lovinarabs
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- Nov 16, 2006
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Why don't people think before they speak? Sophie's daycare was having a farm theme week last week and they were discussing farm animals. Her daycare teacher is also my neighbor and her husband helps us out when we need a tractor from time to time. She stopped me one day to ask, "What are donkeys good for, besides being ugly that is?" Seriously, huh???? Did you think before you opened your mouth? Being as I have to keep the peace I just gave a quick answer on what donkeys CAN be used for and left. She could probably tell that I wasn't thrilled with the question as I never said goodbye, have a good night or anything like that and just kind of stuffed Sophie in her coat and out the door. But it got me to writing again.
I Am A Donkey
I am a donkey. That in itself seems to set many people into laughter. So many people seem to find what I am as a source of great amusement. Perhaps it is my long ears that people find funny. I truly do not see why. My ears allow me to hear a predator coming from a long distance away. I can tell what size the predator is, how fast they are moving and the appropriate response to take. One of my many jobs is to protect my herd. I take this job very seriously and my ears are a big part of how I can be successful at my job. Besides, my humans think they’re cute.
Maybe it is my small size that people find so humorous. Perhaps if I were born with the long graceful legs of a runner or the wide back of a noble steed they would find me more attractive. I feel no shame. My legs and feet are sturdy and sound. I can move quickly across an open field or slowly pick my way along the rocky mountainside. There is no need to fear a misstep on my part. My body is built for traveling across the treacherous terrain of my ancestors. You will not find a more sure footed companion than me.
Could it be my short tail and my fuzzy little mane? If I had been born with long, flowing locks would people have found me beautiful then? My tail works great for switching the bugs off of my back and I don’t have all that long hair to become tangled and torn upon the brushes and briars of my natural environment. I know my human appreciates my short locks when the burdocks are full grown.
I often overhear people ask my human what I’m good for. Her answer always makes me feel warm inside. I know that my human loves me for who I am, not what I can do for her. However, she always leaves no doubt in other’s minds about my true value.
“What are they good for? Hmmm… let’s see. Our donkeys make excellent pasture companions for our other equines. I never have to worry anymore when I go riding, that the horses left behind will become lonely or scared. They have their donkey boys to keep them company. They are great guard animals. I worried about neighbor dogs, coyotes and other predators, but with Buddy and Trooper to protect my aging herd I can sleep easily at night. Donkeys can be trained to pull a cart, pack a load or even carry a small rider. Our donkeys are not trained, but that is not a problem. Because to us our donkeys are good for more than what they can do for us. They are good for returning our love more than a hundred fold. They are good for offering their shoulders as a place to rest our weary selves at the end of a long hard day. They are good for burying their little heads against our chests and taking the pain away when we come to them with our problems. They are good for giving us smiles as we watch them play and clown around. They are good for teaching us patience, responsibility and respect. They are priceless.â€
I hear the frustration in my human’s voice all the time. She often talks to me and tells me how much she loves me and how sad she is that others don’t see me for what I truly am. She says that if they only knew me, they would understand. Being a donkey is what I am, and I am proud to be me.
I Am A Donkey
I am a donkey. That in itself seems to set many people into laughter. So many people seem to find what I am as a source of great amusement. Perhaps it is my long ears that people find funny. I truly do not see why. My ears allow me to hear a predator coming from a long distance away. I can tell what size the predator is, how fast they are moving and the appropriate response to take. One of my many jobs is to protect my herd. I take this job very seriously and my ears are a big part of how I can be successful at my job. Besides, my humans think they’re cute.
Maybe it is my small size that people find so humorous. Perhaps if I were born with the long graceful legs of a runner or the wide back of a noble steed they would find me more attractive. I feel no shame. My legs and feet are sturdy and sound. I can move quickly across an open field or slowly pick my way along the rocky mountainside. There is no need to fear a misstep on my part. My body is built for traveling across the treacherous terrain of my ancestors. You will not find a more sure footed companion than me.
Could it be my short tail and my fuzzy little mane? If I had been born with long, flowing locks would people have found me beautiful then? My tail works great for switching the bugs off of my back and I don’t have all that long hair to become tangled and torn upon the brushes and briars of my natural environment. I know my human appreciates my short locks when the burdocks are full grown.
I often overhear people ask my human what I’m good for. Her answer always makes me feel warm inside. I know that my human loves me for who I am, not what I can do for her. However, she always leaves no doubt in other’s minds about my true value.
“What are they good for? Hmmm… let’s see. Our donkeys make excellent pasture companions for our other equines. I never have to worry anymore when I go riding, that the horses left behind will become lonely or scared. They have their donkey boys to keep them company. They are great guard animals. I worried about neighbor dogs, coyotes and other predators, but with Buddy and Trooper to protect my aging herd I can sleep easily at night. Donkeys can be trained to pull a cart, pack a load or even carry a small rider. Our donkeys are not trained, but that is not a problem. Because to us our donkeys are good for more than what they can do for us. They are good for returning our love more than a hundred fold. They are good for offering their shoulders as a place to rest our weary selves at the end of a long hard day. They are good for burying their little heads against our chests and taking the pain away when we come to them with our problems. They are good for giving us smiles as we watch them play and clown around. They are good for teaching us patience, responsibility and respect. They are priceless.â€
I hear the frustration in my human’s voice all the time. She often talks to me and tells me how much she loves me and how sad she is that others don’t see me for what I truly am. She says that if they only knew me, they would understand. Being a donkey is what I am, and I am proud to be me.
) Corinne
