 Socratoad says: I resisted making a smart "ass" remark. I used to raise these very bright animals. From my observations they appear to be brighter than horses. Thanks Socratoad, I've always considered its a much-misunderstood and underestimated animal... I used to raise these very bright animalsAs pets, Socs, or working animals? I have always felt so sorry for these little beasts because here in Africa and the Middle East they are often overburdened and so abused - you see a huge moving cargo but all one sees of the donkey are four spindly little legs poking out. We have an organisation here in SA that does its best to care for working horses, mules and donkeys, especially in the Cape region where they are used to pull heavy carts carrying anything from scrap metal to loads of manure. Often their bridles are fashioned out of wire which cuts their mouths and their harnesses are rough, ill-fitting and uncushioned and chafe d... As pets Michelle, and secondarily to help protect sheep and goats. Speaking of abuse: more years ago than I care to admit was a pilot in the Canadian Air Force temporarily stationed at a French Air Force base near Rabat Morocco. It was so hot that we had to fly from early morning until 11 am local time because the aircraft became too hot to touch or refuel. So each afternoon we took an Air Force bus to a wonderful beach on the Atlantic coast. On the way to the beach we came across a giant of a man riding a very tiny donkey, his feet dragging along the ground, and his tiny Berber wife staggering along in the oppressive heat leading the poor little donkey. About then I lost my normally ... "clockwork" http://clipmarks.com/clipmark/107526DB-A570-4023-A337-F676BCA3D8EF/ I have clipped on the work of a donkey sanctuary. : You are correct Michelle I am not religious, however I like to think of myself as not being an anti-religious bigot, so I would be honored if you would post the G.K Chesterton poem Thank you abailart, I very much appreciate the link to that site. Oh, Socs, a man after my own heart. I love that story. Thank you for flinging that fat Berber off that tiny donkey (and elevating that tiny wife). You're a man of stones! And all the donkeys of Africa thank you for your gallantry. Your answer poses another question, if you don't mind, Socs. I'm a tad confused, how do donkeys protect sheep and goats? And thank you, I'd love to post the poem. I'm just going to type it up. Superb link, abailart. Tks. The Donkey a poem by G.K.Chesterton When fishes flew and forests walked And figs grew upon thorn, Some moment when the moon was blood Then surely I was born; With monstrous head and sickening cry And ears like errant wings, The devil's walking parody On all four-footed things. The tattered outlaw of the earth, Of ancient crooked will; Starve, scourge, deride me: I am dumb, I keep my secret still. Fools! For I also had my hour; One far fierce hour and sweet: There was a shout about my ears, And palms before my feet. If a donkey or donkeys live with other animals, especially animals smaller than themselves they soon begin to develop a proprietorial attitude towards their adopted families and will attack any wolves or feral/stray dogs who try to kill the sheep or goats. ..... kicking and biting quite ferociously. A donkey will kick with both back legs which can dispatch a wolf or dog, plus one would not wish to be on the receiving end of the teeth of an enraged donkey. Llamas also make very good livestock guardians. Thank you Michelle, that is beautiful, and conjures up stories and pictures from my past.. I never knew that about donkeys and Llamas. Thank you for explaining. |
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