I was talking about our farm at the podiatrist’s office this morning, and Dr. Daly asked me, “Why do people have donkeys?’

I had to pause. I got a donkey, I said, because they are good guard animals and they would protect my sheep (and they have, no coyote or stray dog has come near the sheep in 15 years). But they have come to mean more than that to me and Maria.

They are intelligent, affectionate, and have loads of personality. They are independent, not pests. They love attention, but they also like to be left alone to hang out with one another.

They are transactional. You must give them something in return if you want something from them.

If you get one, you will need two; they need the company of other donkeys.

It is easy to care for them. They are hardy, will eat almost anything green, and stay healthy. They do need hay in the winter. They must trim their hooves three or four times a year (sometimes more.)

They are loyal, but donkeys have a history of being overworked and mistreated. They are always wary of people and must be persuaded to do certain things. Everything has to be their idea. It won’t get done if they don’t feel comfortable doing something.

Donkeys are among the most abused animals on the earth; some of them are cranky and nasty as a result. If you ever want one, do your homework and get one of the many gentle donkeys.

They love creatures at heart; they love to be brushed and have their backs and necks scratched. They bray when they want attention, about once or twice a day. They love snacks like alfalfa chunks and apples.

They love to hang out with us. If we take a chair out in the pasture, they will come up gently and offer themselves for scratching. When they are finished, they will walk away.

They hear everything and miss nothing. Our donkeys love children.

Donkeys have pride and dignity, have been around humans for thousands of years, and can read us easily and from a distance. They will take off if I come out with medicine in my rear pocket. If I have a carrot hidden in the same bag, it will come right to me.

Every afternoon, when Lulu sees me get out of the car, she brays softly, asking me for an alfalfa treat. I can’t resist this; she gets an alfalfa treat daily unless I am not home.

Having them has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. Donkeys have a deep spiritual dimension; religious artists have painted them for thousands of years. They were considered as valuable as money in Jerusalem and other countries. They have a deep connection to Christianity. Jesus’s little donkey stayed with him until she died on the Cross.

The following day, he was still there.

They are more intelligent than dogs, less eager to please, but quite beautiful creatures. I got donkeys to guard the sheep when I came to the farm. I have them now because I love them dearly and love to go out every morning and kiss them on the nose.

Dr. Daly smiled and turned to the nurses. “They sound wonderful,” she said.