Monday, January 17, 2011

A New Era Begins

And by new I don't necessarily mean better. I have not spoken to the Woman nor let her touch my person since Jack was whisked away before my very eyes. AND, oh the infamy! They used the beauteous PrimRose as a femme fatale, her mere presence distracting both Jack and self so we couldn't think straight.

Herself has felt his absence keenly as well but there will be no detente any time soon. It's all very well going around looking downcast and sniffling occasionally but honestly, I'm the one who has suffered the greatest loss and she knows it. In protest, I refuse to even look at my hot dinner until she has vacated the barn. I am certainly not accepting bribes in any form even if fed by hand.

Last night I nearly softened my stance - nearly - but managed to remain aloof. She stood next to me in my room and draped her arms around my neck. She launched into a long speech about how wonderful I have been with Jack and what a good friend and how caring etc. I felt compelled to bend one ear to her ramblings. And she may be right. I knew when Jack was cold so I would press my side close into his to keep him warm through his blanket, I know he sometimes gets confused so I would lead him into his room and show him his hot dinner and, not touching it, quietly slide into my own room. I know he has trouble seeing sometimes so I always went ahead and told him what to expect. I went first with the foot man so he would understand that it was not an unpleasant experience. And I always let him win our "rasslin" matches. I had no idea that Herself had noticed any of this. She is not known for her powers of observation (she once tried to put a young masked bandit in the motor vehicle, mistaking it for our tabby cat).

She told me his needs have grown greater recently and that it will take more than one set of human hands to see to them. Honestly, couldn't she just have hired a team of Jack minders? I admit, the idea of him being in a toasty warm room last night when the temperature plunged off the bottom of the thermometer gives me a warm feeling deep inside (not my exterior - the barn could be an ice storage facility these days). But why couldn't we have both simply moved into the house here? She's incapable of seeing the obvious solution.

She reiterated that I was a stellar donkey and begged my forgiveness. It's a start but I am still debating accepting a Stud Muffin directly from her traitorous hand. Meanwhile, Molly's reaction has been to smother me with even more slobbery affection. She insists on pinning me against a wall and washing me thoroughly. Needless to say, like Sally, I have frozen spikes down my back that Herself refers to as the donkey/dinosaur look. Women. Pahh.

I hear that Jack is adjusting very well which makes me happy but it will be a good long while before I stop sensing his presence beside me. I fervently hope they aren't thinking of sending that young hooligan TJ back here...

18 comments:

billie said...

Oh, Sheaffer. I am so sad that your dear friend is not there with you - even though we all understand why this had to be, it is just hard.

I think Rafer Johnson must have been reading your blog because he was a little bit mad at me today! He was not at all his usual cuddly self.

I'm glad you have Molly - misguided as she is with that wet saliva in frigid weather, it has to be some comfort.

Do not hold out on the stud muffin. You deserve it! Take it and enjoy.

Sending you a big hug from a much warmer but now rainy November Hill.

Calm, Forward, Straight said...

Sheaffer-

I have so enjoyed keeping up with the goings on in your parts of the world. You have a way with words. If possible, you have increased my admiration for those of the donkey / burro persuasion.

Please stop by my blog for an award!

Dougie Donk said...

Sheaffer, having seen Tammy pony grieve when her friend Allie suddenly died, I can only empathise with what you are feeling.

In time, I'm sure that Sheila will find another companion in need of your wisdom & guidance, but in the meantime I think you should allow the woman some leeway & at least accept her peace offerings - you know how infrequently she offers food!

South Valley Girl said...

Ah Sheaffer, change is never easy, and I know how much you loved - and still love - Jack and want the best for him. You really shouldn't deprive yourself of Stud Muffins, or deprive Herself of the pleasure of feeding them to you - it's really an act of charity, you know.

While she did overlook some of the more obvious ways to help Jack without having to move him, she is to be commended, as are you, for putting Jack's needs ahead of yours and hers, and bravely allowing him to move on to a new home.

I'm sure you'll have a new companion soon, and in the meantime you'll be able to milk the guilt and loneliness angles with Herself for months and cash in on extra Muffins. Never underestimate the possibilities of the situation...

Christina / SVG

ponymaid said...

Billie, you always say just the right thing. I often wonder if Rafer Johnson and I have some subtle form of psychic communication...I think I will take the counsel you and others have given me to accept and enjoy the Stud Muffins - this largesse on her part won't last forever. And if young Nicholas can forgive, then I must strive to do the same.I won't forget though.

ponymaid said...

Calm, Forward, Straight, what an excellent user name - it could almost be a donkey motto! Thank you for your words and especially for the award which comes at a particularly dark season and is much appreciated. Do we sense a donkey in your future perhaps?

ponymaid said...

Dougie, you may be young but you are wise beyond your years. I have begun to accept treats in an aloof manner but plan to keep the Woman at Hoof's length for a while yet. I think you may be right - like your friend Tammy this may be a blanket of grief (and snow) engulfing my person.

ponymaid said...

Christina/SVG, yes, that's it, accepting Stud Muffins is an act of charity on my part! And of course you are right - if I play my cards right I may be able to spin this out at least til April. The Woman gives me regular updates on Jack and it seems he is much enjoying not having his remaining teeth clacking together in these savagely cold temps.

Calm, Forward, Straight said...

Sheaffer-

There is definitely a donkey (or two) in our future :) It is a matter of appropriate timing at this point.

I hope that when the time comes, I could possibly rely on your (and Billie's) sage advice to assist us in the transition :)

billie said...

Hmmm... I wonder if all your friends sent stud muffins as a consolation in this time of grief... would Herself actually GIVE them to you?

With all of us sending them, it's possible you could spin this out 'til SUMMER! I am absolutely certain that Jack would approve.

Buddy said...

Oh Sheaffer - I'm sad reading your blog - I miss Jack too and I haven't never met him. I think you should milk it for as long as it takes - yes take the treats - and then turn your head - always works for mom when I'm upset.

Your fren,

ponymaid said...

Calm, Forward, Straight, this is very good news indeed. I forsee a future where your paddocks are filled to the brim with donkeys. I know I would be more than happy to help you with donkey advice and I'm sure Rafer and Redford and Billie will be equally pleased.

ponymaid said...

Billie, you are a most brilliant tactician. Overwhelm Herself with Stud Muffins and she how she likes it! Unfortunately I know her only too well - she would ration them out one half at a time till doomsday.

ponymaid said...

Buddy, I'm using the averted head move to rather good advantage. Coupled with a deep,shuddering sigh it leaves Herself muttering "what have I done, oh dear, oh dear...". Quite satisfactory.

billie said...

Perhaps we should all just show up on your doorstep with stud muffins in hand - surely she wouldn't deprive your guests of the pleasure of giving them to you?!

I will have to suit up properly to brave your cold though, so don't be too alarmed when something looking like the Michelin Man arrives squeaking "Sheaffer, Sheaffer" and holding a bag in one gloved hand. :)

Finn the Wonder Pony said...

Sheaffer, I am so sorry Jack has had to leave you for warmer conditions. I totally agree that the woman should have hired a retinue of servants and moved you both into the house. Seems like the least she could do! She could certainly have made up the guest room for you! So much less hub-bub! Meantime, try to bear Molly's salivary attentions. After all, she has lost Buddy to the Social Whirl of the Indoor. You must console each other. Maybe Jack could come back in the warmer months? Accept those Stud Muffins - you must keep up your strength - but keep the cool act on... Buddy's head turning tactic sounds like a good plan.

Your Frenn,
Finn

ponymaid said...

Billie, I love the idea of you and my other friends all converging here to run an intervention on my behalf. Please come as soon as you can. Don't worry about clothing choice - every human in this nation looks like a collection of eiderdowns stapled together. You will blend right in.

ponymaid said...

Finn, she is both mentally sluggish and selfish by nature. I am the perfect house guest, if I do say so myself and use very little water as donkeys don't care to bathe. Everyone else sees the obvious solution except Herself. Doc is having himself a fine time with the social whirl. Meanwhile Molly is becoming obsessed with pinning me down and grooming me. It will be a long, cold, sticky winter. I envy you the sun and sand...