Thursday, December 8, 2011

A Loved Forty Year Old Donkey

I would like to share with you this heart warming story about Jenny, a forty year old donkey which is a member of Travis Henderson's family......
Picture right to left with Jenny are: Son Kent Henderson, Travis Henderson, grandson Wesley Jennings, daughter Kendra Henderson Fleeman, granddaughter Sara Henderson, granddaughter Katie Henderson and granddaughter Mallory Jennings Nave.

Story by Travis Henderson:

           The donkey’s name is “Jenny” better known as “Old Jenny” today. I bought “Jenny” from Mitchel Perry back in the early seventy’s when she was three years old. Mitchel had bought her from Mr. Thomas Lanning, who had her mother when she was born.

            My children and grandchildren all played with her while growing up. I lost count of the number of colts she raised a long time ago, but I know there was twelve or more. There were several of her off-spring that were prize winners at fair shows around the middle Tennessee area back in the 1980’s and 1990’s.

            In 1999 my wife was diagnosed with cancer and I sold eleven of her offspring to a Mr. Killen of Green Hill, Alabama and I have lost out on where they are at today. I have not tried to raise a colt for several years because of her age. I have seen her with as many as five and six small children on her back and never lose a one. I have seen her inside of some of the largest churches in Lawrence County, Tennessee being used in Christmas Pageants never making a mess. I have seen her stand for as much as three hours in a drive through Christmas Pageant. She has been rode a many a time without halter or any kind of gear on her.

            Oh yes! Stray dogs didn’t have a chance.  I have seen her burst a skull with one blow. Never saw her after a coyote because they always kept their distance. Even today I have never seen a coyote in the pasture with her and I know they are around because I have seen them on the other side of the fence. She has been used as guard for cattle, goats, and sheep. All this she has done while raising at least twelve and I think more colts.

   Her offspring have been prize winners in conformation at fairs in Lawrenceburg, Savanah, and Fayetteville, TN. One year a daughter was Grand Champion Lawrenceburg. One year a granddaughter was Reserve Grand Champion and her half brother owned and raised by another man was Grand Champion at Savanah Fair. One year at Savanah all four females in the champion class were her offspring. One year at Fayetteville all four females in the champion class were her offspring with one being the Reserve Grand Champion for the show.

            What else can I say? She will climb steps and go into a building even today. As you know, she has a long history.

This story by Travis was featured in his local newspaper.