A mom, a home - what else could a mule want?

Newly adopted Michael also has a job prospect.

By GAIL DIEDERICH, Times Correspondent
Published October 16, 2007

ADVERTISEMENT [Gail Diederich] Lucy watches over Michael, who was donated by the Humane Society/SPCA of Sumter County to the Pioneer Florida Museum and Village in Dade City. Michael is expected to turn the sugar cane mill at the museum one day.

LACOOCHEE - His long spindly legs, knobby knees and tiny feet did not make Michael a beautiful baby. A surprise birth on Mother's Day, the little mule was born in foster care, the offspring of a mustang mare and a Sicilian donkey. Michael had an uncertain future.

Things have turned around, and now Michael not only has a home and the prospects of being in the spotlight, he also has an adoptive mule mother, Lucy, who has taken Michael to her side as though he belonged to her.

Home for Michael is Charlie Kirksey's farm in Lacoochee. Tucked away at the end of a mile-long dirt road, the pasture is surrounded by huge live oak trees with cascades of Spanish moss swaying gently in the breeze. There's soft meadow grass and plenty of room to roam, explore and do the things mules do.

Lucy, who is about 6, stays within a few feet of Michael, sometimes touching him with her nose.

When he is about 2, Michael will be a featured star at the Pioneer Florida Museum and Village in Dade City. It's a fitting role, given the history of mules in Florida's pioneer life.

When he is strong, maybe 700 pounds or more, Michael will turn the sugar cane grinding mill at the museum, a featured event of syrup-making on special occasions. That's also where Kirksey comes in. He oversees the syrup-making. For now Michael has plenty of growing and learning to do.

Donna Schneider, who teaches volunteers for the Pasco sheriff's posse, stepped in to help. Years of experience with horses and mules, including being a jockey, have built her knowledge.

"Touch is very, very important to these mules. They need to be touched all the time and they need that contact as much as possible," Schneider says, adding that she prefers mules to horses.

"Donna has taught me how the pressure of two fingers works in training. Removing the two-finger pressure is the reward for the mule," Kirksey says, and he explains that mules are known as stubborn often because of brutal treatment by trainers trying to beat them into submission.

"You never inflict pain on the mule," Kirksey said, crediting Schneider with retraining him in the ways of mules.

As a young child, Kirksey worked with mules on his parents' farm in east Pasco, but the years have passed and Kirksey is now learning alongside Michael and Lucy.

A volunteer with the museum for many years, Kirksey searched and found Lucy in Dixie, Ga. He thought she could turn the cane mill. But after he started working with her, Kirksey realized Lucy was not comfortable with people and probably would not be able to tolerate museum crowds.

"Safety is always a first concern with the mules," said Kirksey, who had noticed several scars on Lucy, telltale signs of severe abuse from human hands. Lucy will stay on the farm, probably never turning the mill. So Kirksey thought perhaps a young mule could be trained as it grew. But where do you find a young mule?

Then Kirksey, who services telephones, had a call to the home of Ronney Marshman in Hernando County. Marshman mentioned horses. Kirksey mentioned that he was looking for a young mule. Marshman, who was fostering Michael and the mare for the Sumter County SPCA, took Kirksey out to see the new offspring.

"I fell in love with Michael the minute I saw him," Kirksey said.

It was not love at first sight for Michael. He kicked Kirksey.

Marshman is the one responsible for the young mule's name. He named Michael after the archangel.

"I looked at him when he was born and, oh, he was so cute but a little ornery, and I thought Michael was the perfect name for him," Marshman said, laughing.

Kirksey knew the find was right and recently Michael, a donation to the Pioneer Florida Museum by the Humane Society/SPCA of Sumter County, came home, stopping for a short time at the museum and then going on to the Kirksey farm to meet Lucy. Marshman accompanied the young mule to his new home and says she will continue to watch him as he grows.

"We didn't know if Lucy would accept him or kick him over the fence," Schneider said with a laugh.

But Lucy took to Michael right away and they have been side by side ever since. Lucy tends to guard Michael, and Schneider has watched her step between him and other animals.

Working alongside Schneider and Kirksey is Brittany Riley, 17, a senior at Pasco High School. She is interning in veterinary science under the supervision of Jonathan Blake, a Dade City veterinarian, and will work throughout the year with Michael.

"Michael is the sweetest mule I have ever seen," Brittany says. "There's just something so special about him."

According to Schneider, mules can have a lifespan of 50 years, though hardworking mules often have much shorter lives. Lucy and Michael are expected to have long lives.

Christine Smith, curator of the museum, is excited to have Michael help out.

"Michael will be used to demonstrate the important role animals played in early pioneer life. He will make appearances at special events at the museum," she said.

Fast Facts:

Michael's debut

Michael's first scheduled appearance is from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 15, for the annual Country Christmas Open House. For information about Michael or the Pioneer Florida Museum Village, call (352) 567-0262.

[Last modified October 15, 2007, 20:31:20]