IN MEMORY OF

Señor José
19xx - Nov. 13, 2007

Our beloved Jose moved on to the greenest of pastures on November 13th, 2007. He was both our farm's protector and our welcoming committe. All that met him (except wandering dogs) were welcome to pay him the dues of a scratch on the head, a rub of his ears, and an "Awe, how cute!". He was our morning alarm clock and our fencing quality control expert. Our horse mares, who are 4 times his size, were always under his watchful eye and he was very forgiving of the barn kitties.

Jose has left us with many stories to tell and a donkey-shaped spot in our hearts. We feel blessed to have been "his people" and to have enjoyed his perspective of the world.

Ode to José
by Shaun Murphy Funderburk

A donkey to most,
    but family at our house.
    Though one of the smallest,
was first to be noticed!
     Our greatest host,
     to all whom visited us.

He grabbed your attention,
     whether you wanted to give it or not.
      Those ears and fuzzy head,
the funniest “BRAY” you ever heard.
     That soft nose would nuzzle
     you again and again and again.

Jose’
    Yup!  That’s the one.
    The shortest of our herd.
But he held his own.
     and he’d be sure to tell you
    “My four hooves still touch the ground”!

So inquisitive, yet mysterious,
     that quiet, kind face.
     Who couldn’t love it?
But! Never let those big brown eyes
     cover up that disguise,
      for he had many mischievous antics.

Loved to pieces
     from ear to tail.
We’ll still talk of your often
    And tell all your tales.

We’ll no longer feel your nuzzle at our side,
     nor hear your bray.
    There’s not much else that we can say….
Tears will be shed, no reason to hide ‘em.
    To greener pastures you have gone.
    We’ll miss you dear friend,
          God bless you. Amen.