We can really only offer cold comfort to the donkeys in this weather, this hard cold. We feel badly for them, but there is no evidence they feel badly for themselves, this is life for them, they stay out of the wind, stand quietly in the sun to soak up what little warmth there is, accept our carrots, alfalfa cookies, grain and generous offerings of fresh hay.

There is something in us that seems to need to see our animals as weak and needy, it elevates us in some way, brings out our own desire for connection and compassion. The donkeys are restless, seeking warmth, I think they miss their grazing more than anything, I expect the cold is just something they instinctively endure.