Donkeys are unlike other animals I have known. When the vet comes, other animals will try to run away from other animals being treated. Donkeys rush to one another, lean their heads against one another, crowd against the vet. They are never apart, they never turn away from one another. It was a bit wrenching to see Lulu balk at crossing the stream to the new pasture. Simon has been watching Todd Mason build the fence for days, he sees the brush and grass on the other side, places to explore, he could hardly wait to get across, wading through the mud. Fanny, a little nervous followed them, but Lulu was afraid to enter the muddy water, she has not had to deal with water before.

Simon turned and brayed to her and Fanny did so, only more softly. Lulu brayed back. Simon and Fanny grazed a bit, but wouldn’t move out of Lulu’s sight. Then it started raining and they all came back into the Pole Barn. Today we shall try again, later this morning. We aren’t forcing Lulu or even encouraging her – this rarely works with donkeys, they have their own minds – and there is no reason to push her. She will get there eventually. That is also the Dao of donkeys, their curiousity pulls them along every time. But when they do finally cross, they will do it together. I’ll go out and shoot a video of the re-opening of the pasture this morning.