The Ellsworth Report

What a difference a week makes.

When last we saw Ellsworth, the junkyard donkey, he was adjusting to his new home in paradise. Soon-to-be-buddy Bernard was anxiously awaiting the end of Ellsworth's quarantine so they could go about doing what donkeys do...playing, wrestling, and keeping their two-leggeds entertained.

The vet visited Ellsworth on Friday to catch him up on his vaccinations and remove his jack parts. Concerned aunt that I am, I asked Justina to: a) keep me informed on Ellsworth's health and well-being and b) take pictures. The first e-mail arrived Friday evening:

Dr. Dralle and Carol were once again fantastic! I can see that it's a lot more difficult for Ellsworth going through this than it was for Bernard. I think they started the procedure at about 4:30 or so and he's still not completely steady on his feet yet - poor guy. He's going to be just fine - I promise to keep you updated - and we'll allow Bernard and Ellsworth to meet through the fence tomorrow - in person on Sunday - if everything goes according to plan.

A few hours later, another e-mail came in...
I just remembered this - it was a OHMYGOD, I HAVE to tell Linda this...they had a hard time finding veins in Ellsworth's neck today because of all of the scar tissue! Even they were amazed at all of the scabs/scars on his face and neck. We'll keep you posted, Aunt Linda!

Saturday afternoon, pictures arrived of the first through-the-fence meeting of Ellsworth and Bernard, along with reports that they were both very excited to meet nose to nose.



Sunday morning the phone rang. Ellsworth and Bernard were together in the corral for the first time, and Justina was a little concerned. "Ellsworth is putting his head over Bernard's neck."



"Now Bernard is putting his head over Ellsworth's neck, and I think they're biting each other."



If you've never seen two donkeys play, it would be very easy to assume that they were out to get each other and playing was the last thing on their minds.



I did my best to reassure Justina and her husband that this behavior was perfectly normal and their donkeys were having the time of their lives.



The last e-mail I got from Justina today included this image, and the subject line was "Can't stop taking pictures." Been there.