What about the rule of all bureaucracies that I saw frequently as a university dean: "Protect Thine Ass".

Farmers have a similar slogan.

ASIDE: I actually know a shepherd who keeps an ass with his flock to keep coyotes at bay.

A case of his ass saving his flock, rather than his flock saving his ass.

One donkey is aggressive enough to deter a coyote that likes mutton? Or is it there as a sacrificial lamb?

Well, if that's the general idea, he would be sacrificing his ass to save his lamb.

Usually one is more interested in saving one's ass - although some just want to cover it.

"Donkeys are generally docile to people, but they seem to have an inherent dislike of dogs and other canids, including coyotes and foxes. The typical response of a donkey to an intruding canid may include braying, bared teeth, a running attack, kicking, and biting. Most likely it is acting out of aggression toward the intruder rather than to protect the sheep."


All donkeys free to download, for a limited period only, on the Mac Ass Store... ;)