Introducing Clive and Rufus

As majestic as my Friesian horses are, they have nothing on the two newest equine additions to the Bedford stable: Clive and Rufus, the adorable one-year-old miniature donkeys. They arrived at my farm just a few months ago from Harry Witteveen, my horse breeder in Ontario, Canada, and since then they have already logged countless hours of frolicking in their paddock. Native to the Mediterranean coast of North Africa and the Italian islands of Sicily and Sardinia, this breed of donkey has not been bred down in size, as is the case with most other "miniature" animals. They are simply diminutive creatures by nature, standing anywhere from 31 to 38 inches high at full height, as measured from the ground to the withers -- that is, the space just above the shoulder blades, where the neck meets the back. Right now, Clive and Rufus, both jacks (male donkeys; female donkeys are jennets), are a few inches shy, but they still have a couple of years to reach maturity, which generally occurs at age three.

Comments

[Dannielle]

Clive and Rufus are the sweetest looking donkeys I've ever seen! They look like real, live stuffed animals.

[karen l. gohler]

Hello Martha thanks for your farm pictures. I too love horses, am a dressage rider and teacher. love your farm..........k

[Lindsay DeWolfe]

Dear Martha: Having lost my Mom not that long ago I want to send you my deepest sympathy. Your Mom was a cute lady and added much to your show when she was on it. I am sure she is watching over you at this very moment. Hold your head high and do not cry - your mother is always nearby. Lindsay

[Jennifer]

Martha,

I'm an animal lover so I really enjoy your pet pictures. I think Jon Katz would be a great guest on your show. He writes books about animals. He also has a farm.

[Lori Lemanski]

Your donkeys are adorable! As a fellow animal lover myself- I have a 4-year old sable Rough Collie named Luke, and 3 cats-I can appreciate all the pix of you many pets! Please keep posting them-if I had a farm I would have as many as you do!

[Elaine Harned]

Hi, Martha. I enjoyed watching the segment with you and your mom baking together. I miss her. She was like America's own adorable little Polish Grandma! She always made me smile. I was looking at the Halloween pictures of your pets. I think Francesca would make a great bat with little black wings. What do you think?

Elaine

[Kate Miller]

Martha your donkeys are beautiful, and your cat birthday party looked so festive, The best cat party I had was a sweet sixteen party for my beautiful, "Chelsea" in 1995. We had a mexican fiesta, and Chelsea was so receptive to all the guests.
I reside with six cats, all rescued, my dream is to have a farm to rescue farm animals,and domestic animals and save them from a tough life or early death.
At 60, I still hope it comes to pass. Thank You Martha, for allowing us to view your beautiful farm,and your wonderful animals.

[Betty Harrand]

Your donkeys are toooooo cute. As an long time animal lover I always look for your pets when I have your show on. I have a ragdoll cat named Harriette who looks very much like your cats. Loved the party Pictures. Harriette would be under the table hiding.

[upnorthsweetheart]

Dear Martha, Thankyou for sharing your life with us. I am a Polish/ animal/nature lover too!

[star kilmer]

dearest martha i do love your pet picts they are so cute. i live in clovis new mexico and watch your show all the time you are truly an artest in many relms thanks star

[Marilyn Hasenbein]

I am so saddened by the loss of your mother big Martha. She was a part of all of our lives. I am also so thrilled with all of the pictures of all of your lovely animals. They are all so cute and loveable as are my two cats Tiger and Patches. Keep up all the great work that you are doing. I watch your show daily and am inspired by everything that you do. We all love you here in Canada!

[Marilyn Hasenbein]

Martha,

We shall all miss your mother big Martha. She lives on in all the wonderful things that she has taught you.

[joann]

They are soooooooooo cute, my goodness I have never seen anything like them before, are they miniatures?

[Everre Johnston]

Martha,

I just love your miniature donkeys.

I got one for Christmas. I am still looking for more information on miniature donkeys. I have found only one book in the second addition. Maybe you could write a book about your donkeys. If you have information on the care of miniature donkeys please share.

I learn something new everyday on your show.

Thanks for the help!
Everre

[Ginger]

Oh Martha....
Your life will never be the same again :)

Ginger Sanders
President
Central Oregon Donkey Assoc.