My donkey Simon is in his prime these days, he is almost fully healed from his many wounds and injuries when I first met him – his front legs are still somewhat twisted and I think, sore – but he is healthy and hearty and king of the hill here. He is one of the most loved and charismatic animals I have ever known, and our connection is quite deep, even profound.
I have become one of those strange men who wander the world talking to donkeys, Simon and I get each other, perhaps because we bonded so strongly when he was healing in the Bedlam Farm pasture. Seeing Maria and Minnie reminds me of me and Simon, when I spent so many nights with him out in the muddy pasture, he couldn’t stand for more than a few minutes, I hand fed him hay and read him stories about donkeys. We spent some time together every day and Simon gets to roam our grassy pastures, eat apples off of trees, get snacks, try and flirt with Lulu and Fanny (who still kick him in the head almost daily).
He loves his girls and is devoted to them, and he absolutely adores any kind of human. People from all over the country have traveled to meet Simon and give him carrots and treats. I work hard at not over emotionalizing animals, I absolutely do not believe Simon feels gratitude for me, he does not consider himself a rescued creature, and I do not see him in that way. He has moved on, so, mostly, have I, although I will never forget the awful sight of him back then.
Our connection is different, deeper perhaps, we simply trust and love one another. I kiss him on the nose every morning and he is visibly upset if we don’t have some quality time – much braying and staring. I think he is about as content as a donkey can be. He still tries to eat my Iphone and picks my pockets all of the time. He is learning to love Red and is also learning to love the camera, he has learned to pose, as all my animals have.
He has no heavy work to do, is adored by many people, and will snuggle for hours. He gets good treats, too. He deserves all of that, he has opened me up in many ways, he is one of the greatest of gifts to me. I never met a donkey until I came to Bedlam Farm, I cannot imagine life without one. Or three.
Simon is in his prime, this is his time.