Foot Sore Five Update

What a difference a few days make. The four assorted equines who were rescued by Sheila from their wretched, footsore existence are now looking like shipwrecked sailors who have washed up on a magical isle. They can't quite believe it and they fervently hope it isn't all an illusion.

Timothy, the mule with the elf slipper feet, has had a first trim done and is considerably more comfortable. The farrier is confident he will make a full recovery. He desperately wants to be sociable and though he has a few misgivings about the intentions of the human race, he has let the volunteers deburr his tail and legs, which were a solid mass of itching, scratching misery. His resemblance to the much larger Russell Mule is startling.

Stuart Donkey attaches himself firmly to anyone who will let him and is proving to be an affectionate and loving soul. He believes himself to be a donkey version of one of those lap dogs. His feet are looking, if not exactly normal after the first trim, then at least like underpinnings which have a bright future.

Paula Donkey gave Sheila a bit of a surprise shortly after her arrival. She demonstrated a stance whilst, uhhhm, micturating, that indicated clearly that SHE is a HE! A long and tangled winter coat, coupled with a low, shuffling gait brought on by aching feet kept the detail of gender a mystery. Now renamed Peter, his feet have not fared so well. One back foot is so contorted that an x-ray will be done to determine the level of damage. He is receiving pain relief until the vet can assess his condition further.

Juliette Pony likewise has one back hoof and leg that are permanently twisted as a result of years of neglect. Unlike Peter, she seems to have developed moves to compensate for the handicap and although her leg will never be right, she is not in pain.

And poor Lillian Llama - what of her? Well, progress is being made. She is taking her meals in the trailer and recently began to sleep in there as well. A kind vet tech delivers her warm meals twice a day. It has been decided that she will be happiest with her colleagues at the sanctuary and her move will take place very, very soon.

Shadow the goat, now renamed VanaRose, made clear to Laurel the volunteer that her ears were feeling the chill and so Laurel has made her several sets of ear covers, in varying thicknesses so she can weather the winter chill in comfort. They match her tartan winter blanket, giving her a stylish air not usually seen outside the larger fashion houses.

Billie, human to Rafer and Redford, has declared November 18th to be International Donkey Day. What a wise and considerate woman and what an excellent idea! I have yet, however, to receive gifts or even lavish praise from Herself. The status quo is obviously alive and well around here.