Let’s face it, Lulu has my number.
She just has figured out how to get to me, she turns those big round eyes on me and sticks her nose through the gate, pleading for a nose rub and an Alfalfa cookie.
For 15 years, we’ve danced this stance. I say something, “you don’t need a cookie, stop trying to manipulate me,” and I pretend to be tough and resistant.
And then I see her big soft nose and hear the soft touching bray and I walk into the barn, open the trash can full of alfalfa cubes, and bring one out to here and Fanny.
It got me the first time she did it 15 years ago, and it has never failed since. The truth about donkeys is that they are wicked smart, surely way ahead of me.
You’d think I’d give up pretending, not that I’m fooling her or anyone else.
I don’t know why I still pretend to be tough, it doesn’t work and has never worked with her. Fanny just comes along for the ride. She doesn’t have to do anything, and she gets a treat also.
We humans must seem so silly and transparent to both of them.
I have three donkeys and, for some reason, being let into the back yard to graze is the bestest, most awesomest thing ever. Mind you, they have nearly 4 acres of fields to graze, but no, the back yard is the best grass ever. But someone has to watch them because there are lots of potted plants and donkeys LOVE to pull plants out of the pots. The wailing starts as soon as they hear my car in the driveway and continues, nonstop, until they get their way. And don’t even mention the cookies that are their right……
Nice message Joan, I forget the part about plants and pots..donkey fun. Thanks for the note..