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Monday, October 5, 2009

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.

29 comments:

  1. Oh my gosh, that is the most heart-warming story, and the pictures are priceless! Thanks so much for the update and thank Justina and hubby for giving Ellsworth a loving home and Bernard a 'big brother'.

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  2. Pic #1: You smell like ME!

    This is just so unbelievably great that it brings tears to my eyes!

    Ellsworth has a Buddy. After his whole life of being beaten up and unloved, he has a little buddy to hang around with!
    And Bernard, whose life was pretty cushy, has a big brother who speaks his language!

    I love it! I love it!
    Rescued animals of any species: The Absolute Best!

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  3. Lucky, lucky Ellsworth to have such a fine home and a friend!

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  4. What a great story and so happy for Ellsworth. Fortunately we had spent so much time donkey-watching when we visited Rafer and Redford before they came to live with us, we knew what to expect.

    Otherwise I'm sure we'd have freaked out when the donkey go-round neck play began! It is so funny that they all do it.

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  5. Friends at last!!! Hooray for Bernard and Ellsworth. Thanks to your friend for taking Ellsworth away from such a miserable life and letting him into donkey paradise...keep us posted.

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  6. That's just wonderful. I'm so happy he got a good loving home. He looks like he's really enjoying his new friend Bernard.

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  7. Oh happy days! I'm so thrilled for Ellsworth & Bernard (esp. Ellsworth, formerly known as junkyard donkey).

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  8. I am so glad for both of them and that they have such a loving home. They are so incredibly sweet. Thank you for the update.

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  9. Shoot!!! You made me cry fist thing on a Monday morning. I am so happy for Ellsworth and Bernard.

    Oh yeah! And us! MORE donkey pictures!!!!

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  10. How sweet... I had no idea these animals were so sweet!! Ya don't get much of a chance to meet any in the city!!! :(

    terry from KC

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  11. So are they going to have a blog? Because if not, you are going to have to keep posting pics of these two. They are precious!

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  12. Big smiles to all of you! Thank you for such a wonderful beginning to the week.

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  13. Thats so darn cute. I want a donkey now.

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  14. Oh yes, a blog for Bernard and Ellesworth pleeeeeeease! This is such a heartwarming story! I absolutely love that second last pic!

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  15. I am so happy for the little donkey that now has a fine, loving home. But....could someone please go and get the other poor animals that are still living in that junkyard. I surely would if I could, but I've only got one lot here in the 'burbs. Keep us posted. Love the pictures of the happy critters.

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  16. Such a happy start to their story together! It makes me smile!

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  17. Oh my, I just love coming to your site, this just made my day, thx.

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  18. Donks do that with miniature horses too! And they want to nibble (i.e. bite)knees! Luckily the minis are too savvy to let the donks get too much of a chunk before they wheel around and clobber them with a kick to the ankles!

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  19. I am so happy that Ellsworth and Bernard are finally together, they look so content doing all those special donkey things together. :)

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  20. What a wonderful story with such a lovely Happy Ending...These two are very very dear together...! It is so touchingh that they now have each other to pal around with and play and romp about....!

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  21. I agree with Anonymous: please someone get the rest of them out of the junkyard. Do not have property but have the desire--will help with donations....

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  22. YEAH!!! So happy he has a new home! Keep the pictures coming!!! I love this story. Now don't go keeping us apart to long, just like George & Alan, can't get enough of these happy stories!

    George & Alan Fan

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  23. Awwww! That's so beautiful!

    Thanks for the update.
    ~Lisa

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  24. Those first buddy pix are always so heartwarming. They remind me of my horses. That's how they play, too.

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  25. That is just lovely! Thanks for posting the story and the beautiful photos. Sounds like Ellsworth has found a good home.

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  26. Oh, are Alan and George jealous??? Because these two are awfully cute! Hope they become regulars.

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