Simon loves to scratch his head on the pole barn post. This photo shows a part of the crosses that all donkeys wear on their backs. This has triggered a great deal of spiritual lore and belief about donkeys, who are believe to be among the most spiritual animals in the world. The spiritual story is that when Jesus was crucified,  his loyal little donkey tried to be with him, but was driven back by Roman guards. When Jesus died, and was alone on the cross and the guards and mobs had gone, says the legend, his donkey came to him again, the cross was imprinted by the shadow of the sun on the donkey’s back.

Since then, every donkey has carried the cross on their backs.