Even in cold and icy weather, Lulu patrols the pasture, alerting coyotes, stray dogs, or foxes that might threaten the sheep. When she sees one, her ears go back, her head goes down, and she charges, often braying to awake the dead.
The intruders run. Almost every night, the coyotes gather in woods or on the hills across the road and stare hungrily at the sheep. Lulu spots them every time and moves to the fence to dare them to come in.
They never have.
Yesterday it was snow, bitter cold, and raining ice. Lulu kept an eye on the woods. (Fanny went inside the Pole Barn to stay dry.)
Our donkeys are guard animals (that’s why I got them); in the 15 years that I’ve had them, no predator has ever entered our pastures or taken a sheep (we lost one chicken to a hawk).
Donkeys are among the world’s brightest, hardest-working, most exploited, overworked, and abused animals on the earth. They are remarkable creatures, and I am honored to live with them.
Oh, this is wonderful. . Another being to love! I never knew this about these wondrous souls. Thank you for illuminating their natural self.
We love our donkey, Dutch. When we had wolves attack a few weeks back, he and my Great Pyrenees saved the lives of all but one cow. I believe she sacrificed herself to save her calf. They truly have a special place in my heart.
So steadfast and dedicated. Makes me want to drive up with a bucket of alfalfa treats to reward her for her immeasurable worth.