Dear Farm Boxers,
In yesterday’s cold, snowy and windy clime, we had our first arrival of 2009. Dapple the donkey came from Western Mass. She is very friendly and is looking forward to meeting all of you!
She is a 4 year old Abyssinian who we named Dapple in honor of the donkey in Miguel de Cervantes Don Quixote. Dapple was the donkey of Don Quixote’s squire, Sancho Panza. Don Quixote, among other things, told him (Sancho) ‘ he ought to be ready to go with him gladly, because any moment an adventure might occur that might win an island in the twinkling of an eye and leave him governor of it. On these and the like promises, Sancho, (for so the labourer was called) left wife and children, and engaged himself as esquire to his neighbour on his noble journey. ‘ *It may be worthy to note that this was no mere frivolous journey; he envisioned his children being able to marry nobility if he were to meet this goal.
Abyssinian is Also Known As: Ethiopian
The small, docile donkey like animal, made famous as the animal upon which Jesus rode into Jerusalem (at least according to Wikipedia!). This breed is found throughout Ethiopia. They are usually slate-gray but are occasionally found in chestnut-brown. The breed is similar to Sudanese Pack donkey. For many Ethiopians, a horse or donkey is a lifeline. These loyal animals support entire families with their labour. Working long, tough days, amid searing temperatures, donkeys and horses are forced to carry back-breaking loads.
All too often they are given little water or shelter, and suffer daily with chronic lameness, pressure sores, malnutrition and exhaustion to name but a few. Tragically, there is widespread ignorance and lack of information about how to care for donkeys and horses properly, and sadly, most never see a vet. In many Ethiopian communities, cruel myths and traditional medicinal treatments still prevail, such as nostril slitting, hobbling and firing. Many owners also believe that animals cannot feel pain, and that the only way to make a donkey work hard, is to beat it.
Related to the horse, but smaller, with a tuft at the end of the tail. Equus asinus, the wild donkey of Abyssinia. Donkeys have long ears, which is the origin of “I haven’t seen you for donkey’s years (as they are so long!). In Antigua, the donkey was the ‘ poor man’s transport. However, none of this shall be the fate of our sweet Dapple who is awaiting your friendly visits by appointment until she goes out to pasture in Springtime, when the sedges arise in the meadow, alas; and you’d make a fast friend if you came bearing apple chunks and carrot sticks. You may be surprised (I certainly was!) by her louder-than-expected “greeting” as you approach. We foresee Dapple serving as a guard animal for our anticipated flock of sheep this coming season and a trusty friend of all of our farm-boxers and supportive members at the Colchester Neighborhood Farm.
