Haircut time for the donkeys!
Now that summer is in full bloom and the temperatures are steamy, it’s so important to be sure that all the animals on the farm are as comfortable as possible. Yesterday, Betsy, my stables’ manager, invited us to the stables because she was giving the donkeys their routine summer clip. She likes to do this every 2 to 3 weeks, depending on the temperatures outside. The sweet little donkeys don’t seem to mind too much, in fact, they look quite at ease with the whole process.
Betsy brought Billy, Clive, and Rufus in from their shaded paddock for
their trim. I think they really enjoy visiting my horses in the
stables.
Betsy uses this professional grooming tool called the Clipmaster, made by Oster.
It does an efficient job of clipping Rufus’s hair close and smooth.
Betsy switches to a smaller clipper to groom the areas around the ears and the face.
Dolma wipes Rufus down with a wet cloth to remove any remaining clippings. Who wants to be itchy?
Betsy moves on to groom Billy, who has been waiting patiently.
Come see what I picked this weekend at my farm
It's always fun to see the donkeys. I wonder if they are always the patient little souls they seem to be.
Posted by: Elizabeth Gage | July 16, 2008 at 11:01 PM
I question whether this seems a good practice. I believe the hair provides some nice protection from the sun. Does it grow very long if uncut? Hope this is the best for them.
In any case, the donkeys are still quite cute.
Posted by: maurdel | July 16, 2008 at 11:14 PM
Sweet, patient donkeys and happy stable staff!!
Posted by: MMC in San Diego | July 16, 2008 at 11:30 PM
Miss Martha
The donkeys are so cute. It's wonderful that you take such good care of your pets. You are lucky to have so many people in your employ who work hard to take care of all these precious pets. God will bless you well for taking care of all his creatures great and small.
Posted by: Patricia | July 16, 2008 at 11:47 PM
Hi Martha, You have the most fantastic group of people working at Bedford. Not only are they efficient at what they do for you, but they all seem to be very happy and content. Please thank them for allowing us to see the magnificent jobs that they do. The donkeys sure look contented and very well groomed. Thanks so much for sharing. Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | July 17, 2008 at 12:08 AM
Aaaugh! They're so cute!
Posted by: Patia | July 17, 2008 at 12:17 AM
Hi Martha,
I think your donkeys look very happy and well taken care of.
This link may be of interest to you. Its a donkey sanctuary in Canada.
www.thedonkeysanctuary.ca
Posted by: Rose | July 17, 2008 at 12:32 AM
Wow! I can't believe they are so relaxed about it. I have children who can't be that easy about a haircut. The donkeys are beautiful!
Posted by: Karen | July 17, 2008 at 01:21 AM
I'm nuts about these precious donkeys! Anytime you want to update us I'll be here with popcorn! ;D
Posted by: Marie | July 17, 2008 at 01:48 AM
Smooches to the donkeys!
Posted by: Isle Dance | July 17, 2008 at 02:36 AM
Hi, Martha,
Billy, Clive, and Rufus seem to be enjoying their summer clipping and the attention of Betsy and Dolma. As you say, they are so sweet.
What happened to the cattle? Do they have names yet?
I like Betsy's hat!
Kathy
Posted by: Kathy | July 17, 2008 at 06:14 AM
I adore the donkeys!
They warm my heart and make me smile.
Thank you for sharing.
Jon
p.s. How is the boxwood room coming along?
Posted by: Jon | July 17, 2008 at 09:43 AM
Rufus, Billy, and Clive look like they are enjoying this procedure very much. Betsy and Dolma are good at this job. Don't you think these three little boys deserve a treat for such good behavior for their trip to the barber shop. Nan
Posted by: Nan Ashby | July 17, 2008 at 09:59 AM
Whenever I see the donkeys, I think children's stories like maybe 'The Adventures of Billy, Clive and Rufus: Haircut Day!' Rufus says, "I'm so glad Dolma wiped me down with that damp cloth!" And Billy 'butts' in with, "well duh, you don't want an itchy back do you? I sure can't scratch it for you!" Clive just saunters back to the paddock. "Ah, I feel so cool, like the 'cool dude' I am!
I was just thinking you could write some real informative stories for children on how to care for pets. You take such good care of your menagerie. Trish
Posted by: Trish | July 17, 2008 at 10:54 AM
I just love your farm blogs. Clive, Billy and Rufus are the most adorable donkeys anywhere. I love them. How wonderfully groomed they are. I bet you can hear me sighing all the way to New York (while I type) cause I just want to come over and give them a great big hug around their necks and watch them play in the field. Thank you for the pictures.
Linda
Phila., PA
Posted by: Linda | July 17, 2008 at 11:23 AM
Martha, I love to read about your pets and see their cute pics.
Still waiting on the cow names you have chosen...
Kelly
Posted by: kelly | July 17, 2008 at 12:10 PM
Awwwwww. . . .
Posted by: Amy | July 17, 2008 at 01:36 PM
They are so cute. They look so patient as they are being groomed. I'm curious as to how old they are & what age do they live up to?
Posted by: Sherry | July 17, 2008 at 03:23 PM
This week is 4-h/FFA fair time for our area. We are camping at our local county fair grounds and my children are at this very moment preparing their dairy goats for show, which is tomorrow morning. They too are body clipping, razor shaving udders, cleaning ears, in essence making their dairy goats spotless. Fair week is one of the highlights of our family, and an excellent experience for our children.
Posted by: Jennifer | July 17, 2008 at 03:44 PM
Dear Martha,
I always love to see your animals. You keep some unusual pets as do we. We are breeders of the most wonderful, little pigs called KuneKune pigs. They are small, colorful, and extremely friendly getting along wonderfully with all other animals and people. If you haven't heard of these wonderful pigs, please see our website. They are delightful little pasture pigs easily kept on grass alone. Critically rare in the United States, they are in need of conservation. I hope you'll check them out! Thank you for sharing your animals with us and all the best, Mrs. Lori Enright
Posted by: Lori Enright | July 17, 2008 at 05:23 PM
Martha,
Your donkeys, Clive, Rufus and Billie are so precious. They are so cute and seem to enjoy their new summer buzz cut!
What is the difference between a burro and a donkey? Size?
I cycle a lot and on one of my travels, I ride to this farm with peppermints in my saddlebag. I give only 2 to each donkey. There are three and one is about 35 years old!! They love the treat and I enjoy seeing them too. They are so cute and boy are they smart!!
How long do donkeys live?
Thanks again for sharing!
Paula
Posted by: Paula M. :) | July 17, 2008 at 05:36 PM
I love donkeys. They symbolize hard work and perseverance. And your donkeys are very cute! Thank you for the photos!
Posted by: Rowena | July 18, 2008 at 11:10 AM
I am just happy that this blog post exists.
Posted by: donkey | July 18, 2008 at 01:49 PM
you have wonderful little friends. How is the guy who had a problem with his joint? Hope he's like new!! I saw the show onTV when you were with the pet shopman and you were discussing your different types of chickens. Was very entertaining. have fun and relax ok?
Posted by: theresa | July 19, 2008 at 04:18 AM
Dear Martha, My experience with the DMV last year I had to rent a car and found my license had expired . The next day I went to renew them a few days before my birthday the nice HIGHWAY PATROL LADY said "Good Thing" I came in then and did not wait until after my birthday or I would have had to take a written test and the driving test in addition to the eye test. In this day and age of debit cards and internet shopping I rarely am ask to see my license. Lesson to be learned by me , don't procrastinate!
Posted by: Ginger Rains | July 19, 2008 at 12:52 PM