Miniature donkeys are like potato chips: you can't have just one, according to Carolyn Christian, proud miniature donkey owner. In fact, Carolyn and her husband Pete have 24 of these miniature creatures on their ranch in Robertson County. The Christians have been part of the miniature donkey world for several years and say they have no regrets. Besides registered miniature donkeys, they also raise registered Maine Anjou cattle and Maine crosses.

These donkeys owners are not your average ranching family. Both are natives of Houston, where Carolyn once worked as a senior development director and Pete worked in construction management. They purchased the Quarter Moon Ranch in 1988 and used it as a weekend home. They decided they were tired of the city living, so they made their move to the country a few years later.

Carolyn describes their scenario as similar to the famous TV sitcom, "Green Acres." She says the big difference is this wife loves the country life and would not trade it for the world. She has always been a country girl at heart and is proud of the fact they also raise cattle on their ranch. "There is something un-Texan about not having cows," she says. "But to make a living off of them, especially now, you have to have a rather large operation."

Carolyn first became aware of the small animals when she saw a picture of a miniature donkey and its baby. Prior to that picture, she never knew the adorable creatures existed. The anxious couple spent about three months searching for the donkeys in Texas and went to 11 different breeders to find information about them.

Miniature donkeys originated in the Mediterranean Islands of Sicily and Sardinia and were used as pack animals. In the 1920s, they were brought over to the United States and used as pets. Ever since, their population has grown. Currently, there are 16,000 registered donkeys in the United States.

These miniature creatures are an actual species, unlike miniature horses, which Carolyn says are bred down versions of larger horses. The proud donkey owner claims these animals are truly a gift from God because each donkey wears the symbol of the cross on its back.

The cross legend is one few know about. It was the donkey that carried Mary to the manger in Bethlehem. When Jesus was crucified on the cross, the donkey was also there. According to Carolyn, the legend says that after Jesus was crucified, the shadow of the cross fell on the donkey's back. "On some donkeys, the cross is more noticeable than on others, but most all donkeys have one," she says. "Most people are not aware of this legend."

The Christians love their donkeys and the twinkle in Carolyn's eyes is apparent when she talks about them. She can talk for hours about her "children" and the special little things they do to brighten someone's day. Whether it is baby Nellie tugging at her side, Buttons standing on the bench or Buster jumping playfully, they all have Carolyn's undivided attention. "The donkey is the true essence of stopping and smelling the roses," Carolyn says. "They force people like me, who are always busy, to just relax."

One of the most special qualities of these lovable animals is their relationship with children. Carolyn says children love them and the donkeys are "great baby-sitters." "The special attraction between the two is because donkeys are slow moving, not aggressive and eye level with kids," said Carolyn.

The avid donkey owner says the donkeys have minimal care requirements. All they need is enough area to run and play, good quality hay and grain, fresh water, vaccinations on time, hooves trimmed every 2-3 months, regular worming and tender love and care. On their ranch, the number of miniature donkeys will soon increase this summer since several of the "jennets," female donkeys, are expecting. There is one "jack," a male donkey, named Barney.

Carolyn sells the donkeys to people all over the Lone Star state and beyond, but she has a hard time letting go. "A couple of people that have bought some of the babies from us have said, 'Carolyn's first words are NFS-Not For Sale,'" she admits. "So they go to my husband Pete."

Carolyn says miniature donkeys are mostly a pet market. Some people just buy them for companionship. Carolyn remembers that she once sold a donkey named Pedro to a man that raised Thoroughbred racehorses. She told him that he really did not look like the "miniature donkey type." "I asked him what he wanted to do with his donkey and his reply was that he wanted to drink coffee and grow old with Pedro," she said. "I think his reply sums up just what the donkeys are all about."