But there's been a curious development in the herd dynamics of late. Alan has taken quite an interest in Smooch.
Alan approaches Smooch at their shared fence line and tries to engage her in play.
Smooch is happy to oblige.
Their romp along the fence line continues until George gets jealous and comes over to butt in.
So is this the beginning of a beautiful friendship? We'll have to wait and see. In the meantime, it sure is fun to watch.
Hmmmm.........I considered getting a donkey because we have such a coyote problem here, but the dogs just walk in under the horses like they're part of the herd. I never considered a bad reaction, but I see that caution is wise!
ReplyDeleteGreat, great, great pictures.
ReplyDeleteYou make me want to get a couple of burros just to watch them.
Dan
Ours are all friends here. The dogs aren't allowed free range but we often let the equines in various combinations (up to 2 at a time) in our back yard, and the dogs sit in the grass and watch them eat. :)
ReplyDeleteIt's easier with Redford b/c he just watches Rafer to see what the deal is!
My personal feeling is that the donkeys can distinguish between dogs in the "herd" and dogs that don't belong. Rafer doesn't chase our Corgis but when the vets come with their dogs in tow, watch out!
Stranger friendships have occurred!
ReplyDeleteHope their friendship keeps developing! Great pics :)
There is nothing like friendship when a touch of jealousy sets in! Lol, lovely post, thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThere does seem to be some positive interaction (ears forward on Alan's part). I hope it works out for you. Maybe George can be converted, too.
ReplyDeleteYou have the greatest herd! I think that's really sweet, although you're probably right to err on the side of caution for a while.
ReplyDeleteSuch sweeties!
ReplyDeleteI love Alan. He is adorable. In that last photo Smooch looks like she is just waiting for more fun. So cute.
ReplyDeleteLinda, I love your blog. Every post seems to be better than the last. If I told you every time your words and photos have cracked me up your comments would be full to overflowing.
ReplyDeleteHave you told us how you named your ranch? I haven't read back to the beginning of the blog yet, so it might be there and I've just missed it (just like I missed the snake on the fence a while back...)
ClairZ, the short answer to the ranch name is that it is located 7 miles south of nowhere.
ReplyDeleteThe longer answer is at the end of this post:
http://the7msn.blogspot.com/2008/05/my-fairy-taleexcept-its-true-part-4.html
VERY cute! It reminds me of when our Rhodesian Ridgeback played tag with the foal our landlord had....they ran all around, first one chasing, and then the other. It was adorable! But, the poor dog got kicked in the snout, and well, that ended all the fun....I know the foal was using a reflex, but the dog thought she meant it, and was very leery of the foal after that. :-)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great cross-species interaction, there is nothing better than watching animals when they are not being bothered by humans.
ReplyDeleteHi Linda...yes, I'm glad I found you to follow! George and Alan remind me very much of my Catnip and Stetson.
ReplyDeleteMy dogs do get free range of the place here. But, they only go out into the pastures when I'm out there. Occasionally Catnip will get feisty and take a chase after my littlest pup Cindy Sue who is a Rat Terrier. But, I've never seen her do it with an intention of hurting or killing.
Love your blog and pics. Very nice to meet you!!