The dogs have learned not to screw around with the goats or the donkey.  I let the dogs out the front door onto the deck, but there was a goat and the donkey at the foot of the steps, so the dogs refused to go anywhere near them.  Good dogs.  Smart dogs.

So I let the dogs out the kitchen door, away from the other animals.  The donkey walked over to me and wanted some attention, so I rubbed his ears until the dogs were finished with their business.  Now the donkey has apparently discovered that our Lab is a total coward, and delights in chasing the poor dog around whenever he has the chance.  And, of course, when the dogs came back, he saw his chance.  He started prancing around behind the poor dog, who practically teleported into the kitchen porch.

At least the dogs are no longer a threat to the donkey.  Now the (horse) shoe is on the other foot.