I told my husband donkeys are good for protecting from coyotes (which incidentally he heard commuting home last night). His response? "And what are we protecting with your heard of little asses?" I replied "My goats I want for amusement and brush control and the chickens for eggs and they are keeping my alpaca I have for the wool company." 
I really don't think he gets the farm animal as pet reasoning, he thinks dogs (and not cats he is resisting adding one) can be our pets.
Amanda
2011 Specialized Epic Comp 29er | Specialized Phenom | "Marie Laveau"
2007 Cannondale Synapse Carbon Road | Selle Italia Lady Gel Flow | "Miranda"
You don't have to be great to get started, but you do have to get started to be great. -Lee J. Colan