It's been a few weeks since the three little donkeys - Ashley, Mr Khan and Zena were weaned and their foster-mum and mums moved off to pastures new. The little donkeys are getting on well with Mars, Ravelin and Skippy and all six provide great entertainment and joy for visitors and staff alike!

This afternoon though, the heavens opened and all thoughts of grooming and playing with the six mischievous young donks were immediately washed away. So instead, Phil and I splashed our way up to Garmston Barn and the foster donkeys - or more specifically the little donkeys' foster-mum and mums - Oonagh, Flora and Breda! They are three lovely natured donkeys who always seem happy to see us.

The grand matriarch of the three is Oonagh, mother to both Breda and Mr Khan. She is a dappled white/grey donkey who stands no nonsense from anyone - and that includes Quality Time Volunteers! Oonagh will be groomed when Oonagh decides to be groomed - and that could be right now! Or it could be, "Oh please don't bother me now, I've got better things to do..." Oonagh was a protective and loving mother to Mr Khan, and this instinct to take care of her own extends to watching over Breda and Flora. Woe betide Choccy or any other inquisitive donkey who gets in the way of Oonagh or her girls at the wrong moment!

Flora is a small brown donkey and can be immediately recognised as little Zena's mum, as they look so alike, especially now that Zena has lost her thick, fluffy baby coat. Flora is a pretty, quiet donkey who loves to come for cuddles and a grooming. She's very affectionate and enjoys meeting visitors who venture as far as the paddocks surrounding Garmston Barn. There is a mischievous side to Flora though, as it was she who led a group of donkeys under the electric fence used for strip grazing to reach the long green grass on the other side a few weeks ago! Phil and I then had the tricky task of getting them all back again!

Breda is Oonagh's eight year old daughter, sister to Mr Khan and was the long-suffering foster-mum to Ashley! And a mighty fine job she made of it too! If donkeys could be awarded medals - I'd award one to Breda! Breda is a tall light grey/light brown speckled donkey, and it goes without saying that she is patient and affectionate! She loves to be cuddled and groomed and particularly enjoys having her ears rubbed! As Mr Khan is growing up, I can see that he and Breda are brother and sister - he is beginning to look so much like her and he also shares her gentle and kind nature.

Oonagh, Flora and Breda - I couldn't recommend better company for sharing a warm and dry, straw-filled barn as you while away a wet and stormy afternoon!