After getting a halter on Fergus for the first time three weeks ago, we did the Happy Dance in anticipation of his feet being trimmed at our farrier’s next visit. Fast forward to yesterday evening…
…and a brief quiz for you. Can you tell the difference between this picture:
And this picture? Hint, look at Fergus’s ears and eyes and where Don’s left hand is. Big, big difference.
Let me tell ya a couple of things. First, a lot happened between those first two pictures. (I put the camera down for a bit in between.) Second, a good farrier, a.k.a Shorty, is worth his weight in platinum. Thanks, Carson!
We’ve been picking up Fergus’s feet without incident since the end of April, and he’s been quite fine with it. What we discovered yesterday is that Fergus isn’t comfortable with people he doesn’t know, and that’s understandable.
Each time Shorty initially tried to pick up Fergus’s first front foot, Fergus got up on his hind legs and/or got himself away from Shorty and Don. Fergus had a bit of a wild look in his eyes and seriously wasn’t having any of it. While Bernard and Ellsworth each have had their moments, it has never been like this.
As Don and I were looking at each other in desperation (and I was thinking to myself that this wasn’t going to happen), Shorty was amazing. Patience, soft touches, soothing words.
Then I saw Shorty softly put his hand over Fergus’s eye. Fergus almost immediately calmed down. Shorty asked Don to cover Fergus’s eye on whichever side Shorty was working and…
…success! Fergus just needed a bit of a blinder! Okay, fine, I’ll admit it. I shed a tear or two of happiness.
Meanwhile, I looked over to see that Bernard had untied himself from the fence and was debating whether to take himself for a stroll to avoid his own foot trimming…
…and was happy to see that Nigel was okay with a dust bath as long as Fergus was within sight.
When the fourth foot was done, Fergus seemed to fly away as soon as his halter was removed…
And now seems to be walking with a new spring in his step. ♥
June 30, 2010 at 3:59 am
A couple more times and he’ll be falling asleep for the farrier.
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June 30, 2010 at 4:48 am
Seems boys love pedicures just as much as some of us girls do… well, when it’s all over with that is.
Di
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June 30, 2010 at 5:12 am
Fergus has come a lloonngg way! Just proves that gentleness and love win! Awesome series of pics!
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June 30, 2010 at 6:41 am
Aren’t equines funny? “If I cant see him, he’s not there.”
I’m so glad you’re making such strides in helping the boys live a fabulous life.
Bernard is such a clown. 🙂
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June 30, 2010 at 6:53 am
We’re all very proud of you, Fergus. And your feet look fabulous!
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June 30, 2010 at 7:32 am
You’re right – he’s certainly struttin’ in that last pic! Yeah for Fergus! Still waiting on the pic’s of you hugging Nigel….
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June 30, 2010 at 8:06 am
Yay Fergus!! What a good boy. Congrats on the foot trim.
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June 30, 2010 at 8:58 am
How wonderful you have a patient, understanding farrier. They are hard to come by! Shorty is a keeper for sure. 🙂
Love, patience, understanding goes a long way! You both have done wonders. Hugs to ya’.
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June 30, 2010 at 9:23 am
Tee-Hee, CeeCee: “If I cant see him, he’s not there.” It’s amazing what little things can sometimes do the trick!
I don’t know from nuttin’ with donkeys, but his heels seem a little high (in horses, the angle of the pastern should equal the angle of the front of the hoof). Is that because Shorty wants to take his time with hooves that haven’t been done before, or is it just a donkey thing, conformation wise?
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June 30, 2010 at 9:44 am
Yayyyyyyyy!!!!! What incredible work you all have done with Fergus! What a great tip Shorty gave you! I loved all the pictures. Beau will actually place his head in the crook of my arm between my arm and my chest sometimes, effectively covering both eyes, when he comes to see me. It certainly feels comforting – I can see how that might be helpful during scary or unusual situations.
Oh, and it’s a good thing you can tell all your donkeys apart or you might have to pain each donk’s hooves a different color like Carson did her chickens… lol 🙂
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June 30, 2010 at 10:34 am
A good farrier is hard to come by. After many tries, we finally found a keeper. Fergus looks fantastically happy now! 🙂
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June 30, 2010 at 11:48 am
I will have to try the eye thing next time one of mine has a farrier fit !
That Bernard !!
To Evensong, That farrier knows what he is doing, donkeys stand higher on the heal then do horses.
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June 30, 2010 at 1:29 pm
Love “Fergus in Flight!” What a great series of photos (as always). Hubby trimmed Ruby’s hooves evening before last. Gracie is up next 🙂 It’s not a back-friendly job, for sure. Not even for the assistant (me). It’s all more than worth it to see them prancing around with their new pedis ♥ -Tammy
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June 30, 2010 at 2:49 pm
Who would’ve thunk it? Just a blinder and the job’s done. Before scrolling down and reading the posting, I was hoping that he didn’t start acting up. Much relief here. He’s an amazing critter that Fergus. I liked the shot of his good buddy keeping within eyesight of Fergus. Anyway, I wish some of our goats were as cooperative.
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June 30, 2010 at 5:50 pm
Whenever I had to trim Bunny’s toenails, I’d cover his eyes. It did help to calm him. Love it when the solution is so simple & non-invasive. It helps to get buy-in doesn’t it? Shorty does sound like an excellent farrier.
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July 1, 2010 at 6:09 am
It makes all the difference when the people who care for your critters are patient an loving.
Hooray for Brave Fergus, letting that stranger mess with his tootsies!
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July 9, 2010 at 2:29 pm
Awww….poor Fergus. But glad he got his feet taken care of.
Suzanne
http://windowontheprairie.com/
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July 9, 2010 at 2:30 pm
Fergus is sure cute. As all your donkeys are.
Suzanne
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