Donkey training

May 30 2020

Chasity’s Challenges: Chasity’s Week Two Bath: 4-10-20

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It was the end of March when Chasity first arrived and the weather was much too cold to even think about giving her a bath, even with our indoor facility. Even though the equines come in to us with Health Certificates and a Coggins Test, we are still very careful about keeping them in quarantine for 30 days and bathing them for hygiene purposes. Chasity would be no exception.

Finally on April 10, it was warm enough to bath her. The water at the outside hitch rail would be too cold, so I opted to bath her in the Tack Barn where there was warm water. Chasity was about to experience her first bath at the Lucky Three Ranch! I began with the lower part of her front legs, then moved to her forehead and worked my way down her neck after spreading a line of shampoo across the full length of her body. I did not use the shampoo on her face.

Ordinarily, I do not use soap during the yearly bathing, but since she had come from another location, I used my Tres Semme Breakage Defense shampoo. It is not as drying as some shampoos and does not require any conditioning. As I sprayed her with water, the suds came up and I followed the sudsy water with my shedding blade to eradicate the dirt from her body as she was rinsed.

As I scraped her with the shedding blade, I just kept the water flowing until no more dirt and suds came from each area. Chasity was not exactly thrilled and moved into me and up against the hitch rail where I could not reach her. I just adjusted the spray to more power and aimed it at her flanks until she moved over. Then I adjusted the spray to be lighter and less penetrating again.

Once she was willing to stand still, I was able to check some questionable spots on her body. He chest had completely healed from the old bug bites, but I did notice a bald spot on her right hind leg. It didn’t look like much and I thought it would probably fill in with hair as her good hygiene was maintained. If need be, I would treat that with Neosporin, too. It works well on most things like this that donkeys seem to get quite often, including “jack sores.”

After the right side was all done, she was rewarded for being a good girl! After chewing her reward of crimped oats, we resumed first with her forehead on the left side.

I worked my way down the left side the same way as I had done on the right side…covered the length of her body with shampoo, followed by water and scraping the suds and dirt from her body with the shedding blade.

She was much better on this side! I sprayed her teats clean and she stood like a trooper!

She now knew what to expect and was amply rewarded for her efforts!

I had prepared to dry her with a hair dryer, but it was so warm, I decided to try her on the hotwalker. I wasn’t sure about how she would take it, but I took it slow, tied her with the chain looped through the ring on her halter and not under her chin. She walked right off as if she had done it all her life!

She dried much more quickly than she would have had I used the hair dryer! I was so proud of Chasity! I think she is finally beginning to trust us!!!

May 16 2020

Chasity’s Challenges: Chasity’s Week Two Workout: 4/6,8,10/20

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4-6-20: Today, Chasity did much better after two days of rest over the weekend. Her hair coat is much softer and her color is becoming more brilliant. She was moving around quite a bit while being groomed and had to be corrected. After being corrected and rewarded, she stood still.

4-8-20: Today she was much better during grooming after being corrected the last time, although she was still a bit impatient. She wanted to continue forward before she finished chewing during her lesson in the Hourglass Pattern. I expect that will change in time.

She stood still while I wiped the dried milk-like drainage from her teats and scraped off her legs.

I also found dried bug bites of some sort on her chest that I thought could be old scars from hatched bots. I scraped them off with the shedding blade and treated them with Neosporin. It worked well.

It has only been a week of lessons, but we have made some progress with her neck. It is difficult to tell much from looking at the left side of her body. But now, when you look at her neck from the right side, you can see her mane sticking up across the top. We could not see it at all before.

The neck sweat Velcro is overlapping a bit more and I am able to tighten the adjustment on the “Elbow Pull” since she is now more flexible in her neck.

Her back is beginning to look better even from the start of the lesson. Although she still leans on it, she is randomly submitting to the “Elbow Pull” and matching my steps more easily.

Chasity continues to improve. She is happy to stand quietly, is more balanced over the ground rails and squares up much more easily with only slight indications from the lead rope.

4-10-20: With each new lesson, Chasity continues to improve. It is only necessary to do the Hourglass Pattern once in one direction and then cross the diagonal and do it in the other direction, at least once per week and no more often than once every other day. She is now learning to bend through her rib cage while remaining erect around the turns in both directions.

Again, she is balanced over the ground rails, squares up nicely and maintains her good posture. She resumes the pattern and goes over the ground rails again for a balanced finish! There was no need for pulling on the lead rope at all, just slight indications!

Chasity’s overall balance and core strength is progressing faster than I would have thought. This is the reason I tell people that these lessons on the flat ground will need to be done for 3-6 months to gain ultimate postural balance and core strength before moving on to obstacles for the addition of coordination. Some equines do progress faster than others. Chasity appears to be one of the faster ones!

May 2 2020

Chasity’s Challenges: Chasity’s First Workouts: 4-1 & 3-20

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4-1-20: I led Chasity from the stall and introduced her to her new work station. It was clear that there would be a lot of work ahead. Her neck crest was fallen to one side, but was not yet permanently broken, as far as I could tell. She had fat pockets across her body and her hooves were overgrown with shoes on the front feet. At least her feet could be balanced after removing her shoes and having her trimmed. For now, I would introduce Chasity to her new routine of grooming and exercise.

Since I wanted a clean place to set the crownpiece of the bridle without it getting tangled in her hair, I went ahead and clipped her bridle path. She was very good about having the clippers behind her ears.

I wasn’t thrilled to have to do the workout with her feet so unbalanced, but I knew the farrier would be here the very next day, so I opted to get started. I had my Ranch manager, Chad, clean her feet.

Then I proceeded to groom her with the multi-bristled human hairbrush and scrape with the shedding blade what I thought was dried milk from the insides of her hind legs.

I tacked her up in a light weight surcingle, Eggbutt snaffle bridle and a neck sweat to help keep the crested neck stabilized and encourage shrinkage during the workout. Then I added and adjusted my “Elbow Pull” self-correcting, postural restraint to support good equine posture during her workout.

Then it was time to go to the indoor arena where I had the Hourglass Pattern with ground rails set up for her therapy sessions. She hollowed her neck and back, and “trailered” her hindquarters behind when she walked. It was the same when she stood still with an inverted neck and back and camped out behind.

I began her postural therapy…leading her through the Hourglass Pattern in the “Elbow Pull” restraint to encourage her good posture. The neck sweat would begin to shrink the crest on her neck. She didn’t know exactly what was expected at first, but soon “got with the program” of walk and halt in designated places. She was asked to square up with equal weight over all four feet and then be rewarded for her effort. I waited each time for her to finish chewing her crimped oats before proceeding again along the track of the Hourglass Pattern.

As she walked, she submitted to the pressure from the “Elbow Pull” restraint which meant she was holding her own good posture when it was loose. She would lean against it when she could not hold that posture, but I encouraged her to relax and “give” to it each time we halted.

Chasity tracked once around one way and then once around the other way. She walked over the ground rails in the center of the pattern and stopped at strategic places between the cones to do square halts and stand still. I also stood still after dispensing her rewards so she would never feel rushed. She learned to stretch her back and engage her abs, and slowly began to improve even after only one session!

One of my ranch hands, Steve, said that he noticed her back and overall posture looked ever so slightly better when she was done, even after only one session! I think I see some very subtle improvement from the beginning to the end of the workout as well. It will take a long time to get her REALLY correct in her posture, but it is truly exciting when it begins to happen!

4-3-20: I went ahead and did Chasity’s therapy session in the Hourglass Pattern again. She did well in her workout and I noticed that her hair coat is already considerably softer. She had some difficulty squaring up, but it could be soreness from the previous workout. Standing squarely is unnatural for her and it will just take some time before it becomes comfortable. After having her hooves trimmed, she is moving a bit more balanced…not quite as awkwardly. Going forward, I will be doing her workouts at least once a week, but no more than every other day. Muscles need to be appropriately stressed during the workout, but not fatigued, a day of rest is needed in between to fully recover. I expect it will probably take six months before we have redistributed the fatty tissue and solidified her balance in good equine posture. I am fortunate to have such a nice indoor arena in which to work during inclement weather.

October 31 2019

Another Augie and Spuds Adventure: A Fabulous Snow Day! 10-31-19

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AUGIE & SPUDS: SNOWPLAY…A FABULOUS SNOW DAY! No matter what season it is, there is always a way to turn training into fun with your equines. Usually, Augie and Spuds will just stand in their stalls when there is snow on the ground. I suppose they don’t like getting their feet wet and their stall is a nice, comfortable place with deep shavings. They do enjoy my encouragement to go exploring though, even if they have to get their feet wet! See more adventures with Augie and Spuds on my website at www.luckythreeranch.com under TRAINING/ANOTHER AUGIE & SPUDS ADVENTURE.

I decided to take them to the North Pasture this morning to play where the Lucky Three Sundowner bronze sculpture is situated. After going through the gate the way they were trained to do, I removed their halters and began our play session by asking them to come and see the statue. I was able to Get Down with my Minis by sitting on the base, then slid to my knees into the snow. Spuds scoped out the area while I “shook hands” with Augie. Spuds can be ornery, so he might have been saying to me, “Kiss my ass. I’m not shaking hands right now!” BUT…I just ignore the bad, or questionable, behaviors! At least he isn’t running off!

Next, I went to the middle of the pasture and dropped to my knees. Then I gave them permission to go exploring.

After scoping out what was on the other side of the road, they returned. I got up and quickly ran to the fence on the south side and called them to me. When they arrived, I “shook their hands” and gave them their reward of crimped oats. Although Spuds was a bit reluctant at first, he complied this time. Augie is ALWAYS willing to do what I ask!

I allowed them to mosey around for a little longer. They thought the snow was pretty cool after that!

Then I dropped to my knees again near the gate, called them over and put on their halters. They were PERFECT!

It was time to execute the gate properly again and head back to the barn…what fun on a sunny winter day!

To learn more about Meredith Hodges and her comprehensive all-breed equine training program, visit LuckyThreeRanch.com or call 1-800-816-7566. Check out her children’s website at JasperTheMule.com. Also, find Meredith on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.

August 4 2018

Wrangler’s Donkey Diary: Sarcoid Treatment 7-20-18

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Wrangler has almost completely shed out and during my last weekly grooming, I discovered a small sarcoid on his left forearm and decided to consult with my veterinarian, Greg Farrand. Wrangler munched in the fanny pack while we talked.

Dr. Farrand Carefully inspected the sarcoid and determined that it was not a candidate for removal because of it’s precarious location. There was no way to grab loose skin around it like there was with prior sarcoids on other animals.

I shaved the area around the sarcoid so we could get a good look at it and so it would absorb the treatment the most efficiently.

In 2011, Rock had a sarcoid on his neck in front of the withers where there was a lot of fatty tissue and the skin was loose enough to pull the sarcoid away from the body. So, we shaved his neck and removed the sarcoid with surgery. We then had it biopsied to find it was not a serious sarcoid (Better to be safe than sorry!) and it eventually just went away. In the eighties, if we removed a sarcoid, it would have had a follow-up of injections to be completely rid of it. in the nineties, veterinarians discovered another way to treat sarcoids that involved taking a piece of the biopsied sarcoid and reintroducing it as an implant in the neck to prompt an immunity response. Before he could remove one of three sarcoids the from Lucky Three Eclipse, he rubbed one and tore it open. Before we had the chance to biopsy one of the sarcoids for an implant, as if a miracle, his immune system was stimulated by HIM, kicked in and all three sarcoids just disappeared…and no, they were not anything else.

Lucky Three Cyclone also developed a sarcoid on his jaw which we successfully treated with surgery since it also was in a fatty area where we could pinch the skin around it easily. No follow up was necessary…just stitches removal.

Since Wrangler’s sarcoid was in such a delicate area, we opted to use a topical approach with Xterra, applied with a Q-Tip.

We will apply the Xterra once a day for a week, then stop for a week.

Then we will resume applying the Xterra for another week, stop after a week again and then see how it is progressing.

We will continue like this until it is gone. Xterra is surely a better way than the way we had to treat these in the eighties! Wrangler will be sure to keep you posted on his progress!

June 23 2018

Another Augie and Spuds Adventure: Shenanigans in the Hayfields 6-6-18

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“Do you need some help with the lead ropes?”

“The saddle mules are headed for turnout. Where do you think we are going, Spuds?”

“Looks like we’re headed for the hayfield, Augie!”

“Looks like you were right, Spuds!” “Isn’t it beautiful, Augie?!”

“What is that big yellow thing, Augie?!”

“That’s Chad, Spuds…oh, you mean the swather?!”

“How do you do, Augie? Now smile for the picture!”

“How do you do, Spuds? Not so sure?”

“WOW! That big thing sure makes a lot of noise!”

“Now where are we going, Augie?!”

“These are some really deep windrows!”

“And some really tall grass is growing in the jump course, Augie!”

“Boy, I’ll say it’s tall, Spuds! I can’t see a thing! Where are we going?”

“Spuds, Augie, Are you guys into having a picnic out here?”

“You bet! This is really cool!”

“Smile for the camera, Boys!”

“We are very happy with you, Mini Momma, aren’t we Spuds?!”

“I wuv you, too, Mini Momma!”

“And I love you both! What a grand picnic!”

June 16 2018

Wrangler’s Donkey Diary: Second Lesson Day 6-4-18

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Simple hairbrush bristles remove more undercoat

Bristles are longer which is enough to get it all

The loose hair on top scrapes off easily

No more shedding blade hair breakage

Place girth 4 inches from forearm

Adjust back girth snug enough to hold the saddle down

Lossen crupper strap & insert tail

Scratch rear for relaxation of the tail

Adjust snugly, but not tight

Place saddle over the center of balance

Much improved walking in sync

Patient while opening gate

Proper turn through the gate

Improved gate posture

More impulsion & flexibility at walk left

Improved posture & balance at walk left

First offer to trot easily

Beginning to find his balance

Begin reverse

Complete reverse on correct pivot foot

Improved posture & balance at walk right

Offer to trot right

Finding balance at trot right

Hindquarter engagement before halt

We did GOOD!

Improved in sync back to work station

Remove bridle & put on halter

Slide saddle back to loosen crupper – learns to stand quietly

Slide crupper off tail

Remove saddle

Back to the barn IN SYNC!

June 16 2018

Wrangler’s Donkey Diary: First Lesson Day 4-3-18

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Needed to correct following from behind

Posture at the gate is a bit slouchy

First time in the “Elbow Pull” – Track Left Walk

First time in the “Elbow Pull” – Track Right Walk

Exit Gate

Enter Tack Barn

Remove Saddle – Learn to stay quiet

Exit Tack Barn

June 12 2018

Wrangler’s Donkey Diary: First Farrier/Veterinarian Check-up 7-7-17

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Oats will definitely make this better!

Nice to meet you Farrier Dean!

You know it’s not polite to stare!

So all you want me to do is walk around?

Nice to meet you Dr. Farrand!

Yes, the chafing from the trailer is a bit sore..

…but nothing that Neosporin can’t handle.

It looks worse than it really is.

So you want me to stand up straight?

Checking my heart rate?

Checking respiration? Ooh, that tickles!

Can you see anything through the hair?

Do you see anything in there?

That is a bit bright on the eye!

Does it look okay, Doc?

I know I have very small feet!

Yup, small feet and big ankles..fetlocks!

The other front is small, but good, too!

Checking my pulse and I passed my health check!

June 10 2018

Wrangler’s Donkey Diary: Modeling Blanket for Trailering 7-17-17

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When “Wrangler” was delivered in 2017, he came in with awful sores on his rear end. This is not unusual for donkeys. When I was showing “LIttle Jack Horner,” we used to have the same issues when trailering him to shows. Of course, it was critical to prevent those sores, since he was showing, and would be docked points for something like that. Like most donkeys, he would lean back and brace his rump against the wall where it would rub him raw! When we hauled in the wintertime, when the weather was cold, he did not have these kinds of issues because he was blanketed. However, when showing in hotter weather, I had to figure out how to protect his delicate rear end from chafing. That is when I discovered that it worked very well if you just double a sheet back over the rear end and secure it with the leg ties AND the front tie of the sheet. That way, his entire front end could be exposed and keep him from getting overheated. When “Wrangler” arrived at the Lucky Three Ranch, I successfully treated the sores with Neosporin and they were completely healed in one week! I hope this helps those of you who have experienced this problem.

June 10 2018

Wrangler’s Donkey Diary: Arrival At Lucky Three Ranch 6-29-17

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Nation Wide Horse Transportation

Unloading at Lucky Three Ranch

Checking things out

Steve leads away – donkey trailer butt sores

Leading – Not exactly in sync

Approaching the barn – in sync

Entering barn alleyway

Enter stall ahead of handler and turn around

Handsome head shot

Checking out his run

Meeting Meredith

Posing for a picture

Giving Meredith a donkey kiss

Giving Meredith a donkey hug

Good-Bye present from prior owners

March 28 2018

Another Augie and Spuds Adventure: Ground Drive Hourglass Pattern with Roll 3-28-18

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“This vacuum sure feel good, Spuds!” “Yeah, Augie, but why is Roll here with us?”

“Not sure, Spuds, but she’s putting on our driving gear. We haven’t done that in a very long time! Can you tell where we are going?”

“Not really! I can see underneath, but Roll still makes a better door than a window! Is he going with us?!”

“It looks more like we are going with HIM, Spuds!”

“Oh look, Spuds! It’s the hourglass pattern! It must be ground driving today!”

“She just got done leading Roll through the pattern and now you get to ground drive the pattern. Why do I have to go last?!”

“Because that’s just the way it is, Augie! Just stay cool and chill while we do this thing in sync. I love to see if she can match my tiny steps!”

“One…two…three…four. She’s doing pretty good, Augie!”

“Finally, it’s MY turn now, Spuds…one…two…three…four!”

“You watch, Spuds! I’m putting my whole body into it”

“Apparently she liked it! That was really fun and EASY!”

“Ah Gee, Spuds, do we have to go back already?!”

“I don’t know about you, Augie, but I’m ready for supper!”

“You’re always ready for supper. That’s why you are so PORTLY, PUDS!”

October 21 2016

Another Augie and Spuds Adventure: Because It’s There 10-21-16

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“It’s a beautiful Fall day, Augie! Where do you think we are we going this time?”

“Maybe I shouldn’t have asked!”

“It wasn’t really THAT bad, was it, Spuds?!”

“Hey, Spuds, come look in here! It’s pretty cool!”

“Has she finally lost her mind, Augie?! We can’t fit in there!”

“It’s okay Fellas! We aren’t really going to try to climb in there! I was just kidding!”

“Guess the joke was on us this time, eh Augie?…Hmmmm…what’s this?” “THIS is a big ditch full of water with a floating culvert, Spuds!”

“Oh fun!…Another mountain! I’m get to go first this time, Augie!”

“Boy, are these guys BIG, Augie! They are all really nice though!”

“Oh good, we get to see even more of our BIG friends, Spuds!”

“Where are we headed now, Augie!”

“It looks like we have some gate-training going on here, Spuds!”

“Remember to stand quietly while she shuts the gate, Augie!”

“She’s really proud of this new bathroom they are building, Spuds, so be sure to seem interested so you don’t hurt her feelings!”

“Okay, I’m in Augie, but I am also ready to exit stage right!”

“Wait a second, You Guys, I have a rock in my shoe!” “Wait, Spuds, Mom has a rock in her shoe!”

“Isn’t this a cool statue, Spuds?”

“Yeah, that one was cool, but this one is my favorite, Augie!”

“Hey, Spuds! This one is just our size!!!”

“More gate training and we’re home again! What a great time we had on such a gorgeous Fall day!”

August 19 2016

Another Augie and Spuds Adventure: Ground Drive Hayfield 8-19-16

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“Hey, Augie! The sign says ‘Beware of the Ass,’ but I say, ‘Beware of the Ass Trainer!’ We might actually have to do some work!”

“It’s nice to have a ‘Header’ to follow right out of the Tack Barn! That way we can start out on the right ‘feet!’”

“One, two, three, four…one, two, three, four…I wonder where we are headed today, Spuds?!”

“Oh, WOW! We get to go to the hayfield, Spuds. Wide open spaces are FUN!”

“Be sure to stay in sync, Spuds! One, two, three, four…one, two, three, four…”

“Gotcha, Augie! Boy is this grass GREEN!”

“Great halt, Spuds! Now remember we can’t move or we won’t get our oats reward!”

“Aah, what’s this, Augie!” “It’s just a culvert so we don’t have to jump the water in the ditch anymore, Spuds!”

“This is A LOT easier, Augie!”

“I guess we’re headed for home now, Augie!”

“Another wonderful adventure, eh Spuds?! Maybe we really don’t have to ‘Beware of the Ass Trainer’ after all!”

July 5 2016

Another Augie and Spuds Adventure: Spa Day 7-5-16

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“Hey, Augie! It sure is hot…great day for a bath don’t you think?”

“Well, Roll seems pretty pleased after his bath looking in the window at himself like that! Who needs a mirror?!”

“Hey, Spuds! I found a gold mine of oats AND grass!!!”

“A little WET, but not too bad!”

“Oooooh! That water is kinda cold, Spuds! Shocking!!!”

“Don’t pout, Spuds! It isn’t THAT cold and she will be done with you in a minute! Suck it up!”

“What’s up, Spuds? Eat your oats!” “I can’t be BOUGHT, Augie!”

“No Spuds, but you could cut off your nose to spite your face!”

“Hey, Mom…come back! I want the oats now!”

“You’re lucky she came back, Spuds!”

“We are two REALLY LUCKY guys, Augie! She’s the best!”

February 22 2016

Another Augie and Spuds Adventure: Barrels in the Park 2-22-16

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“Hey Spuds, where are we going today? What’s that over there?”

“Oh, it’s just the barrels. I remember ground driving through these!”

“This is my favorite part of the lessons, Augie!”

“What the heck does she want now, Augie?”

“Okay, I get it now Augie! That was easy!”

“Now what is she up to? I have to work by myself?!”

“Spuds, I just can’t back between the barrels. I can’t see where I’m going!”

“I’ll show you how, Augie! Forward around the barrels? No sweat!”

“Back around the barrels in a figure eight?! Easy as pie!”

“And the reward is always just heavenly!”

“Oh good…something I CAN do!”

“Wheee! Now this IS fun!”

“I’m not too sure about these steps, Augie!”

“But jumping sure IS fun! I am so glad she made us pay attention to good posture during training!”

“It was another great adventure, eh Spuds?!” “Yup, it sure was!”

September 12 2015

Another Augie and Spuds Adventure: The Mounting Block 9-12-15

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“Hey Augie, what’s she want us to do today?!”

“I think she wants me to JUMP!”

“It’s a good thing the surface is rough enough to stop, Spuds!”

“I was afraid it wasn’t, so I got out of your way, Augie!”

“It IS a mounting block, but…

…I’m not sure you can hold me!”

“I think not, so I’ll just jump down…

…and be careful not to clip your head!”

“I’m not sure I can do this as well as you did, Augie!!!”

“Can you at least TRY, Spuds?!”

“Okay Augie, I’ll try!”

“WHOA! OOPS!….”

“Are you okay, Spuds?” “That was some kinda sliding stop, Spuds!!!”

“Thanks a lot, Augie! I’m getting down now!” “Hey Spuds, watch out!!!”

“Is it time for oats now?!!!!”

“She would NEVER forget the oats if we do what she asks, Spuds!”

“Is that why you usually get more than me, Augie?!”

August 10 2015

Another Augie and Spuds Adventure: Bathing with Roll II 8-10-15

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“Roll’s hogging the wash rack, Augie! How are we supposed to fit?”

“Is this better, Spuds?” “I suppose so, Augie…as long as he keeps his distance!”

“Hey, Spuds, how’s it feel?”

“It’s so hot, this feels GREAT, Augie!!!”

“Oh yeah, Spuds, this is great…nice cool water!”

“Uh, excuse me, is anyone listening? BIG FOOT here is getting a little too close again!”

“Oh good! Thanks, Mom!”

“Just you wait, Spuds!” “Hey, Augie! Did he just threaten me?”

“Naw, he’s just kidding, Spuds.”

“Are ya sure, Augie?” “Yeah, I’m sure. We’re all too COOL to behave badly!”

June 30 2015

Another Augie and Spuds Adventure: In the Park 6-30-15

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“Hey, Augie! Where are we going today?”

“Isn’t there a better way to go than up the steps?”

“Really Augie, do you always have to be so cooperative?”

“Okay, what’s up now?”

“Oats are always good!”

“Are you kidding me? You really think that book will help?”

“Augie, do you always have to be such a show-off?”

“If you took the time to study, Spuds, things might be a lot easier for you!”

“Maybe you’re right, Augie!”

“I like how the book says we’re different, Augie. The family that grazes together, stays together!”

June 1 2015

Another Augie and Spuds Adventure: Mini Grooming 6-11-15

Kyle Davidson Augie & Spuds Donkey training, mini donkeys, mini donkeys behavior training, Miniature Donkeys 0

“Well, Augie, it finally stopped raining! I wonder what we are doing today?”

“Ooh La La! Isn’t SHE lovely? Augie, check HER out! Nice socks, Honey!”

“She doesn’t look all that impressed with you, Spuds!”

“Maybe she’ll like ME better! She really IS kinda cute!”

“Hmmm! Stealin’ my action eh, Augie?! Well, she doesn’t look all that impressed with you either!”

“Let’s just play hard to get and maybe she will change her tune, Spuds!”

“I guess two can play that game, Augie…now she’s pretending she’s asleep!”

“But she IS so cute, Spuds!”

“WOMEN! You can’t live with them and you can’t live without them, so what’s a guy to do?!”

“Where’d they go?!!!”