Wednesday, June 30, 2010

An Update and Some Explanation of The Auction Photos

First of all, thank you Gayle for making them viewable on the blog - Herself is not quite - well, she means well, but you know ummmm...nevermind, I'll say no more.

The jack donkey is now called Leon and is thriving at Sheila's. Turns out he's a real people person when overtures are friendly and no one offers to strike him about the head. His feet are terribly long but will come back with care. He is to have what I have heard referred to as "brain surgery" on his nether regions. Humans - just don't know their donkey anatomy. He has a festering sore under his chin, possibly from the too-tight halter he has been wearing for who knows how long and several warty growths. He is young, just six, and is rapidly coming out of his state of guardedness.

The small pregnant jenny is now called Annabelle and after a rough first night, she is settling in well. The farrier made an emergency call on Monday and best of all, though the jenny is horribly foundered, it is a "mechanical" founder (this does not mean her feet are mechanized in any way) but that it is strictly from neglect and none of the internal foot structures are harmed. The humans who consigned her sawed off the front of her hoofs in an attempt no doubt to spruce her up for the auction. She has been dusted with louse powder, has been wormed and will have a vet check this week. She is being doted on by a volunteer called Carol and spends much time with her head buried in Carol's arms.

Annabelle had a bay pony stallion friend in her pen (possibly the father of her unborn baby?), consigned by the same humans, and he too was foundered but no longer lame and had also had his halter taken away. He was extremely courteous with the jenny and the humans alike and knew how to pull a cart and carry children. He was only about ten or eleven hands high so you can see in the photos that Annabelle is truly tiny. The pony was sold for twenty five dollars - fate unknown.

The lamb is now called Kristina-Rose, after the young lady who helped load the trailer and who lent a pony halter to Annabelle (knotted twice at the crown) so she could be led. The lamb is still confused (she is only four months old but was one of the largest at the auction) and sometimes seeks the security of the carrier in which she was transported but Helen, the ancient sheep, is behaving like a great granny and bossing her around so all will be well shortly. Goliath, the small donkey who is self-appointed sheep guardian, is hovering like an expectant father outside their pen, making whuffling noises of assurance.

Laurel, the saintly volunteer who works with TJ/Virgil has offered to take some photos of the crew and send them tomorrow so we shall all be able to see them in the safety and comfort of their new digs.

12 comments:

billie said...

I am so relieved these donkeys and the sheep are with Sheila. It is mind-numbing and heartbreaking how many more there are out there, needing a helping hand.

All I can say is that if donkeys were in charge of the world, I just don't think they would treat humans in the manner some humans treat donkeys.

Dougie Donk said...

I'm so glad they are all in Sheila's loving hands and can only hope that the little stallion was at least allowed to go with some dignity.

I really don't believe that humans are the best that eveolution could manage. At least, I hope not...

ponymaid said...

Billie, donkeys would never behave in such a savage fashion. We're more of a thinking apecies, though many would vehemently deny it. So many donkeys in need and so many humans creating the situation of suffering - it seems like a vast tide but Sheila tries to change it one or two at a time.

ponymaid said...

Dougie, that little bay pony is still very much on our minds, too. If he had been at a horse auction and not a livestock auction...but as you say, lets hope he was treated with some dignity. I was struck by your statement about humans being the best evolution can manage - a sobering thought indeed.

BumbleVee said...

Today I am choked up once again....but, this time with some tears of joy and gratitude for Sheila, her special volunteer Carol and even the farrier..... this sounds like a bit of good news in with the rotten stuff today! And, I'm fervently hoping somebody decent bought the little pony...... imagine buying a pony for $25!

I hope little Leon's "brain surgery" goes well and he is chipper as can be very soon afterwards.... sounds like everybody's feet will feel somewhat better too .... how wonderful...... small mercies for the little guys and gals......

ponymaid said...

I know Vee, after the stress of the auction some of the real benefits are starting to become obvious. Sheila has both a vet and farrier who understand they may be needed at a moment's notice and always do their best to comply. The volunteers are - well, I've met them myself and I can honestly say they are an extraordinary herd of humans. In their quiet and cheerful way they keep PrimRose humming along day by day and supply the love and affection many of the donkeys have never known. There is reason to hope, though it's not always clear.

Buddy said...

Well they sure are cute!! Little Annabelle - what a doll! Glad they are at Sheila's where she will work her magic.

Your fren,

ponymaid said...

Buddy, how true, both are very comely donkeys and will be even more so when restored to full health. Little Annabelle is quite a beauty, isn't she? She looks like a very petite, refined princess. Both have such loving natures that they will certainly blossom under Sheila's love and care.

Buddy said...

Hay Sheaffer - any update on the new donkeys at Sheila's??

your fren,

ponymaid said...

Buddy, the saintly Laurel took some photos of the three new residents at PrimRose and as soon as we have an update from Sheila I will bring you up to speed. Hard to believe a week has gone by and the cold driving rain has been replaced by scorching heat and humidity. Leon looks to be quite robust, as does KristinaRose, the sheep. But how does one estimate a sheep's health under all that fleece? I think I might like to have my own sheep one day but the woman says they require special fencing.

Buddy said...

Oh Sheaffer - you need a sheep or two. Then your woman could shear them and knit you a sweater - how cool would that be! And the sheep would still be there to grown more wool for a jacket next year! Hot as heck here today - mom is coming out soon to squirt me with the hose - then I get to roll and get all dirty and she laughs me at - feels soooooooo good.

Mom went to Primose's website and didn't see anything about Annabelle and her friend so we are hoping your woman updates us soon.

Your fren

ponymaid said...

Buddy, the sheep/sweater conundrum sounds a bit like the chicken/egg puzzle but I would very much like to have my own small herd of ovines to manage. I'm glad your woman recognizes your need for cooling showers - personally, I have never consented to a bath but Doc and Molly enjoy them on a hot day. Hellishly hot and humid here today - just fine with Jack and self. Woman says she will be reduced to a sweaty, hay covered blob if this continues - you see the sort of thing I must endure.