So many of us have unusual stories about how and/or when we bonded with our donkies. I would like to share my happy-sad experience with my wild jenny. When I adopted her, I adopted others also. Although the others connected with me...this jennet never did. Her name is Molly.

Molly would "tolerate" me only. I was only the provider of food and water and though she would allow me to do the neccessities...she had never learned to enjoy my company. One year later, she gave birth to a wonderful colt. I had no problem imprinting this foal at birth...she had no problem allowing me to be around him but still no closer connection between us.

Fast forward another year, she still is only tolerant of me. No longer afraid but not affectionate either. I have begun to give up hope. Then, she gives birth again. Beautiful little black jennet with no light points. By day two, we realized we had a problem and so did Miss Molly ). For the first time...Molly began to realize I was there to help.

As I worked with the foal and struggled and cried until I had no more tears, she stayed by my side looking over my shoulder. I left to get some supplies that might have helped but when I came back the foal was dead. Molly looked at me, nudged the foal, came to me and nudged me. She grabbed my jacket in her teeth and gently pulled me to the obviously dead foal. She just kept looking at me and then nosing the foal and sorta moaning (don't best know how to describe the sad sounding noise she made). I was in tears and I believe she was grieving too. She wanted me to help her foal and I couldn't anymore.

The good part was, she obviously knew I was trying to help her foal. That was when we bonded. In grief. She became my protector. No other animal or person could be too close to me. She felt the need to keep any threat from me. She followed me everywhere and I could do anything I wished with her.

The really cool part came later. When she had her next foal, I was in the barn as it stood for the first time. As soon as it could move a little, Miss Molly gently nudged her new baby to me. Not just a little ways, but all the way across the stall until the foal was in my arms. She has done this with every foal since.

The bond we now have is so special but was so long in coming. She is no longer quite so protective as to keep everything away but watch out if she thinks I'm in danger. I guess it's true that all good things are worth the wait.