Look into a donkeys’ eyes, and you will see history, bear witness to the spiritual and agricultural and work evolution of man. You will see hard and cruel treatment, and love and appreciation. You will see wisdom, empathy, eyes that pierce a soul and brush against it. Eyes that have seen so much, and have much to tell, most of which we will never hear.
Donkeys were first domesticated by the Assyrians and Egyptians around 4,000 B.C. They are second only to dogs in their length of time living and working with humans. They are deeply woven into the lore of Judaism, Christianity, Islam and spiritual and scriptural writings. They have been present for much of recorded human history. Oddly, not much is known about them.
They are considered stubborn, are territorial, are fierce guard animals and deeply attach to humans. They are believed to be spiritual and to possess healing qualities, things Maria and I see all of the time. And they are almost shockingly intelligent, acute of observers of human behavior and intentions.
They are herd animals, and suffer greatly when alone. They love tradition and routine. They open doors, latches, gates, cans. They are mischievous when bored, gnawing on wood, wires, shelves.
Simon says good morning, have a good Thursday.
Simon is a gift to us in many ways. I especially love the great and lusty and melodious (and mournful) bray that greets me now every time I come out of the farmhouse. It is a great lift to the day and I smile and laugh whenever I hear it. Simon is my pal, and we happy to see one another, and that is a powerful way to start any day or head out for chores. Simon is a gift to us, in many ways, and he continues to challenge me and open me up. You can share his wishes for a good day:
My heart went out to Simon today as Equine Dental Specalist Gil Miller (right) and Farrier Ken Norman went to work on Simon’s teeth. It was tough to watch, but Simon handled it with grace and patience. He is a very trusting soul. Some teeth pulled, others were filed and floated. One side needs more work. Ken has done an incredible job overseeing Simon’s rehab, and it is always remarkable to see the way he is with animals, even those in trouble. He just speaks to them and they trust him. Simon kept looking at me, but there wasn’t much I could do. He’ll be fine. Next appointment in six months. Video coming later.
Perhaps Simon is recovering a little too quickly. I caught him coming out of the barn this afternoon, after he nosed off the latch, slid the door across the ground with his nose, came into the barn, flipped the lid off of the aluminum can that holds the grain and was eating it when I showed up and he tried to smoothwalk his way out of the barn. No way, I said. You are caught red-handed. I do not think he was abashed. But I remember a farmer/friend cautioning me to never get an animal smarter than you are.
