Charlie-Moo makes a life choice!

This morning, Charlie-Moo made a tough choice and a possible long term commitment!

The little Holstein calf picked up near death next to the road in September 2008, is now a large black and white heifer. She's still devoted to her little companion, orphan donkey Annie, who was bottle reared with her ( and she's pretty attached to the other donkeys too.)

When the Nguni herd passed by on their way up to the high pastures earlier, Charlie stopped grazing and began to follow them along the road. Annie brayed at her "Don't leave me, Charlie!", but Charlie seemed enchanted with the big bovines.

My heart sank. Annie trotted along behind Charlie, casting anxious glances back at the other donkeys.

The Nguni herd and Charlie and Annie disappeared over the crest of the hill and I began to fret. Charlie's big enough to cope with the big horned creatures, but Annie's such a timid little creature. With a lump in my throat, I turned back to the horse paddock to check on haynets and water buckets.

Chores done, I closed the gate and started back to the house.

And then joy!

Galloping and bucking like horses they cavorted down the hill towards me..... Charlie and Annie in a cloud of dust. The donkey chorus started up.......loud brays of welcome echoing through the valley. The friends were home!

Charlie's status as an honorary donkey seems safe and Hogwallow settles back into contented silence.