Jack or Jenny?

My good friend and neighbor decided in 2007 to give a donkey to her husband for Christmas. She searched the want ads, eBay, and Craig's list, left notes on gates where she saw donkeys in the fields. She finally made her decision to purchase a donkey from a breeder out of San Antonio. Much discussion went on as to whether to get a jack or a jenny; how to get the animal here -- the breeder consented to make delivery; when to have it delivered; and how to keep it a surprise for her husband.

She decided upon a ten-month-old jack and the donkey was delivered a couple of days before Christmas. Her husband named the donkey Gus. There was a lot of excitement about Gus and hubby and I ran across the road to take a look. A few days later, my neighbor's husband came in and said, "If Gus is a jack, I don't see any extra equipment." After much looking and discussion, Gus became Gussie.

A pasture had to be fenced off and Gussie was temporarily pastured in a huge, fenced garden. Let me just say that nothing, absolutely nothing gets past those ears. They would try to slip out of the house to go to work or school without alerting Gussie because they did not have the time to pet her or slip her carrots or apples. Gussie would hear the slightest noise from quite a distance then would neigh, or do what donkey's do, to make them feel guilty for not making a little extra time for her.

Donkeys are herd animals and Gussie got very lonesome. But she was so young, they did not want to bring in another donkey until she was at least two years old. They were talking about getting a jack; however, Tater needed a home. Gussie has a male friend, altered, but male nevertheless.

Hubby and I can hardly stand it; we may have to get one. We have some cows so that takes care of the herd part. Also, donkeys are great protectors. With all the development going on around us, the coyotes are moving our way. We've never lost a calf to a predator but there is always a first time. Donkeys are very smart and have tons of personality. Hmmm, let's see a jenny or a jack, full-sized or miniature, solid or spotted, eBay or Craig's list?

Gussie and Tater did not want us to leave.

And so goes another day on the little ranch in Central Texas. :D

Until next time, God bless.