Tuesday, April 12, 2016

The further domestication of Lucy

Since I often catch Lucy watching me through the windows,
I thought she might like to come in the house to see what she was missing. 
With Justina available to record the moment for posterity the blog,
we invited her in on Sunday.


Donkeys cannot be forced to do anything. Period.
If Lucy was going to come in the house, it had to be her decision.



I used peppermint treats and carrots to try to convince her that
joining me in the office would be a good idea.



Lucy: I might be more easily swayed if she used watermelon.



I rewarded her every try, and she came closer 
and closer to crossing the threshhold.



Then Mrs. Hughes would distract her and we'd have to start all over again.



Despite my assurances that we could hang out and do girlfriend stuff,
like watch movies and drink wine and crochet, she wasn't convinced.



We gave it a few more tries with peanut-butter-dipped carrots, then called it a day.
Maybe next time.




21 comments:

  1. If only I had been able to capture the moment she rolled you across your office like a prize Marlin...

    I have no doubt she'll cross that threshold next time.

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    1. Hahahaha!! This made me laugh and laugh!!! :-)

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    2. The GoPro caught the sequence where Lucy hooked me like a Marlin...video tomorrow.

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  2. Maybe a bigger door? We're there margaritas involved in this?

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  3. I have a vision of Smooch holding her breath with her paws over her eyes. Pleeeeze no :)

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  4. Watch out! Once she gets used to the place she'll be knocking at the door and bringing her buddies with her. I bet she told them there are lots of treats to had if you just go in there. Halloween in April.

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  5. I'm surprised. I would have bet she'd mossey right on in. I mean not much seems to faze her.

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  6. Maybe she doesn't like the floors? Could you put a little dirt down for traction?

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    1. It was probably the traction on the floors. She needed to slip on your Crocs.

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  7. I think Mrs. Hughes wants to come in.

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  8. So my bets are on the second attempt. You gently introduced Lucy to the concept and now she just has to go away and think about it for a bit. And you know how donkeys like to think about things...she's working through it all in her mind right now. :-)
    I'm guessing it was just a little too tight, space-wise, in the office. Maybe you could install a donkey door where your living room window is? Ha!!
    Anyway, I bet she'll be checking out the contents of the kitchen cookie jar in no time. Poor Smooch. lol

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  9. Peanut Butter Dipped carrots?! I've never thought to give my mule peanut butter dipped carrots. But I suppose she does like the crust from my pb&j sandwiches.

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  10. That first photo reminded me of that silly Mr Ed show...before my time ;-)
    Wow, wonder why she wouldn't go in, different smells and you asking her to...wonder if you walked away, would she follow? Maybe do a Hansel and Gretel and place them along the way in and maybe she'll follow?

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  11. An American in Tokyo4/12/16, 5:59 PM

    Oh, how fun it would be if you could watch TV with Lucy!!

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  12. This is my husband's worst fear! He has even left for work saying to me "Please don't let the donkeys inside the house while I'm gone!" Haha! Our back door is a glass french door and they both come and stand with their faces pressed to the glass...so far, I have resisted letting them in though. I loved this post! :)

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  13. Great idea! I think. I can't wait to see the video.

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  14. I had a part arab mare who I'd bring inside in stormy weather. But then they do say Arabians are 'in your tent' ponies. :) You might be glad Lucy didn't want to come in considering the volume of wee they do in one go, as I found out to my horror one dark and stormy night. :)

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  15. This gave me a good chuckle! Our Holsteiner/Arab cross gelding walked right in our back door one day. He looked around then turned and headed back out. Nothing bothers him. I think Lucy would love it if you installed one of those dutch doors where you can leave just the top part open. She'll be ready to come in soon. :)

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