so quickly.
I am amazed that Nigel is coming along as quickly as he is, and utterly boggled that others take to the life-with-humans pretty much instantly…….
Good boy, Nigel. You are doing great!
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June 8, 2010 at 6:49 am
Yay Nigel! He’ll be hunting those skritches in no time.
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June 8, 2010 at 8:58 am
Isn’t it thrilling when an animal lets you get near them for the first time? I had a rabbit several years ago that was extremely shy and it took me a year and lots of tears before he finally let me touch him. Big moments, those.
xoxo
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June 8, 2010 at 2:19 pm
Oh, happy day for Nigel!!! I’m so thrilled for you. Continue with the baby steps, even if they are on Jolly Balls…
I had a funny comment (well, funny in my mind) about Bernard trying to give you a hand, but someone made a funnier comment about him wanting to ask a question.
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June 8, 2010 at 3:06 pm
Wow! Bernard needs to tone it down with his jolly ball abuse. Like some of the others, I can’t believe he put such a hurtin’ on that thing. I wonder if he hasn’t had some help along the way? Really good to read about Nigel allowing scritches. I’m sure that’s such a big joy for y’all. Pretty soon he’ll be hanging out in the hacienda with you 😉
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