Donkeys love to have the insides of their ears scratched, that is where they often get tormented by bugs and flies and gnats. Maria and I are both good at this, but she is especially gifted at the double-donkey ear rub, rubbing the ears of Lulu and Fanny simultaneously.

We begin every day of our lives brushing and spending time with our donkeys, who we love dearly. They love this time, they hang back and wait for attention. Donkeys are independent, but they need human attention, it seems to ground them. Us too.