A Salute To Sparky

An excited bunch of youngsters jumped out of the car as we pulled into the gravel drive of Mr. Llama Man. Their contagious enthusiasm was displayed as we all eagerly headed toward the fence to see the camel cousins roaming in his field. One elusive white fella was the one that we would bring home with us this day. But this account is not about Ollie or his adventures, but about one of his trusty field mates.

In Mr. Llama Man’s field, the most adorable miniature donkeys, mules, and horses stood browsing. The small equine elicited such emotion! Observing such small-scale creatures firsthand, we were smitten. The sly salesman perceived the greenhorn in us, as well as the excitement of our children. Unable to refuse his offer, the deal was sealed.

We arrived home that day in September of 2005 with not only the llama, Ollie, that we had gone for, but Dolly, a miniature horse, Minnie, her mule foal, Rusty, a dun male donkey, Buddy, a jack, and Sparky, an unusually marked paint mule. The long ride home with horse trailer in tow was sparked with delight. Everyone was elated as we pulled into Providence Prairie.

Excellent guard animals, mules, donkeys, and llamas are very protective. Loveable and intelligent, our equine have been a perennial favorite with our children and grandchildren. Through the years, each of these various animals have been loved and adored for their individual characteristics and mannerisms. Dolly, an eternal favorite, was favored for her gentle demeanor and saddle habit, although she was a bit greedy when it came to food. Minnie, unruly and spunky, always managed to find trouble. Rusty, loveable and gentle natured, was always willing to share a cute, cuddly hug. Buddy was constantly large and in charge, despite his small stature. 

  

Sparky was so handsome to look at with his unique spotted coloration. While most donkeys and mules are gray and brown, his genetic mix gave him a distinct flashiness. Nevertheless, he led a somewhat quiet life until more children and grandchildren came along! The hardy little creature was in for a surprise!

Jeremiah and Jayla took an interest in him and spent hours trying to get him to let them ride. 

As Samuel grew, he was determined to show the equine some manners, and Sparky slowly became somewhat more cooperative. Isaac and Unique took up the job of keeping him in good shape. 

Eventually, grandchildren matured and enjoyed Sparky as much as he enjoyed them. Moriah bathed him with attention when she came to visit, and soon after, Sparky found Edwin and Gideon showering him with love as well.

 

Growing old, this past winter took its toll on the small, much-loved fella. One late winter day, after morning feeding, the children bolted up to the house to inform us that Sparky had died. It was such a tender moment as we all reflected on the pleasurable memories that he had given so many young lives in our family. Sparky was a beloved novelty, and he will be missed.

~Rhonda