The Saga Of GloryB
What's All The Fuss About??
Hi Friends!
My mammoth jennet finally foaled on June 25, 1999 after being one month overdue. During this time, people from the donkey email lists helped me through the waiting my guessing the date that the baby would arrive. I'm going to put the emails here that we sent back and forth. Several folks, on the lists, thought you might like to see them.
Kathy
The Night Life
May 25, 1999
Wonder how many people like to camp in their pastures? Well, that's where I will be spending the nights awaiting Shadow's foal. Since I don't have a stall to sleep in to keep an eye on her, I set the horse trailer up in the pasture next to her paddock. Put it out there early yesterday so she would have plenty of time to get used to seeing it there. Thought I had a cot to sleep on but couldn't find it. Son must have taken it for himself. Found an old plastic lawn chair. You know the kind that you can adjust the head and feet to go up and down at angles. Got all my stuff out there. Sleeping bag, pillow, flashlight, alarm clock, camera (yeah right....like I'm going to remember to take pictures!) Even brought a small radio to help pass the hours. The way the trailer is set up, I can just get up if I hear anything or when the alarm goes off and peek out the side window and see Shadow's whole paddock. Then just crawl back in bed until the alarm goes off again. Good plan huh?
Let me tell you how the first night went. Had gotten all comfy on the cot, knowing Shadow wasn't going into labor yet and settled down for an hours sleep. After 45 minutes of tossing and turning to find the right spot on that *&^#( little cot, I decided I might as well get up and rearrange it. My head was too high on one end and my feet were sticking up at a weird angle. Got that straighted out and checked Shadow again. No signs. Got to set the alarm ahead another hour. Just as I was dozing off, Noble the mule started banging on the doors of the horse trailer with his hoof. Talk about waking up in a hurry! I ignored him and he went away. I knew by this time I wouldn't get any sleep as the bars in the cot were not too comfortable to lay on. Had to go and find a few blankets to put down first and while I was at the house, picked up another sleeping bag. Of course when the dogs saw me they all decided they had to go outside RIGHT NOW! Had a bowl of cereal, to keep my strength up, let the dogs out and stumbled back to the horse trailer with my arms full of blankets, dragging in the mud, which I didn't realize till I got to the trailer. Passed Biscuit on the way back. She was lying down getting her sleep. She is too cute. She wasn't even afraid of the crazy lady with the mountain of blankets out in her pasture in the middle of the night. Got settled once again after checking Shadow. Just as I was just starting to doze, I heard this groaning sound. Could it be?!?!? I quit breathing to listen. As I peeked out the trailer window to see if the time had come, all I saw was Biscuit laying there snoring! I don't think she is going to foal tonight. Can't sleep so I turned the radio on low. Darn thing was picking up the electric fence noise. CLICK.....CLICK......CLICK.....
Kathy
still waiting
Hi Kathy,
Now this is what I call dedication! We're all still waiting with you but only at home in our nice warm beds. Oh, but think of the fun you're having.
Julie
Stay warm, dry and comfy and give Shadow a hug from me.
Pat in WA.
Man, that night life can really wear on you! Then the baby comes and you can't get to bed because you have to look at it. A LOT! Good luck with the horse trailer camping. Hope all goes well with the foaling.
Amy
No Baby Yet
Spent yesterday catering to Shadow. Put the panels up in the backyard so she could eat grass. Of course that made the other donkeys and mules jealous. Had to go and explain to each of them that they are special too and will get to go in the backyard soon. Shadow loves for me to brush her. Especially her withers and shoulders. Poor gal can't roll like she used to. I swear she has the shinest coat from all my hours of brushing. That gives me the opportunity to check her over real good. Wonder if little Gulliver can hear me inside mama's tummy. I like to think that he can. Brush back by her flanks and take a peek at her bag. What bag?? Not much there but her teats are filling out. One last pat to Gulliver and that's it for another hour. So here I sit again in the horse trailer. Someone is rubbing on it because it's starting to rock. The donkeys and mules didn't even seem to notice me tonight as I hiked through the pasture with my arms full. Decided to make the trailer a little more comfy. Brought an oil lamp to read and write by and some soda pop. Also brought the Atlas. I have picked the name for a jack baby but can't for the life of me come up with a name for a jennet. Going to look through the atlas for ideas. It's peaceful sitting here listening to the munching of hay. The frogs are all singing and in the distance, I can hear cars going by on the road.
I'll enjoy it while I can because it won't be long before the 11 PM train goes by. They always blow the whistle when they get even with my house. At least my animals aren't spooky of trains anymore. Just went to look out the side window to check on Shadow before I go to sleep. Trying to be quiet. Looked out the window and there's a mule staring in back at me. Babe got me this time. They know I'm in here. Can't imagine what they must be thinking.
11 PM
Made it through Alaska, Alabama and Arizona. Think I'll bring a table out here tomorrow night. It's kind of hard to balance an oil lamp on your stomach and hold a big atlas with one hand and a magnifying glass with the other. Really need to put up a curtain also to keep the moon out of my eyes. I think I just made a big mistake. Fed Mickey and Ranger some crackers out the window and now they won't go away. They're circling the trailer. I need some sleep.
Kathy
My guess is June 1 and I like Elliott if it's a boy.
Dayle
Hi,
Maybe since a full moon is in store for Sunday, you will have a new arrival. I sure hope so. Good luck. Hope it is soon and all goes great.
Cher
Kathy,
This is my first chance to check the mail this week. Have just read all your posts while ROFL. Bless your heart. The trials you've been having. First off, put hay under your sleeping bag. Lots of it! I hate to be a spoilsport but you are wearing yourself out. I have a donkey, Gina, who always has been 2 to 6 weeks early. Her half sister, Cookie, is almost always exactly on her due date. On the day that the bag feels like a balloon about to burst and it doesn't go down any during the day, they have it within 24 hours. I know this isn't helping you Kathy, but maybe it is boring enough to get some sleep!! Good luck with Gulliver.
Connie
Gosh, it's starting to get late. I wonder what Kathy is doing now? Out there in the cold, in a sleeping bag, peeking out at the donks every few minutes, SURE that she saw Shadow do something!! Tossing and turning on the lawn chair wondering why she didn't go to Walmart today and buy a cheapie air mattress....Every time she turns over the trailer SQUEEKKKSSSS and makes tons of noise. Just when she finally is able to rest BANG BANG BANG somone kicking the trailer. Could be weeks that she is out there spying on Shadow. Just when she goes into the house to get a cup of coffee after staying awake all night freezing to death, Shadow will have the baby....Poor Kathy hee hee hee
Camilla
Hi Kathy,
My guess is 5 June about 1:30 in the morning.
Jerold
OK I guess May 31st. It can be a Memorial Day baby. Might have to change names tho....Old Glory
Brenda
Sleeping in the trailer beats sleeping with the rats in the stall. Keep up the good work. Hope you don't sleep through the big event when it happens.
Leigh
Kathy,
Know that we're waiting here in FL. right along with you. I'm up every 2 hours all night waiting for our Molasses to foal "any day now." Maybe Shadow can send her some vibes. Hope you don't have to name her GloryB I Dozed Off!
Lorie
Well, I looked into my crystal ball and seeing how both Throcky and Blossum's birthday is June 15, looks like you only have 17 days to go. Freezing your buns off in that trailer. Think of all the weight you're loosing, worrying about that baby. You'll probably be a mere shadow of yourself by the time it's all over. Baaaawwww
Jim
Update
I used to stay up late on the computer. Now I find myself looking forward to trailer duty. Lots of peace and quiet. I thought I knew my longears pretty well. I've learned a few things about them since I started tromping through the pasture late at night. Like for instance, they all have a certain time when they lay down to rest. Usually around midnight. Each one has been in the same place each night. I found out that Biscuit snores like a sailor! Mickey loves crackers handed to him through the window. Every time the geese start honking, I jump up to see if they are telling me that's it's time. Oh, I wouldn't change my life for the world.
Kathy
Another Night Goes By
I made the mistake of lying down in my own bed this afternoon. That's just a faint memory as I'm once again out in my second bedroom. First thing Mickey did was to bring Biscuit over to the window. She's been afraid of this trailer so I thought this would be a good time to help her ease her fears. You guessed it. Before too long, she was eating crackers that I handed to her from the window. Since these two are Shadow's buddies I made them promise to bray really loud if I fall asleep and Shadow goes into labor. It's 11 PM and she's out in the far end of the paddock. That's not like her. She's usually up at this end. She's been rolling a lot today too. Still doesn't have much of a bag but maybe that's because she is a maiden. I've had lots of time to think about why I bred her and what plans I have for the foal. The main reason I bred her last year is because the time was right. The sire is Oregon Chief and he has only been used on mares. This will be his first donkey baby. He did go back to breeding mares BTW. His mule babies are awfully nice. In fact, one of them was Grand Champion mule at Oregon Mr. Longears State Show last year. OK, so now I have Shadow bred. Ultrasound at 16 days to rule out twins and then the waiting began. I've been OK up until recently. It hits me pretty hard every time I look at Shadow and know that's it's because of me that she is huge and uncomfortable. She's going through this and probably doesn't know why she hurts. I know we shouldn't place human emotions on animals but every time she looks at me I feel guilty. I guess I can spend a few sleepless nights staying up watching her. Well, gonna spend the night with Art Bell tonight. Ralph, my orange cat, followed me out here so of course I had to put him inside with me or the longears would get him. At least I have company now. I think I'll sleep with my shoes on.
1 AM Did you know that donkeys can snore???
6 AM Will have to wait and see what tonight brings.
Put me down for Shadow foaling on June 7th. That would be a year and a week from her last service. Has worked for me 15 times.
Ginnie
I guess hmmmm......let me see.....ah....ok, I'll say June 8th. But for Kathy's sake, I hope it is sooner.
Loree
Dear Kathy,
How old are you? Don't you know it's not safe or healthy to sleep out in the middle of a pasture by yuorself at night?? Unless of course you're a mule/donkey loving FOOL like we are. Of course, you'd want to be there. Myself? I couldn't be any other place.
H
How's things going? I hope you are making it through this better than I would. I'd be sooooooo in trouble with my back, I'd pay for it for the next year or more if I tried what you're doing. I wish I was closer. I could at least sit awhile, have coffee and visit before going home to my nice, soft, warm bed for the night. My thoughts are with you!
Betty
How about GloryB She's Born!
Oh Kathy, I hope it is just a few days over. Sometimes maidens go over by a week or so!! Sorry, you probably didn't need to hear that. Just think how much fun it is going to be when the baby finally gets here. All your guilty feelings will fade away to JOY!!
Kelley
No Stormy Weather Baby
Well, Pat was right. Shadow didn't foal last night in the thunder storm we had. My friend's Haflinger mare DID foal at 2 am. Lucky her. Her waiting is over. I almost didn't even stay in the trailer. My neighbor had irrigated and every time he does, the water comes over the ditch and floods part of my field. Nice guy right? I get some free water that way. This time, the runoff completly surrounded my trailer. The trailer was sitting in the middle of a lake. Had to lay out a bridge to walk out and then put a step ladder near the traier so I could climb in the escape door. This should have been my hint to just stay in the house. Just before dark, I was out there with a hoe trying to divert the water away from the trailer and a flash of lightning went off right overhead. I went running for the house. Lightning is beautiful but it sure scares me! The storm lasted for a couple of hours. Couldn't even get my fix with the computer because of it. By the time it had passed, it was midnight. My bedding was wet from the rain coming through the back doors. Had to go in and dry them out. Any sane person would have stayed in after that. Not me. Made a cheesecake while the blankets were drying. Thought I might eat the whole thing because I was feeling sorry for myself. Back to the trailer and make the bed and get settled in. All my donkeys and mules HATE the rain and were all in the shelter. Shadow was out in it eating grass so I thought, "OK, maybe THIS means something." Guess the only thing it meant was that she was hungry.
I have a pretty nice 25' travel trailer and I laid there thinking about pulling it up near the paddock and staying in it instead of the horse trailer. Sure would be a much nicer place to stay. I could run electric to it and not have to use the oil lamp. Haven't used it before because I CAN'T BACK UP A TRAILER! And this coming from someone that used to work at a place where we sold horse trailers. Larry will be home today and I'll see if he will move it for me.
So another day. I like Brenda's idea of a Memorial Day baby. Jerold has even predicted a time. Judy is guessing tomorrow. Got everyone else down too. Gotta go check Shadow. And look at her bag. And look under her tail. And feel her butt...and...and...
Kathy
There are only 2 GloryB's listed in the 41,500 donkeys in the donkey tree. Not bad. Another night is approaching, Kathy. Maybe this is it. Good luck.
Pat
Hi Kathy,
This is one finger-biting-suspense kind of saga. Hope you'll get your donkbaby soon. But don't feel guilty about Shadow. If she were out in the wild, she'd have done this several times already. Comes natural to them, I believe. Keeping my fingers crossed for you. But then again, seems like the trailer is becoming home. Cat and all.
Sabine
Yes, if they can manage to plan it on the most miserable night of the year, they will! Will you stay in the trailer during a T-storm? If you do, you are a braver person than I am. Might not be the safest thing to do. This is getting exciting!!!
Julie
Stop it Kathy!! You're killing me!! I just can't believe you won't make any effort at all to be there for Shadow for the blessed event. If you're not careful, you're going to get so attached to the outdoor life that you won't want to move back indoors. I don't even want to think about the consequences if by some awful stroke of fate you miss the birth. Good Luck.
Vicki
Kathy,
Haven't you heard that a "watched pot" never boils? I hope you get through this. You are gonna be so tuckered out by the time that little one arrives, you are gonna fall asleep and miss his/her first days. LOL Best of Luck
Bev
Vibes to Shadow. Vibes to Shadow so mom can get some sleep. But, actually it could be another 3 weeks or more. These donkeys are real foolers. Still waiting the announcment.
Julie
That baby will be born on the first night that you have GOOD weather. Donkeys don't have babies in bad weather.
Pat
OK, I have it figured out for you Kathy! As I was just coming back from the barn, there is a beautiful full moon out tonight! So I think she will give birth before daylight! How's that for a shot in the dark guess? All kidding aside, I know you must be worn out. But look at it this way, it won't be as long as it has been....we all hope!!! Thinking about you!
Nancy
We had a new jennet early this morning. Maybe it's a sign that Shadow might be ready. But she can wait till after midnight since that's my guess.
Brenda
Once some old timer told me that jacks take longer than jennets....hmmmmm.....or was that the other way around........let me see....LOL...Hang in there Kathy.
Crickett
OK, here's my guess. June 13. New moon that night. My jenny went 1 year and 3 weeks with her first. Till I was too tired to watch.
Janet
Update
Nope, she didn't have the foal last night. In fact, she hasn't changed much in the last few days. Looks the same. I had put the other donkeys in the paddock with her yesterday for an hour so they could visit. I guess you know, Ranger is now banned from the paddock. The silly goose figured out where the door to this trailer is and stood there and I had a heck of a time trying to get the door open to get out. I have ran the electic cords to the trailer through some PVC pipe and Ranger moved both of the pipes around. He is like a 2 year old kid. Always into something. So, from now on, he stays out in the pasture. I have to tell you how much nicer the travel trailer is compared to the horse trailer. A REAL bed! All I do is turn over and look out the window when the alarm goes off every couple of hours. Shadow came up to the window this morning and looked in. That started my day off nice. Would have been better if she had brought a little baby with her. Spent the night reading Blessed Are The Broodmares again. Also talked to Neene for awhile. She gave me some good advice. I need to handle Shadow's udder. I sure don't want her to be surprised when a little fella starts feeling around back there. Till later.
Kathy
I don't see you on. Are you having your baby? AAAHHHHhhhhhh
Camilla
Kathy,
Every time I click on and you are talking about when your new baby is coming, the date June 4th just keeps popping into my mind. Oh, forgot to tell you, I NEVER win anything, so don't get too excited about the date. ROFL
Bev
Kathy,
She blew Ginnie's theory too. Maybe she is waiting for July 3. Tell her I was only kidding. She doesn't have to wait that long. Honest! In fact, tell her Aunt Judy says don't wait! Cause we don't want you to have a nervous breakdown!
Judy
Keep up the good work. It will come when it is ready. I have never had a baby but I think it's a jenny. Don't we always make a late show up?
Loree
Just 4 more days till the 13th Kathy. Hang in there! LOL
Crickett
June 23rd. AND THIS TIME I BETTER WIN. DON'T MAKE ME COME UP THERE AND SQUEEZE HER KATHY!
Camilla
Poor Kathy. I sure do feel for you. This waiting game is awful! Hang in there!! I used the extra time to do some special bonding with the mom. It was a neat experience and she really seemed to appreciate the attention.
Neene
Hi Kathy,
I will take June 25 this time. That's my grandson's birthday.
Jerold
Kathy,
She is probably from the south. Waiting for 70's evening temps.
Pat
Kathy,
Have we had Shadow Splash Down yet??? I have a feeling she did it overnight. Am I correct or just wishful thinking?
Judy
Well, I don't know Kathy. Are you sure that Shadow is bred? Maybe she is just fat. ROFL. She has life so good, maybe she is just fooling you. HA HA HA!
Update
Just wanted to keep in touch with you all. Shadow is still in the family way. James, I hope your guess is right and she will foal at 6 am on the 14th. I am more than ready! I'm wanting to go to a donkey and mule show this weekend but may have to change plans if the baby isn't here by then. Shadow is getting spoiled. She comes running when I open the trailer door. She knows I have carrots and donkey cookies in here.
Kathy
Kathy,
Hang in there. I once had a jenny go one month past her "due date." Our girls will foal when they are ready. Waiting patiently too.
Lynn
Kathy,
Don't mind me. It's Friday and I'm all punchy. If it were my Shadow, I'd probably have been sleeping in her stall for the last 2 months. Any changes at all???
Mean Martha
Kathy,
Don't mean for this to sound stupid, but are you sure she's pregnant?
Lorie
I think Judy jinxed you by picking July 3rd.
Brenda
Hi Kathy,
Not to be a party pooper or alarmist or anything but did you actually have Shadow checked in foal?
Sue
Kathy,
When you are checking Shadow's tummy, talk to the baby and start training it. Maybe you could get it to come out with clicker training?? Anything is worth a try. Hang in there!
Judy
Yep, that Donkey Stork has sure been busy. You hear that Shadow? Kathy, maybe Shadow doesn't have her antennae out to be sending her signals. Check her dial, why don't ya?
OK Kathy, I'll take July 4. But I sure hope for your sake and Shadow's, I lose. I just want to play. LOL
Deby
Hey Kathy!
Is December 25 taken? JUST KIDDING!!!
Brenda
Update June 25, 1999
FINALLY! Something is changing with Shadow. I thought I could see a tiny bit of wax on one teat last night. Just checked her and there IS wax on both teats today! OK guys, what's next? How long for us now? Do some jennys wax up for a long time or does this mean it could be any day now? Shadow is one month overdue as of today. I can't believe that I have been out of my house for 5 weeks now. Wish I had known she wasn't gong to foal right away.
I am trying so hard to stay up late and keep an eye on her but I have a feeling that I'll be sound asleep when baby decides to make his entrance. All of you have been so great about going through this with me. During the day, I find myself thinking of each of you and thanking my lucky stars that I have such good freinds. Will keep an update throughout the day and night.
Kathy
YES!! This is starting to get exciting! I don't know how close she is by just waxing but I would think it's a good sign that it can't be too much longer. How are her bag and teats looking? Very full? WE are all waiting with you Kathy.
Julie
It could be tonight! Give Shadow a hug for me.
Julie
Oh, now I am getting excited too. I have spent many a night waiting on lambs but never the privilage of waiting for a donk to deliver. Ok, now does this mean we should all stay up tonight with our computers on??
Bev
Here I am in the middle of "trying" to change ISP's and I have to keep AOL up and working just to keep tabs on Shadow!
Julie
And I thought Dateline was going to be the high point of the evening!!! Silly me!! Isn't is amazing how EVERYTHING stops when something "donkey" is happening? Jeepers, I was going to clean out the barn tonight but now I HAVE to learn if we're all godparents!
Carolyn
Kathy,
All I can say is that after your draggin us all around for the last 5 weeks, makin us wonder if you and Shadow were doing OK, thinkin about you in the middle of the night, during one of those trips to the bathroom. Thinkin of Shadow when we look at our donks. Makin us guess the birthdate. Makin us click on the computer first thing in the morning to see if there was a new baby...etc...etc...WELL Gal, all I can say is as soon as that baby hits the ground and you are sure Mom and babe are OK, you better get your behind to that computer and let us all know about every little detail!!!
Bev, here tapping my foot!
June 25, 1999
YES! Shadow did it! I am so excited, I don't know where to start. Boy, I thought this morning when there was wax on her teats that I was excited. Never dreamed that it would happen so soon. Checked her at 1 PM and she was fine. Took my brother to lunch and got home at 2 and Shadow was lying down in the shed. I was hoping that she wouldn't want to foal in the shed but instead out on the grass. She had other ideas. Her butt was in the corner and the foals front feet and HER head was out. I was able to control myself and not flip out. Got Shadow up and away from the corner. By this time, the head and shoulders were out. Glory wasn't breathing. I got the membrane off of her face and she gave a kick with her front legs and I was holding onto her trying to supprot her because of the weight of her body just hanging there. Then I could feel her heart beating. I was worried that Shadow might kick Glory or me. Being a first time mom, she might not have known what was going on back there. Glory was kicking up a storm but half of her body was still inside Shadow. No one was home and after 5 minutes of supporting Glory, my arms felt like they weighed a thousand pounds. I was praying that Shadow would lay down to deliver the rest of her but she just stood there. I RAN to the house and called my vet. He said he would be out in 10 minutes and for me to just try and support the baby. By the time Jon got here, Shadow had given a couple of hard pushes and Glory landed in my arms. I was worried about the cord breaking sudden but Jon said they were both fine. Ten minutes after Glory was born, she was on her feet! Jon said the normal time for a foal to be on their feet is 45 minutes. This girl hit the ground running! Shadow is a wonderful mother. Licking and following Glory everywhere. The mules are VERY curious about the baby. They are talking to her and I know for sure that if Shadow had had the foal in the pasture, with them, one of them would have tried to steal it away from her. Glory was born at 2:20 pm. A little over 3 hours ago and has nursed and pooped. She has not laid down since the first time she got up. She has had her selenium and tetanus shots and Shadow passed the afterbirth within 1 hour. WOW!!! Just a couple of more sleepless nights to make sure everything is really all right and I'm back in the house!
Kathy
CONGRATULATIONS Shadow and Kathy!! Welcome lil GloryB.
Bev
YAHOO!! GLORYB!! WE WANT PICTURES OF OUR BABY!!
Love,
Aunt Judy
Hi Kathy,
Fronm the wonderful photo, it was well worth the wait! Beautiful! And a big CONGRATULATIONS to you, Shadow and GloryB.
Nancy
I just read my email and received the good news. Congratulations! That is a mighty fine looking baby and Shadow sure does look like she loves her baby.
Dayle
Kathy,
HOORAY!!! ..The wait is finally over!! Congratulations on your new baby girl. Give her a big hug from me.
AAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!! KATHY!!!!!!!! FINALLY!!!!!!!! HOW CUTE!!!!!!!!! I LOVE HER!!!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!
Camilla
Amen! I am so happy for you and Shadow and Glory! Gosh all mighty, I feel like it's one of my own "kids" being born. A very BIG congratulations to you and Shadow. You have me a smilin' here in IL.
Julie
Good luck Kathy. We are thinking how lucky we are for you too. I don't know much about donkeys except how to love them. And they taught me that.
Loree
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