And you thought Lawrence has weird-ass transients

Sockman ain't got nuttin' on Crow.

Burro-borne traveler needs a leg up from Yumans
BY LINN E. CAROLEO, Sun Staff Writer

Published on: July 29, 2005



Friday afternoon, a man rode into town on a burro.

He stopped at Java Oasis for a cup of coffee and water for his animals.

Several customers stopped and asked to pet his burros as they stood in the shade of a small tree in the parking lot.

Crow is his name, and he is travelling by burro because he finds them the most reliable mode of transportation.

"Burros are tough. They eat whatever they can find. They will eat cactus, leaves off small bushes and other plants. They are a lot more reliable than horses," Crow said.

He travelled through the desert from Mexico, through the Bisbee and Douglas area, past Gila Bend, to Yuma.

"When we were just past Gila Bend, things were really rough. The burros were carrying enough water for me, but the dogs and the burros were really thirsty. I thought I was going to lose them," Crow said.

Crow was sitting outside Java Oasis on 4th Avenue Friday, allowing his animals to get a rest in the shade along with the needed refreshment.

Crow’s dogs are named Scooter and Girlfriend, while his burros are named Mom and Cocoa.

"Scooter (one of the dogs) drank nearly a whole bucket of water when we got here, poor guy. We’ve had a rough time these past few weeks because it has been so hot," Crow said, taking a sip of his coffee.

He has been travelling with his burros for 2 years now.

He explained that he normally sleeps under trees or near water. In Yuma, he slept near a canal in which his dogs almost drowned.

"My dogs were missing so I went down to the canal to get a bucket of water, and there they were in the canal trying to get out. I had to grab them by the scruff and pull them out of the water. I caught Girlfriend by the ear and once she got out, she nearly bit my hand off," he said.

"I just sold my horse to a fellow in Wellton. That horse nearly killed me and it was not as reliable as the burros, so I sold him. Now I am hoping to get over to Wal-Mart to buy a tent, because I have nothing to sleep in," he said.

Crow has some concerns about his animals and is wondering if Yumans might be able to help.

"My one dog has some porcupine needles in her front paws, but she won’t let me take them out. I really need a vet to put her out and then dig out those needles, because right now her paws are swollen and they are probably infected. She’s a great dog, but she’s wild and she won’t let me get near those front paws. I am just afraid what that might cost," Crow said.

He needs hay for his burros and dog food and hopes some Yumans will help out.

"I really need cash, because I am trying to get to northern California or Oregon. But the burros would be really happy to get some hay and my dogs could use some food. Well, heck, so could I," he said with a grin.

At 2 p.m. today, Crow and his entourage will be at the Yuma main library, 350 S. 3rd Ave., if anyone could help him out with donations.

"I would be very grateful for anything really. I worry about my animals, especially the dogs. They are the weakest link, because they will die faster in this heat. The mules are hardier. But any kind of help I can get I would appreciate," Crow said and looked down.