October 14, 2010
Just like clockwork, the boys line up next to the barn for a stand up siesta every afternoon. Oddly enough, most of the time they’re in the same order and same direction. Ellsworth on the left facing north. Bernard to Ellsworth’s south, facing south. Fergus to Bernard’s south, facing north. Nigel to Fergus’s south, facing north.
Remember to click on the photo to embiggen if you’d like to see more detail. Thank you, Vicki in Michigan for the fabulous word embiggen. ♥
October 11, 2010
It is through this blog that we have had the fortune of becoming acquainted with some extraordinary people, and many extraordinary donkeys. We’re grateful to our new friend Gayle for sending us the following to share with all of you. ♥
In Gayle’s words:
I finally paid a visit to PrimRose Donkey Sanctuary near Roseneath, Ontario last Sunday. Founder/proprietor Sheila Burns introduced me to many of the individual Donkeys, then kindly allowed me to wander at will amongst them with my camera.
I must say I have never visited a more peaceful place, nor met so many gentle and trusting creatures. What struck me most was how well they all got along and how well they accepted an unfamiliar person in their midst. Large groups gathered around the hay feeders and ate companionably, while others paired off for mutual grooming, or dozed in the sun.
I didn’t see one single act of aggression or dominance the whole time I was there, nor did any of the group around the hay feeder mind at all when I joined them and poked my camera lens in their faces while they were eating. Considering some of their histories, the calmness and trust they show is indeed a tribute to the care and healing they have received at the Sanctuary.
At present there are about twenty equines in residence mostly Donkeys, but also three Mules, and one Pony. They’re all different sizes and ages, and have widely varying life histories, some being rescues from abuse and neglect, others given over when a caring owner was no longer able to care for them, or had passed away. The oldest is Lucy, age 42.
Several others are well into their twenties and thirties, including PrimRose herself who is now 34 years old. These seniors and some of the rescued animals will stay at the Sanctuary for the rest of their lives. Other younger healthy animals that have not endured traumatic early lives, or that have been physically and emotionally rehabilitated, may be made available for fostering / adoption to carefully chosen individuals subject to terms and conditions to ensure their continued wellbeing, thus making room for newcomers.
Although PrimRose is officially a Donkey Sanctuary, no needy large animal is ever turned away which is why two Sheep, a Goat, and four Potbellied Pigs also call the farm home. I’m sure Wynonna over at the 7MSN would approve.
Please invite your Blog Viewers to visit the Sanctuary’s website. There are three Photo Galleries there: Donkeys, Other Animals, and New Faces. Each has photos and brief biographies of several of the Sanctuary residents. (To access each “New Faces” bio you need to click on his/her picture.) There’s also some educational information under the “Donkey 101” tab.
As for myself, I’m partial to Annabelle and Leon.
Annabelle in three months has gone from a being a skinny little lice-infested Jennet so bloated with worms as to appear pregnant, to being one of the most beautiful and charming little Donkeys you’d ever want to meet … I dare say as adorable as Bernard, but in a dainty feminine way ! It was very hard to get an in-focus photo of her as she is so people-friendly that she kept coming closer and closer to the camera.
Leon is a handsome young Donkey of 6 years who was caught in the middle of a domestic situation and spitefully turned loose to fend for himself … on a road ! After some time he was caught and held by Animal Control which insisted, when he wasn’t claimed by the owner, that he go to a Livestock (Meat) Auction rather than being sold directly to the Sanctuary. He was in decent body condition but with a severe case of overgrown hooves making it difficult for him to walk. Three months, two farrier visits, and a castration later he is moving freely and ready for adoption.
Annabelle, Leon, and the lamb Christina-Rose were all rescued by being purchased at the same auction.
And here’s Joey, a longer term resident who had been badly abused but is now happy and friendly, and who has the cutest long ear hair.
The latest two rescues, Simon and O’Sullivan of whom you already know from Sheaffer’s Blog, are also pictured. They share a paddock and have become fast friends. O’Sullivan still looks pretty rough, and being quite old will take a long while to recover, but he is on the mend enjoying all the attention and providing fly-swishing services to his new friend Simon who as you know has a broken and immobile tail, but is otherwise in good condition.
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
October 10, 2010
We just wrapped up a wonderful visit with Don’s sister, Debbie, and her boyfriend, Derek. Great family, great food and great fun made for a fantastic couple of days.
Debbie was smitten with Nigel, and Nigel with Debbie.
They spent a lot of time together, which was wonderful for Nigel.
Not to worry, though. There was plenty of love, attention and affection for everyone.
Ellsworth and his Aunt Debbie shared some laughs.
Debbie was so at ease with the boys. They knew they had it good with her here visiting. She’s a beautiful person, inside and out.
Just look at the smile on Ellsworth’s face.
His ears are another pretty good indicator of his happiness.
There aren’t too many things better in Ellsworth’s book than a good ear scratch.
Thank you, Aunt Debbie.
Bernard gave out lots of hugs…
… and had fun playing his donkey games with Derek.
It warmed my heart to see Fergus showing affection to both Debbie…
… and Derek. Fergus has come such a long way in such a short amount of time.
By the way, Derek is a phenomenal chef, a masterful bartender and an incredibly fun person to be with.
Before they left for the airport, Derek and Debbie presented us with this process flow map for dog barking at Morning Bray Farm. It’s spot on. ♥
October 7, 2010
When you last saw Bernard, he was mulling things over.
Because he was in a playful mood, he was contemplating what to do next. The sure sign that Bernard is in a playful mood is ears pinned back.
Another sure sign is donkey stink eye.
If he makes his ears disappear completely, you can be really sure he’s in a playful mood.
Stirring up the dirt is fun.
Look at how cute his nose is… covered with dirt.
Aggravating his brothers is great fun.
Even Fergus isn’t immune to Bernard’s antics.
Neither am I.
So much fun makes a donkey boy tired. Drop and roll is an excellent relaxation technique.
So is showing the world how incredibly cute and adorable he is.
Still LOVE the curled feet.
His ten-second power nap allowed me to take an aww photo. I’m not kidding about the ten seconds.
Like any two-year old, Bernard loves to draw. I’m not kidding about this either. He loves to pick up sticks and drag them around the corral. I think this is more to hear the sound of the stick dragging on the ground… same principle as the poop rake dragging the ground.
Right about now is when Bernard paused to mull things over yesterday. After contemplating for at least 30 seconds, he turned to me to ask, “Mamma, am I cute?”
Me: Of course you are, Bernard. Everyone knows you’re the cutest ass in the universe. ♥
October 6, 2010
Bernard was mulling things over yesterday afternoon. Just look at that concentration.
If you even remotely know Barnyard, you have a guess. What do you suppose he was contemplating?
September 29, 2010
In celebration of their marriage, my parents bought a miniature poodle puppy. They named her Fete… a French word meaning festival, celebration or party. This picture is of my daddy, me and Fete.
Fete lived to be 16 1/2 years old. ♥
“My” first dog was another poodle, whom we rescued. We named her Jolie, because she was so beautiful. Très jolie. ♥
My fond memories of Fete and Jolie make this next picture even more special for me. Meet Ellsworth and Gordy.
Gordy’s mom, Martina, recently acquired a donkey bank that she named Ellsworth because the bank has similar color to Ellsworth. According to Martina, Gordy has many characteristics like a donkey: sweet, good sense of humor and loves scritches. Gordy is a rescue, and like Ellsworth and Co, Gordy arrived at a very loving home.
Martina shared that sometimes she feels like adopting Gordy was the best thing she’s ever done for herself. His grin makes her heart happy. ♥ ♥ ♥
This picture is of Gordy, formally known as Gordon Lightfoot vonPudel (Martina gave him a classy name to make up for his neglected/abused puppyhood), and Georgie, formally known as Georgie Tara. Georgie is Martina’s other poodle; she’ll be 13 next month. Gordy is très handsome and Georgie is très jolie. Hugs to you two!
I’ve always found there isn’t much middle ground for most folks when it comes to poodles. Love them or not, in many circles, poodles are regarded as the second most intelligent breed of dog after the border collie, and before the German Shepherd. The breed is believed to have originated in Germany, where it is known as the pudel… and standardized in France, where it was commonly used as a water retriever.
What was your childhood pet and what was his or her name? If you have photos that you’d like to share, email them to morningbray@hotmail.com and I’ll post them here. ♥
September 28, 2010
Back in June, we took the boys’ Jolly Ball away after we discovered Bernard stepping on and shredding it. Naturally, we were terrified that Bernard would eventually swallow a piece of it.
The following week, we brought home a brand new Jolly Ball for the boys. Blue Jolly Ball wound up with the same fate – in the trash can – after only one day. Just like that, Mister Bernard had shredded it.
Fast forward several weeks. Guess what happened to neon orange traffic cone? If you guessed trash can, you’re right. Poor, poor traffic cone… chewed to bits by Bernard. Note: This picture is obviously not from July of this year, but it is the cutest picture ever of Barnyard with the traffic cone. It may also be the reason Bernard felt it was necessary to shred traffic cone.
So, imagine our surprise yesterday evening when we looked out the window to see something that looked a bit like this. Really, Bernard?
Don had obviously parked the tractor too close to the corral and Bernard was sucking/chewing on the tractor tire. Really, Bernard? ♥ ♥ ♥
Note: Tractor is not in trash. Tractor was moved.
September 27, 2010
It was one year ago today that Ellsworth came into our lives.
We’ve had an incredible year with him and are looking forward to many, many more. To celebrate his fourth birthday, he’ll be getting Paco treats and lots of extra hugs and scritches. And he’ll be showing us where to scritch.
You see, Ellsworth has learned that he can show us where he wants to be scritched.
Mamma, scritch right here, please.
A little to the right, please, Mamma.
That’s perfect…
…but I’m just going to move your hand over a tad to exactly where I’d like it.
Umm… Mamma? You’re not stopping now, are you?
Pretty amazing, hmm? Watching Ellsworth blossom over the last year has been incredibly rewarding. We think the sky’s the limit for Big Red. ♥ ♥ ♥
Okay, Bernard, it’s like this… I point here and you scritch…
Happy Birthday ‘Worth! We love you so! ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
September 24, 2010
It’s a good thing Carson loves the boys, because they sure do love her. There was practically a riot here when she showed up yesterday morning.
Carson had the honor of being the third two-legged to touch Nigel. We think that’s quite appropriate because if she hadn’t come into our lives, our beloved boys probably wouldn’t have either.
Carson was there with us on day one for Ellsworth. It appears he hasn’t forgotten that.
Once the ruckus quieted down, Carson was able to spend some time with Nigel. Pretty cool.
For Don and me… one of the highlights of our day… fresh eggs from 7MSN.
And wait, there’s more. In true Carson fashion (this lady never does anything half-assed), look at the 7MSN egg carton. Morning Bray Farm officially has the coolest egg carton ever in our refrigerator. Ever. ♥
9/24 Note from Carson: Click here for the source of the egg cartons – they come with label sheets and the vendor also has a Word template for the labels that you can download.
September 22, 2010
If anyone ever tells you donkeys can’t tell time, be assured they don’t know what they’re talking about. Every evening, right about 5:30 or so, the drama begins. If you didn’t know better, you’d think the boys were starving and hadn’t been fed for three days. It usually goes something like this:
Bernard thinks flaring his nostrils and sucking in his breath makes him look super skinny.
Ellsworth prefers to play the sympathy card.
Ellsworth: Oh mamma, I’m so hungry I can’t hold my head up.
Ellsworth: Bernard, let’s try puppy-dog eyes and see if that works tonight.
Ellsworth: I wish Carolynn was here. I bet she’d feed me right now.
Nigel and Fergus: Oh my gawd. Can you believe these clowns? Do they have no shame?
Bernard: Heck no, I have no shame! Look mamma, I’m flaring my nostrils again! I’m so hungry and skinny.
Ellsworth: Mamma, we need sweet feed, stat! I’m just going to pass out this instant!
Me: Oh, Ellsworth. I love you, my angel. You do save the drama for your mamma. ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
Morning Bray Farm 