Last week while helping feed cows I realized our cute little Donkey was missing. After losing three horses last year I couldn’t bring myself to go out and look for him. My dad was able to find him, but the outcome was what I wishing wouldn’t have been, although I was somewhat prepared as Donkey’s don’t just disappear.

What we believe to be a cougar that decided the Donkey would be a good snack, his age of 30 years sure made him an easy snack. A day of beautiful beginnings with strong healthy calves turned incredibly sad in an instant. He may have avoided us at all costs to prevent being caught, but his harmonic bray to get our attention every time he knew the horses were getting grain will be greatly missed.

I watched this little Donkey grow from a newborn. He endured a big move when my grandparents bought the ranch. Every time he was moved to a different pasture, he always found his way back to the pasture HE liked , he didn’t take direction well. Sometimes he would get mixed up with the cattle and end up in the corral. His best friends were the llamas and he never got too far from them.

He didn’t particularly like the horses and that was due to one of our geldings that would constantly pick on him while they were together in the same pasture. The gelding would constantly follow the Donkey, nudge him and just be downright annoying. Once the Donkey had had enough he would throw a kick with his back legs, nailing the gelding square in the nose. Took some time, but eventually the gelding got the hint.

My youngest daughter fell in love with the book, The Wonky Donkey, at the age of three. I can’t even tell you how many times I have read that book, but I can recite it for you if you like:) She so badly always wanted catch grandmas Donkey just so she could love on him, and dress him up like the Wonky Donkey in the book. However, grandmas Donkey despised being caught, he was never mean, I think he just feared that we were going to try and move him somewhere else.

Donkey’s are primarily used for work and pack animals, more so throughout underdeveloped nations, they’re heroes for agriculture. Known for their stubborn unpredictable behavior, Donkey’s are also known for their bravery in religion.

Donkey’s hold a special place in my heart because of the cross that is present on there back. My grandma has always told me the only reason she wanted a Donkey was because of the Donkey’s presence in the Bible. It was the Donkey that carried Jesus to Jerusalem to present himself as the Messiah. When Jesus faced crucifixion the Donkey was appalled at the sight of Jesus on the cross and turned away, but could not leave. The shadow of the cross was cast upon his back and shoulders.

This little Donkey lived a happy 30 years, he had a few more years left in him unfortunately taken out of our control. He left us with lots of memories and the understanding of an importance of such a little creature put on this Earth by God.