Bray-less...

 The pasture is quiet. 

Sarah and Abraham,  inseparable in life, went to a bigger pasture today. 

Besides being elderly, they both had Cushing's disease, which caused irreparable hoof problems. When the vet took care of their teeth in the spring she discovered that Abraham also had a disease that was causing the roots of his incisor teeth to be absorbed. While he could still manage to eat grass, hay was impossible for him to chew, and he was in pain with every bite.  The decision was made to put him on a regime of pain control medication for the summer, and then put him to rest before the pasture was spent. 

The day they met, Abraham fell visibly and instantly in love with Sarah.  The pretty redhead had some reservations and kicked him soundly dozens of times. We could hear the sound of her hooves ringing on his noggin, but he didn't care. In fact, he seemed to like it.  Finally, she gave in to his adoration and the two were never far apart. They ate cheek to cheek, often slept touching, and spent happy hours grooming each other.  They used to play and romp a lot but lately had slowed down to just being quiet together.  

With deep sorrow and their best interest at heart, the veterinarian sent them quietly, peacefully, to a long nap together this morning. They ate fistfuls of their favorite animal crackers until the sedative given made them too sleepy to chew, then folded their sturdy legs one last time, while we stroked their dear faces and long ears. 

Meanwhile, Jezebel has moved up the street to live at a friend's farm. I didn't want her to be alone, and there she will have a couple good looking geldings to boss around. My friend will also put her on a diet because we are well-known over-feeders here at FairWinds. 

I will miss the sound of Abraham's rusty hinge holler when he heard my feet hit the floor in the morning, and the sight of all three of their little faces peering in the window at me while I worked. I'll miss them shadowing my every step any time I was in the pasture, and their soft velvet muzzles checking my pockets for treats. 

Rest well, little donkeys. You brought me much joy during your years here.