So Simon, it turns out, is not all sweetness and light and gratitude and bonding. Our farrier Ken Norman came to the farm today to trim the donkey’s hooves, and I had to be away for the visit. Maria said it was a total brawl with Simon bucking, kicking and banging Ken off of the barn walls. It was amazing, she said, close to a full blown fist fight. Ken Norman is a big and strong man, and the donkeys generally love to be still for him, but Simon was on a rampage. Ken, as always, hung in there and kept at it and got Simon’s hooves trimmed. He and Maria both said they thought it was because I wasn’t there – Simon has never had his hooves trimmed when I wasn’t present to hold his head.

When I got home, Simon followed me around like a puppy, then almost went after Red. What’s up, boy?,” I said and I rubbed his forehead for awhile. I think – and I am surprised to say this – that Simon just needs more attention. Donkeys are notoriously unpredictable and independent, but this is a new side of Simon. He has always stood still for me, even when he was nervous about having his legs touched, which he often is. I will be spending more time with him, and we’ll see.

Simon and I have this very strong connection, and I haven’t quite figured it out but we seem to read one another. I think he is agitated about something, and I felt this when the Rocky trouble began as well. I’ll need to pay more attention.