The longer I live with animals, the more I appreciate them. Simon came to use in hideous condition, when people in New York City talk about the abuse of animals like horses, I sometimes wonder if they have ever seen a truly abused animal. I think not, or they would not toss the term about so lightly.

Simon is a generous and affectionate soul. Like most donkeys, he can be grumpy, especially around food and the sharing of treats. Many a sheep has been nosed aside around a grain bucket. Otherwise, he is loving, patient and accepting, as he was this afternoon when the gray hen hopped on his back and took a ride to the pasture, pausing occasionally to peck a tick or something off of his back, otherwise enjoying the trip. Glad I was there.