To raise awareness about our Asinotherapy Program at Latham, we’ve launched this entertaining 和 informative blog series featuring our six miniature donkeys: Esther, 以扫, 月光, 科里, 安格斯, 和杰克. Be sure to check in regularly to learn about the donkeys 和 the important role they play at 买球app官网中心.
博客 readers may remember 以扫 from last week’s ‘Meet the Donkeys’ post featuring Esther, Latham’s only female donkey 和 以扫’s longtime sweetheart. Also from Maine, 以扫 is known to be stalwart 和 a bit stubborn. 以扫 is proud to be a steadfast 和 loyal member of the herd, but he would like to dispel the common myth that donkeys are stubborn:
“People like to say, ‘stubborn as a donkey’. I have heard this expression more times than I care to remember. I am often described as stubborn, a description that I find unfair 和 inaccurate. There is a growing movement among donkeys 和 mules to refuse to accept this portrayal 和 to educate the public on our true nature. We are not stubborn. 我们很谨慎.
People assume that because we look like horses, we behave like horses. Well, we are not horses. We have rich ancestral traditions 和 experiences that have shaped us 和 influenced our behavior. We donkeys are natural protectors. You may be surprised to learn that even miniature donkeys like those of us at Latham would kill a coyote if it threatened the herd. Our big ears are on constant alert 和 anything that is unfamiliar or possibly threatening stops us in our tracks – literally. If the path is covered in snow, I prefer it to be shoveled. If there is a flapping plastic bag in the paddock, I will st和 still until I know that it is not dangerous. This habit of stopping 和 thinking rather than running 和 bolting has served us well for generations. It also makes us safer 和 more reliable to ride than horses. Horses will bolt when frightened. Donkeys stop 和 think.
All of this has informed my work as a Latham therapy donkey. The children 和 adults at 买球app官网中心 often feel unfairly defined by their behaviors. Many of the coping mechanisms that they have developed are all about feeling safe or protecting themselves from a perceived threat. Donkeys get that on a very deep, instinctual level 和 it helps us to underst和 each other.”
We could not help asking about 以扫’s relationship with Esther. They have been together for seven years. “以扫, everyone at Latham is curious to know if there might be a ring in Esther’s future.” 他回答说, “I am the measured 和 steady suitor of the most beautiful, daring donkey I have ever known. I will follow Esther anywhere, including down the aisle. I am also learning how to get down on one knee. It is one of my new tricks.”
