I wrote this post about Jack a few years ago. It was representative of his adoration of his Poky.
Jack?
JACK!
Are you okay, Jack?!
Jack: “Never mind. I just couldn’t see Poky for a minute.”
I don’t want to go into the details, but I have confirmed now that Jack passed away. It was too late when I found him to figure a cause, whether it was natural, accidental, or predator-related. I think natural or accidental is most likely, predator-related least likely. But really, I’ll never know. I’m pretty sure Poky knows, since the two of them were never far apart, but she’s not telling.
Jack was one of my favorite animals on the farm. He was a calm, plodding presence, never ruffled unless his Poky left his sight, and a sweet pet. He was quietly important in a self-assured way that was both arrogant and charming. I’m so glad we lived him for the past four years, and that we were able to give him the love of his life, his Poky. He will be missed.
My next question, now that his disappearance has been resolved (not necessarily to my satisfaction, but resolved in the only way it will be), is what to do with Poky. Either I need a new male companion for Poky, or I need to consider finding Poky a new home. I’ve been thinking over my livestock situation this year, analyzing where I want to put my resources and energies, but I hadn’t considered letting go of the donkeys. Jack’s passing changes things, so I’ll be thinking about this now. I’ll let you know what I decide, when I decide.
Kathi says:
Thanks for the update. I’ve been wondering about him ever since your initial post. I’m sorry he’s gone. I wish you well on deciding about Poky.
On September 20, 2013 at 1:20 pm
denisestone says:
Don’t donkies protect goats somehow?
On September 20, 2013 at 1:34 pm
MousE says:
I’m sorry. I will miss Jack, too.
On September 20, 2013 at 1:36 pm
theo says:
I’m so, so very sorry. I liked Jack a lot. Unfortunately, it’s a steep price we pay for loving when they’re gone though. He will be missed. :hug:
On September 20, 2013 at 1:40 pm
ibpallets (Sharon B.) says:
Suzanne, I’m sorry. I know Jack will be missed at your farm. ((((Hugs))))
On September 20, 2013 at 2:08 pm
Diane says:
Sorry to hear about Jack. I so enjoyed hearing your stories about him. He had such a good life with you and his Poky.
On September 20, 2013 at 2:17 pm
Pete says:
Jack was about as loving a dear as a donkey can be. Always sweet. A very good boy. RIP, Jack. You were loved.
On September 20, 2013 at 2:39 pm
PinkyMac says:
I am also sad that Jack is gone. I have grown to love him and your stories about him and Pokey. I really hope you get another donkey so Pokey will have a companion and because I am selfish and love little donkeys :purpleflower:
On September 20, 2013 at 2:42 pm
wvhomecanner says:
so sad that Jack is gone – such a sweetie!
But now …..methinks Poky needs a new boytoy that’s a …ummm ….straight shooter shall we say? Can u confirm that first? :devil:
dede
On September 20, 2013 at 3:08 pm
nursemary says:
So sad but better to know than always wonder. RIP Jack. https://chickensintheroad.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_cry.gif
My mini and mammoth are inseparable. I like having the mammoth for predator protection. She still runs the show though. They walk when she wants to and stop when she wants to. Just as it should be. :yes:
On September 20, 2013 at 3:24 pm
tractor57 says:
RIP Jack. A life well lived. Think about it love of his life, green grass and clear water.
On September 20, 2013 at 3:58 pm
yvonnem says:
So sorry. 😥 I hope you can get another companion for Poky – maybe you would finally have donkey babies!
On September 20, 2013 at 5:08 pm
Esor says:
I am sorry to read this. I will miss him.
On September 20, 2013 at 7:03 pm
Joell says:
Suzanne,
Like all of your devoted readers I am so sorry to hear about Jack, it is always so difficult to lose a pet and I am sure that Poky is grieving as well. I would think it would be hard for her to go to a new farm, I hope you keep her, if you are supposed to find a companion for her, you will know.
On September 20, 2013 at 7:11 pm
Dghawk says:
I’m so sorry to hear about Jack. At least now you know. He had a wonderful life with you, and now he is at peace.
On September 20, 2013 at 7:12 pm
auntbear says:
Jack was a favorite of mine too.We’ll miss him.
On September 21, 2013 at 9:08 am
amyg says:
Oh Suzanne, my heart is breaking for you. I write this through tears trying to think of something to say to console you on the loss of your and our beloved Jack. He was a special soul and I will miss reading about him, especially of his love for his Poky. I have been wondering about him since you wrote of his disappearance. I hope you get Poky a companion but I know you’ll do what is right for you. Much love, Amy
On September 21, 2013 at 10:15 am
TracyT says:
Whatever the cause was, I’m very sorry you’ve lost Jack. Donkeys are such characters and their little hooves leave big imprints. My condolences.
On September 21, 2013 at 4:35 pm
pookie22 says:
:hissyfit: :no: 😥 Oh I am so sorry at the loss of Jack. I found your wonderful site because of him. I know Pokey must miss him as you do but is showing it differently. I’m glad that you found him, but sad that he had to leave us way too soon. I know you will do what is best for Pokey and for you and your farm, but IMHO Pokey would do better at home where she is loved. As someone else here said, she needs a new boytoy …..
Again, my condolences on your loss. Jack will forever watch over your farm and its occupants.
On September 21, 2013 at 9:03 pm
Rainn says:
So sorry about the loss of Jack…. Beautiful animal ..
Rain 🙂
On September 22, 2013 at 11:19 pm
pookie22 says:
I was at Hershey, Pa the other day (actually on the way to Hershey), and we stopped at this little Village of Shops, they had farm animals….and a donkey. The sign said do not pet, donkey bites. He kept sticking his head out of the area he was in and rubbing on my arm, so I patted his head. He didn’t bite. He cried when I walked away. I kept thinking of Jack and Poky. I wonder…if somehow Jack has found a new body in Pennsylvania and he knows I read your site?
Anyway, I was thinking about you. Hope you had a wonderful Christmas, and will have a Happy New Year~ :chicken: :sheep: :moo:
On December 29, 2013 at 7:18 pm