Thursday Daily Dose of Cute: Happy Happy, New New

Off To a Better Life—And A Better Name?

A couple of weeks ago Dolores' son Dinky, who was born back on July 2nd 2007, was finally picked up by his new owner—only a year after she had originally planned to come and get him. Sometimes things move at a much slower pace out here in the country.

In 2004, we started naming all the new lambs born each spring alphabetically: 'A' names in 2004, 'B' names in 2005, etc. This makes it really easy to remember who was born when, and it only took me nine years to come up with the idea. Other animals, such as baby donkeys, also get corresponding year/letter names, such as Esmeralda and Evie who were born last summer.

Since we knew that Dolores' darling little baby donkey would eventually be going to live with someone else (because you can't have two jacks together and Donkey Doodle Dandy is never leaving), we gave him the temporary name of Dinky. We figured the new owner could then give him a fitting (and of course much more manly) name of their own choosing.

Dinky isn't a hugger like Evie and Esmeralda are, but since he'll gladly take treats out of your hand I was able to lure him fairly easily into the trailer. His new owner (who fell in love with him at first sight) told me that Dinky spent the 40+ mile ride home alternating between peering out the little peephole by the cab of the truck at the scenery and poking his nose up to it in order to get a whiff of everything. Peek, sniff, peek, sniff, peek, sniff. Too cute. Upon arriving at his new farm, he leaped out of the trailer and headed straight over to an enormous Belgian horse who nuzzled him and held his giant head protectively over his new little pal's.

Dinky now has his own small flock of sheep to guard, and he loves his new life. But since his new owner says he "looks like a little grey mouse standing next to that giant Belgian," I'm afraid the name Dinky may have stuck.

Wishing you a new year filled with health, happiness, wonderful food, and lots of laughter—whether you're starting a whole new adventure or simply continuing the one you're already on.

© Copyright 2009 FarmgirlFare.com, the foodie farm blog where Farmgirl Susan shares stories and photos from her crazy country life on 240 remote Missouri acres, and—if her New Year's resolution comes true—lots more Less Fuss, More Flavor recipes. But since things often move at a much slower pace out here in the country, it might not actually happen.