Fanny’s deep abscess is healing slowly; she needs bandages and Epsom Salts for the next three weeks.

Maria’s dedication to Fanny’s care is touching, as is Fanny’s sweet nature.  Fanny’s trust in us is crucial in situations like this; they are notorious for not doing things people want them to do.

Fanny’s care requires patience and love. This was a wicked wound.

Replacing her bandages and soaking her leg in Epsom Salts is not easy, especially when the wound hurts.

I hold her head and feed her some treats while Maria gets down, replaces the bandages, and soaks her food in Epsom salts. I admit that we love these crises.

They connect us to the animals and remind us where we are and how we have chosen to live.

We tie Fanny up to the fence, but it’s painful and unnatural; she sometimes tries to bolt. Matt Ross, our farrier, has a wonderful way with the donkeys, and he walked us through what needed to be done. He cleaned out much of her hoof to fend off any infection.

Somehow, she knows we are trying to help and not harm her. Lulu stands close by, as does Zinnia. The zip takes off right away. He wants no part of this. Zinnia just lay down and went to sleep. She does not rattle easily or ever.

Scraping and cleaning out the wound.

Holding the leg up is not a comfortable position for a donkey.

Fanny did agree to keep her food in a bowl of Epsom Salts for 3 minutes.

Zip looked at Fanny and the taping and decided this was no place for him to be. He sat on an overturned feed wagon – one of his thrones –  and kept his distance. No fool, that cat.