I love the spirit of donkeys, much worked, harshly treated and abandoned creatures over much of the world for many centuries. They seem to expect little of people, but they are not shy about demanding what they want and need. Our donkeys need attention, at least once or twice a day, on their own terms in their own time.

Sometimes we will come out and call to them, and they will just coolly blow us off – not in the mood. Other times, they will come down and nudge us in the butts with their noses if we are not quick with a cookie or carrot. In the mornings, they come to the barn door and demand a treat. Sometimes they wait for it – rarely – and sometimes they just muscle their way into the barn and dig in. We are quick with a cookie in the morning, if we want to get out of the barn.