We have a new large animal vet for the donkeys and sheep, Dr. Jack Kittel from Hoof N’Paws, he has vast experience with all kinds of animals and also loves riding bulls in rodeos. He is a lovely man, a country vet loved by all of the farmers around here.

He came to give the donkeys their six-way shots, and he was shocked at how sweet and calm they were. “These are the nicest donkeys I have ever seen,” he said, and I admit my heart swelled a bit when he said that.

He said few donkeys are as easy with people, and most have never been touched or handled. We touch and visit with our donkeys every day, brush them, scratch their ears, give them treats.

As so many visitors to our Open Houses have learned, our donkeys love children and everyone else who comes to visit with us. We are especially fond of Lulu and Fanny, they are sisters, donkeys are remarkable animals, bright, loving independent and intuitive.

I love having donkeys this battle-hardened animal vet says are the nicest ones he has ever seen. That is one of the nicest things anyone could say to me, or to Maria, who loves the donkeys dearly and spends time with them every day of their lives.