Thursday, February 3, 2011

Power To The (Old) Donkeys!

Well, Jack has undergone dental treatment at the sanctuary and as he predicted, he gave as good as he got. It took four humans, three rounds of stupefactants and a pitched battle but he is three teeth lighter and tartar-free. I'm relieved I wasn't there to witness the event.

As he has gained strength and condition over the last three years his vendetta against all "vitinries" has likewise gained strength, so when the sanctuary vet showed up it took him only a short time to realize that all her flatteries and kind words hid the heart of a dental demon. He fought her, he fought the assistants, he fought the anaesthetic and he came to early and in a state of outraged fury. His murmer-y heart survived the battle and he has vowed to fight on in his war against the medical profession.

Jack has taken his role as sanctuary overseer very seriously and has gathered the sheep, goat and pigs under his umbrella of animal husbandry. He manages Sheila and the volunteers most carefully and nothing they do goes unseen by Jack. When he feels the need for attention he simply plants himself in front of a convenient human and exacts the correct toll. Though sometimes exasperated, they always ante up.

And here in the wasteland of winter? Life is tedious at best, what with the snow storms, sharp winds and permanent state of dampness caused by Molly's non-stop bathing of my person. Someone remarked that I look like a cat who has been forced into doll clothes by an evil little girl - resigned and hopeless. The days are slowly growing longer but winter isn't done with us yet. By the time spring arrives I will be nearly denuded of all my winter coat and Molly will have an enormous fur ball in her stomach.

16 comments:

Calm, Forward, Straight said...

Four humans vs. one donkey - an appropriate ratio...

Glad to hear Jack is thriving. And that you are bearing up under the licking you're getting from the weather, as well as from Molly ;)

Take heart Sheaffer - spring is coming!

Buddy said...

Hay Sheaffer - that Jack is a mad man - literally - but he got his teeth done so thats a good thing. So you and the cat are getting a daily bath from the beautiful Miss Molly - oh how I envy the both of you. Stay warm!

your fren,

billie said...

Sheaffer, please communicate to Jack that we are cheering loudly at his spirit and his surviving such an ordeal. I hope the work gives him much renewed health and vigor (although I'm not sure the vitneries will be too happy with the vigor part!)

It is cold and rainy here. As soggy as I've ever seen it. Rafer and Redford stood glumly in the barn today, looking out in hopes that the skies would clear.

Rafer Johnson even took a tiny nip at the hindquarters of Salina's massage person today. He was indignant that since he earns the money (he is my co-therapist) the massage should be for him.

I am doing all I can to lure an early spring to November Hill. If I manage to do it I will share my secret with you!

(p.s. all the felines here said to tell Molly that hairballs are disgusting and she should immediately cease and desist the licking in order to avoid one!)

ponymaid said...

CFS(may I be so bold as to call you that?), how right you are...Jack is a force to be reckoned with. He holds rather fierce views on how his world should unfold and will fight anyone who challenges him. Meanwhile, I carry on under the oppression of continuous washing.

ponymaid said...

Buddy, Jack is exactly that, a mad man! I too wish you could take my place as the object of Molly's washing focus - it's already been a long, sticky winter and we're only half way through...

ponymaid said...

Billie, Jack is so chock full of vigour that those in his orbit tread carefully, especially when armed with needles and dental equipment. I've never met anyone so indignant at the slings and arrows of the "vitinry" profession. I am rather alarmed that Rafer has been so crazed by the constant mud that he was compelled to punish the massage person's posterior. He needs a holiday somewhere hot and dry - the Gobi desert perhaps - I volunteer to act as chaperone.

Buddy said...

Well we have 6 cats here - 4 indoor and 2 outdoor - there is nothing more disgusting that a cat hacking up a hairball - I don't even want to think of a horse doing that - it could be a life or death situation since equines do not barf!

Your fren,

billie said...

Rafer Johnson is out at the mailbox with umbrella and travel case packed and ready. He does not have a passport so hopes you have some pull with the State Department!

Unknown said...

Sheaffer, I am a loyal fan of yours. I wonder, though, are you going to have another donkey join you at your farm since Jack has returned to manage the sanctuary?

ponymaid said...

Buddy, the idea of Molly with a hairball is absolutely alarming and highly disgusting. I wouldn't want to be the "vitinry" dealing with that. I take comfort in the fact that Molly's digestion appears to be made entirely of cast iron.

ponymaid said...

Billie, tell RJ to have no fear, I am using my contacts with QE2 to get us the required paperwork. I invite her to my annual birthday party so surely that must count for something. Poor lad - he's been driven to the edge of insanity by mud. My nemesis is snow. We need relief from this state of weather oppression.

ponymaid said...

Hello Chessie and welcome to my blog! Or as Jack will have it, the "blob". There are discussions regarding another donkey family member taking place even as we speak. My view is that Jack was the perfect companion and is thus irreplaceable but we shall see...For now it is just Molly and self until Doc returns and takes charge once more.

Dougie Donk said...

All praise to jack for keeping the evil vets in their place - we donkeys have standards to maintain!

My woman occasionally rabbits on about "taking a different view on things that can't be altered" & has suggested that you could perhaps view Molly's washing as an alternative form of massage....

I thought we were having major thunderstorms, but perhaps I can just hear your indignance from here?

ponymaid said...

Dougie, as long as Jack inhabits this planet all vets are advised to tread very, very carefully. What you took to be thunder storms was probably Jack getting himself in a state over his dental work. Did it sound like, loud, distant braying? He could drown out all the gods in Valhalla when he really gets going. I am trying to look upon Molly's ministrations as a form of massage but it is awfully sticky going...

Gazelle said...

Goodness, I hope none of the other Donkeys were witness to Jack's performance. I'd hate for any of them, especially Simon :-), to pick up his fear / hate for Vitineries.

ponymaid said...

Gazelle, you hope in vain. All donkeys present took copious mental notes for future use and reference...I predict some exciting dental visits to the sanctuary.