All In the Name

Her name is Ariel. No discussion, no thinking about it, no wondering if that is the correct name. At least, not in the mind of a two year old. Our Granddaughter, affectionately called Baby Emma, which is no longer true since she has graduated into toddlerhood, named our newest jennet without any hesitation.

Naming our animals is sometimes difficult. We go back and forth, throwing out names to consider while watching them to see if something jumps out that will be the deciding factor. The name will go on the donkey registry and be with them for a long time, so it needs to be one that fits. That is one of the delights of being a two year old. They are not weighed down in their thinking with the what-ifs and maybe-nots. Two year olds just say it like it is, or like they think it should be.

So, we agreed that Ariel is just right. We will soon have two more foals and the naming process will start once again. Maybe the new foals will inspire us with a name that will fit just right. But, now we have a source that we can turn to, just in case we can't come to a decision.

By the way, did I mention we also have Snow White, Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella clucking around in the chicken coop?

*Ariel can be seen on our website

Spring is in full swing and has brought new life around our little farm. The flower beds are full of growth, like old friends returning for another season ready to show off their color. Bluebirds have been busy building nests and raising their babies, the chestnut colored thrasher is darting in and out of an old rose shrub and the mockingbird has made a nest in a barberry bush just outside of our bedroom window. The pastures are deep green and the trees have filled out, new life is all around us.

For us, the sweetest sight has been the birth of a new little jennet, two weeks old today. She is healthy and frisky, running around with her heels kicking up in the air, anxious to greet us for some attention and love. This may sound typical of most miniature donkey foals, but this one is a little different. What sets her apart is that she was born to Cocoa, the same jennet who rejected our sweet Huck in early 2008. It was not without a lot of discussion and some disagreement that Cocoa was allowed to breed again, but research and encouragement from seasoned breeders gave us hope and encouragement. While all foaling is exciting and a just a little wary, this one was met with anxious anticipation. Thankfully, it was by far the quickest and easiest (at least for us!) birth and Cocoa must have read the book on how to deliver! It is hard to describe the relief and joy that were felt as soon as baby was born and momma immediately smelled, nuzzled and began cleaning her up. Within a very short time, both were on their feet and the best sight of all was the baby by her side, nursing for the first time! Cocoa has proven to be a wonderful mother, caring for her foal and watching over her every move.

All of the new life this spring has been a blessing to watch, but this little life is certainly special. While we won't ever forget the loss of little Huck, it is very heartwarming to see a new beginning, this time with a happy ending!