Rupert on the Run

Jay stood by the wooden gate of the cozy country farmhouse, looking out over the rolling green hills and sweet-smelling apple trees. Today was his first day caring for Rupert, a pint-sized miniature Bethlehem donkey with a tuft of fuzzy hair and a very mischievous glint in his eyes.

The farm owners, a warm-hearted sixty-year-old couple, waved goodbye from their porch before leaving for the day. The husband adjusted his classic plaid farmer cap, while his blonde wife smiled warmly, leaving Jay with a cheerful reminder to keep a close eye on their clever little donkey.

Jay strolled over to the paddock with a bucket of fresh water, only to stop dead in his tracks. A section of the wooden fence was splintered and pushed wide open, and the paddock was completely empty.

Panicking, Jay rushed down the winding dirt path toward the main road to search for the runaway. At the very end of the country lane, a massive grey boulder sat amidst the tall grass, and peaking out from right behind it was a pair of long, fuzzy donkey ears.

Jay tiptoed quietly toward the boulder, holding out a crisp red apple as a peace offering. But just as he reached the rock, Rupert let out a loud bray, kicked up his heels, and bolted back toward the farm buildings.

The chase led Jay into the old orchard, where the branches were heavy with ripe fruit. Rupert trotted happily through the trees, intentionally bumping into the low branches so a shower of sweet apples would rain down for him to snack on.

Jay followed the trail of half-eaten apples back to the barnyard, looking everywhere for the stubborn little animal. Parked near the barn was a faded, vintage red farm truck, and if Jay looked closely, he could see four tiny hooves standing right behind the rear tire.

Peeking around the truck's rusty bumper, Jay found Rupert trying his best to look invisible. The miniature donkey looked up with an innocent, wide-eyed expression, pretending he had been a good boy the entire time.

Instead of chasing him again, Jay sat down on the grass and held out a handful of sweet clover, waiting patiently. Enticed by the treat and tired from his big adventure, Rupert slowly walked over and nudged Jay's hand with his soft nose.

With Rupert safely back in the paddock, Jay happily spent the afternoon repairing the broken fence with a hammer and sturdy new boards. Rupert watched him from across the yard, resting his chin on a post, already dreaming up his next great escape.