I've developed a bad habit lately of allowing the three donks to leave the gated area and wander the driveway while I clean up their yard at mealtime. They wander the snow-covered area for a few minutes, checking out the lower branches of the pine trees and making sure there are no tasty plants available through the snow. Usually all it takes is a couple calls of "come on donkeys" after I've thrown out the hay and Francesca wanders back in followed by her daughter Gabriella. Luigi always is last, sometimes having a face off through the fence with the horses next door (what that's about I don't know).
Well, this morning was a little different. With our 50 degree thaw, there was lots and lots of grass to root around in. I called and called and no one paid the slightest attention. I walked out, picked up the whip I had left by a nearby bench and gave Luigi a little smack on the butt and told him to scoot. He whipped around the horse trailer with Fran by his side and headed for the open gate. Gabby, startled by the commotion, looked up to see what was going on and decided she'd better follow them in.
An easy fix this morning but I think I've learned my lesson.
