An easily-read and understood young people's introduction to donkeys as pets, with many delightful colour photographs.

The author (originally from England where he kept many different animals and birds, but not donkeys), came to Victoria, B.C. in 1974.

Finding that there was a quantity of long grass growing in the 1/2 acre behind the garden, it was suggested that some sort of animal should benefit, rather than mowing and wasting.

Folk 'down the road' were found to have donkeys among their many other animals, and were pleased to lend us 'Mauda', and older jennet, known to be pregnant. Mauda had previously been rescued from a very abusive situation, and was shy; her timidity challenged us to befriend her. Her great like was fresh corn shoots growing just beyond the fence- she spent long periods looking at the lush plants, and ended up getting most of them as treats. She produced foal Holly on Christmas Day, 1985.

Once hooked on a baby donkey (who became somewhat spoiled as "our" new baby), the further challenge was training Holly to behave as a young donkey should. Never having trained a donkey or horse before, the exercise became learning to be patient, firm and loving, all at the same time. Wherever Holly was taken, her mother would quietly follow. When Mauda produced a sister (Lucy) for Holly 3 years later, I was given the job of training not only her, but other young donkeys as well.

Meantime, I became involved with showing donkeys in the local agricultural fair, which continued with the donkey section becoming 'mine' for several years. Now I go along to talk about- guess what? - donkeys and mules, when I do ring commentaries for the 3-day event. My wife is Secretary/ Treasurer, and for my sins, I have been President of the 1st Donkey & Mule Club of B.C. for many years. The club has between 60-70 members, most of whom own donkeys, but an interest in and love of the animals is all we ask to qualify as a member.