We know that all of our critters thrive on routine. Each morning, the boys get two baby carrots each after they’ve touched their nose to my hand. While distributing their yummy treats, I’ve been sneaking soft touches on Nigel’s forehead. I think at first he may not have realized I was touching him… perhaps because he was so focused on the delicious, crunchy par-tay in his mouth.
Over the past week, I’ve become more assertive about touching Nigel… the touches have turned from gentle, barely touches to full on scritches that I give to the other boys. I think he’s been okay with that for two reasons: 1) there’s a fence between me and him; and 2) he’s in the midst of a crowd.
I’ve also noticed that as we stand around their feed tub, it used to be that Nigel was okay standing there with Don or me as long as there was another donkey between Nigel and me or Don. Lately, Nigel’s been okay without the donkey barrier… just as long as we don’t try to reach out for him. That’s progress too.
Each day at lunchtime, I cut up one granny smith apple to share between the goats, sheep and donkeys. I’ve been sneaking Nigel scritches then too. Yesterday, when I moved my hand from Nigel’s forehead to his cheek, he was okay with it!
And that’s progress too! Just look at how calm he is. Woot-woot! ♥
August 5, 2010 at 5:54 am
How exciting!!!
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August 5, 2010 at 6:36 am
YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Good job, Nigel!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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August 5, 2010 at 6:48 am
I’m smilin’ like a fool! HAPPY DANCE, woo hoo, Happy dance!
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August 5, 2010 at 6:49 am
Just shows how love, patience and time heal a whole lot of things including preious donkeys. I so enjoy your blog. You and she who has chickens with painted toe nails, always bring smiles, thoughts or tears (mostly of joy) every morning. Thanks. Happy day.
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August 5, 2010 at 6:50 am
It won’t be long now. I predict a full-on hug by Aug. 14 at 1 pm. Oh, wait – this isn’t a contest?
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August 5, 2010 at 7:00 am
So happy for you to touch and pet Nigel at last. Keep it up and sooner or later, he will be all over you like three other boys. 🙂
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August 5, 2010 at 7:37 am
This is wonderful news! I’m sure you will be crying tears of joy the day Nigel finally comes in for that full-on hug! 🙂
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August 5, 2010 at 7:51 am
all those baby steps add up and before you know it, he will be seeking out your attention. I am amazed you were able to snap a photo with one hand and pet his cheek with the other during such a huge occasion!
Yeah Nigel!
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August 5, 2010 at 8:04 am
Patience and baby steps works wonders!
Way to go Nigel!!!
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August 5, 2010 at 8:19 am
Woot-woot, indeed!
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August 5, 2010 at 8:25 am
((grin))! Love will win out. He’ll be in your pocket before snow falls.
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August 5, 2010 at 10:02 am
I just love his big white nose… soooo cute!
DI
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August 5, 2010 at 10:11 am
I’m really happy for you! There’s nothing like earning the trust of an adopted animal – mine is just a cat, but took a lot of patience anyway!
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August 5, 2010 at 12:24 pm
Awww Nigel, he’ll come around fairly quickly now. Yay!
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August 5, 2010 at 1:47 pm
YIPPEE You got him!!
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August 5, 2010 at 2:14 pm
His face looks so relaxed and trusting. I’m so happy for him to find how great it is to have his very own family. Way to go!
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August 5, 2010 at 3:06 pm
It occurs to me that it’s a darn good thing we were all reading about it from a distance.
The squeals and “hooray!”s and dancing and all would have set him back a couple of months!
🙂
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August 5, 2010 at 3:29 pm
Just like everybody else, we’re all about progress — little or big steps! Before long Nigel will be moving indoors with y’all!
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August 5, 2010 at 8:08 pm
woooo-hoooo! how rewarding for you to see his progress!
(and I think that Linda is onto something….maybe it should be a contest….I’m really wanting to buy something at that csn or whatever store 🙂 )
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August 6, 2010 at 1:04 pm
GO NIGEL!!!! Dude, just wait until you start getting HUGS!! Ain’t nothin’ better than hugs 🙂
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