Because they have been so overworked and mistreated through the centuries, donkeys are notoriously careful about the things they are asked to do.

Donkeys are famous for being stubborn and independent, but the truth is that they are just cautious about humans, who have often mistreated them.

If a donkey is not comfortable about something they are asked to do, they won’t do it; we have all seen the images of a donkey refusing to budge or co-operate. They’re not being difficult, they’re just protecting themselves.

Some dogs – like Bud – are also wary; they have been mistreated themselves and are careful when asked to do a new thing. When Bud came to us a year ago, he freaked out around the donkeys, barking at them, charging at them, avoiding them.

They didn’t want much to do with him either.

That ground has shifted. A donkey will not sit still for anything placed on their back that they don’t trust or see as dangerous. They will run, even kick. And even a few months ago, Bud would have freaked at the idea of sitting on a donkey’s back.

Last week, we started putting him up on Fanny – she is more relaxed than Lulu. Fanny was comfortable; she stood still and accepted another animal on her back. Her ears were up – a sign of calm – and so were Bud’s. The point of this isn’t just a cute photo, although I love those. The point is that these two animals have finally accepted one another, not because they were bullied to do so, but because they have been given the opportunity to get used to each other.

We, humans, are controlling, we rarely give nature a chance to do some work.

But sat there for nearly a minute, and I gave each of them a treat. Neither of them moved.

There is no urgent need for Bud to ride on Fanny’s back, but we aim to have a Peaceable Kingdom out here on our farm. This shows great progress.

Bud’s journey here has been long and hard, and it is uplifting to see him grow more comfortable by the day. There are still triggers that frighten him, and perhaps always will. But he loves the farm and now, also loves the donkeys.

Another lesson in patience. It doesn’t happen instantly, but if you step back and give it some time, it will often occur on its own. We are grateful for Bud, now one of the most vibrant and engaging personalities on the farm.

He has a huge heart in a small body.