My very patient and understanding husband and I have had a number of miniature horses and donkeys. We really love our mini donkeys...Frankie and Annie. A bit about mini donkeys: they are very protective, but gentle in nature. They are highly recommended for so many things...companion animals for sheep, goats, chickens and calves. They are very intelligent, they continue to learn throughout their lives and have the capability to remember and think for themselves (which is why they are accused of being stubborn)....unlike humans, it only takes one time for them to learn to not do that again. They are wonderful therapy animals because of their gentleness and they sense how to act around older or smaller people (kids). When I go into the barn, they know I'm the one that messes with them and the one with the water bottle...which they promptly steal as soon as I put it down somewhere and then run way out into the field with it. They can pull a cart or sleigh carrying one adult. They can hold 100 pounds on their back and so are recommended for new riders (kids). They live for a long time....into their 20's. They have a natural dislike for wolves, coyotes and aggressive unfamiliar dogs. A lot of farmers will use donkeys to protect their livestock. They will kick and believe me when they kick and have an intended target, they do not miss. They will play around and buck and semi kick, but when it's serious...it's dead on. They also are great weed control - stinging nettles are one of their favorites....yikes - like eating a porcupine. Mostly they are funny and good for the soul. Glad that your home is with us Frankie and Annie....when you bray.....I always think it sounds more like long, incredibly loud honking, like a giant semi is going to come plowing right through our barn....you are very special you honkey donkeys....!
