You're an ass, but I still love you: Donkey chews sheep's ears off - but they remain best friends



With the benefit of hindsight, putting the donkey in with the sheep might have been a touch, well, ear-responsible.

Just three hours after this ewe was born, her ears were chewed off by her stablemate.

But since the unfortunate incident ten years ago, Earless the Poll Dorset sheep and Jess have become best friends.



Earmarked: Despite the damage, Jess and Earless remain good friends

Jess was a 25th wedding anniversary present in 1999 to Rob Jesse from his wife Nicky, 51, a shepherdess.

Because donkeys are said to suffer from loneliness, the couple put Looby Loo the sheep in with her, and she soon gave birth.

Postman Mr Jesse, 59, said: 'We had left Looby Loo and Earless alone to bond, but when we got back a couple of hours later the newborn's ears were gone.'

Though Earless is still able to hear perfectly well, the couple have taken precautions to ensure there is no repeat.



'Every time a lamb is born in that shed we cover their ears with pine tar so that Jess doesn't go for them again,' said Mr Jess.