Simon and Red are two of the most iconic animals I have ever lived with, and it is ironic to me that both are relatively new to my farm and my life. Simon, as many of you know, came courtesy of the police, who took him off of a farm where he was being starved nearly to death and charged the farmer with animal neglect. Red came to me through the generous heart of Dr. Karen Thompson, a border collie breeder and person of great faith who believed Red and I belonged together.

Red was originally from Northern Ireland and I have yet to get all of the details of his back story, save to say he was having a rough time there. Neither Simon nor Red is having a rough time now, both are much at home their, in their element, living their lives. Initially, Simon tried to stomp and kick Red, as donkeys will do with dogs, but lately, I see them hanging out together more and more in the curious ways of animals who change roles and behaviors in ways that are mysterious to us.

When Red is working, he is both incorruptible and not distractable, Simon is easy going, sociable and affectionate.  He is also, like most donkeys, intensely curious and I think lately he is very curious about Red and sheepherding, when Red take up his vigilant stance, Simon comes over and stands behind him, as if trying to mimic him. I have to say I have no real idea what Simon is doing, but it does look as if he is trying to herd the sheep sometimes. I will never know, but the image is definitely iconic, as if these two amazing creatures are both posing for statues or their place in history. In a way, I suppose they are.